Capt. Hon. John Munro

Notes:

John was born near Foulis Castle, on an adjacent Munro estate in Ross-shire, Scotland, and spent his childhood there. His birth date is accepted as 1728, although sources have stated 1731.

When war broke out between the French and British in the American Colonies in 1755, a call was put out for soldiers to expand the 48th foot, and John joined this regiment where Munro's had served before with distinction. Some sources have stated that he was a "Subaltern", but in documentation by his own hand, he states he was a Sergeant in the 48th. Some references list him as a Major in the 48th, but this is an error which probably originated from the fact that he later was a Captain in the King's Royal Regiment of New York during the American Revolution.

He was posted with the 48th to the American Colonies in 1756 for the French-Indian wars, and arrived in America on 8 Jun 1756. He was stationed at the fort in Albany.

John was well educated and had moved in the upper levels of the social circles in Scotland. He was soon well acquainted and became a confederate and military companion of Sir William Johnson, kin of the DeLancey family, and became a member of the aristocratic level of the English and Dutch social community.

On 12 Apr 1758, he may have married Jane Caldwell, of the socially prominent Caldwell and Van Courtlandt families. Although no marriage record has been found, there exists a marriage bond for a couple with these names bearing a signature comparable to the same John Munro. However, on his subsequent marriage to Mary Brouwer in 1760, John is not listed as a widower, so it is doubtful that the marriage actually took place.

John was active throughout the French-Indian campaigns and served with Sir William Johnson in some campaigns. He was present with his Regiment at the capitulation of Quebec. He obtained an early discharge from the Army in 1760, and settled on Crown land grants on the Hudson River in New York Province. His grants and purchases totaled almost 15,000 acres.

On 5 Apr 1760, he married Mary (or Maria) Brower (also called Maritje Talbot Gilbert Bruere). She was the daughter of Cornelius and Cornelia (Barlieyt) Brower (or Brouwer) of Schenectady, New York. At this time, John was engaged in the mercantile business in Schenectady and became rather affluent. Before the American Revolutionary War, he moved to Albany and went into business there. While he lived in Albany, he was an elder and trustee in the Scottish Presbyterian Church.

In 1767, he built a home on the east side of the Hudson River in Shaftsbury and named his estate Fowlis. His business continued to expand until it included grain and lumber mills, a nail factory and other enterprises. He was active in political and social circles and was appointed Magistrate and Justice of the Peace of the New Hampshire holdings, a controversial area claimed by both New York and New Hampshire. Intolerant of raids conducted by The Green Mountain Boys, John became embroiled in a protracted struggle with Ethan Allen and his New Hampshire supporters for ownership of the same land.

Tensions grew as the American Revolutionary War drew closer, and John, who was known for his unswerving loyalty to the crown, was soon marked by the local Patriots. When the New Hampshire contingent seized the opportunity to discredit him, he went to New York to meet with General McLean, his old military commander, who enrolled him as a Captain in the new Royal Highland Emigrants 84th Regiment, which was being raised from Loyalists in New York, many of them previous British troops. Later McLean cited him as being the first to report for duty.

McLean commissioned him to return to Vermont and raise a company of Loyalist recruits and to provide intelligence and information on rebel troops, supplies, provisions, arms etc. He used his own money to finance his operations, depleting his farm stores to equip and support the troops he raised. He had several adventures while delivering dispatches and escorting British dignitaries through the rebel lines between New York and the British forts around Quebec and Montreal.

Eventually John was seized and imprisoned for 18 months for his Loyalist acts. He was offered freedom if he would accept a commission as Lieutenant Colonel in the American Army, but he refused. He was one of the first Loyalists imprisoned at the Fleet Prison at Esopus. Eventually he was rescued from captivity by his compatriots. Once free, he resumed his Loyalist activities meeting with General Tryon on board the British warship Dutchess of Gordon, where he received 100 pounds with which to pay his recruits and a dispatch to take to the Bishop of Quebec.

On his return from Canada, he was recaptured. This time he was sentenced to be hung and narrowly escaped that fate by rescue and flight to the British lines.

