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« on: Thursday 17 January 19 12:29 GMT (UK) »
Very interesting as my research doesn't throw up a daughter called Ann at all. From the census of 1851 I have Robert and Ann(e)s children as:
William 1849
John 1854
Robert 1858
Mary 1851
Ellen 1862
Catherine 1868
This makes me think Ann was brought up, as you say, by Robert's brother Owen. Robert brought up her illegitimate son too, renaming him. I have no record though of Owen being called John. I'm even wondering if Ann was illegitimate, apparently in Wales children like that were passed around families to obfuscate matters.
What you have written makes complete sense regarding family set up and Owen's illegitimacy.
He travels to Liverpool when he's about 19 and marries Thirza there. On he is marriage certificate his father is written as Dransfield Thomas. Dransfield Buckley was married to Robert's daughter Catherine and effectively lends Owen his name to put on the certificate.
However, Dransfield Buckley is the real character in this, a really bad egg!