Clan Munro USA
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Lemuel Munroe

Lemuel Munroe

Male 1759 - 1857  (98 years)

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Generation: 1

  1. 1.  Lemuel Munroe was born on 1 Mar 1759 in Lexington, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts, USA; was christened on 4 Mar 1759 in Shrewsbury, Worcester Co., Massachusetts, USA (son of Philip Munroe and Abigail Parker); died on 29 Apr 1857 in Howell, Livingston Co., Michigan, USA; was buried in Howell, Livingston Co., Michigan, USA.

    Notes:

    Lemuel Munroe (Monroe) was closely associated with General George Washington in the Revolutionary War. He was a dispatch carrier. He is buried at Lakeside Cemetery, three miles west of Howell, Michigan. The D.A.R. replaced the crumbled monument with a stone which reads, "Lemuel Monroe, 1759-1857 Soldier of the Revolution."

    He was a farmer, and a shoe and boot maker. He enlisted in the Revolutionary War in 1776 at the age of 17. He participated in the battle of Bunker Hill and was at Burgoyne's surrender as well as many other engagements. The records of the War of 1812 show he was a private in Capt. Abraham Matison's Company of Col. Philetus Swift's (Ontario County) Regiment of the New York State Militia. He served from 12 May 1812 to 12 Jul 1812. He also served in Sullivan's Campaign in Rhode Island under Capt. Thomas Baker. He was allowed a pension in 1832.

    His pension file reads: "Was called out in the militia in November, 1776 at Upton, Mass and served three months. Went first to Dorchester. In spring, 1777 was called out again at Upton and served in Captain Ammidon's Company. Was marched through Mendon to Providence and stationed in the Brick College. There employed to keep guard for three months; then dismissed and went home.

    "At Templeton, Worcester County, was mustered in Captain Wilder's Company in Colonel Sparhawk's Regiment and was marched through Deerfield and Charlemont to Bennington in Vermont, and from thence was marched to Tuels Mills and halted some days and then to Batten Kills opposite to Saratoga Flatts. Saw Generals Lincoln, Arnold and Gates. This was at the taking of General Burgoyne. I was not in the Battle, but was in several skirmishes on the out posts and took several prisoners, 18 at one time. Was then ordered back and was part of the guard that went with the prisoners to Winter Hill, near Boston. [2 months]

    "In 1779, from Upton was marched to Quanset Point to keep guard, the British Ships being in sight and at anchor. This was in the winter. [3 months] From Barrie, was marched to Danbury and West Point. General MacDougall was in command. I saw him almost daily. I was in Colonel Drury's Regiment. Was engaged in repairing the forts and mounting guard. Discharged late in the fall, and was out five months. Was sick was the reason of my discharge. I think this was the year Cornwallis was taken and near the close of the war. Besides this tour, I was not called out again and did not serve afterwards."

    His first wife was Anna Towser (or Tozzer, Tooser, Toozer). Nothing is known about her six children.

    His third wife was Martha Rollins (or Rawlings). Her death date is given as 1857, but this doesn't seem likely. She does not appear in the 1850 census with Lemuel, and she did not get a widow's pension after his death. It is more likely that she died in New York some time before.

    At the close of the Revolutionary War, Lemuel lived in Northbury, Massachusetts and for forty years lived in Bloomfield, Ontario County, New York.

    He moved from Massachusetts to New York and in his old age, he went to Howell, Michigan and made his home with his son, Francis. He died there at the advanced age of 97 years and two months.

    One reference notes that "at least four of his sons moved to Michigan; Norton, James, Francis and James. Norton was in the Civil War, enlisted Aug. 14, 1862 in Co. H., 22nd Michigan Infantry." It is not known who "Norton" was or who the other James was.

    **********
    «i»Lemuel's first marriage probably had 3 males under 10, and one male under 16 by 1800 (William would be 14) 1 female under 10 and 1 female under 16 per census under Munro 1800 Dutchess Co., NY So 3 male children between 1790 and 1800, one male before 1784 roughly and 1790, one female between 1790 and 1800, one female before 1790

    In the 1790 census again under Lemuel Munro: Charlton, Worcester Co., MA had two males under 16, one male greater than 16 (probably Lemuel) and 1 female. So males would be born between the earliest 1774 and latest 1790

    First wife must have died before 1789. Six children born to marriage, in 1790 there looks to be a father and 3 remaining children 2 boys and a girl. By 1800 the family is 2 parents and 6 children.

