Donald Munro

Notes:

Donald and his five brothers were known as "Sliochd Alasdair mhic Huistain."

He was awarded an M.A. degree, but it is not known from what university. He entered the church and is first heard of professionally as Archdeacon of the Isles, to which office he was nominated in 1549.

In about 1549, Dean Munro made his famous tour of the Isles and wrote his well-known "Description of the Western Isles of Scotland, with genealogies of the Chief Clans of the Isles." His manuscript was subsequently published in Edinburgh in 1744, with reprints in 1805, 1818, and 1884.

He is mentioned in a Register of Ministers, published by the Maitland Club, as "Mr Donald Munro, Commissioner to plant Kirks in Ross, and to assist the Bishop of Caithness in similar planting to begin at Lammas, 1563." He remained in this office of Commissioner to plant kirks for several years, at least until 1574.

On 27 Dec 1563, the General Assembly received a complaint that Donald was "not so apt to teach as his charge required." At that time several ministers were "ordained to take a trial of his gift, and to report to the Assembly."

On 28 Jun 1565, he complained that the Ross-shire ministers were not in residence at their kirks.

In Jul 1570, he was given an assistant because he was "not prompt" in the Gaelic language.

In 1574 he was serving as the minister of Limlair, of Alness, and of Kiltearn, "at a stipend equal to 5 pounds 11 shillings and the church lands."

Tradition records that the Dean lived at Castle Craig, facing Kiltearn, on the south side of Cromerty Firth, which he crossed in a boat on Sundays to preach alternately at his three churches of Kiltearn, Limlair and Alness.

It has been said that Donald may have first been a priest of the Catholic Church, but became a Protestant in middle age because of the influence of his relative and Chief, Robert Munro, fifteenth Baron of Foulis, but this is not consistent with the ecclesiastical offices which he held early in life.

He was Archdean of the Isles, Superintendent of Ross and Minister of Kiltearn. Buchannan called him "Homo pius et Doctus." He died unmarried.

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

[Alexander Munro] «i»Fourth son of Hugh Munro of Coul (fl 1492), & first by second wife Jane Cattanach; founder of Munros of Kiltearn, or 'Sliochd Alastair Mhic Uistean'; m. Janet, daughter of Farquhar Maclean of Dochgarroch line (?Bishop of the Isles ), with issue - Donald (High Dean of the Isles, fl 1526/1575). Hugh (Ferrytown of Obsdale). Alexander (Ardullie, fl 1547), John (succeeded to south half of Kiltearn), Farquhar (Teanoird), & William (Nether Culcraggie).. Brother-german of Donald (fl 1534-1546), Robert (fl 1539) & George.

Munro Tree M/38; Mackenzie 342, 377-379; Chron. Acc. 27, 28; Ross-shire Journal, 5 January 1951.
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References:

(1) "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - Edinburgh (1978) - M/39

(2) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
377-379

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:

Alexander Munro of Kiltearn married the daughter of Ferquhar McLean of Davochgerrie. His six sons were known as "Sliochd Alasdair mhic Huistain."

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

«i»Alexander Munro of Ardullie fl 1547/78 Third son of Alexander Munro of Kiltearn & Janet Maclean; received few charter of Ardullie from Robert Munro of Foulis 1547; said to have been 'banner-bearer to his Chief' in 1547 (Pinkie, 10 Sep 47); fl 1549; m. ------ with issue - Hugh (suc.) & Donald. 'agnamed Crechan' (Chronological & Genealogical Account of the Ancient & Honorable Family of Foulis, Inverness 1805) or 'Ni Cruich' (Munro Tree), but Mackenzie 396 says this was his grandson Alexander. On record 1549 as 'Alex Munro of Ardulle' (Foulis Writs no. 16), also 1552 (Reg. Mag. Sig. ), & prob. also in 1560, 1578, but son Hugh 'of Ardullie' 1581.

