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Florence Munro

Florence Munro

Female Est 1633 - Yes, date unknown

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Generation: 1

  1. 1.  Florence Munro was born est 1633 (daughter of Colonel John Munro, II of Limlair and Janet Gray); and died.

    Notes:

    Florence lived to be a very old age and was a life tenant of the Kiltearn estate. She was still alive in 1688 when the lintel over the fireplace, bearing that date, was dressed

    References:

    (1) "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - Edinburgh (1978) - M/75, R25,
    R/38

    (2) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
    381, 494

    Compiled and edited by Allen Alger, Genealogist, Clan Munro Association, USA

    Family/Spouse: Hector Munro, of Kiltearn. Hector (son of John Munro, of Kiltearn and Isobel Simpson) was born est 1628 in Of, Kiltearn, Scotland; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


Generation: 2

  1. 2.  Colonel John Munro, II of Limlair was born about 1594 in Of, Limlaire, Scotland (son of Andrew Munro, of Daan and Christian Munro); died in 1671-1673.

    Notes:

    On 4 Jun 1616, John was a member of the assize held in the Tolbooth, Inverness when John, 17th Earl of Sutherland was served heir to his father. Later in 1630, he was a member of the assize held at the same place when the same Earl John was declared lawful heir to his three predecessors in that earldom.

    In 1617, he was one of the arbiters chosen to settle a boundary dispute which arose between John, Earl of Sutherland and Sir Donald Mackay of Farr, Lord Reay.

    John received the lands of Achnagullan in the Forestry of Fairwatter through a sasine dated 2 Jan 1635, and on 28 Apr 1637, there is sasine on a charter by John Munro of Limlair to David Ross of Balnagowan of the same lands of Achnagullan.

    Sir Alexander Gordon of Navidale, writing from Dornoch to his brother, Sir Robert Gordon, on the 23rd of May, 1636, adds the following postscript:--

    "The Earl of Sutherland, my Lord Reay, and I, with other friends, convened at Tain, the tenth of this month, for settling the Laird of Fowlis his estate, wherein the government of the estate was in question betwixt Obsdale and Limlair; which all friends in one voice offered to Obsdale with Limlair's consent, yet Obsdale refused the same. So we all in one voice found Limlair so reasonable in all things that we have laid the burden of all upon Limlair until it please God the child be fourteen years of age. So I beseech you, whatever you hear about Limlair to the contrary, do not believe it, seeing Limlair has given contentment to all the friends for the weal of the House of Fowlis." (The Sutherland Book, vol. ii, pp. 164-65.)

    He commanded a division of the Covenanting army, 4000 strong, which, under George 2nd Earl of Seaforth, marched in May 1639 to Morayshire for the purpose of opposing the advance of the Royalists to the North Highlands. they camped at Speyside, to keep the Gordons and their friends from entering into Moray, and remained there until the pacification which was signed on 20 Jun 1639. Both Colonel John Munro and the Earl of Seaforth, following the example of Montrose, soon after severed their connection with the Covenanters and joined the other side.

    On 5 Feb 1649, Charles II was proclaimed King of Scotland at the Market Cross of Edinburgh. Charles declined the humiliating terms offered to him by the Scottish faction and it was decided by Charles and his friends in exile that Montrose should make another attempt to recover the kingdom. Meanwhile, John had switched sides a second time to coordinate a rising in the north under Thomas Mackenzie of Pluscardine, Sir Thomas Urquhart of Cromarty, Colonel Hugh Fraser of Lovat and himself, Colonel John Munro of Limlair.

    On 22 Feb they entered Inverness, expelled the troops from the garrison and demolished the walls and fortifications. On 26 Feb, John was a member of a Council of War which resolved to take the whole customs and excise of the six northern counties of Scotland into their own hands. General Leslie was sent North against them and on his aproach, they retired to the mountains of Ross-shire and Leslie proceeded to Fortrose and placed a garrison in Chanonry Castle.

    Leslie succeeded in arranging satisfactory terms with Colonel Munro, Urquhart of Cromarty, and Colonel Hugh Fraser, but Mackenzie of Pluscardine refused to listen and when General Leslie returned south, Mackenzie descended from his mountain fastness and retook the castle.

    It became known that Montrose had recently landed in Caithness, so preparations were made to send a force north to meet him, and Lieutenant Colonel Strachan was sent with a few troops of horse. On his arrival in Ross-shire, Strachan was joined by about 500 men under Colonel John Munro of Limlair, David Ross of Balnagowan, and the Earl of Sutherland. They assembled at Tain, while the Royalists were encamped at Culrain, Kincardine Parish. Montrose did not have the faintest idea that the enemy was so near him.

