Munro

Notes:

Ref: The Munro Tree (1734) - Q/13

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - Q/13

"John his 3d son married Margaret daughter to Mr Robert Munro Minister of Urquhart by whom he had a daughter he had a naturall son called David."

References:

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

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:

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

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - Q/3, Q/13

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.

John his 3d son married Margaret daughter to Mr Robert Munro Minister of Urquhart by whom he had a daughter he had a naturall son called David.

John 3rd son of John of Fyrish Q/3; for wife's father see M/3.

Married Margaret daughter of Robert Munro, Minister at Urquhart.

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.
344, 432

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 Margaret Munro. Margaret (daughter of Robert Munro and Elizabeth Munro) was born est 1613; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Ref: The Munro Tree (1734) - Q/13 & M/3

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

"...Robert vicar of Urquhart and minister of Kiltearn had son Hector and dr Margaret m John of Fyrish."

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - Q/13 "John his 3d son married Margaret daughter to Mr Robert Munro Minister of Urquhart by whom he had a daughter he had a naturall son called David."

"...for wife's father see M/3."

Daughter of Robert Munro of Balconie, Minister of Urquhart.

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.
344, 432

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

Notes:

John Munro of Fyres received the estate of his brother, William Munro of Kildermorie, when William died without a male heir.

Ref: The Munro Tree (1734) - Q/1 & Q/3

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - Q/1

"Hector Munro of Contulich and Kildermory married a daughter of Hector Roy McKenzie of Gairloch by her he had William John George and Hugh and a daughter Janet that married McKay of Auchness."

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

"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."

"John's wife Helen not mentioned in M/9-16; for son David see Invss Sassines."

Suceeded to estates of Kildermorie and others of older brother William who died without male heir. Married (1) Helen Munro, daughter of Hugh of Teaninich with issue of three sons: Hugh, David and John. He died about 1640 and was suceeded by eldest son HUGH.

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

Ref 1 p. 417 says John's father was Hugh Munro, I. of Contullich and Kildermorie, but on p. 431 names his father as Hector Munro.

References:

(1) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
417, 431-432

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 Helen Munro, Of Teaninich. Helen (daughter of Hugh Munro, Of Teaninich and Euphemia Munro) was born about 1569; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

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

"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."

"John's wife Helen not mentioned in M/9-16; for son David see Invss Sassines."

Daughter of Hugh Munro of Teaninich.

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.
417, 432

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 was vicar of Urquhart and minister of Kiltearn.

Ref: The Munro Tree (1734) - M/3 & Q/13

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

John Moir Munro of Balcony married Vaus of Loch Sline his daughter by whom he had John Hugh the first of Teaninich Mr Robert Munro vicar of Urquhart and Minister of Kiltearn who dyed 1610 Ferquhar Munro of Aldy David and two daughters one married John Munro of Pittonachly.

...son Robert vicar of Urquhart and minister of Kiltearn had son Hector and dr Margaret m John of Fyrish.

Robert studied for the Church at the University of Aberdeen. He was presented to his first charge, the Vicarage of Urquhart and Logie-Wester, by Queen Mary in 1560. He is entered as Reader at Lammas, 1569, and became Exhorter in the following November, with the additional charge of Cullicudden. In 1574, the Church of Dingwall was added. In 1589, he was translated to the parish of Kiltearn, to which he was presented in that year by King James VI. On 26 May 1597, he was presented by King James VI to be the Treasurer of the Diocese of Ross.

He married in his old age and had one daughter.

References:

(1) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
344, 432

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

Robert married Elizabeth Munro. Elizabeth (daughter of Robert Mor Munro, XV of Foulis and Catherine Ross, of Balnagown) was born est 1568; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - R, M/43, R/39

Robert Moir Munro Baron of Fowlis married Margaret daughter to Ogilvie of Finlater by whom he had 2 sons and 3 daughters 2d he married Catherin daughter to Alexander Ross of Balnagown and had 3 sons 4 daughters.

Mr Robert Munro of Coul minister of Kiltearn married Elizabeth daughter to Robert Laird of Fowlis by whom he had Major Hector Major John and two daughters one married to Scourys broyr. the other to Dunbar merchant at Inverness.

His [Robert mor's] daughters...Elizabeth married Mr Robert Munro Minister of Coul.

Drs of Robert mor of Foulis:...Elizabeth m Robert of Coul M/43 min of Thurso.