    Lemuel Monroe, came into the Liberty township MI in May, 1849, and lived with his son, Francis Monroe. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and died April 29th, 1854, at-the age of ninety-five years, one month and twenty-nine days.

    Time line:
    Birth 1757 Lexington, MA
    Enlisted 1776 Upton, Worcester Co., MA served intermittantly to 1781
    Married 1782 Northborough, Worcester Co., MA to Anna Toozer
    1789 Anna Toozer dies or perhaps 1792
    Married 1789 Dutchess Co.,NY to Anna Potter perhaps married later after Anna Toozer death 1792
    Census 1790 Charlton, Worcestor Co., MA There is Lemuel Munro but no senior Female

    Guilford postulates with brother Abel in Canaan, Columbia Co., New York 1790
    Possible death of Anna Monrow and infant Monrow in New Hartford, Oneida Co., NY in June 1792 "wife of Lemuel Monrow"
    Census 1800 Dutchess Co. NY two adults, six children
    abt. 1802 moved to Otsego Co., New York?
    moved 1808 or so to Bloomfield, Ontario Co, NY
    Second wife dies 1812

    Second time line

    1754 Born Shrewsbury, Middlesex Co., MA son of Philip Munroe
    1776 Nov 1, 1776 Upton, Wocester Co., MA called to serve
    1782 Married Anna Tozer 1782 in Northborough, MA
    1784 Entry into records of a Lemuel Munroe participating in City business Surrey N.H. this is where his sibs/father were
    1790 Dr. Guilford thinks in Dutchess Co., NY with brother Abel Munroe
    1792 Anna Tozer dies in New Hartford, NY June 4, 1792 in Presbyterian Records as Anna Monrow wife of Lemuel Monrow, an infant Monrow died 9 days earlier
    1800 Census Dutchess Co., NY lists a Lemuel Munro with female in household under 45 and six children
    1807 Surry, N.H. tax list from 1807, which appears in Volume 2, pages 288 and 289. This list includes the names of Philip Munro,
    Isaac Munro, Abel Munro, and Wm. Munro. There are many references to Philip, Isaac, and Abel in the town records. For example, their names also appear in a similar tax list for 1795 (Volume 2, page 65).
    1807 Surry, NH tax list Ancestor William Monroe would be 21 at this time (born 1786) so this may be him.
    1810/12 Anna Potter second wife dies, exact date unknown
    1810/11 Mentioned in letters of Luman Miller p. 232 Book 4 as friend/administrator Bristol, Ontario Co. (is Luman perhaps father or first husband of Martha Miller Rawlings?)
    1812/13 Married 1812/13 3 rd wife Martha Miller Rawlings in Bristol, Ontario Co., N.Y.
    1812 Served war 1812, Martha moves to Mendon, Monroe Co., N.Y.
    1819 31 May 1819 witness to Will of John Alger in Bloomfield, Ontario Co., NY
    1819 20 Oct 1819 witness to Probate of John Alger Bloomfield, Ontario Co., NY
    1829 Freedom writes his father 1829 alludes to estrangement of Lemuel and his first and second family
    1832 Pension 1832 age 74 West Bloomfield, Ontario Co., N.Y.
    Pension Certificate to 1832-1839 Macomb Co., MI
    1835 Freedom Monroe writes his father of probably separation of his third wife she stays in Mendon he goes to MI
    1850 Census listed as "Samuel" and residing with his son Francis.
    1857 Died 1857 Howell, Livingston Co., MI...

    Lemuel Monroe, was one of the heroes of the Revolution. He served through that memorable war; participated in the battle of Bunker Hill; was present at Burgoyne's surrender, and in many other engagements. He also served in the war of 1812. Was three times married, and was the father of eighteen children, seventeen of whom grew to maturity. In his old age he came to Howell and made his home with his son Francis, at whose residence he died at the advanced age of ninety-seven years and two months.