    Colonel Strachan called a Council of War, at which it was decided that the Earl of Sutherland should immediately, by a circuitous movement, attack the rear of Montrose's position, to prevent him from joining with his natural brother, Henry Graham, who he had left behind him in Caithness to raise ment to join the King's standard.

    At the same time, it was resolved that Colonel Strachan, the Munros and Rosses with five troops of horse under Colonel John Munro and Ross of Balnagowan, should march forward to Culrain and attack Montrose in the level country before he could get to the hills in his rear. It was believed that Montrose wanted to move into the hills as soon as General Leslie approached with his 4000 horse and foot.

    On 27 Apr 1650, Colonel Strachan's force marched from Tain to Mid-Fearn, within a few miles of the enemy. That evening, Colonel Strachan and his officers, Munro, Ross, Kerr, Hacket, and Montgomery, were deliberating whether they should immediately move forward or wait until Monday, to avoid fighting on the Lord's Day, when they received word that Montrose had already advanced to Kerbester, (later named Carbisdale), a movement which brought him six miles nearer to their position. Because of this they began making arrangements to attack him at once.

    Colonel Strachan hid his men among the broom on the moor and sent out a party of scouts under Captain Andrew Munro, Limlair's second son, to reconnoiter. The Captain soon returned and reported that Montrose had sent out a body of forty horse to ascertain Strachan's movements. In order to deceive Montrose's scouts, one troop of horse was ordered out of the broom. This was the only force observed by the enemy scouts and they returned to report what they had seen. This intelligence threw Montrose completely off guard, since he thought that the whole strength of his opponents consisted of a single troop of horse, and he made no special preparations for defending himself.

    Strachan formed his men into four divisions. He led the first which consisted of about a hundred horsemen. The second had over eighty and was commanded by General Hacket. The third division was commanded by Captain Hutcheson and contained about forty. The forth division, let by Colonel John Munro, Ross of Balnagowan and Quarter-Master Shaw, consisted of the Munros, Rosses and musketeers.

    Strachan advanced with his single division in order to make it appear that Montrose was being attacked by the entire force. He then brought up the other three divisions in rapid succession with the goal of creating a panic among the enemy who would believe that they were about to engage a large army.

    The strategy worked brilliantly. Montrose, alarmed at the sudden appearance of successive waves of cavalry, ordered his men to retire to a wood upon a craggy hill a short distance to his rear, but before they could reach the wood, Strachan's troopers overtook them and charged them furiously.

    The Danish troops at first received the charge with firmness, but after discharging a volley among the advancing horse, they fled into the wood. Most of the Orcadians, however, threw down their arms in terror and begged for their lives. Colonel Munro and Balnagowan, with their clansmen, rushed after the Danes into the wood and killed a great number of them, while no fewer than two hundred of them were drowned while attempting to cross the Oykel.

    For some time, Montrose made strenuous efforts to rally his men, and personally fought with his accutomed bravery, but all in vain. He had his horse shot under him, and seeing that the day was irretrievably lost, he mounted Lord Fendraught's horse, which that young nobleman offered him, and galloped off the field.

    As soon as he got out of the enemy's reach, he dismounted, threw away his sword, removed his military cloak decorated with the Star of the Garter, swam across the Oykel, changed clothes with an ordinary Highland soldier, and directed the flight up Strath-Oykel. In the engagement, he lost ten officers and 386 men killed, while Colonel Strachan had only two men wounded and one trooper drowned. The victors returned to Tain with 31 captured officers and 400 other prisoners.







    The prisoners were kept at Tain until General Leslie came and gave orders to send them south to Edinburgh to the estates of Scotland.

    Montrose accompanied by the Earl of Kinnoul and six or seven others, continued his weary flight for three days up Strath-Oykel in the directin of Assynt, almost perishing of anxiety, hunger, and fatigue. Colonel John Munro's daughter, Christian, was married to Neil Macleod of Assynt, who was instructed to apprehend any fugitives who might enter the boundaries of his estate. He was especially warned to watch for Montrose.

    Macleod sent out parties to look for the Marquis and finally captured him. Montrose offered a large sum of money if Macleod would release him, but Macleod refused. Montrose and Major Sinclair were sent as prisoners to Ardvreack Castle, and Macleod wrote to General Leslie informing him of the capture. Major General Holborn was dispatched to bring the captive south.

    The spot where the battle took place has ever since been known among the natives as "Creag-na-Caoineadh", or the Rock of Lamentation.

    References:

    (1) "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - Edinburgh (1978) - L/79, R/24,
    R/25

    (2) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
    86-87, 485-494

    Compiled and edited by Allen Alger, Genealogist, Clan Munro Association, USA

    Birth:
    Estimate: This birth date is an estimate based on the birth dates of nearest relatives or contemporaries, or based on other clues such as christening date, marriage date, birth order, etc.