Ref: "History of the Munros" by A. Mackenzie - p. 57

12. Elizabeth, who married Robert Munro of Coul (eldest son of the Rev. William Munro of Cullicudden)

References:

(1) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
344, 385

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

Notes:

Hector of Contulich and Kildermory was the progenitor of the Fyrish branch. His wife was the daughter of Hector Roy Mackenzie of Gairloch.

Ref: "The Munro Tree 1734)" by R. W. Munro - Q/1
Clan Munro files - Stroud, Anna Margaret

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - Q, Q/1

Robert Barron of Fowlis married Margaret daughter to Sir Alexander Dunbar Sheriff of Murray by whom he had 4 sons and 3 daughters he was slain at the Battle of Pinkie with many of his followers in [? September] 1547.

...their four sons appear below as Robert R, Hector Q/1, Hugh Q/18 and George Q/45; for dr Catherine see M/4.

Hector Munro of Contulich and Kildermory married a daughter of Hector Roy McKenzie of Gairloch by her he had William John George and Hugh and a daughter Janet that married McKay of Auchness.

Ref: "History of the Munros" by A. Mackenzie - p. 42

By Margaret Dunbar, Robert had issue...

2. Hector, I. of Contullich, from whom are descended the families of Contullich, Gildermorie, and Fyrish, and of whom in their order.

...the superiority of the lands of Creich was purchased by the Munros in 1541. In 1589 Hector Munro is served heir male and of entail to his father Robert Munro of Fowlis "the elder, in the superiority of the land of Creichmor in Breachat, and the fishings of Kellisoquill (Kyle Oykel) both in salt water and in fresh, lying in the Earldom or Ross and barony of Fowlis.

On the 22nd of July, 1590, Hector was arraigned before a jury at Edinburgh for the crimes of "sorcery, incantation, witchcraft, slaughter, etc.," his trial taking place immediately after that of his stepmother, already referred to. The proceedings are recorded at length in Pitcairn's Criminal Trials, vol. i., part ii., pages 201-204, and the "Dittay," or indictment, extended over the period which had elapsed since 1588. The chief accusation against him was his having, through "inchantments" caused the death of his half-brother George, who "did take ane deadlie sickness in the month of Apryle, 1590 yeirs, and contineward thairin quhile Junij (till June) thaireafter, deceissit in the said month of Junij, being the third day of that instant." In this case the incantation was a doze of slow poison; and his paternal uncle, Hector Munro of Fyrish, appears to have been implicated in the matter. Hector of Fowlis "all uterlie denyit" the charge and was acquitted by the assize, and was "prouniceit and declarit to be acquit and innocent of all the heidis of the said Dittey." He thus escaped any serious consequences from his alleged crimes; but his trial and that of his stepmother are curious incidents in the annals of the family.

The second son of Robert IV of Foulis inherited large estates and was first of families of Kildermorie, Fyrish and Tullochue.

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.
431

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.

Hector married Unknown. Unknown was born about 1542; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - Q/1

"Hector Munro of Contulich and Kildermory married a daughter of Hector Roy McKenzie of Gairloch by her he had William John George and Hugh and a daughter Janet that married McKay of Auchness."

Although the "Munro Tree" states that the wife of Hector Munro of Fyrish, Contullich and Kiltermorie married a daughter of Hector Roy Mckenzie of Gairloch, ref 1 argues convincingly that this was impossible. There is no trace of such a daughter in the Gairloch genealogies. Hector Roy died at a very advanced age in 1528, whereas a sasine to this supposed daughter, Helen, is dated nearly eighty years later, and is in favor of Helen Munro, on a charter by Hector Munro of Kildermorie, dated 15 Dec 1607.

References:

(1) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
431

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.

Notes:

Hugh Munro the first of Teaninich had a charter from Sir William Keith of Delny, 2 Mar 1588/9.

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

"John Moir Munro of Balcony married Vaus of Loch Sline his daughter by whom he had John Hugh the first of Teaninich Mr Robert Munro vicar of Urquhart and Minister of Kiltearn who dyed 1610 Ferquhar Munro of Aldy David and two daughters one married John Munro of Pittonachly."

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - M/9

"Hugh of Teaninich his 2d son married Euffem daughter to Andrew Munro of Culinald by whom he had Robert Andrew and John Munro Bailyie of Tayne."

"Hugh son of John mor of Balconie had charter as HM 'in Fyries' of lands of Teaninich from Sir william Keith of Delny 2 Mch 1588/9; wife not mentioned in L/101."

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - M/77

"William Munro of Teanard married Margaret daughter to Hugh Munro of Teaninich by whom he had fferquhard Hugh and a daughter Janet married to John roy in Teanard."