    «/i»(Email from Suzanne Spencer - 16 Sep 2009)«i»
    «/i»**********

    Ref: Clan Munro files - Griffin, Richard
    - Monroe, Dr. Emmett Paul
    - Yard, Prof. F. L. Dixon
    - Farlow, Donna

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

    Buried:
    Lakeside Cemetery - 3 miles west of Howell, Michigan

    Lemuel married Anna Towser on 13 Jun 1782 in Northborough, Worcester Co., Massachusetts, USA. Anna (daughter of Richard Toozer and Mary Benknap) was born on 30 Aug 1760 in Southborough, Worcester Co., Massachusetts, USA; died in 1789 in Canaan, Columbia Co., New York, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Notes:

    Married:
    Lemuel and Anna had 6 children.

    Children:
    1. William I. Monroe, MD was born in 1786 in , , Massachusetts, USA; died on 10 Oct 1818 in Liberty Twp., Butler Co., Ohio, USA; was buried in Oct 1818 in Cincinnati, Hamilton Co., Ohio, USA.
    2. Lemuel Monroe was born about 1786; died in in , Oneida Co., New York, USA.
    3. Monroe was born about 1788; and died.
    4. Monroe was born about 1790; and died.
    5. Monroe was born about 1791; and died.
    6. Monroe was born in May 1792; and died.

    Lemuel married Anna Potter about 1790 in Whitestown, , New York, USA. Anna (daughter of Phinehas Potter and Dorcas Hinman) was born on 10 Oct 1767 in Winchester, , Connecticut, USA; died in 1810. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Notes:

    Married:
    Lemuel and Anna had 6 children.

    Marriage place unverified

    Children:
    1. Elizabeth Monroe was born about 1790 in , Dutchess Co., New York; died about 1829 in , , New York, USA.
    2. Monroe was born about 1791; and died.
    3. Archibald Monroe was born about 1794 in , Dutchess Co., New York; died in 1812.
    4. Freedom Monroe was born on 26 Jan 1796 in , Dutchess Co., New York; died on 18 Jun 1883 in Romeo, Macomb Co., Michigan, USA; was buried in Romeo, Macomb Co., Michigan, USA.
    5. Benjamin Monroe was born in 1797 in , Dutchess Co., New York; died in in , , Michigan, USA.
    6. Frederick Monroe was born on 18 May 1798 in , Dutchess Co., New York; died on 29 Jan 1883 in Farmington, Oakland Co., Michigan, USA; was buried in Farmington, Oakland Co., Michigan, USA.

    Lemuel married Martha Rawlings in 1812 in Bristol, Ontario Co., New York, USA. Martha was born in 1782 in Mendon, , New York, USA; died in 1857 in , , New York, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Notes:

    Married:
    Lemuel and Martha had 9 children.

    Children:
    1. Francis Miller Monroe was born on 8 Aug 1813 in Mendon, Monroe Co., New York, USA; died on 6 Mar 1892 in Howell, Livingston Co., Michigan, USA; was buried in Howell, Livingston Co., Michigan, USA.
    2. Almira Monroe was born on 21 Sep 1817 in East Bloomfield, Ontario Co., New York, USA; died in 1903 in East Bloomfield, Ontario Co., New York, USA; was buried in Honeoye, Ontario Co., New York, USA.
    3. Nancy Monroe was born on 17 May 1820 in Bristol, Ontario Co., New York, USA; died on 6 Jun 1888 in Storm Lake, Buena Vista Co., Iowa, USA; was buried in Storm Lake, Buena Vista Co., Iowa, USA.
    4. Susan Abigail Monroe was born on 29 Sep 1822 in Bristol, Ontario Co., New York, USA; died on 10 Jan 1911 in Cassville, Grant Co., Wisconsin, USA.
    5. Alexander Monroe was born on 28 Jul 1824 in East Bloomfield, Ontario Co., New York, USA; died in 1907 in Leslie, Ingham Co., Michigan, USA; was buried in Webberville, Ingham Co., Michigan, USA.
    6. James Monroe was born on 28 Apr 1827 in East Bloomfield, Ontario Co., New York, USA; died on 17 May 1898 in Howell, Livingston Co., Michigan, USA; was buried in Howell, Livingston Co., Michigan, USA.