    John married Janet Gray. Janet was born about 1596; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  2. 3.  Janet Gray was born about 1596; and died.

    Notes:

    After John's death, Janet Gray had liferent of lands of Limlair and Culbin.

    References:

    (1) "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - Edinburgh (1978) - R/25

    Compiled and edited by Allen Alger, Genealogist, Clan Munro Association, USA

    Birth:
    Estimate: This birth date is an estimate based on the birth dates of nearest relatives or contemporaries, or based on other clues such as christening date, marriage date, birth order, etc.

    Children:
    1. George Munro, Of Limlair was born about 1619 in Of, Limlair, Scotland; and died.
    2. Andrew Munro was born about 1621; died in 1651 in Stirling, , Stirling, Scotland.
    3. Capt. Robert Munro, Of Limlair was born about 1623 in Of, Limlair, Scotland; died in Jul 1695.
    4. Christian Munro was born about 1627; and died.
    5. Janet Munro was born about 1629; and died.
    6. Catherine Munro was born about 1631; and died.
    7. 1. Florence Munro was born est 1633; and died.
    8. Isobell Munro was born est 1635; and died.
    9. Elizabeth Munro was born est 1637 in Of, Limlaire, Scotland; and died.
    10. John Munro was born about 1640; and died.


Generation: 3

  1. 4.  Andrew Munro, of Daan was born about 1569 in Of, Daan, Edderton Par., Scotland (son of Robert Mor Munro, XV of Foulis and Catherine Ross, of Balnagown); died on 17 Sep 1607 in Of, Limlair, Scotland.

    Notes:

    **********
    [Andrew Munro] «i»Fifth son of Robert mor Munro XV of Foulis, by second wife Catherine Ross; had charter of lands of Daan from brother Hector Munro of Foulis in August, 1601, appointed tutor of Foulis 1603 to nephew Robert, on record as such January-April, 1607; died 17 September, 1607, having married Christian Munro (she marrying secondly Gilbert Gray of Skibo), with issue-John (Col. of Lemlair), Florence (married Rev. David Munro), Janet (married Col. Alexander Ross 2ndly Rev. David Ross), and Annabella (married 1628 Alexander Maclean of Dochgarroch), Another son said to be ancestor of President James Monroe but authenticity lacking. Said to be in possession of Lemlair some years before his death.

    Munro Tree R/24; Mackenzie 56, 484-5, Writs 136, 138, 144, 146, 201; C. Fraser MackIntosh "Antiquarian Notes" ii dr Annabella 47, Edinburgh Testaments (16 March, 1609) Chron. Acc. 29 (wife); P. Gray "Skibo" 29 (wife), Register of the Privy Council of Scotland (addenda) xiv 505; vii 291,603; Note of ancestry by Mrs. J.A. Rusk, Missouri 1946 Letter to RWM from Mrs. de Volt 1968; New Statistical Account Ross and Cromarty p 447 (for 1601); Cromarty MSS (Daan) bundle 2/1549; MacGill "Old Rosshire 1898"-dr Janet.«/i»

    (R. W. Munro's genealogy notes)
    **********

    Andrew inherited the lands of Daan in the Edderton Parish when his brother, John died without a male heir. He later became Andrew of Limlair.

    Andrew's brother, Hector Munro of Fowlis, granted him the lands of Daan in a charter dated Aug 1601. These lands had been held by their brother, John, who died without a male heir. There is recorded on 24 Jul 1607, a sasine on a charter by Andrew Munro of Meikle Davauch, with consent of Hector Munro of Foulis in favor of Beatrix Ross, the widow of Andrew's brother, John.

    In 1603, Andrew was appointed Tutor to his nephew, Robert of Fowlis for the remainder of that chief's minority. During the short period that Andrew occupied that responsible trust, he is said to have managed the estate very successfully and much to the advantage of the young Baron when he became of age and able to take legal charge of his own affairs.

    Andrew acquired the lands of Limlair a few years before his death. It is not known whether he purchased them or if they were given to him by his nephew for his judicious management while acting as Tutor of Foulis.

    On 7 Sep 1607, Andrew had a charter from George Ross of Balnagowan for the lands of Pitmadowie.

    --------

    References:

    (1) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
    56, 65, 71-72, 385, 484-485

    (2) "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - Edinburgh (1978) - M/42, R, R/23,
    R/24, & p. iv

    (3) "The Highlander" - Nov/Dec 86 - p.71

    Compiled and edited by Allen Alger, Genealogist, Clan Munro Association, USA

    Birth:
    Estimate: This birth date is an estimate based on the birth dates of nearest relatives or contemporaries, or based on other clues such as christening date, marriage date, birth order, etc.