John joined General Burgoyne in the New York campaign, but realizing that he is about to be defeated, Burgoyne sent John and other well known Loyalists to Canada to avert their being captured by the Americans.

Reporting to the British Army at Quebec, he found that the Royal Highland Emigrant commissions were all filled. Instead, he received a commission as Captain in Sir John Johnson's new King's Royal Regiment of New York. Now wearing his red British Uniform as a captain of the first battalion, he officially joined the American Revolutionary War. Eventually he enlisted his oldest son, Hugh, and an Ensign, then Lieutenant in his battalion, and his three other sons as privates.

During John's imprisonment and flight Mary remained at the Bennington estate and she and her children became prisoners or hostages of the Patriot Cause. They were allowed to stay in the house and keep two milk cows to provide for the children, but they soon found themselves in dire straights as the Munro estate was picked clean by vindictive neighbors. In desperation, Mary wrote the following letter to John in Montreal:

Mr dear John

I hope when you receive these few lines they may find you in good health. Your Dear Children are all well, as for myself I am in a poor state of health and very much distresst. I must leave my house in a very short time, and God knows where I shall get a place to put my head on, for my own relations are my greatest enemys, the mills they have had a long time in their possession -- likewaise all your tenants houses and lands -- They have distressed me beyond expression. I have scarcly a mouthful of bread for myself or Childer for heavens sake my dear Mr. Munro send me some relief by the first safe hand. Is there no possibility of your sending for us, if their is no method fallen upon we shall perish, for you can have no idea of our sufferings here, let me once more entreat you to try every method to save your family - my heart is so full it is ready to break -- Adew my Dearest John May God Almighty bless and preserve and protect you, that we may live to see each other is the constant prayers of Your affectionate tho afflicted wife
Mary Munro P.S. The Childer send their love to you

[Public Archives of Canada
MG 21, Vol B214, Pg 35]

In 1778, after receiving this letter, Captain Munro wrote to British authorities and Governor Clinton pleading with them to intervene with the American Generals to allow his wife and children to move to Canada as she and their seven children hadn't enough to eat. His plea was successful and Mary left Shaftsbury using money she got from selling some silver plate that she had hidden from her persecutes. She went first to Schenectady but relatives there refused to shelter or help her. She was finally aided by a friend or relative and made her way to Lake Champlain over the roads and Indian trails. There she was provided transportation by boat to Crown point and Fort St. John. John met her there and took her to Montreal where he obtained quarters for the family. In 1784, at the close of hostilities, she was established at L'Assumption.

Although the seven children seemed to survive this adventure with little effect, Mary became very ill. She eventually recovered, but she suffered from the debilitating effects of these years for the remainder of her life.

Mary was widowed in 1800 and died in Upper Canada, at another manor house and estate called Fowlis, on 12 Apr 1815, aged 76 years, 6 months and 3 days.

John was mustered out of the military at half pay in 1781, but John Johnson requested that he help with Land Claims for displaced Loyalists, and he spent three years in England lobbying for settlements for these claimants as well as for himself before returning to Ontario with no success and virtually penniless.

In 1784 he accepted Land Grants in the Lunenburg, Upper Canada area, settled by his compatriots from the First Battalion, and was instrumental in settling the Matilda township (later Dundas County). He built a home and established mills and other enterprises.

LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF THE HONORABLE JOHN MUNRO, ESQUIRE Filed 16 Dec 1800 (Surrogate Court Records of Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry, Wills 1800-1821, Microfilm Reel 862340, Ontario Archives)

"I give and bequeath to my loving wife MARY MUNRO during her natural life my dwelling house with so much of the furniture as will be necessary for her comfort and support, together with so much of the live cattle as she might have question for, that in any case any of my sons should marry, and that she might wish to remove that then and in that case the other house on the farm shall be repaired and made comfortable and warm, that she shall be supported from the income of the property under the direction of the Executors as shall be hereafter named in this my will, that in case it should so happen that either of my sons or daughters should leave her under this protection, she is to have the same allowance from the estate as if she were living by herself, in order to compensate them for their support, I further will, that twelve hundred acres that I have located in her own name shall be within her own right to will to whom she pleases at her death. It is also my will that each of my children shall enjoy twelve hundred acres to each, that is to say, to HARRY 1200 acres, to JOHN 1200 acres, to WILLIAM 1200 acres, to CHRISTINA 1200 acres, to CHARLOTTE 1200 acres, to CORNELIA 1200 acres, which I have located for them, and shall do my duty to have the same granted in their own names, with respect to my Military Lands. It is my will that no part should be disposed of, unless necessity requires it to pay my debts, until such time as land will become of full value.