Generation: 2

  1. 2.  Philip Munroe was born on 26 Feb 1718 in Lexington, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts, USA (son of Ens. William Munroe and Johanna Russell); died on 14 Dec 1790 in Surry, Cheshire Co., New Hampshire, USA; was buried in Surry, Cheshire Co., New Hampshire, USA.

    Notes:

    Phillip's four oldest children, his first wife, Mary and his mother Johanna all died at about the same time, evidently in an epidemic. His last surviving child at the time was dead by 23 Dec 1749. At this time, Philip was 31 years old. He must have married his second wife, Abigail, between 1749 and 1753. From the 35th to 60th year of his age, 11 more children were born to him and Abigail. She was about 22 when the first was born and 47 at the birth of their last child.

    Philip was of Shrewsbury, Boylston and Rutland, Massachusetts. The first Shrewsbury deeds call Philip Munroe of Lexington, Massachusetts. A little later he was called of Shrewsbury. There are 18 land transfers of places that he bought and sold. He lived on one of the places called the 'Roe farm', which was still standing in 1963.

    He was living on the "Hill" in what is now Boylston, but was Shrewsbury North Precinct in his time. Two of his children were baptised in the church of the North Precinct or Second Parish on the same day, 2 Nov 1769.

    Philip Munroe started acquiring land in Shrewsbury Area about 1763, he sold 5 acres to Jonathan Weelock in Shrewsbury in 1763, and in 1765 he purchased a piece of land from Benjamin Tainter. In the deeds he is called "Philip Munro a labourer". Today he would be called a land speculator. Most of the deeds call him of Shrewsbury, two call him of Rutland.

    Two deeds establish his connection to Surry, New Hampshire. The first deed dated 22 Dec 1789, in which he is called a physician, and the second dated 29 Dec 1789. He had established himself of Surry, New Hampshire by about 1783.

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

    [Abraham Munro] «i»Son of Philip Munro (1718-?) and Mary ___? Baptised Shrewsbury, 4 September, 1763.

    Mackenzie Page 587
    **********

    «/i»Error alert: RW Munro says Philip was the son of Ens. William Munroe and his first wife, Mary Cutler. Other references say Philip was the son of William's second wife, Johanna Russell. Philip's birth date is after William and Johanna's marriage date.

    Ref: Clan Munro files - Griffin, Richard
    - Farlow, Donna

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

    Buried:
    Surrey Village Cemetery

    Philip married Abigail Parker in 1749 in Lexington, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts, USA. Abigail was born in 1731; was christened on 7 Oct 1750; died on 8 Oct 1801 in Surry, Cheshire Co., New Hampshire, USA; was buried in Surry, Cheshire Co., New Hampshire, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  2. 3.  Abigail Parker was born in 1731; was christened on 7 Oct 1750; died on 8 Oct 1801 in Surry, Cheshire Co., New Hampshire, USA; was buried in Surry, Cheshire Co., New Hampshire, USA.

    Notes:

    Error alert: There are three people named Abigail Parker who supposedly married close Munroe relatives close to the same time frame. This is either a coincidence or an error.