Munro Tree M/68; Mackenzie pp. 379, 396; Martine per Chronological & Genealogical Account of the Ancient & Honorable Family of Foulis, Inverness 1805, pp. 19, 28, & Macfarlane's Gen Coll i 38; Ross-shire Journal 5 Jan 1951; Writs nos. 75, 255, no. 16 - should be 1549 (not 1409); Reg. Mag. Sig. iv no. 750 - confirmation of charter by Robert Munro of Foulis 20 Jan 1551/2 at Ardersier (AM of A witness).
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The following is a transcription of RW Munro's genealogy notes:

[Alexander Munro] «i»Fourth son of Hugh Munro of Coul (fl 1492), & first by second wife Jane Cattanach; founder of Munros of Kiltearn, or 'Sliochd Alastair Mhic Uistean'; m. Janet, daughter of Farquhar Maclean of Dochgarroch line (?Bishop of the Isles ), with issue - Donald (High Dean of the Isles, fl 1526/1575). Hugh (Ferrytown of Obsdale). Alexander (Ardullie, fl 1547), John (succeeded to south half of Kiltearn), Farquhar (Teanoird), & William (Nether Culcraggie).. Brother-german of Donald (fl 1534-1546), Robert (fl 1539) & George.

Munro Tree M/38; Mackenzie 342, 377-379; Chron. Acc. 27, 28; Ross-shire Journal, 5 January 1951.
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References:

(1) "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - Edinburgh (1978) - M/38

(2) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
377-

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

Alexander married Janet McLean. Janet (daughter of Ferquhar McLean, of Dochgarroch) was born about 1482; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Janet was the daughter of Farquhar Maclean of Dochgarroch (ref 2) or Ferquhar McLean of Davochgerrie.

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

«i»Alexander Munro of Ardullie fl 1547/78 Third son of Alexander Munro of Kiltearn & Janet Maclean; received few charter of Ardullie from Robert Munro of Foulis 1547; said to have been 'banner-bearer to his Chief' in 1547 (Pinkie, 10 Sep 47); fl 1549; m. ------ with issue - Hugh (suc.) & Donald. 'agnamed Crechan' (Chronological & Genealogical Account of the Ancient & Honorable Family of Foulis, Inverness 1805) or 'Ni Cruich' (Munro Tree), but Mackenzie 396 says this was his grandson Alexander. On record 1549 as 'Alex Munro of Ardulle' (Foulis Writs no. 16), also 1552 (Reg. Mag. Sig. ), & prob. also in 1560, 1578, but son Hugh 'of Ardullie' 1581.

Munro Tree M/68; Mackenzie pp. 379, 396; Martine per Chronological & Genealogical Account of the Ancient & Honorable Family of Foulis, Inverness 1805, pp. 19, 28, & Macfarlane's Gen Coll i 38; Ross-shire Journal 5 Jan 1951; Writs nos. 75, 255, no. 16 - should be 1549 (not 1409); Reg. Mag. Sig. iv no. 750 - confirmation of charter by Robert Munro of Foulis 20 Jan 1551/2 at Ardersier (AM of A witness).
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The following is a transcription of RW Munro's genealogy notes:

[Alexander Munro] «i»Fourth son of Hugh Munro of Coul (fl 1492), & first by second wife Jane Cattanach; founder of Munros of Kiltearn, or 'Sliochd Alastair Mhic Uistean'; m. Janet, daughter of Farquhar Maclean of Dochgarroch line (?Bishop of the Isles ), with issue - Donald (High Dean of the Isles, fl 1526/1575). Hugh (Ferrytown of Obsdale). Alexander (Ardullie, fl 1547), John (succeeded to south half of Kiltearn), Farquhar (Teanoird), & William (Nether Culcraggie).. Brother-german of Donald (fl 1534-1546), Robert (fl 1539) & George.

Munro Tree M/38; Mackenzie 342, 377-379; Chron. Acc. 27, 28; Ross-shire Journal, 5 January 1951.
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References:

(1) "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - Edinburgh (1978) - M/38

(2) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
377

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:

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

[Alexander Munro] «i»Fourth son of Hugh Munro of Coul (fl 1492), & first by second wife Jane Cattanach; founder of Munros of Kiltearn, or 'Sliochd Alastair Mhic Uistean'; m. Janet, daughter of Farquhar Maclean of Dochgarroch line (?Bishop of the Isles ), with issue - Donald (High Dean of the Isles, fl 1526/1575). Hugh (Ferrytown of Obsdale). Alexander (Ardullie, fl 1547), John (succeeded to south half of Kiltearn), Farquhar (Teanoird), & William (Nether Culcraggie).. Brother-german of Donald (fl 1534-1546), Robert (fl 1539) & George.

