Andrew Munro

Notes:

Andrew was born in Sutherlandshire, Scotland about 1776, and emigrated to Nova Scotia in the early 1800's with wife, Margaret, her father, Alexander Murray, and other family members. It is thought that Margaret's mother was Margaret McIntosh, who died in Scotland. He and Margaret settled a mile or more to the

Andrew and Margaret settled a mile or more to the west of what was later Bethel Church. This would be west of Rogers Hill, of what was later known as Scotsburn. They settled in the wilderness, where they cut trees and made a lean-to cabin in the woods. The couple then cut boughs for a bed. They used these living arrangements until they could build more suitable living quarters, such as a log cabin.

Gaelic was the language spoken by these emigrants and they continued speaking it until eventually the children attended school and learned the English language. Over the generations, the English language took precedence over the Gaelic.

Andrew wrote his will and it was dated 8 Nov 1848. In it he describes himself as a yeoman of Rogers Hill, County of Pictou. The term, yeoman, in this particular sense means a small land holder. As a citizen of Scotland where only the gentry were allowed to own land, this was a remarkable and satisfying experience for him.

Fifty four acres of woodland was bequeathed to his wife, Margaret Murray. The remainder of his real extate that was situated at Rogers Hill was willed to his son, Alexander Munro. There was a house on this property. Andrew built part of the house and later, his son, Alexander, added another section.

In Andrew's will, Margaret also received his personal property, which consisted of one eight day clock, one horse, four cows, two heifers, two calves, twelve sheep, one saddle, one collar and hames, back board, one pair traces, one ox chain, two bed steads, one feather bed, one chaffe bed, two bed ticks, six double blankets, three single blankets, three double sheets, three single sheets, four coverlades, one weaving loom, two chests, two tables, one half dozen chairs, two churns, two buckets, six milk pans, four pots, one bake kettle, one frying pan, one teakettle, two cranes, two fire irons, shovel and tongs, one and a half dozen soup plates, one and a half dozen small plates, one dozen cups and saucers, one dozen knives and forks.

It may seem unusual that a man would bequeathe these possessions to his wife, but at that time, women owned absolutely nothing. Everything belonged to the man, and in order for the wife to have these possessions at his death, he must will them to her.

The eight day clock that is mentioned, was made in Pictou, Nova Scotia by Rev. Geddes--so named as a "Geddes Clock." Family lore states that Andrew purchased the clock from Rev. Geddes, and then carried it on his back from Pictou to his home, about twelve to fifteen miles.

Andrew was buried at St. Johns cemetery in Scotsburn. His stone is beside his father-in-law, Alexander Murray. No doubt, Margaret, Andrew's wife, is buried beside him, but many of the tombstones are not inscribed with the wife's name. The stone is horizontal and rests on twenty four inch legs like a table. The inscription reads: "He was an honest man, a faithful friend, and a good husband. He was much respected when he lived, and much regretted when he died."

References:

(1) Clan Munro files - Mueller, Joan Lee - pedigree chart of Isabella Munro
dated 3 Aug 1996

(2) Clan Munro files - Mueller, Joan Lee - family group record of Andrew Munro
dated 3 Aug 1996

(3) Clan Munro files - Mueller, Joan Lee - "Andrew Munro 1776-1851"

(4) Clan Munro files - Mueller, Joan Lee - "Alexander Murray Born 1739"

Andrew married Margaret Murray about 1812 in Sutherlandshire, Scotland. Margaret was born in 1781 in Rogart, , Sutherland, Scotland; died in Dec 1884; was buried in St. Johns Cem., Scotsburn, Nova Scotia, Canada. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Margaret Munro was born in 1814; died in 1881.
2. Alexander Munro was born on 5 May 1814 in Rogers Hill, Pictou Co., Nova Scotia, Canada; died on 9 Oct 1887 in Scotsburn, Pictou Co., Nova Scotia, Canada; was buried in Bethel Cem., Scotsburn, Pictou Co., Nova Scotia.
3. Marian Munro was born in 1816; died in 1903.
4. James Munro was born est 1818; and died.
5. Isabell Munro was born in 1821; died in 1913.