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

    Christened:
    Baptism

    Buried:
    Surrey Village Cemetery

    Children:
    1. Abel Munroe was born on 7 Oct 1750 in Lexington, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts, USA; was christened on 7 Oct 1750 in Lexington, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts, USA; died on 6 Aug 1824 in Hudson, Columbia Co., New York, USA.
    2. Prudence Munroe was born est 1752 in Shrewsbury, Worcester Co., Massachusetts, USA; was christened on 19 Jan 1752 in Lexington, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts, USA; died in in , , New York, USA.
    3. Philip Munroe, M. D. was born in Aug 1753 in Shrewsbury, Worcester Co., Massachusetts, USA; died on 10 Sep 1832 in Surry, Cheshire Co., New Hampshire, USA.
    4. Mary Munroe was born about 1757 in Shrewsbury, Worcester Co., Massachusetts, USA; was christened on 10 Apr 1757 in Shrewsbury, Worcester Co., Massachusetts, USA; died about 1805 in Groton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts, USA.
    5. 1. Lemuel Munroe was born on 1 Mar 1759 in Lexington, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts, USA; was christened on 4 Mar 1759 in Shrewsbury, Worcester Co., Massachusetts, USA; died on 29 Apr 1857 in Howell, Livingston Co., Michigan, USA; was buried in Howell, Livingston Co., Michigan, USA.
    6. Abraham Munroe was born in 1762 in Surry, Cheshire Co., New Hampshire, USA; was christened on 4 Sep 1763 in Shrewsbury, Worcester Co., Massachusetts, USA; died on 17 Jul 1851 in Bridgewater, Oneida Co., New York, USA; was buried in Bridgewater, Oneida Co., New York, USA.
    7. Abigail Munroe was born on 4 Sep 1763 in Shrewsbury, Worcester Co., Massachusetts, USA; was christened on 4 Sep 1763; died in 1851 in Edmeston, Otsego Co., New York, USA; was buried in Brookfield, Madison Co., New York, USA.
    8. Sarah Munroe was born on 4 Oct 1764 in Shrewsbury, Worcester Co., Massachusetts, USA; was christened on 4 Oct 1764; and died.
    9. Isaac Monroe, M. D. was born in 1767 in Shrewsbury, Worcester Co., Massachusetts, USA; was christened on 2 Nov 1769; died in 1826 in Hamilton, Madison Co., New York, USA.
    10. Jacob Munroe was born on 2 Nov 1769 in Shrewsbury, Worcester Co., Massachusetts, USA; was christened on 2 Nov 1769; died in in Bridgewater, Oneida Co., New York, USA.
    11. Jonas Munroe was born in Jan 1770 in Shrewsbury, Worcester Co., Massachusetts, USA; died in 1836 in Paris, Oneida Co., New York, USA; was buried in Bridgewater, Oneida Co., New York, USA.
    12. Sally Munroe was born in 1778 in Shrewsbury, Worcester Co., Massachusetts, USA; and died.


Generation: 3

  1. 4.  Ens. William Munroe was born on 10 Oct 1669 in Lexington, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts, USA (son of William Munroe and Martha George); died on 5 Jan 1759 in Lexington, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts, USA.

    Notes:

    William was an ensign in the colonial militia, and hence was denominated as "Ensign Roe". He was admitted into the church 9 Apr 1699 and his wife Mary on 30 Apr 1699. His second wife, Johanna, was admitted on 24 Dec. 1727.

    He was a constable in 1708, assessor in 1713, and selectman in 1724, 1734, and 1735.

    He built the Munroe Tavern which was still standing in 1964.

    **********
    «i»William Jr., built a house for himself--a tavern. The house, built in 1695, was a famous hostelry for 163 years. Its fame began with its purchase in 1770 by Col. William Munroe, grandson of the builder and great-grandson of the original settler.«/i»

    ("The Monroe Tavern" - a newspaper article from an unknown Boston area newspaper - 1911)
    **********

    Williams was probated in Middlesex County, but all that appears is the admin. bond by his son Thomas, innholder, 19 Mar 1759.

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

    William married Johanna Russell in 1715 in Lexington, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts, USA. Johanna (daughter of Philip Russell and Johanna Cutler) was born on 15 Mar 1680 in Lexington, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts, USA; died on 17 Sep 1748 in Lexington, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  2. 5.  Johanna Russell was born on 15 Mar 1680 in Lexington, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts, USA (daughter of Philip Russell and Johanna Cutler); died on 17 Sep 1748 in Lexington, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts, USA.

    Notes:

    Johanna, her daughter-in-law, Mary, and four of her grandchildren all died at about the same time, possibly in an epidemic.