    Andrew married Christian Munro. Christian (daughter of Rev. William Munro and Isabel Thornton) was born about 1571; died in in Of, Balblair, Creich, Scotland. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  2. 5.  Christian Munro was born about 1571 (daughter of Rev. William Munro and Isabel Thornton); died in in Of, Balblair, Creich, Scotland.

    Notes:

    After her husband's death, Christian received a charter of the lands of Balblair in the Barony of Creich.

    References:

    (1) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
    385

    (2) "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - Edinburgh (1978) - M/42, R/24

    Compiled and edited by Allen Alger, Genealogist, Clan Munro Association, USA

    Birth:
    Estimate: This birth date is an estimate based on the birth dates of nearest relatives or contemporaries, or based on other clues such as christening date, marriage date, birth order, etc.

    Children:
    1. 2. Colonel John Munro, II of Limlair was born about 1594 in Of, Limlaire, Scotland; died in 1671-1673.
    2. Janet Munro was born about 1596; died in in Of, Nonikiln, Scotland.
    3. Florence Munro was born est 1598; and died.
    4. Annabella Munro was born est 1600; and died.


Generation: 4

  1. 8.  Robert Mor Munro, XV of Foulis was born about 1523 (son of Sir Robert Munro, XIV of Foulis and Margaret Anna Dunbar); died on 4 Nov 1588 in Dingwall, Ross-Shire, Scotland, (Foulis Castle); was buried in Kiltearn, , Ross-Shire, Scotland.

    Notes:

    Robert was served heir to his father before Alexander Baillie, Sheriff-Depute of Inverness on 11 Jan 1548. He was still a minor and so was placed under the tutorship of his uncle, Hugh Munro of Contullich.

    Robert got into a great deal of trouble because his uncle and tutor, Hugh Munro killed two tenants in Little Boath, belonging to the Laird of Balnagowan. The problem was resolved after great expense to Robert including the loss of the lands of Kiltearn.

    Robert came to be known as Robert Mor because of his stature. His estates were erected into a barony by 1553. He was a supporter of Mary, Queen of Scots.

    He gave to Neil Beaton, a heritable tack of the lands of Culnaskea for serving as surgeon or doctor to his family.

    In 1552, he sold to Margaret Ogilvie, widow of William Mackintosh of Mackintosh, the lands of Wester Foulis in liferent, but later regained these lands by marrying Margaret.

    In 1560, he regained the lands of Kiltearn by obtaining them from Quinten Monypenny, General-Vicar and Dean of Ross. The charter was registered and and confirmed on 3 Sep 1584. In the same year, he acquired from the Bishops of Ross, the lands of Limlair, Pellaig, Wester Glens, and Mukle Boitt (or Boath).

    He attended the Reformation Parliament in Edinburgh on 1 Aug 1560 where he voted for the overthrow of the Catholic Church and for acceptance for the Scottish Confession of Faith. He was among the barons assembled on 24 Nov 1572 in Edinburgh to choose a Regent when the Convention of Estates appointed Morton. In the Edinburgh Parliament of 30 Nov 1581, he is listed as "Robert Monro of Fowlis, bailie and chamberlane of Ros, one of the Justices in that part." He had been appointed to that position by the seventh Parliament of King James VI, held at Edinburgh on 24 Feb 1581, when he was described as "His Majesty's principal bailie of the Earldom of Ross and Lordship of Ardmeanach."

    In Robert's time, the Munro Clan was considered by the Crown, of considerable importance, and among the most loyal of the northern clans. When Queen Mary arrived at Inverness on 11 Sep 1562, and found the castle shut against her by the governor, Captain Alexander Gordon, the Munros, under Robert Mor, their Chief, were among those loyal subjects who came to her assistance.

    By a charter dated at Scone on 11 Jul 1565, Robert obtained from Sir James Spence, Chaplain of St. Lawrence, and Sir Alexander Douglas, Chaplain of St. Mary, the lands of Mukle and Little Clynes.

    On 23 Jun 1567, he served as a member of the jury when John, Earl of Sutherland was served heir to his grandmother, Elizabeth, Countess of Sutherland.

    At Edinburgh, on 10 Apr 1569, he and many others signed a bond of allegiance to King James VI.

    On 22 Nov 1569, Robert was appointed by the Lord Regent, as a Justice-Depute in the diocese of Caithness for the trial of certain persons.

    In 1570 a serious quarrel broke out between the Munros and the Mackenzies. Leslie, the celebrated Bishop of Ross who had been secretary to Queen Mary, dreading the effect of public feeling against prelacy in the north and against himself personally made over to his cousin, Leslie of Balquhain, his rights and titles to the Chanonry of Ross, together with the Castle lands, in order to divest them of the character of church property and so save them to his family. But in spite of this grant, the Regent Murray gave the custody of the Castle to Andrew Munro of Milntown, a rigid Presbyterian, who was in high favor with Murray.

