Adam Gordon

Notes:

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - Y/7

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.

Notes:

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - Y/7

"Anne Munro his only daughter married Alexander Gordon of Ardoch to whom she has a son Adam."

Ref: "History of the Munros" by A. Mackenzie - p. 100, 117

Their only sister, married to Mr Gordon of Ardoch, still survives, an example of profound submission and fortitude, mingled with the most tender sensibility of temper.

4. Ann, born in 1693. She married Alexander Gordon of Ardoch (now Poyntzfield) in the parish of Resolis, with issue--a son, Adam. She died in 1768, and was buried in Kirkmichael Churchyard, half-way between the remains of the ancient church and northern wall of the burying-ground where her nephew, Sir Harry Munro, eighteenth Baron, erected over her grave a tombstone bearing the following inscription:--

"Here lies Mrs Gordon, wife to Alex. Gordon of Ardoch, who died in the 75th year of her age. This tombstone is erected to her memory by her nephew, Sir Harry Munro of Fowlis, Bart., 1768."

The monument is altar shaped, of hewn ashlar, and embedded in one side is a tablet of grey freestone bearing the above inscription.

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.

Alexander married Anne Munro. Anne (daughter of Sir Robert Munro, XXIII of Foulis, 5th Baronet and Jean Forbes) was born in 1693; died in 1768; was buried in Kirkmichael Chur. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - Y/7

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - Y, Y/7

Sir Robert Munro of Fowlis Sheriff principle of Ross succeeded A D 1696 he married Jean daughter to John Forbes of Culloden by whom he had 3 sons and a daughter and dyed 1729.

Anne Munro his only daughter married Alexander Gordon of Ardoch to whom she has a son Adam.

Ref: "History of the Munros" by A. Mackenzie - p. 100, 117

Their only sister, married to Mr Gordon of Ardoch, still survives, an example of profound submission and fortitude, mingled with the most tender sensibility of temper.

4. Ann, born in 1693. She married Alexander Gordon of Ardoch (now Poyntzfield) in the parish of Resolis, with issue--a son, Adam. She died in 1768, and was buried in Kirkmichael Churchyard, half-way between the remains of the ancient church and northern wall of the burying-ground where her nephew, Sir Harry Munro, eighteenth Baron, erected over her grave a tombstone bearing the following inscription:--

"Here lies Mrs Gordon, wife to Alex. Gordon of Ardoch, who died in the 75th year of her age. This tombstone is erected to her memory by her nephew, Sir Harry Munro of Fowlis, Bart., 1768."

The monument is altar shaped, of hewn ashlar, and embedded in one side is a tablet of grey freestone bearing the above inscription.

Notes:

Sir Robert succeeded his father becoming the 23rd Baron of Foulis and the 5th Baronet. King William III granted him a charter of confirmation of the lands and Barony of Foulis and all his other estates on 22 Jan 1698.

Like his father, Sir Robert was a strenuous upholder of the Protestant succession, and a zealous supporter of the Presbyterian system of church government and its principles. He represented the County of Ross in Parliament from 1697 to 1702. He apparently lost his sight at a fairly early age and so became known as the Blind Baron.

Sir Robert, his son, Robert Munro, yr. of Foulis, the heads and eldest sons of almost all of the major Munro families, and other important people of the shires of Ross and Sutherland, signed an address to King George I in Dec 1714, imploring his Royal mercy for Simon Lord Lovat on his return from France at the instigation of Major James Fraser of Castleleathers.

A letter written by Sir Robert to John Forbes of Culloden on 17 Feb 1715 shows exactly where his loyalties lay as the rising of 1715 approached. It says in part:

"I find the Jacobites are very uppish, both in Edinburgh and in England, so that if you go to Parliament, as I hope you will, recommend to some trusty, faithful friend to take care of your house of Culloden,...The vanity, insolence, arrogance, and madness of the Jacobites is beyond all measure insupportable. I believe they must be let blood. They still have a trick of presuming upon the levity of a moderate Government. It seems God either destines them for destruction, or infatuates others to allow them to be pricks in our sides and thorns in our eyes. I have account from very good hands from Edinburgh, that to their certain knowledge saddles were making in that city for Dragoons to serve the Pretender, and that all the popish Lords and very many popish and Jacobite gentlemen are assembled there now; so that all friends and loyal subjects to his present Magesty are advised to be upon their guard from thence against an invasion or insurrection which is certainly expected, which the Jacobites pretend will interrupt the meeting of Parliament."

On 26 May 1715, the Earl of Seaforth, in the Chevalier's name, requested Sir Robert to deliver up to him all his defensive weapons. This Sir Robert refused to do. Instead, he garrisoned his house and sent the remainder of his men with his son, Captain George Munro at their head, to the general rendezvous called at Alness, and sent a message to Lord Strathnaver that he had done so.

On 18 Jul 1715, two days before the 1715 rising was formally announced to Parliament, Sir Robert wrote to Lord Strathnaver asking for assistance in case he should be attacked by the Jacobite clans. In the letter, he reminded Lord Strathnaver that in the past, the Munros had always responded in times of danger and had sent assistance whenever asked. He briefed his Lordship of the precautions that he had already taken in defense of his own territories and clan, and asked that a number of fighting men be made ready in case he needed them. His request was honored, and at the same time, the Munros, the Grants, and the Rosses were mustered by their respective Chiefs.