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

    Children:
    1. Sarah Monroe was born on 19 Aug 1716 in Lexington, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts, USA; and died.
    2. 2. Philip Munroe was born on 26 Feb 1718 in Lexington, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts, USA; died on 14 Dec 1790 in Surry, Cheshire Co., New Hampshire, USA; was buried in Surry, Cheshire Co., New Hampshire, USA.
    3. Prudence Monroe was born est 1720 in Lexington, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts, USA; was christened on 20 Mar 1720.
    4. Edmund Monroe was born est 1723 in Lexington, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts, USA; was christened on 3 Mar 1723.
    5. Hepsibeth Munroe was born est 1724 in Lexington, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts, USA; was christened on 24 Mar 1724; and died.
    6. Johanna Munroe was born on 21 Oct 1726 in Lexington, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts, USA; died on 23 Jan 1749.


Generation: 4

  1. 8.  William Munroe was born on 10 Oct 1625 in Inverness, , Inverness, Scotland (son of Unknown Munrow); died on 27 Jan 1718 in Lexington, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts, USA; was buried in Lexington, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts, USA.

    Notes:

    The link between William Munroe of Lexington, Massachusetts and Robert Munro of Aldie has not been proven beyond a doubt. However, there is a body of circumstantial evidence that supports that assumption. An excellent summary of the evidence can be found in the preface to "History and Genealogy of the Lexington, Mass. Munroes" by R.S. Munroe.

    Not only is there no proof that William was the son of Robert of Aldie, there happens to be two people named Robert of Aldie who could possibly have been his father. Some researchers say William was the son of Robert Munro of Aldie b. about 1566 who married Isobel McKenzie, but most Munro genealogists have settled on Robert Munro of Aldie b. 1590 and married Elizxabeth Johnson. Other researchers erroneously say William was a son of Robert Munro XIV of Foulis.

    William was born in 1625 near Inverness, Scotland. He was probably the son of Robert of Aldie who "went to the wars in Germany" and had sons George, William and Benedict. Robert of Aldie married in Nuremberg and died in Germany in 1633.

    William was probably conscripted to serve in the army in the constant battles going on at this time. All men between the ages of 16 and 60 were expected to fight in Scotland's wars.

    It was a time of great upheaval in Scotland. There was no chief at Foulis keeping the clan together. The Black Baron had already fallen into debt and disposed of much of the property. He had married three times, once bigamously, and was in Germany in the service of Christian IV where he died in 1633 when William was eight years old. Scotland was at war with England and within Scotland there were accumulating differences, political and religious, among Catholics and Presbyterians, covenanters and royalists. Battles large and small raged from coast to coast.

    A historian noted the poverty of an exhausted broken down distracted country. Another wrote, "Our miseries and danger of ruin are greater than for many ages... a potent victorious enemy masters our seas... and the best part of our land. Our standing forces against his imminent invasions are few, weak and inconsiderable. Our kirk, state and army are full of divisions and jealousies. Our people south of the Forth are spoiled and near starving; north they are extremely ill-used by our own, many inclined to treat with Cromwell without care of king or covenant; none of our neighbors are willing to give us any help though called."

    All men were conscripted, except those who were termed "malignant", not loyal to the cause, and many arguments resulted. King Charles was displaying treachery, playing both sides against each other. Cromwell attempted to bring the King in line without further bloodshed but without success.

    In this miserable state, Cromwell met the Scots at Dunbar on 3 Sep 1650. A terrible battle ensued. Three thousand men fell on the field. Ten thousand were taken prisoner. Five thousand sick and wounded were dismissed from the field and allowed to go homeward, if able. Those who survived a violent disorder in prison were sold as slaves to the plantations.

    The Scots did not surrender. The wars continued for another year. The castle at Edinburgh was surrendered without bloodshed, although rape, robbery and murder were perpetrated on the citizens by the soldiers outside the castle walls.

    William was with the Scottish Army under Charles II which engaged the English at Worcester on 3 Sep 1651, exactly one year after the Battle of Dunbar. The battle raged for three hours and the Scots initially had the upper hand until the arrival of fresh English troops. The slaughter went on for two more hours. The victors and the vanquished entered Worcester fighting. The noise woke up King Charles who had been sleeping while men died for him. He rushed into the street and attempted to take charge, but was ignored. Seeing the direction of events, the king fled with fugitives who were leaving the city. Two thousand men were killed and between six and seven thousand were taken prisoner in the city and more later. William was among those captured.