    The Mackenzies were by no means pleased at seeing the Munros occupying the stronghold. They purchased Leslie's right to the castle and demanded delivery. The Munros at once refused. Mackenzie of Kintail raised his vassals and, joined by a detachment of the Mackintoshes, garrisoned the steeple of the Cathedral Church and laid siege to Irvine's Tower and the Palace.

    The Munros held out for three years, but one day the garrison becoming short of provisions, they attempted a sortie to the Ness of Fortrose, where there was at the time a salmon stell, the contents of which they attempted to secure. They were immediately discovered and followed by the Mackenzies under Iain Dubh Mac Ruairidh Mhic Alastair. The Munros were ambushed and twenty-six of them were killed. The remaining defenders of the castle immediately capitulated, and it was taken possession of by the Mackenzies. Later it was confirmed to the Baron of Kintail by King James VI.

    In 1572, as a reward for his faithful services to the Crown, Robert obtained from King James VI a grant of the tack of all the customs due as royalties from the town and Sheriffdom of Inverness, in the counties of Ross, Sutherland, and Caithness. This was registered in a charter under the Privy Seal dated at Edinburgh on 5 Jan 1572.

    He was one of the members of a Commission appointed to act as Sheriffs of Inverness for serving Alexander Earl of Sutherland heir to his father Earl John, on 30 May 1573. But Alexander petitioned to be served heir in Aberdeen, as he could not get a jury together to sit at Inverness because there was a deadly feud in progress among the local barons including Colin Mackenzie of Kintail, Lachlan Mackintosh of Mackintosh, and Robert Munro of Foulis.

    On 9 Jan 1578, Robert appeared as one of the arbitrators for David Dunbar, portioner of Kinsterrie, concerning the slaughter of two of Dunbar's servants by the tenants or followers of Cawdor.

    In 1578, the Lord Regent and Privy Council learned that the Earl of Argyll intended to invade the territories of Donald MacAngus of Glengarry. On 19 Feb 1577-78, their Lordships issued orders to many Highland Chiefs, including Robert Munro of Foulis, to be ready with their whole forces to come the the aid and defense of Donald MacAngus of Glengarry.

    Robert obtained various lands in Inverness and Ross by charter dated 11 Jan 1583 under the Great Seal, and later that year, on 10 May 1583, he disponed to his son, George of Obsdale, the lands of Limlare, Pelaig, Wester Glens, and Bothmoir.

    In about 1585, a dispute arose between Neil Macleod and Donald Bane Macleod regarding the succession to Assynt. The succession was ultimately awarded to Neil, but Donald Bane complained to Foulis, in whose family he had been brought up. Robert's influence was able to obtain for Donald Bane a part of the lands of Assynt.

    On 30 Nov 1586, Robert was denounced by the Privy Council, along with most of the other Highland Chiefs, on the complaint of the United Burghs of Scotland, for obstructing the fisheries in the northern parts and for making extortionate exactions from the fishermen.

    On 6 May 1588, King James VI, issued an order of special protection granted to the Earl of Sutherland and his Countess. In it, the King ordered Robert Munro of Foulis and many other local leaders to be ready to raise their followers in arms to assist the Earl of Sutherland if needed.

    On 20 Jul 1588, Robert was appointed by the King to be collector of a tax in Inverness-shire, which was to be used for the repair of Edinburgh Castle.

    Robert was one of the first of the Highland Chiefs to renounce the Roman Catholic form of religion and to embrace the doctrines of the Reformation. In this decision, he exercised great influence in the county of Ross. He voted in the Parliament of Aug 1560, for the overthrow of the Popish Church, and for the adoption of the Scottish Confession of Faith. The first spot in Ross-shire where the reformed religion is said to have been preached is at Waterloo, midway between Foulis and Dingwall. The preacher is said to have been the Rev. Donald Munro, the well-known High Dean of the Isles.

    Robert appears to have profited considerably by the long leases of church lands and forfeitures arising from the changed condition of affairs caused by the Reformation. He is said to have been a wise and good man, and the name "Mor," or great, was not altogether inapplicable to him.

    He died at Foulis Castle on 4 Nov 1588 at about the age of 60. By his own direction, his body was buried in the churchyard of Kiltearn, which has ever since continued to be the burying place of the Chiefs of the family. He was the first who made this change from the ancient custom of his ancestors, who had always been interred at the Chanonry of Ross. It is probable that this baron, who was the the first professing Protestant of the family of Foulis, desired by this change, to mark the complete severance of all connection with the Church of Rome and her consecrated establishments.

    Error alert: According to the dates in references, Robert remarried about a year before his first wife died. It's possible that his first marriage ended in divorce, but it is more likely that one or more dates in the reference are incorrect.