To my three grandchildren I give and bequeath the twelve hundred acres granted to me by the Government for giving up my claim to the township, that is to say, to Hugh's SON four hundred acres, to JOHN MOUNT four hundred acres, and to Cornelius' Son JOHN four hundred acres, to be equally divided between them. The remaining rest of my property to be divided between my three sons HENRY,WILLIAM and JOHN, reserving to my son HENRY the money he has advanced for the payment of land purchased from his brother HUGH. That in case I shall not be able to obtain some lands for my son Hugh's children, HENRY, JOHN and WILLIAM will give a fourth part of the undivided remains to his children, when the property is divided, but in case I shall be able to get lands for himself or his children and in that case the remainder of any property is vested in Henry, John and William and to their heirs and assigns forever.

I beg and pray that my children shall agree amongst themselves and it is my will in case of any dispute in settling among themselves it shall be finally settled by my Executors and not be any mean go to court and that the settlement made by the Executors shall be binding and finally settled.

I further will and authorize my Executors to make sale and dispose of so much of my property as will be necessary to pay my debts which may be honestly due upon the Estate after my decease if it cannot be otherwise discharged. I struggle hard and shall so long as God is pleased to spare me in this life to clear my Estate of incumbrance that whatever remains may be of service to my dear family.

I bequeath to my son CORNELIUS my sword and I hope he will think I have done by him as well as the rest of his brothers, they are all equally beloved by their poor old father, and if I should err in any way in this my will its not with a design to favor one more than the other, that they will be friendly and kind to one another and that they will never see one another in distress without giving relief to each other, and they will be prudent, careful, and industrious to make the best use of what may remain of the Estate after all debts is paid. I do appoint my loving Nephew HUGH MUNRO, ESQ., Doctor PHILLIP MOUNT, Malcolm McMartin, Esq., my Cousin HUGH MUNRO, Esq., THOMAS FRASER, Esq., and my son HENRY MUNRO or any three of them, to be my Executors, giving these full power and authority and anything to do all lawful deeds and acts, the same as I would do in my lifetime.

For the use and benefit of my poor family I further will that my son HENRY, DR. PHILIP MOUNT shall be trustees to oversee and regulate all and everything belonging to my Estate to prevent waste or mismanagement in carrying this my will on to Execution and last of all I give all my loving family my blessing, praying that God may bless and prosper them in this life and in the life to come.

In witness whereof I hereunder set my hand seal at the fourteenth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred.
(s) John Munro
Signed, sealed and published and delivered by the Testator JOHN MUNRO as and for his last will and testament in presence of each other have hereto subscribed our names respectively as witnesses: (s) Rev. F.C.L.Broeffle, br T. Fraser, CORNs Munro"

LETTER FROM JOHN MUNRO TO CHILDREN (Accompanies Will) "My dear children and friends, my Executors in which I have every confidence to do all for the best. I request that you will bear all your Mother's unfortunate temper with patience as I have done and that she might have what will be sufficient to keep her comfortable during her lifetime. I should have appointed her Executrix, but being sensible of her disposition, I conceived it dangerous to the interest of all the family as her rashness of temper might lead her to what she afterwards would be sorry for, injurious to herself or her children.

I request that my silver watch will be delivered to my son WILLIAM, and my miniature picture be given to my son HUGH, being my oldest ... any clothing I may have to my son JOHN. I further request of all my children to let John have the best part in making the decision in consideration of him staying with his father and mother to carry on the business, and be good to him, for he is little acquainted with the world and the nature of mankind to guard against every advantage which may be taken of him, which is indeed my reason for not giving him more power.