On 13 Oct 1715, the Earl of Sutherland was informaed that the enemy intended to invade Sutherland with 2000 men. He dispatched his son at the head of an opposing force to reinforce the passes and gathered his fighting men to defend the territory. But the rebels did nothing but plunder and destroy the goods and estate of Sir Robert Munro of Foulis and other Munros in the area.

In the meantime, Lord Duffus, with Loard Seaforth and his main body of men in support, marched into Tain with about 400 or 500 men of the Mackenzies, Chisolms and Macdonalds, and proclaimed the Pretender there. Duffus found it impractical to penetrate further, and Seaforth was under great pressure to march to Perth to releive the Earl of Mar, so Duffus marched back to Inverness taking Foulis Castle on his way with about 200 stands of arms. He remained for two days at Inverness and then on 22 Oct, he continued his march to Perth.

Seaforth levied heavy fines on the Munro territories before he left the area and the Munros retaliated with interest within the Mackenzie borders at every opportunity. At one point, Sir Robert and the Earl of Sutherland were encamped near Seaforth's house. That night they vented their vengance by destroying everything they could. The force of 1500 men ate well from Seaforth's stock for dwo days, and took as much booty and supplies with them as they could carry when they left.

On 9 Jun 1725, King George I rewarded Sir Robert for his family's loyalty to the House of Hanover by appointing him Sheriff-Principal of Ross-shire, a high and important office. He held that post until his death four years later. He also served for a time as a Captain in the army.

Sir Robert was a pious and benevolent man. He was an earnest and active elder in the Kiltearn Parish Church and his name appears regularly in the Session records of the parish. He regularly addended the Session meetings and when not present, as on 6 Dec 1709, his absence is noted as an unusual incident in the minutes of the meeting.

Sir Robert's name also appears frequently in the Dingwall Presbytery records. He was repeatedly appointed by that Presbytery as one of their Commisioners to the General Assembly, the last occasion on which he represented them being at the Assembly of 1724.

On 14 Apr 1726, the Synod of Ross wrote to him as Sheriff-Principal of the county, asking him to interpose his authority in order to give Mr. James Fraser access to the church and manse of Alness. He had been assigned as Minister of Alness, but most of the heritors opposed his assignment. Sir Robert summoned all parties to appear before him on 22 Apr, and after hearing their arguments, he ordered the heritors to give Mr. Fraser the keys to the church and manse, which they did.

Sir Robert, the Blind Baron, died in 1729, and was buried at Kiltearn Churchyard.

At the time of his death, his character and funeral were described as follows:

"The Baron of Fowlis was a very ancient gentleman, and chief of a considerable clan, who died in the enjoyment of general esteem. Four counties turned out to show their respect at his funeral. There were six hundred horsemen, tolerably mounted and apparelled. The corpse was carried on a bier betwixt two horses, fully harnessed in deepest mourning. A gentleman rode in deep mourning before the corpese uncovered, attended by two grooms and four running footmen all in deep mourning. The friends followed immediately behind the corpse, and the gentlemen (strangers) in the rear. The scutcheon were the handsomest I ever saw; the entertainment magnificent and full."

References:

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

(2) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
96-103, 113, 117

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 Jean Forbes about 1684. Jean was born about 1661; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

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

Sir Robert Munro of Fowlis Sheriff principle of Ross succeeded A D 1696 he married Jean daughter to John Forbes of Culloden by whom he had 3 sons and a daughter and dyed 1729.

Ref: "History of the Munros" by A. Mackenzie - p. 113, 159

Sir Robert Munro married Jean, eldest daughter of John Forbes, II. of Culloden (by his wife, a daughter of Dunber of Grange), aunt of Duncan, the famous President of the Court of Session, with issue--

1. Robert, his heir and successor.

Sir Robert Munro, fifth Baronet and twenty-third Baron of Fowlis, by his wife Jean, eldest daughter of John Forbes, II. of Culloden, had issue--

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.

Notes:

On 23 Jan 1661, before his father's death, John entered into a bond of friendship and manrent with Kenneth, Earl of Seaforth. An old manuscript record, which gives a sketch of the character of Sir John, says:

"He lived in good correspondence with his neighpours, for there was mutual condescendence passed between Kenneth, Earl of Seaforth, John Munro, younger of Fowlis."

In a document dated 7 Dec 1668, it is mentioned that John served as one of the Deputes in the Sheriffship under the Earl of Caithness and the Earl of Argyll.

The lands of Foulis had been appraised from Sir John's father and granted to others, and so even though his father died in 1668, it was not until 1676 that Lovat's rights over the estate were extinguished and the lands adjudged to belong to Sir John as 22nd Baron of Foulis and 4th Baronet.

Sir John was a member of the Convention of the Estates of Scotland at the Revolution in 1688 and 1689. He was a very zealous promoter of that change in the government of the kingdom, and was also very strenuous in assisting Presbyterianism.

