Robert Waln


Robert Waln was a United States Representative from Pennsylvania. Born in Philadelphia, he received a limited schooling, engaged in mercantile pursuits and in East India and China trade, was a member of the Pennsylvania Legislature for several years, and was a member of the city council of Philadelphia, serving as president of the select council.
Waln was elected as a Federalist to the Fifth Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the death of John Swanwick. He was reelected to the Sixth Congress and served from December 3, 1798 to March 3, 1801. He became interested in the operation of ironworks and during the War of 1812 erected a cotton factory in Trenton, New Jersey. He served as president of the Philadelphia Insurance Co. and as a trustee of the University of Pennsylvania. He died in Philadelphia; interment was in Arch Street Friends Meeting House Burial Ground.