Be kind and friendly to one another upon all occasions and should it so happen that the one is more successful than another let him give his assistance to him who may be in want, resoluting that all blessings is from the Hand of Providence.

I shall leave a list of what I may be indebted at the time of making this my last will and testament as near as I can recollect.

God grant you his blessing which is the prayer and will be while.
(s) John Munro"

The family erected a stone at his original burial site which was later flooded by the St. Lawrence Seaway Project. It stated "The Honorable John Munro, Esq. one of his Majesty's Legislative Council of Upper Canada, Formerly Captain in the King's late Royal Regiment of New York who died 27th of October, 1800 age 72 years."

The Munro burial marker stones were relocated at the Riverside Heights U.E.L. Memorial Cemetery with Honors in 1968. Also included in the new burial plot, surrounded with an ornate wrought iron fence, was the grave site of his wife Mary with the following inscription: "Here lies the remains of Mary Brewer (sic) relict of the late Hon. John Munro who departed this life the 12 April AD 1815 age 76 years. This humble monument is erected to her revered memory by her affectionate daughter Charlotte Munro de Lotbinere." The spelling of her name varies in references, however, the error in spelling here occurred when the old original markers were refaced and a copy of the old inscription was engraved on the new marble back in preparation for the UEL Memorial.

Ref: Clan Munro files - Munro, James Donald
Stroud, Anna Margaret

References:

(1) "The Munro Beacon" - Spring/Summer 1996 - Vol. 22, No. 2 - p. 5

(3) "The Munro Eagle" - number 27 - summer 1997-1998 - p. 29-30

Ref: "The Monroe Book" by Dr. Joan S. Guilford - New York Unconnected Monroes

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

Died:
John died at Dickinson's Landind.

Buried:
John's original burial site was flooded by the St. Lawrence Seaway Project. In 1968, the marker stones were moved to the Riverside Heights U.E.L. Memorial Cemetery.

John married Mary Brower on 5 Apr 1760 in Schenectady, Schenectady Co., New York, USA. Mary was born on 9 Oct 1738 in Schenectady, Schenectady Co., New York, USA; was christened on 14 Oct 1738 in Schenectady, Schenectady Co., New York, USA; died on 12 Apr 1815 in Morrisburg, , Ontario, Canada; was buried in 1968 in Riverside Heights, , Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Christiana Munro was born in 1761 in Albany, Albany Co., New York, USA; died on 7 Dec 1836 in Montreal, , Québec, Canada; was buried in Dec 1836.
2. Cornelia Munro was born in 1763 in Albany, Albany Co., New York, USA; died in in , , Upper Canada, Canada.
3. Hugh Munro was born on 15 Oct 1764 in Albany, Albany Co., New York, USA; was christened in in New York, New York Co., New York, USA; died on 22 Sep 1825 in St. Esprit, , Quebec, Canada; was buried on 25 Sep 1825 in St. Esprit, , Quebec, Canada.
4. Cornelius Munro was born on 16 Oct 1768 in Albany, Albany Co., New York, USA; was christened in Oct 1768 in Schenectady, Schenectady Co., New York, USA; died about 1806 in Cornwall, Stormont Co., Ontario, Canada.
5. Henry Munro, M.D. was born in 1770 in , Albany Co., New York Colony, American Colonies; died on 28 Aug 1854 in La Chenaise, , Quebec, Canada; was buried in Aug 1854 in Mascouche, , Quebec, Canada.
6. John Munro, Jr. was born in 1773 in , , New York Territory, American Colonies; died after 1852 in , , Ontario, Upper Canada.
7. Marie Charlotte Munro was born in 1776 in Shaftsbury, Bennington Co., Vermont, USA; died in 1833 in Vaudreuil, Quebec, , Canada; was buried in 1833 in Vaudreuil, Quebec, , Canada.
8. William Johnson Munro was born on 10 Dec 1781 in Montreal, , Québec, Canada; died on 27 May 1820 in Bas-Caraquet, Glouchester Co., New Brunswick, Canada; was buried on 28 Jul 1996 in Morrisburg, Dundas Co., Ontario, Canada.

