Samuel Laurence Gouverneur, Jr.

Notes:

Samuel served as a Second Lieutenant in the 4th U.S. Artillery in the Mexican War. He was brevetted to First Lieutenant for gallantry at Contreras and Churubusco.

He was appointed by President Buchanan as U.S. Consul at Foo Chow, China, where he served from Jun 1850 to Dec 1861. He served as a delegate from Maryland to the Convention of Liberal Republicans which nominated Horace Greeley for the Presidency, supporting the nominee in his campaign against Grant through his newspaper, "The Maryland Herald", published in Frederick.

He died in Washington, D.C. at the age of 54, the last male of his line to bear the name of Gouverneur.

One reference gives Samuel's birth year as 1828 another gives 1820. One reference gives his wife's death year as 1913.

Ref: Clan Munro files - Stroud, Anna Margaret
- Monroe, James Harrison

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

Samuel married Marian Campbell on 5 Mar 1855. Marian (daughter of James Campbell and Mary Hazard) was born in 1821 in Jamaica, Queens Co., New York, USA; died on 12 Mar 1914 in Washington, , District of Columbia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Ruth Monroe Gouverneur was born on 27 Nov 1858 in Washington, , District of Columbia, USA; died on 28 Feb 1949 in Frederick, Frederick Co., Maryland, USA; was buried in Frederick, Frederick Co., Maryland, USA.
2. Maud Campbell Gouverneur was born in 1859 in Washington, , District of Columbia, USA; died in in Washington, , District of Columbia, USA.
3. Rose De Chine Gouverneur was born in 1860 in Foochow, , Fujian, China; died on 26 May 1933 in Washington, , District of Columbia, USA.

Notes:

Samuel was serving as private secretary to President James Monroe when he married the President's daughter. Later correspondence between Samuel and his father-in-law indicates that the President frequently relied upon Samuel's political advice and, incidently, for financial aid.

After the Monroe administration, Samuel served in the New York legislature in 1825. From 1828 to 1836, he was Postmaster of New York City. Late in life, having moved to Maryland, he exerted his influence against Maryland's succession from the Union when it's fate hung in the balance, before effective steps were taken by federal military forces to insure the defeat of those advocating joining the South.

Sam Gouverneur was described as "a real geniel man - no saint". This characterization was verified by the testimony of a contemporary to the effect that sixteen baskets of champaign were frequently consumed at one of his entertainments at Washington. A man of social and sporting tastes, he was interested in racing and the theater, being the owner of a famous horse "Post Boy", and part owner of "The Bowry Theater" in New York. A New York newspaper carried the account of his loss of a bet of twenty thousand dollars on a foot race.

Because of his love of champaign, race horses and reckless wagers, he went through the substantial fortune which had been amassed by his mercantile ancesters. Samuel died in 1867, at the age of 68 years, in greatly reduced circumstances.

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

Samuel married Maria Hester Monroe on 9 Mar 1820 in Washington, , District of Columbia, USA. Maria (daughter of James Monroe, 5th US President and Elizabeth Kortright) was born in 1803 in Paris, , Rhône-Alpes, France; died in 1850 in Richmond, Richmond (city), Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Maria was married in the East Room of the White House to her maternal first cousin, Samuel Lawrence Gouverneur. She was the first daughter of a President to be married in the White House.

One reference gives Maria's birthplace as Fredericksburg, Virginia, but she was born in Paris while her father was serving as a minister to France. Another reference says she died in "Oak Hill", Loudoun County, Virginia.

Ref: Clan Munro files - Stroud, Anna Margaret
- Monroe, James Harrison

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

Notes:

Married:
Samuel and Maria were, who were first cousins, married at the White House.

Notes:

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.

Nicholas married Hester Kortright. Hester (daughter of Lawrence Kortright) was born about 1776; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

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:

After a preliminary course in the local schools, and some tutoring by William Douglas, James entered William and Mary College in 1776. When the Revolutionary War broke out, he joined Washington near New York City where he began serving as a Lieutenant. He was among the soldiers who rowed across the Delaware with Washington. He was wounded at Harlem Heights and was promoted to Captain upon his recovery. Later, as a Major, he served as volunteer aide on the staff of Samuel Sterling. He finished the war as a Lieutenant Colonel in a Virginia unit.

Although he was eager to follow a military career, he was unable to obtain a permanent command when the war ended. He studied law under the supervision of Thomas Jefferson and was admitted to the bar and practiced in Fredericksburg, Virginia, where he served as town councilman, his first public office. He served in official positions for nearly 50 years.