Hugh was first known as Hugh Munro in Fyrish. On 2 Mar 1588, Hugh received a Royal grant of Teaninich from King James VI for good services rendered to the King. A sasine followed on 6 Jun 1589. The name of the estate was later changed to Wester Teaninich.

Hugh died before 29 May 1593.

References:

(1) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
344, 416-417

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 Euphemia Munro. Euphemia (daughter of Andrew Munro, of Culnauld and Anne Ross) was born est 1533; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

It is not certain which of Andrew's wives was Euphemia's mother.

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - L/101

"Andrew of Culnald, son of Andrew, d 11 Jan 1580;...dr Euphemia..."

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - M/9

"Hugh of Teaninich his 2d son married Euffem daughter to Andrew Munro of Culinald by whom he had robert Andrew and John Munro Bailyie of Tayne."

"...wife not mentioned in L/101."

References:

(1) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
416

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

Notes:

John Moir Munro of Balcony married Agnes (or Katherine), the daughter of John and Elizabeth Vass of Loch Sline. He is also on record as John Munro of Urquhart. One reference calls him the 3rd earl of Coul and 2nd of Balconie.

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - M/3
Clan Munro files - Andrews, Arlene
Larkin, Katherine Anne
Farlow, Donna

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734) by R. W. Munro - M/2

"Mr John Munro of Balcony and Coul married Mcby of Strathchonnins daughter Margaret by whom he had John Hugh William Andrew David and Donald."

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

"John Moir Munro of Balcony married Vaus of Loch Sline his daughter by whom he had John Hugh the first of Teaninich Mr Robert Munro vicar of Urquhart and Minister of Kiltearn who dyed 1610 Ferquhar Munro of Aldy David and two daughters one married John Munro of Pittonachly."

"John of Balcony also on record as John Munro of Urquhart with wife Agnes Waus or Vass 1572; son Robert vicar of Urquhart and minister of Kiltearn had son Hector and dr Margaret m John of Fyrish."

References:

(1) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
343, 347

Mackenzie p. 559 and the Andrews reference say John was the son of Hugh Munro I of Coul, but Mackenzie p. 342-343 says he was the grandson of Hugh.

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

Birth:
Estimate: John's birth date is an estimate based on the birth date of his father.

John married Agnes Vass. Agnes (daughter of John Vass, of Cromarty and Elizabeth Urquahart) was born about 1501 in , , , Scotland; died about 1600 in , , , Scotland. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

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

"John Moir Munro of Balcony married Vaus of Loch Sline his daughter by whom he had John Hugh the first of Teaninich Mr Robert Munro vicar of Urquhart and Minister of Kiltearn who dyed 1610 Ferquhar Munro of Aldy David and two daughters one married John Munro of Pittonachly."

"John of Balcony also on record as John Munro of Urquhart with wife Agnes Waus or Vass 1572; son Robert vicar of Urquhart and minister of Kiltearn had son Hector and dr Margaret m John of Fyrish."

References:

(1) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
344

Agnes (or Catharine) was the daughter of John Vass of Lochshin.

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

Birth:
Estimate: Agnes' birth date is an estimate based on the birth date of her husband, John.

Notes:

Robert was served heir to his father before Alexander Baillie, Sheriff-Depute of Inverness on 11 Jan 1548. He was still a minor and so was placed under the tutorship of his uncle, Hugh Munro of Contullich.

Robert got into a great deal of trouble because his uncle and tutor, Hugh Munro killed two tenants in Little Boath, belonging to the Laird of Balnagowan. The problem was resolved after great expense to Robert including the loss of the lands of Kiltearn.

Robert came to be known as Robert Mor because of his stature. His estates were erected into a barony by 1553. He was a supporter of Mary, Queen of Scots.

He gave to Neil Beaton, a heritable tack of the lands of Culnaskea for serving as surgeon or doctor to his family.

In 1552, he sold to Margaret Ogilvie, widow of William Mackintosh of Mackintosh, the lands of Wester Foulis in liferent, but later regained these lands by marrying Margaret.

In 1560, he regained the lands of Kiltearn by obtaining them from Quinten Monypenny, General-Vicar and Dean of Ross. The charter was registered and and confirmed on 3 Sep 1584. In the same year, he acquired from the Bishops of Ross, the lands of Limlair, Pellaig, Wester Glens, and Mukle Boitt (or Boath).