Notes:

Ref: Clan Munro files - Munro, James Donald
Stroud, Anna Margaret

BIO:The Katewell and Milnton of Katewell branches of the Munro Family Tree are poorly recorded and documented in the existing Munro records in Scotland. Alexander Mackenzie (among other historians) had few records to construct this genealogy other than those in the unpublished "Munro Tree" and the main order of the Katewell estate successions. He names John as Janet and William Munro's "only son" although this is contradicted by the 1768 "Birthbrief" written and signed by Harry Munro of Fowlis and heads of other cadet families and James Fraser, Minister of Alness, which names HUGH also as a son. [See BIRTHBRIEF - ANCESTRY OF CAPT. HON. JOHN MUNRO 1728-1800]. Mackenzie also failed to record a grandson of William and Janet's named HUGH. Although Mackenzie's "MUNRO FAMILY" book is still the primary published source for Munro genealogy, a number of errors have been discovered and proven in this volume. The proponderance of evidence established in the John Munro birthbrief, supported by detailed research of that document in both Scotland and America by Clan Munro Historian R. W.Munro, and all other available Munro sources support the conclusion that this Hugh Munro IS the son of William and Janet of Milnton of Katewell.

Ref: Clan Munro files - Munro, Henry Dallas - GEDCOM file HMUNRO.GED dated 9
Oct 1996

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

Hugh married Christiana Munro about 1725 in , , Ross and Cromarty, Scotland. Christiana (daughter of Hugh Munro, Of Tullochue and Elizabeth Munro) was born about 1706 in , , Ross and Cromarty, Scotland; died in in , , , Scotland. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Christiana (or Christian) married her kinsman, Hugh Munro of Milnton of Katewell family. See history of their son, Capt. Hon. John Munro, "birth brieve."

References:

(1) Clan Munro files - Munro, Henry Dallas - GEDCOM file HMUNRO.GED dated 9
Oct 1996

(2) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
459

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:

William Munro of Miltown of Katewell.

Ref: The Munro Tree (1734) - M/64 & M/65

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - L/66

"John of Tearivan d 1705; wife was dr of Robert and widow of William of Milntown of Katewell..."

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - M/59

"Janet his eldest daughter on her Brother Hughs death married Wm. son to Mr John Munro Minister of Alnes by whom she had John and Anne."

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - M/64

"Mr John Minister of Alness by Catherine daughter to Mr Wm. Abernethie had Wm. Mr John Mr Andrew George."

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro -M/65

"Wm. Munro of Miltown of Catwall married Janet daughter to Robert Munro of Miltown of Catwall."

BIO:William was the 4th son of John Munro, Minister of Alness (1649-1662). He married his first cousin, Janet Munro of Milton of Katewell, daughter of his father's sister, Catherine Munro and her second husband, Robert Munro of Milton of Katewell. See chart for common grandfather (great grandfather) Alexander Munro, Minister of Durness c. 1620-1653.

Married his first cousin Janet, elder daughter of Robert Munro III of Milnton of Katewell and (her second marriage) Christian Munro, daughter of Alexander Munro, Minister of Durness. Robert and Christian were also first cousins (fathers were brothers Hugh and Alexander Munro).

Ref: Clan Munro files - Munro, Henry Dallas - GEDCOM file HMUNRO.GED dated 9
Oct 1996

--------

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - Edinburgh (1978) - p. iv

References:

(1) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
391, 393

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 Janet Munro, of Milntown of Katewell in , , Ross and Cromarty, Scotland. Janet (daughter of Robert Munro, of Milntown of Katewell and Christian Munro) was born est 1640 in Of, Katewell, Ross-Shire, Scotland; died in in , , , Scotland. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Janet inherited the estate of Milntown of Katewell.

References:

(1) "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - Edinburgh (1978) - p. iv, L/66,
M/58, M/59, M/65

(2) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
391-392, 506

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

Notes:

Hugh received from his father, the lands of Tullochue in Kildermorie.

References:

(1) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
433, 457, 459, 494

(2) "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - Edinburgh (1978) - p. R/38, Q/4,
Q/8

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.

