He was born February 14, 1796, the eldest son of John Young and his wife Namokuelua.
[1][2] Even though he was his father's first son, Young was advanced in age, being over 48 while Robert's mother was 16 when he was born.
A letter in the Archives, dated in 1804, referring to Robert having been left at school in America, would indicate the event to have been an early politic step.
It is dated at Canton, February 10, 1804, directed to John Young, and is as follows: I have sent you by Mr. Davis 20 pieces of Blue Nankeens and two boxes of tea.
Remember me to Stewart, Davis, and Holmes when you see them, and believe me, According to this letter, Robert could have only arrived in Boston, in October 1803.