He attended the Reformation Parliament in Edinburgh on 1 Aug 1560 where he voted for the overthrow of the Catholic Church and for acceptance for the Scottish Confession of Faith. He was among the barons assembled on 24 Nov 1572 in Edinburgh to choose a Regent when the Convention of Estates appointed Morton. In the Edinburgh Parliament of 30 Nov 1581, he is listed as "Robert Monro of Fowlis, bailie and chamberlane of Ros, one of the Justices in that part." He had been appointed to that position by the seventh Parliament of King James VI, held at Edinburgh on 24 Feb 1581, when he was described as "His Majesty's principal bailie of the Earldom of Ross and Lordship of Ardmeanach."

In Robert's time, the Munro Clan was considered by the Crown, of considerable importance, and among the most loyal of the northern clans. When Queen Mary arrived at Inverness on 11 Sep 1562, and found the castle shut against her by the governor, Captain Alexander Gordon, the Munros, under Robert Mor, their Chief, were among those loyal subjects who came to her assistance.

By a charter dated at Scone on 11 Jul 1565, Robert obtained from Sir James Spence, Chaplain of St. Lawrence, and Sir Alexander Douglas, Chaplain of St. Mary, the lands of Mukle and Little Clynes.

On 23 Jun 1567, he served as a member of the jury when John, Earl of Sutherland was served heir to his grandmother, Elizabeth, Countess of Sutherland.

At Edinburgh, on 10 Apr 1569, he and many others signed a bond of allegiance to King James VI.

On 22 Nov 1569, Robert was appointed by the Lord Regent, as a Justice-Depute in the diocese of Caithness for the trial of certain persons.

In 1570 a serious quarrel broke out between the Munros and the Mackenzies. Leslie, the celebrated Bishop of Ross who had been secretary to Queen Mary, dreading the effect of public feeling against prelacy in the north and against himself personally made over to his cousin, Leslie of Balquhain, his rights and titles to the Chanonry of Ross, together with the Castle lands, in order to divest them of the character of church property and so save them to his family. But in spite of this grant, the Regent Murray gave the custody of the Castle to Andrew Munro of Milntown, a rigid Presbyterian, who was in high favor with Murray.

The Mackenzies were by no means pleased at seeing the Munros occupying the stronghold. They purchased Leslie's right to the castle and demanded delivery. The Munros at once refused. Mackenzie of Kintail raised his vassals and, joined by a detachment of the Mackintoshes, garrisoned the steeple of the Cathedral Church and laid siege to Irvine's Tower and the Palace.

The Munros held out for three years, but one day the garrison becoming short of provisions, they attempted a sortie to the Ness of Fortrose, where there was at the time a salmon stell, the contents of which they attempted to secure. They were immediately discovered and followed by the Mackenzies under Iain Dubh Mac Ruairidh Mhic Alastair. The Munros were ambushed and twenty-six of them were killed. The remaining defenders of the castle immediately capitulated, and it was taken possession of by the Mackenzies. Later it was confirmed to the Baron of Kintail by King James VI.

In 1572, as a reward for his faithful services to the Crown, Robert obtained from King James VI a grant of the tack of all the customs due as royalties from the town and Sheriffdom of Inverness, in the counties of Ross, Sutherland, and Caithness. This was registered in a charter under the Privy Seal dated at Edinburgh on 5 Jan 1572.

He was one of the members of a Commission appointed to act as Sheriffs of Inverness for serving Alexander Earl of Sutherland heir to his father Earl John, on 30 May 1573. But Alexander petitioned to be served heir in Aberdeen, as he could not get a jury together to sit at Inverness because there was a deadly feud in progress among the local barons including Colin Mackenzie of Kintail, Lachlan Mackintosh of Mackintosh, and Robert Munro of Foulis.

On 9 Jan 1578, Robert appeared as one of the arbitrators for David Dunbar, portioner of Kinsterrie, concerning the slaughter of two of Dunbar's servants by the tenants or followers of Cawdor.

In 1578, the Lord Regent and Privy Council learned that the Earl of Argyll intended to invade the territories of Donald MacAngus of Glengarry. On 19 Feb 1577-78, their Lordships issued orders to many Highland Chiefs, including Robert Munro of Foulis, to be ready with their whole forces to come the the aid and defense of Donald MacAngus of Glengarry.

Robert obtained various lands in Inverness and Ross by charter dated 11 Jan 1583 under the Great Seal, and later that year, on 10 May 1583, he disponed to his son, George of Obsdale, the lands of Limlare, Pelaig, Wester Glens, and Bothmoir.

In about 1585, a dispute arose between Neil Macleod and Donald Bane Macleod regarding the succession to Assynt. The succession was ultimately awarded to Neil, but Donald Bane complained to Foulis, in whose family he had been brought up. Robert's influence was able to obtain for Donald Bane a part of the lands of Assynt.