    Compiled and edited by Allen Alger, Genealogist, Clan Munro Association, USA

    Birth:
    Estimate: This birth date is an estimate based on the birth dates of nearest relatives or contemporaries, or based on other clues such as christening date, marriage date, birth order, etc.

    Robert married Catherine Ross, of Balnagown on 22 Nov 1563. Catherine (daughter of Ross, Laird of Balnagown) was born about 1530; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  2. 9.  Catherine Ross, of Balnagown was born about 1530 (daughter of Ross, Laird of Balnagown); and died.

    Notes:

    Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - R, S

    Robert Moir Munro Baron of Fowlis married Margaret daughter to Ogilvie of Finlater by whom he had 2 sons and 3 daughters 2d he married Catherin daughter to Alexander Ross of Balnagown and had 3 sons 4 daughters.

    ...by the second [marriage, he had] another 3 sons, George R/3, John R/23, Andrew R/24; for drs see R/39.

    Hector [was]...associated with the King's Advocate in the unsuccessful prosecution of his stepmother [Catherine Ross] for witchcraft...

    Ref: "History of the Munros" by A. Mackenzie - p. 41, 56-58, 63-64, 66-67, 71

    In 1544 Robert entered into a bond of manrent and friendship--according to the custom of the period in Scotland--with Alexander Ross, IX. of Balnagown (father of Robert's eldest son's second wife)...

    Robert married, secondly, Catherine, eldest daughter of Alexander Ross, IX. of Balnagowan, by his first wife, Janet Sinclair, daughter of John, fifth Earl of Caithness, with issue--three sons and four daughters.

    His second wife, "Katherine Ross, Lady Fowlis," as she is designated in the "Dittay," survived Baron Robert for several years. She was implicated, with her stepson, Hector the seventeenth Baron, in an infamous attempt at poisoning through sorcery and incantation. Though her action in the matter is ignored in the family annals, it is here given as related in the Justiciary Records, printed in Pitcairn's Criminal Trials in Scotland, vol. i., part ii., pages 191-202. The trial is also noticed in the preface to Law's Memorials, though in less detail, and with certain errors in some of the particulars given.

    The purpose of the poisoning and "witchcraft," and of the compact into which the Lady of Fowlis entered with a crew of miscreants in 1576 and 1577, was to remove Marjory Campbell, the young wife of her brother, George Ross, X. of Balnagowan, and daughter of Sir John Campbell, IX. of Cawdor, that he might marry the wife of young Fowlis, and to accomplish this effectually it was necessary to destroy her stepson Robert Munro, then "apparand of Fowlis," eldest son and heir of Robert Mor.

    One of the witches was a Tain woman named Marjory Macallister, nicknamed Loskie Loutart, and one of the wizards involved with Loskie in the charge of witchcraft and attempted murder by poisoning was William Macgillivray, nicknamed Damh, also a native of Tain. Marjory Macallister is said to have made for the Lady Fowlis an image of clay, to be set up and shot at with elf arrows, the object being to cause the person whom the image represented (Robert XVI. of Fowlis), to pine away and die. William Macgillivray sold to the Lady a "box of witchcraft," that is of poison, for the smae end, for which he was sentenced to be burnt. Loskie was not similarly dealt with, probably because a distinction was made between witchcraft that took the effective form of administrating poison and that which confined itself to the fanciful method of shooting at a clay image.

    Several of the other instruments, "reputed witches," were convicted at a Justice Court held "within the Cathedral Kirk of Roiss," on the 28th of November, 1577, and sentenced to be "brint for the samin." They died at the stake, confessing the whole plot and implicating their employer in all their horrible practices. Lady Fowlis was not tried until the 22nd of July, 1590, being then "dilatit of certain crymes of witchcraft," at the instance of the King's Advocate, David Macgill of Cranston-Riddell, and Hector Munro of Fowlis. The verdict of the Assize, however, pronounced her "to be innocent, and quit of the haill poynts of the dittay," and she was acquitted accordingly.

    The private prosecutor was Hector Munro, now of Fowlis, another stepson, who in a few hours was to change places with her as the accused at the same bar of Justice for similar crimes; his "assize," or jury being chiefly composed of Munros and Rosses, burgesses of Tain and Dingwall, and dependents of the families of Ross and Munro.