    All who lived at Worcester were taken by Cromwell and imprisoned or sent to the plantations. Almost all of the Scottish Chieftains were ruined, dead, in prison or in exile. The clans were abolished and it was forbidden to wear tartans.

    William was sold to the plantations, probably the best thing that could have happened to a Scotsman at that time. He was shipped from London on 11 Nov 1651 by Jo, Reex, Robert Rich and William Green on the "John and Sarah", arrived in New England in Mar 1652, and consigned to Thomas Kemble of Boston, who had the privilege of selling his indentured servants for periods of from six to eight years. Four Munros were on board: Robert, John, Hugh and one name, thought to be William, which was obliterated on the manifest. William might have been sold as an apprentice at the Saugus Iron Works. The Beckett reference says "William Munrow (Munroe, Munro), says tradition, was bound out to a farmer by the name of Winship, who resided in that part of Cambridge called Mehotony (now Arlington), and when his indenture had expired he set up for himself, going farther back into the woods and procuring a tract of land within the prsent limits of Lexington, on a section now known as Scotland."

    If William was sold as an apprentice when he first arrived in America, he must have been his own man by 1657 because he and one Thomas Rose were fined in Cambridge for not having rings in the noses of their swine.

    Around 1660, he settled in the northeasterly part of Cambridge Farms, now known as Lexington, near the Woburn line. In those days this part of the town was called "Scotland". He was made freeman in 1690 and on 1 Feb 1699 was received into Communion of the Church. In 1693, he was one of the committee "to treat for the purchase of land for the minister." In 1694 he was a selectman of Cambridge and later his name appears in connection with several other important parish offices.

    The Ackerman reference speculates that William was born in 1634.

    His first wife, Margaret George, was the daughter of John and Anna (Goldstone) George of Charlestown. The Mills reference says Margaret was born about 1636.

    His third wife was the widow of Edward Dwyer (or Wyer) of Charlestown, daughter of William and Elizabeth Johnson. The Ellis reference says Elizabeth was William's second wife and that Mary Ball was his third.

    Several references say William was the son of Robert Munro of Aldie [10900]. Robert [10900] was the uncle of Robert Munro of Aldie [2760], William's father as listed here.

    The Hopkins reference says William was the son of "Farquhar Munroe of Aldie" and Catherine MacCulloch, and the Andrews reference says William was the son of Robert Munro XVIII of Foulis. There is no hard proof as to the actual identity of William's father.

    His gravestone inscription reads: "Here Lyes ye Body of Mr William Munroe, Aged about 92 years, Decd Janry 27th 1717-8. "

    **********
    «i»William Munroe, who, born in Caithness, Scotland, in 1625, was taken prisoner by Cromwell's men at the battle of Worcester in 1651, and was deported in the John and Sara to Boston. He worked out the cost of his passage, settled in Cambridge Farms (now Lexington), in a section still called "Scotland," married three wives, had thirteen children and became a substantial citizen.

    As his children married he added successive ells to his house until it is said to have resembled a ropewalk.«/i»

    ("The Monroe Tavern" - a newwspaper article from an unknown Boston area newspaper - 1911)
    **********
    **********
    William was one of the company of Scotsmen who fought on the side of Charles II against Cromwell at the battle of Worchester, England on September 3, 1651. About 8000 of the Scots were captured, and sent to America as indentured servants to pay for their passage. Four Munros were sent from London on the ship "John and Sara" on November 11, 1651. They were listed as Hugh Monrow, John Monrow, Robert Monrow, and ------- Monrow (presumably William "The Immigrant" Monroe. He arrived in New England in March 1652, and was consigned to Thomas Kemble of Boston. In 1660, he settled in Cambridge Farms (now Lexington) in the part of town called "Scotland". He was made a free man in 1690.