Hugh married Elizabeth Munro. Elizabeth (daughter of Colonel John Munro, II of Limlair and Janet Gray) was born est 1637 in Of, Limlaire, Scotland; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

References:

(1) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
457, 494

(2) "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - Edinburgh (1978) - p. R/25, R/38,

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

Notes:

John was minister of Alness. His wife was the daughter of William Abernethie.

Ref: The Munro Tree (1734) - M/63 & M/64

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - M/63

"Mr Alexr. Minister of Durness by Janet Cuming had Mr John Donald Hector Mr Hugh Munro."

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - M/64

"Mr John Minister of Alness by Catherine daughter to Mr Wm. Abernethie had Wm. Mr John Mr Andrew George."

"John min of Alness d 1662; son John was only Regent in St Andrews University not deposed at Revolution 1690; drs Isobel m Robert of Findon family, and Christian."

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - M/63

"Mr Alexr. Minister of Durness by Janet Cuming had Mr John Donald Hector Mr Hugh Munro."

"Alexander min of Durness d 1643, son Donald identified as schoolmaster of Alness 1650."

Minister of Alness before 16 July 1649. Talented, fluent speaker.

Ref: Clan Munro files - Munro, Henry Dallas - GEDCOM file HMUNRO.GED dated 9
Oct 1996

John was appointed as minister of Alness before 16 Jul 1649. He possessed considerable native talent, and was a very fluent speaker.

References:

(1) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
391

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 Catherine Abernethy. Catherine was born about 1605; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - M/64

"Mr John Minister of Alness by Catherine daughter to Mr Wm. Abernethie had Wm. Mr John Mr Andrew George."

References:

(1) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
391

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:

Robert Munro of Miltown of Katewell was portioner of Katewell in 1659.

Ref: The Munro Tree (1734) M/57 & M/58

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - M/57

"Hugh of Catwall married Janet daughter to Hector Munro of little Altas by whom he had Hector Robert John Alexander."

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - M/58

"Robert of Miltown of Catwell married Christane daughter to Alexr. Minister of Durness & had a Son and /blank/."

"Robert's...son Hugh and drs Janet, Christian, Barbara and Mary -- Christian m Andrew in Wester Fyrish, Barbara m Hugh Munro in Rosehall, Margaret (sic) m David Fearne in Arbo."

Succeeded father in Milnton of Katewell Estates. Robert married his first cousin, Christian Munro, daughter of Alexander Munro, Minister of Durness. Their daughter, Janet Munro, succeeded to the Milton of Katewell Estates after her marriage to her first cousin, William Munro.

Ref: Clan Munro files - Munro, Henry Dallas - GEDCOM file HMUNRO.GED dated 9
Oct 1996

References:

(1) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
392

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 Christian Munro. Christian (daughter of Rev. Alexander Munro and Janet Cumming) was born about 1601; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - M/58

"Robert of Miltown of Catwell married Christane daughter to Alexr. Minister of Durness & had a Son and /blank/."

Married (1) John Mackay, eldest son of Murdoch Mackay of Achness. They had one son, William, who was Minister of Dornoch from 1690 to 1694 and of Cromdale from 1694 to 1700. John Mackay died shortly after the death of his son, William, and his widow, Christian, then married Robert Munro III of Milnton of Katewell.

Ref: Clan Munro files - Munro, Henry Dallas - GEDCOM file HMUNRO.GED dated 9
Oct 1996

References:

(1) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
392-293

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:

Hugh Munro of Fyres.

Ref: The Munro Tree (1734) - Q/3 & Q/4

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - M/6, Q/3, Q/4

...dr Isobel m Hugh of Fyrish.

John Munro of Fyres married Helen daughter to Hugh Munro of Teaninich by whom he had Hugh Major David Munro slain in France without succession and John.

Hugh Munro of Fyres married Isobel daughter to Robert Munro of Balconie by whom he had John Hector David Mr Alexander George and Hugh Munros.