In 1782, at the age of 24, he was elected a member of the Virginia State Assembly. He served as a member of the Continental Congress 1783-1786. He was elected to the United States Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the death of William Grayson. He was reelected in 1791 and resigned in 1794.

He was appointed United States Minister Plenipotentiary to France by President Washington and served until 1796. He was elected Governor of Virginia 1799-1802, and was again appointed Minister Plenipotentiary to France by President Jefferson and served from 12 Jan to 12 Jul 1803. He was appointed to the same post in England and served from 1803 to 1807. He also served as Minister to Spain. He was again elected as Governor of Virginia in 1811 but President Madison appointed him to his Cabinet as Secretary of State and Secretary of War (at the same time) and he served from 1811 to 1817. He was then elected President of the United States for two terms from 1817 to 1825.

While Minister to France under President Washington, he was ridiculed and recalled by Washington. Under President Jefferson, he returned to France with the treaty for the purchase of Louisiana. He was also discredited as Minister to England.

He gained prestige when, as Secretary of War under President Madison, he ordered the forces assembled at New Orleans in the War of 1812.

He was keenly interested in military matters. He enjoyed horseback riding and travel. While a member of Congress, he made a trip on the Great Lakes and down the Ohio River, inspecting posts occupied by British troops and studying the natural resources of the country and the attitude of Indians toward Americans. A connoisseur of art, he purchased for the White House the best Paris afforded.

He was inaugurated as fifth President of the United States on 4 Mar 1817 and served eight years. His administration was known as the "Era of Good Feeling", but in reality it was full of plots and disagreements, one example being the Missouri Compromise. However, during his presidency, legislation of great constructive value was enacted, and Florida was purchased from Spain.

During his second term as President, in 1823, a discussion arose over the possibility of Spain's regaining possession of Florida and in a message to Congress he said: "We should consider any attempt on their part (a foreign power) to extend their system to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerous to our peace and safety..." and also further, "The American Continents, by the free and independent condition which they have assumed and maintained, are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for future colonization by any European powers." Thus was born the famous Monroe Doctrine which has been at the foundation of US policy in the new world ever since.

He retired from the White House to his farm at Oak Hill, Virginia. He died poor in New York City at the home of his daughter on 4 Jul 1831. He was first buried in New York City, but was later re-interred in Richmond, Virginia.

Oak Hill, erected in 1820 by President Monroe, was designed by Thomas Jefferson and the plans were completed by James Hoban, designer and builder of the White House and supervising architect for the Capitol.

President Monroe employed william Benton, an Englishman, to superintend the construction of the mansion under Hoban's supervision and to manage the extensive farming operations of the estate. It is said that Benton served the President "in the triple capacity of steward, counselor, and friend."

James' will was dated 1831 and proved in 1847.

**********
The following is from "Clan Munro" compiled by Alan McNie, published in Jedburgh, Scotland. It is from the chapter entitled "Some Clan Notables".

Munroe, James (1758-1831) Monroe entered US Senate in 1790. He was a critic of Washington and helped organise the Republican party in opposition. He became President in 1816 and sought to maintain a large peacetime army. In his presidency, Mississippi, Illinois, Alabama, Maine and Missouri joined the Union. In 1819 Spain ceded Florida. In the Monroe Doctrine he showed his desire for America's independence, disapproving of European intervention and affirming America's intention of not interfering in the internal affairs of other nations and stating the America's were not to be considered open to further European colonization.
**********
**********
«i»The Capture of the Hessians at Trenton [the painting] by John Trumbull dramatizes the scene of the wounded Lt. James Monroe, who had been injured in the final stages of the Battle of Trenton. Lt. Monroe had been hit by a musket ball, severing an artery. The doctor who is tending him is the same man who had ordered Washington's troops off of his property as they advanced towards Trenton. When Dr. Riker realized they were not the British, but Americans, he volunteered to join them thinking he would be of some help later. Little did anyone know that Dr. Riker would clamp off the severed artery of Lt. Monroe, saving the life of this valiant patriot and future president.«/i»

("Capture of the Hessians at Trenton" - Eagle Flyer - Spring 2011 - Editor: Margaret Bardin)
**********

Ref: Clan Munro files - Cones, Mona
- Monroe, Ruby Lucille
- Stroud, Anna Margaret
- Monroe, James Harrison
- Johnson, Monroe

References:

(1) Clan Munro files - Phillips, Robert Lee Munro - "Mr. President: 5" - article from the Courier-Journal

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

Birth:
Monroe Hall on Monroes Creek

Died:
James died at the home of his daughter in New York.