    On the 4th of June, 1589, Hector appears in a curious position in connection with a prosecution for witchcraft against several women, and an abridgement of the document, as recorded in the records of the Privy Council, is of sufficient interest to justify a place here. It is the complaint of Katherine Ross, relict of Robert Munro of Fowlis; Margaret Sutherland, spouse of Neil Munro, in Swordale; Margaret Ross, spouse of John Neil Macdonald Roy, in Coull; and Margaret Mowat, as follows:--Mr Hector Munro now of Fowlis, son-in-law of the said Katherine Ross, "seeking all ways and means to possess himself in certain her tierce and conjunct fee lands of the Barony of Fowlis, and to dispossess her therefrom," had first "persued certain of her tennants and servants by way of deed for their bodily harm and slaughter," and then, "finding that he could not prevail that way, neither by sundry other indirect means sought by him, had at last, "upon sinister and wrong information and importunate suit, purchased a commission of the same to His Majesty, and to Colin Mackenzie of Kintail, Rory Mackenzie, his brother, John Mackenzie of Gairloch, Alexander Bain of Tulloch, Angus Mackintosh of Termitt, James Glas of Gask, William Cuthbert, in Inverness, and some others specially mentioned therein, for apprehending of the siad Margaret Sutherland, Bessy Innes, Margaret Ross, and Margaret Mowat, and sundry others, and putting them to the knowledge of an assize for witchcraft and other forged and feinted crimes alleged to be committed by them." Further, "the said persons, by virtue of the same commission, intended to proceed against them most partially and wilfully, and therby to drive the said complainers to that strait that either they shall satisfy his unreasonable desire, or then to loose their lives, with the sober portion of goods made by them for the sustenance of themselves and their poor bairns; howbeit it be of verity that they are honest women of repute and holding these many years bygone, spotted at no time with any such ungodly practices, neither any ways having committed any offence, but by all their actions behaved themselves as discreetly and honestly as none justly could or can have occasion of complaint--they being ever ready, like they are yet, to underlie the law for all crimes that can be laid to their charge," and having to that effect, "presently found caution for their compearance before the justice and his deputes, or any judge unsuspected, upon fifteen days' warning." Their prayer, accordingly, is that the said commission be discharged. Mr Hector Munro, appearing for himself and his collegues, and the complainers by Alexander Morrison, their procurator, the Lords ordain Mr Hector and the other commissioners to desist from proceeding against the women, and remit their trial to be taken before the Justice-General or his deputes in the next justice court appointed to be held after His Magesty's repairing to the north parts of this realm in the month of July next," at which time, if His Majesty shall not repair thither, or being repaired shall not before this returning cause the same trial to be taken, "in that case commission shall be given to Thomas Fraser of Knockys, tutor of Lovat, John Urquhart of Cadboll, tutor of Cormarty, and Alexander Bayne of Tulloch, or any two of them to administer justice conform to the laws of the realm." (Mackenzie's History of the Mackenzies, second edition, pp. 170-172.)

    Hector Munro and Lachlan Mackintosh of Mackintosh enter into a bond of caution on the 1st of August, 1589, that they will produce before the King's Justice in the Tolbooth of Edinburgh on the 28th of October following the King's letters executed against such persons as are appointed to be upon the trial and assize of Kathering Ross, widow of the late Robert Munro of Fowlis, and also that the said Lachlan and Hector "shall insist in pursuit of her to the uttermost upon the same day for such crimes whereof she is delait and accused without shift, excuse, or delay." Hector also gives bond, on the 1st August, that he--who is appointed to intromit with the rents of the said Catherine till she be tried of the crimes laid to her charge--shall pay to her forty shillings daily out of his intromissions for her expenses in ward, whether in any of the King's castles, or elsewhere, till the said trial be taken, beginning on the 2nd of August instant; and further, that the said Hector shall account to her, in case she may be found innocent, for any sums of money, maills, or duties, to be intromitted by him after the date of the bond, over and above the daily sums provided therin to be paid by him.

    On the 5th of November following John Campbell of Cawdor becomes cautioner in 2000 pounds that Hector will not harm Katherine Ross, Lady Fowlis, her tenants, or servants.

    On the 3rd of August, 1598, a bond is subscribed at Tain, and registered in Edinburgh on the 14th of the same month, by Hector Munro, apparent of Assint; Hugh Ross, apparent of Muldearg; and three others, for George Sinclair of Mey, that he will not molest Katherine Ross, Lady of Fowlis, William Gordon of Brodland, her spouse; or William Ross in Balnacnycht. From this it appears that she married again, after the death of her husband, Robert Munro, who died on the 4th of November, 1588.