Ref: "History of the Munros" by A. Mackenzie - p. 69

On the 10th of March, 1592-93, Alexander Irving, heir apparent of Drum, becomes cautioner for Mr Hector Munro of Fowlis for 3000 merks that the tenants of the Earldom of Ross and Lordship of Ardmanach shall be harmless of him and his clan, Mr Hector himself, Hector Munro of Assint, and Hugh Munro portioner of Fyrish, becoming surities in relief of Irving.

As oldest son suceeded to estates of Fyrish in Kildermorie. Married Isobel Munro, daughter of Robert Munro of Balconie with issue of several daughters and six sons:

JOHN - heir and sucessor; died 1692 without male issue.
HECTOR
DAVID - suceeded brother John to Fyrish estates; died 1704 without issue.
REV. ALEXANDER - suceeded brother David as representative of Fyrish line, but
WITHOUT FYRISH ESTATES. Noted clergyman; Principal of Univ. of
Edinburgh; first of Fyrish line to spell name MONRO.
GEORGE
HUGH * - of Tullochue in Kildermorie; progenitor of Munros of Knockancuirn and
Linlair

Ref: Clan Munro files - Munro, Henry Dallas - GEDCOM file HMUNRO.GED dated 9
Oct 1996

Ref (1) p. 457 calls him Hugh Munro of Fyrish, Contullich, and Kildermorie.

References:

(1) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
417, 432-433, 457

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

[Alexander Monro] «i»Fourth son of Hugh Munro of Fyrish (died circa 1668) and Isobel Munro.

Munro Tree Q/7 Family of Wemyss ed Fraser ii 253-4, iii 140; J.P.Lawson, History of Scottish Episcopal Church (1843), 35,65,72-8,111-119,157,159,160-3; J.B. Craven "Scots Worthies" 1560-1688" 134-137; "Proceedings of Estates 1689-90" ii 284; Inverness & Dingwall; Presbytery Records 131; Mackenzie 433-437; Clan Munro magazine May, 1951 page 27; C. Dalton Scots Army (1909) pages xii,70-71; Writs No.291 (David Munro tutor of Fyrish 1696; Edinburgh P.D. Thomson "Parliament of Scotland"1890-1902; Dictionary of Annonyms and Pseudonyms in English Literature page 165,i 16,19, 43, 121,370-374,ii 173, iii 75, 278, 319; iv 59, 415; v 345; Scots History Society Miscellany volume v, (1933), pages 198-209; Fasti, v 34,96.120, vii 428, viii 435.
«/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:
Fyrish

Hugh married Isobell Munro. Isobell (daughter of Robert Munro, Of Balconie and Isobel Munro) was born about 1619; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Ref: The Munro Tree (1734) - M/6 & Q/4

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - M/6

"Robert Munro of Balconie married a daughter of Hector Munro of Assint by whom he had John Isobell and Margaret..."

"...dr Isobel m Hugh of Fyrish."

Daughter of Robert Munro of Balconie.

Ref: Clan Munro files - Munro, Henry Dallas - GEDCOM file HMUNRO.GED dated 9
Oct 1996

References:

(1) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
349, 433

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

[Alexander Monro] «i»Fourth son of Hugh Munro of Fyrish (died circa 1668) and Isobel Munro.

Munro Tree Q/7 Family of Wemyss ed Fraser ii 253-4, iii 140; J.P.Lawson, History of Scottish Episcopal Church (1843), 35,65,72-8,111-119,157,159,160-3; J.B. Craven "Scots Worthies" 1560-1688" 134-137; "Proceedings of Estates 1689-90" ii 284; Inverness & Dingwall; Presbytery Records 131; Mackenzie 433-437; Clan Munro magazine May, 1951 page 27; C. Dalton Scots Army (1909) pages xii,70-71; Writs No.291 (David Munro tutor of Fyrish 1696; Edinburgh P.D. Thomson "Parliament of Scotland"1890-1902; Dictionary of Annonyms and Pseudonyms in English Literature page 165,i 16,19, 43, 121,370-374,ii 173, iii 75, 278, 319; iv 59, 415; v 345; Scots History Society Miscellany volume v, (1933), pages 198-209; Fasti, v 34,96.120, vii 428, viii 435.
«/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.

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]

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.