    ("Descendants of John Munro" - by W. M. Roeser)
    **********


    Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - M/24
    Clan Munro files - Ackerman, Elizabeth - membership application
    - Bonney, Frances
    - Brown, Thelma
    - Charles, Marie Pierce
    - Coombs, Judith
    - Coutant, Martha
    - Cox, J.
    - Coye, Ruby
    - Crandall, Katherine
    - Delehanty, James
    - Dietrich, Earl
    - Elder, Charlotte
    - Ebb, Jane Michelle (application)
    - Farlow, Donna
    - Griffin, Richard
    - Guilford, Joan
    - Henderson, Martha Monroe
    - Jewell, Dana Munroe
    - Langtry, Jeannette
    - Mady, Ashley Nicole
    - Mills, Larry
    - Monroe, Ruby Lucille
    - Sage, Wes
    - Stephens, Frances
    - Yard, F. L. Dixon

    References:

    (1) "Charles Monroe (1823-1873) of Posey, Vanderburgh & Gibson County, Indiana
    - His Ancestors and Descendants" by Kendyl K. Monroe - (1997) - p. 1

    (2) "History of Ashburnham Massachusetts" published in 1887


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

    Birth:
    Historical research suggested that William Munroe (b. 1625) was one of Robert Munro of Aldie's sons and the unknown "Munrow" listed as a prisoner of war on the "John and Sara" ship (1652). However Y-DNA research performed in 2018 (reported by Mark E. Monroe) does not verify this assumption, so we are removing Robert Munro of Aldie and Elizabeth Johnson as his parents in this database.
    (Note by Betti J. Steele MD, 28 May 2019)

    Buried:
    William was buried in the Old Cemetery in Lexington, Massachusetts.

    William married Martha George in 1665 in Cambridge, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts, USA. Martha (daughter of John George and Anna Goldstone) was born est 1634 in , , , Scotland; died in 1672 in Lexington, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  2. 9.  Martha George was born est 1634 in , , , Scotland (daughter of John George and Anna Goldstone); died in 1672 in Lexington, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts, USA.

    Notes:

    Martha was the daughter of John and Elizabeth George of Charlestown, Massachusetts. John was a prominent Baptist who was fined, imprisoned and finally ordered out of town for heresy.

    Martha died before 1672.

    References:

    (2) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
    561

    (3) "Charles Monroe (1823-1873) of Posey, Vanderburgh & Gibson County, Indiana
    - His Ancestors and Descendants" by Kendyl K. Monroe - (1997) - p. 1

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

    Children:
    1. John Munroe was born on 10 Mar 1666 in Lexington, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts, USA; died on 14 Sep 1753 in Lexington, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts, USA.
    2. Martha Munroe was born on 2 Nov 1667 in Lexington, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts, USA; died on 27 Mar 1730 in Lexington, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts, USA.
    3. 4. Ens. William Munroe was born on 10 Oct 1669 in Lexington, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts, USA; died on 5 Jan 1759 in Lexington, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts, USA.
    4. Sgt. George Munroe was born in Aug 1671 in Lexington, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts, USA; was christened on 26 Feb 1699 in Lexington, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts, USA; died on 17 Jan 1747 in Lexington, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts, USA; was buried in Old Cemetery, Lexington, Massachusetts.

  3. 10.  Philip Russell was born on 7 Feb 1650 in , , Massachusetts, USA (son of William Russell); died on 7 Feb 1730 in Lexington, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts, USA.

    Notes:

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

    Philip married Johanna Cutler on 18 Apr 1680 in Cambridge, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts, USA. Johanna (daughter of Lt. Thomas Cutler and Abigail Dewey) was born about 1661 in Lexington, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts, USA; died on 26 Nov 1703. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  4. 11.  Johanna Cutler was born about 1661 in Lexington, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts, USA (daughter of Lt. Thomas Cutler and Abigail Dewey); died on 26 Nov 1703.

    Notes:

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

    Children:
    1. 5. Johanna Russell was born on 15 Mar 1680 in Lexington, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts, USA; died on 17 Sep 1748 in Lexington, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts, USA.