Munro Tree M/38; Mackenzie 342, 377-379; Chron. Acc. 27, 28; Ross-shire Journal, 5 January 1951.
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«i»The tenth Baron of Foulis was George who married a daughter of McCulloch of Plaids. He was killed in 1452 at the Battle of Beallachnam-Brog as was his eldest son. He married, second, Christian McCulloch by whom he had son Hugh of Coul who succeeded to the Barony. It is with George that two lines separate to account for William of Lexington through Hugh, George's third son, and to John of Bristol, Rhode Island and Hugh of Long Island, presumed brothers, through John, his second son...

Hugh of Coul ... was on record in 1492...

Hugh Munro of Coul, said to be son of his father's second wife, Christian MacCulloch of Plaids. On record 1492. Said to have married, first, Eva, daughter of Ewen MacLean, of Urquhart and Dochgaroch, by whom his son John; second, Jane, daughter of Dugal Cattanach; third, a daughter of one of the Keiths, Marshals of Scotland.

«/i»("The Monroe Book" - by Dr. J. S. Guilford)«i»
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Error alert: «u»The Munro Book«/u» p. 6 says Hugh of Coul "succeeded to the Barony". I'm not sure what is meant by that statement. Hugh is not recognized as one of the Barons of Foulis.

Ref: Clan Munro files - Andrews, Arlene
Farlow, Donna

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734) by R. W. Munro - frontispiece, p. iv, M, M/1

Ref: "History of the Munros" by A. Mackenzie - p. 21

Hugh's lands were in the parish of Alness.

References:

(1) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p. 21, 342

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 Jane Cattanach about 1480. Jane (daughter of Dugal Cattanach) was born about 1460; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

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

[Alexander Munro] «i»Fourth son of Hugh Munro of Coul (fl 1492), & first by second wife Jane Cattanach; founder of Munros of Kiltearn, or 'Sliochd Alastair Mhic Uistean'; m. Janet, daughter of Farquhar Maclean of Dochgarroch line (?Bishop of the Isles ), with issue - Donald (High Dean of the Isles, fl 1526/1575). Hugh (Ferrytown of Obsdale). Alexander (Ardullie, fl 1547), John (succeeded to south half of Kiltearn), Farquhar (Teanoird), & William (Nether Culcraggie).. Brother-german of Donald (fl 1534-1546), Robert (fl 1539) & George.

Munro Tree M/38; Mackenzie 342, 377-379; Chron. Acc. 27, 28; Ross-shire Journal, 5 January 1951.
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Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734) by R. W. Munro - M/1

"Hugh Munro of Coul married thrice...2 next a daughter of Dugal Cattanach of Craignes mother to Alexr. Donald Robert and George...of each of whom came great families..."

"...no contemporary mention of his marriages are known, but Coul says his wives were drs of...(2) 'Dougall Cattanach of Creagnesh in Badenoch'..."

Jane was the daughter of Dugal Cattanach, of Craignish.

References:

(1) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
342

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

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:

George is said to have been served heir on 17 Oct 1410 to Isobeth Keith, his mother, in certain Caithness lands. He succeeded as Baron of Foulis in 1425 and had a charter from King James I of all his lands dated at St. Andrews on 22 Jul 1426. This charter greatly extended the lands of the Munro Clan. The extension was granted by charters from Euphemia, daughter of William, Earl of Ross, who on her father's death inherited the Earldom.

George's death at the battle of Beallach-nam-Brog, was brought about by a strange series of events. Euphemia Leslie, Countess Dowager of Ross, lived at Dingwall. She wanted to marry Alexander Mackenzie of Kintail, but Alexander was not willing for several reasons. (1) She was not able to add to his estates. (2) She was a turbulent woman and had been in prison. (3) Alexander had already planned to marry Macdougall's daughter.