During the period between the Restoration and the Revolution -- 1660-1688 -- his eminent piety and zeal exposed him to great sufferings in the cause of religion. He was imprisoned for long periods of time for his religious beliefs. His estates were harassed by fines and confiscations, and burdened and reduced in value.

He was present along with his mother, the Dowager-Lady Munro of Foulis, in her house at Obsdale, near Alness, in Sep 1675, when the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper was dispensed by Mr. John Mackillican, minister of Alness, assisted by the Rev. Hugh Anderson of Cromarty, and Alexander Fraser of Daviot. Sir Roderick Mackenzie of Findon, at the urging of Bishop John Paterson of Ross, sent a party of soldiers to apprehend Mr. Mackillican, but before their arrival, the communicants had dispersed themselves and concealed the ministers.

According to tradition, Mr. Mackillican escaped capture by a clever ruse. Sir John Munro was a man of Falstaffian proportions, which with his strong attachment to the Presbyterian religion, had earned for him the nickname of "The Presbyterian Mortar-piece." When the officer in command of the military burst into his apartment in search of Mr. Mackillican, Sir John pleaded indisposition, and on that ground begged the intruder to excuse his inability to rise from his chair. The soldier retired without taking the liberty of looking among the ample skirts of the Baronet's dressing gown, and consequently without discovering that the Mr. Mackillican was hidden there.

During the period of the Prelatic persecution, multitudes of pious and honest people found sanctuaries in Ross and Sutherland. The Earl of Sutherland, Lord Reay, and Sir John Munro of Foulis, showed them much kindness, and their wives, pious and amiable ladies, vied with their patriotic and sympathetic husbands in harboring the poor persecuted fugitives.

It is said that once when Sir John Munro and Archbisiop Sharp were together on some occasion in the Privy Council Chamber, Sharp accused the Baron of Foulis of permitting his wife to harbor so many of those "wandering families." It was generally known that Sharp was skeptical about the fidelity of his own wife, and Sir John retorted that "they could not be responsible for all the foibles and weaknesses of their wives, but those whose wives were religious had one great advantage--they believed that all the children they brought them were their own."

On 8 May 1683, the Privy Council ordered the Munro Chief to be confined to his own house in Ross-shire and a mile around it, for withdrawing from the parish church. He was now old, and this was all the privilege which his friends were able to procure for him. In 1685, he was heavily fined for his non-conformity and was imprisoned in the jail of Inverness, while his son, Robert, was confined in the tolbooth of Tain.

Sir John served as Commissioner to Scots Parliament for the County of Ross-shire from 1689 until his death in 1697. In 1689 it appears that Sir John was a candidate for the job of Sheriff-Principal of Ross to succeed Colin, Earl of Seaforth, who had been removed from that office because he was a professed papist. In the end, Ross of Balnagown was appointed to the office. Sir John was appointed Commissioner of Justiciary for Peace of the Highlands on 30 Mar 1697.

He died at Foulis Castle on 29 Sep 1697 and was buried at Kiltearn.

The Munro Tree says that Sir Kenneth Mackenzie of Coul was Sir John's son-in-law (p. ii), but X (p. 20) says Sir Kenneth was Sir John's father-in-law. It is thought that the latter is correct.

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

«i»Alexander Munro of Katewell fl 1687/8 Son of David Munro of Katewell & Agnes Munro; described as David's eldest lawful son 15 Jan 1687, date of charter by Sir John Munro of Foulis under which Alexander was given Sasine of 2-1/2 oxgate lands of Katewell (David had been called 'portioner of Katewell' 1641); as Alexander of Katewell gave disposition of 2-1/2 oxgate lands of Katewell to George Dallas of St. Martins, W.S., 8 Sep 1688; MacKenzie says Alexander was tenant of Teachait & had at least 2 sons - George (Teachait & Kellaig) & John (d. 1724).

Munro Tree Q/47; Mackenzie, 480, 481; Foulis Writs nos. 276, 277, 279; Register of Deeds 1687 - National Archives of Scotland, ref RD 67/252 ; RWM, The Munros of Katewell (1983) note 17.«/i»
**********

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.

Died:
Dingwall Church

John married Anne MacKenzie about 1660. Anne was born about 1641; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

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

Sir John Munro of Fowlis married Anne daughter to Sir Kenneth McKenzie of Coul by whom he had Robert Andrew Jean Christane Anne and Margaret he dyed at Fowlis 15 October 1696.

...m prob 1660 Anna or Agnes Mackenzie (Invss Sasines, Mackenzie 94n)...

Ref: "History of the Munros" by A. Mackenzie - p. 94

Sir John married Agnes, second daughter of Sir Kenneth Mackenzie, first Baronet of Coul, by his first wife, Jean eldest daughter of Alexander Chisholm, X. of Chisholm, with issue--

There is a Sasine, dated the 26th of June, 1660, to "Agnes Mackenzie, lawful daughter of Kenneth Mackenzie of Coul, and affianced spouse of John Munro, apparent of Fowlis, on a charter to her by Robert Munro of the lands of Drummond."

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.