Buried:
Hollywood Cemetery

James married Elizabeth Kortright on 16 Feb 1786 in New York, New York Co., New York, USA. Elizabeth (daughter of Lawrence Kortright) was born on 30 Jun 1768 in New York, New York Co., New York, USA; died on 23 Sep 1830 in Oak Hill, Albemarle Co., Virginia, USA; was buried in Richmond, Richmond (city), Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Elizabeth was the daughter of Captain Lawrence Kortright of the British Army and Hannah (Aspinwall) Kortright and a descendant of Jan van Kortyke, a Flemish immigant from Leerdam to Harlem, New York in 1653.

Attending state functions in Europe with her ambassador husband, she was able to observe court etiquette. She won acclaim during the French Revolution for her courageous pleading that saved the life of Lafayette's wife.

She was an accomplished hostess in the White House and gave to the social functions a ceremonious elegance that was unknown before. Elizabeth was not in robust health, so she was assisted by her daughters, Eliza and Maria.

References:

(1) Clan Munro files - Redden, Virginia R. - Partial Lines of Selected Ancestors and Selected Collateral Descendants of the Monroes.

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

Died:
"Oak Hill, Loudon Co., Va."

Notes:

Married:
Trinity Episcopal Church

Notes:

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:

Captain (or Colonel) Spence Monroe resided on Monroe Creek, Westmoreland County, Virginia, having moved there by 1752. He was the father of President James Monroe. He was a signer of the Westmoreland County resolutions protesting against the Stamp Act.

His son, President James Monroe, said that his father, Spence Monroe, was "a worthy and respectable citizen possessed of good landed and other property."

Ref: Clan Munro files - Cones, Mona
- Stroud, Anna Margaret
- Monroe, James Harrison
- Eggleston, Sam Daniel, Jr.
- Johnson, Monroe
- Spence Monroe notes
- Descendants of Edward Blair Cabell

Ref (1) says Spence was the son of Andrew [3544].

A plausable theory espoused by Virginia R. Redden in ref 2 says that Spence may have been the posthumous son of Spence Monroe, the first husband of Christian Tyler. The will of Christian Tyler's first husband, Spence, mentions two small children and one unborn child. Most historians believe that the "unborn child" died young, but Redden believes that the child may have been born after Christian's marriage to Andrew Monroe and that the child was named Spence after his deceased biological father.

Spence left a will dated 1774, but there is no date of probate.

Ref (3) calls him Andrew Spence Monroe.

References:

(1) Clan Munro files - Redden, Virginia R. - Descendancy Chart of "Andy I"
- received 17 Oct 1997 - p. 3

(2) Clan Munro files - Redden, Virginia R. - letter dated 23 Aug 1997

(3) Clan Munro files - Redden, Virginia R. - "The Monroe Family of Virginia" -
compiled by Nancy E. Harris - Jul 1988 - p. 14

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

Birth:
Born near Monroe Creek

Died:
Died at the Mill Hill plantation near Monroe Creek

Spence married Elizabeth Jones in 1752 in , King George Co., Virginia, USA. Elizabeth (daughter of Jones) was born in 1729 in , King George Co., Virginia, USA; died in 1806 in Fredericksburg, , Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Elizabeth was the daughter of James and Hester (Davis) Jones of Wales. She was the sister of the Honorable Joseph Jones of Virginia, a member of the Continental Congress.

Her son, President James Monroe, said that his mother, Elizabeth, was "a very amiable and respectable woman, possessing the best domestic qualities of a good wife, and a good parent".

References:

(1) Clan Munro files - Redden, Virginia R. - Partial Lines of Selected
Ancestors and Selected Collateral Descendants of the Monroes

(2) Clan Munro files - Redden, Virginia R. - The Monroes of Virginia:
Corrections, updates - e-mail message dated 19 Oct 1997 - p. 3

(3) Clan Munro files - Redden, Virginia R. - "William and Mary College
Quarterly" - Jun 1997 - p. 194

(4) Clan Munro files - Roder, Mary Margaret Ball - Pedigree chart for Andrew
Augustine Monroe compiled by Rebekah B. McBride - dated 12 Oct 1977 - #3

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

Birth:
Elizabeth's place of birth has not been verified.