    **********
    «i»There are many stories in Fraser's history of the clan and, of course, after the Battle of Worcester the line is continued in his compilation. The most interesting of these stories has to do with Robert Mor Munro who married about 1563, as a second wife, Katherine Ross, daughter of the Laird of Balnagown. She bore him six children, but as Fraser puts it, "she was an unchancy mate for a pious man. Many of her contemporaries believed her to be a murderess, a poisoner, and an employer of witches and sorcerers. Not only this, but she was said to have introduced one of her stepsons, Hector Munro--who later became Chief--to similar sinister practices. Shortly after her husband's death in 1588, both she and Hector Munro stood their separate trials for witchcraft and attempted murder" (p. 22). The result was that both were acquitted on every point, "in apparent disregard of the evidence" (ibid.). The crimes with which Katherine was charged are said to have been committed in 1566 and 1567. The witches and warlocks involved were named and in 1567 two of them were caught, tried, and burned at the stake.«/i»

    (The Monroe Book - by J. S. Guilford)
    **********

    Compiled and edited by Allen Alger, Genealogist, Clan Munro Association, USA

    Birth:
    Estimate: This birth date is an estimate based on the birth dates of nearest relatives or contemporaries, or based on other clues such as christening date, marriage date, birth order, etc.

    Children:
    1. George Munro, I of Obsdale was born est 1565; died in Jun 1589; was buried in Kiltearn, , Ross-Shire, Scotland.
    2. John Munro was born about 1567 in Of, Daan, Scotland; died about 1600.
    3. Elizabeth Munro was born est 1568; and died.
    4. 4. Andrew Munro, of Daan was born about 1569 in Of, Daan, Edderton Par., Scotland; died on 17 Sep 1607 in Of, Limlair, Scotland.
    5. Margaret Munro was born about 1571; and died.
    6. Janet Munro was born about 1573; and died.
    7. Margaret Munro was born est 1575; and died.

  3. 10.  Rev. William Munro was born about 1542 (son of Hugh Munro, of Ferrytown, of Obsdale and Anne Morrison); and died.

    Notes:

    William followed the example of his uncle, the Archdeacon, and joined the Presbyterian Church of Scotland.

    In various documents he is called "Mr. William, Parson of Cullicudden" and "William Monro, Hucheonson," or Hugh's son. He served as Reader at Cullicudden 1574-1578 with a stipend of 20 merks and the kirklands of that parish. He was also Reader at Rosskeen and Nonikiln, with 20 merks of stipend.

    The position of Reader was then a new office, and consisted only in reading the Scroptures without the power of administering the Sacraments. The position was abolished by the General Assembly of 1581.

    William was presented to the parsonage of Cullicudden by King James VI, on 1 Dec 1581, on the death of his predecessor, Rev. David Dunbar. He continued in that office until 1607 or 1614. He was also a Canon in the Cathedral of Ross.

    Cullicudden and the ancient parish of Kirkmichael were later joined to form the parish of Resolis.

    William died before 1614.

    **********
    The following is a transcription of RW Munro's genealogy notes:

    [Alexander Munro] «i»Third son of Reverend William Munro, Cullicudden (of Ferrytown of Obsdale branch) & Isabel Thornton; (died unmarried, according to Mackenzie).

    Munro tree M/42. Mackenzie 385; Chronical Account. 29; Fasti vii 21.
    «/i»**********

    References:

    (1) "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - Edinburgh (1978) - M/42

    (2) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
    383, 385

    Compiled and edited by Allen Alger, Genealogist, Clan Munro Association, USA

    Birth:
    Estimate: This birth date is an estimate based on the birth dates of nearest relatives or contemporaries, or based on other clues such as christening date, marriage date, birth order, etc.

    William married Isabel Thornton. Isabel was born about 1544; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  4. 11.  Isabel Thornton was born about 1544; and died.

    Notes:

    Isobel was the sister of David Thorntown of Balgony.

    **********
    The following is a transcription of RW Munro's genealogy notes:

    [Alexander Munro] «i»Third son of Reverend William Munro, Cullicudden (of Ferrytown of Obsdale branch) & Isabel Thornton; (died unmarried, according to Mackenzie).

    Munro tree M/42. Mackenzie 385; Chronical Account. 29; Fasti vii 21.
    «/i»**********

    References:

    (1) "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - Edinburgh (1978) - M/42

    (2) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
    383

    Compiled and edited by Allen Alger, Genealogist, Clan Munro Association, USA

    Birth:
    Estimate: This birth date is an estimate based on the birth dates of nearest relatives or contemporaries, or based on other clues such as christening date, marriage date, birth order, etc.

    Children:
    1. 5. Christian Munro was born about 1571; died in in Of, Balblair, Creich, Scotland.
    2. Robert Munro, Of Coul was born about 1573 in Of, Coul, Of, Thurso; was christened in in Of, Kiltearn, Ross-Shire; died in 1663 in Of, Strathnaver, Sutherlandshire; was buried in Of, Farr, Sutherlandshire, Scotland.
    3. Rev. Hector Munro, of Daan was born about 1575; died on 18 Mar 1671.
    4. Alexander Munro was born about 1577; and died.
    5. Hugh Munro, of Ardullie was born about 1583; died on 6 Jan 1659.