Euphemia invited Alexander to her court in Dingwall to try one more time to get him to marry her and when he refused, she "converted her love to hatred" and made him her prisoner. She also, somehow, got possession of a gold ring that was to serve as a token between Alexander and Macaulay, the Governor of Ellandonnan. Macaulay had strict orders not to allow anyone to enter the castle without showing the gold ring. Euphemia sent the ring by messanger to Macaulay saying that Alexander was about to marry Euphemia and that he should come to Dingwall. Macaulay, seeing the ring, believed the story and left the castle which was immediately occupied by Euphemia's men.

Macaulay was able to communicate with Alexander, who told Macaulay that to secure his release, he should capture Walter Ross of Balnagown, who was one of Euphemia's close relatives, and then make an exchange. Macaulay returned to Kintail, collected a band of men and made the capture.

The Earl of Ross immediately advised Hugh, Lord Lovat, of the illegal seizure of his relative, and his Lordship promptly dispatched to the north two hundred men who were joined by Ross's vassals, the Munros of Fowlis, and the Dingwalls of Kildun. They immediately went in pursuit of Macaulay to rescue Balnagown.

Macaulay sent Balnagown away under guard and resolved to fight his pursuers in a spot that was between Ferrindonald and Lochbroom. A sanguinary conflict ensued, more than usually aggravated and exasperated by a keen and bitter recollection of previous feuds and ancient animosities. The Kinlochewe men were almost extirpated in the fight. The manhood of the race of Dingwall was literally extinguished, one hundred and forty of their men having fallen, while there were slain eleven Munros of the house of Fowlis that were to succeed one after another; so that the succession fell to a child then lying in his cradle. George Munro of Foulis was found among the dead.

During the battle, the Highlanders defended themselves from the arrows of their enemies by tying their shoes to their chests with their belts. Because of that, the place was named Bealach-nam-Brog, or the Pass of the Shoes.

After his success at Bealach-nam-Brog, Macaulay moved toward Ellandonnan and discovered a detail of men bringing provisions to the castle. He captured the detail and had his own men put on their clothes and carry the provisions. Using this trick, they were allowed into the castle where they easily retook it from the defenders.

In time, Alexander Mackenzie of Kintail and Walter Ross of Balnagown were exchanged and both released.

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«i»The tenth Baron of Foulis was George who married a daughter of McCulloch of Plaids. He was killed in 1452 at the Battle of Beallachnam-Brog as was his eldest son. He married, second, Christian McCulloch by whom he had son Hugh of Coul who succeeded to the Barony. It is with George that two lines separate to account for William of Lexington through Hugh, George's third son, and to John of Bristol, Rhode Island and Hugh of Long Island, presumed brothers, through John, his second son...

George Munro, heir to his mother, 17 Oct. 1410; killed at Beallachnam-Brog, 1452. Tenth Baron of Foulis in the traditional numbering, possibly actually fifth Baron.

«/i»("The Monroe Book" - by Dr. J. S. Guilford)«i»
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Compiled and edited by Allen Alger, Genealogist, Clan Munro Association, USA

Birth:
Foulis

George married Christian McCulloch, of Plaids about 1445 in , , , Scotland. Christian (daughter of John MacCulloch) was born about 1414 in , , , Scotland; died in in , , , Scotland. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

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The following is from «u»The Monroe Book«/u»:

«i»The tenth Baron of Foulis was George who married a daughter of McCulloch of Plaids. He was killed in 1452 at the Battle of Beallachnam-Brog as was his eldest son. He married, second, Christian McCulloch by whom he had son Hugh of Coul who succeeded to the Barony.
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Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734) by R. W. Munro - M

"...next he married a daughter of McCulloch of plaids by whom he had John and Hugh he was killed at Belach nabroge 1452."

Ref: "History of the Munros" by A. Mackenzie - p. 21

"He [George] married secondly, Christian, daughter of John MacCulloch of Plaids, on record in 1458 as Bailie of the Girth, or Sanctuary of St. Duthus, Tain, with issue--"

Christian was the daughter of John MacCulloch, I of Plaids, Tain, Ross-shire.

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

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.