On 30 Nov 1586, Robert was denounced by the Privy Council, along with most of the other Highland Chiefs, on the complaint of the United Burghs of Scotland, for obstructing the fisheries in the northern parts and for making extortionate exactions from the fishermen.

On 6 May 1588, King James VI, issued an order of special protection granted to the Earl of Sutherland and his Countess. In it, the King ordered Robert Munro of Foulis and many other local leaders to be ready to raise their followers in arms to assist the Earl of Sutherland if needed.

On 20 Jul 1588, Robert was appointed by the King to be collector of a tax in Inverness-shire, which was to be used for the repair of Edinburgh Castle.

Robert was one of the first of the Highland Chiefs to renounce the Roman Catholic form of religion and to embrace the doctrines of the Reformation. In this decision, he exercised great influence in the county of Ross. He voted in the Parliament of Aug 1560, for the overthrow of the Popish Church, and for the adoption of the Scottish Confession of Faith. The first spot in Ross-shire where the reformed religion is said to have been preached is at Waterloo, midway between Foulis and Dingwall. The preacher is said to have been the Rev. Donald Munro, the well-known High Dean of the Isles.

Robert appears to have profited considerably by the long leases of church lands and forfeitures arising from the changed condition of affairs caused by the Reformation. He is said to have been a wise and good man, and the name "Mor," or great, was not altogether inapplicable to him.

He died at Foulis Castle on 4 Nov 1588 at about the age of 60. By his own direction, his body was buried in the churchyard of Kiltearn, which has ever since continued to be the burying place of the Chiefs of the family. He was the first who made this change from the ancient custom of his ancestors, who had always been interred at the Chanonry of Ross. It is probable that this baron, who was the the first professing Protestant of the family of Foulis, desired by this change, to mark the complete severance of all connection with the Church of Rome and her consecrated establishments.

Error alert: According to the dates in references, Robert remarried about a year before his first wife died. It's possible that his first marriage ended in divorce, but it is more likely that one or more dates in the reference are incorrect.

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 Catherine Ross, of Balnagown on 22 Nov 1563. Catherine (daughter of Ross, Laird of Balnagown) was born about 1530; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - R, S

Robert Moir Munro Baron of Fowlis married Margaret daughter to Ogilvie of Finlater by whom he had 2 sons and 3 daughters 2d he married Catherin daughter to Alexander Ross of Balnagown and had 3 sons 4 daughters.

...by the second [marriage, he had] another 3 sons, George R/3, John R/23, Andrew R/24; for drs see R/39.

Hector [was]...associated with the King's Advocate in the unsuccessful prosecution of his stepmother [Catherine Ross] for witchcraft...

Ref: "History of the Munros" by A. Mackenzie - p. 41, 56-58, 63-64, 66-67, 71

In 1544 Robert entered into a bond of manrent and friendship--according to the custom of the period in Scotland--with Alexander Ross, IX. of Balnagown (father of Robert's eldest son's second wife)...

Robert married, secondly, Catherine, eldest daughter of Alexander Ross, IX. of Balnagowan, by his first wife, Janet Sinclair, daughter of John, fifth Earl of Caithness, with issue--three sons and four daughters.

His second wife, "Katherine Ross, Lady Fowlis," as she is designated in the "Dittay," survived Baron Robert for several years. She was implicated, with her stepson, Hector the seventeenth Baron, in an infamous attempt at poisoning through sorcery and incantation. Though her action in the matter is ignored in the family annals, it is here given as related in the Justiciary Records, printed in Pitcairn's Criminal Trials in Scotland, vol. i., part ii., pages 191-202. The trial is also noticed in the preface to Law's Memorials, though in less detail, and with certain errors in some of the particulars given.

The purpose of the poisoning and "witchcraft," and of the compact into which the Lady of Fowlis entered with a crew of miscreants in 1576 and 1577, was to remove Marjory Campbell, the young wife of her brother, George Ross, X. of Balnagowan, and daughter of Sir John Campbell, IX. of Cawdor, that he might marry the wife of young Fowlis, and to accomplish this effectually it was necessary to destroy her stepson Robert Munro, then "apparand of Fowlis," eldest son and heir of Robert Mor.

One of the witches was a Tain woman named Marjory Macallister, nicknamed Loskie Loutart, and one of the wizards involved with Loskie in the charge of witchcraft and attempted murder by poisoning was William Macgillivray, nicknamed Damh, also a native of Tain. Marjory Macallister is said to have made for the Lady Fowlis an image of clay, to be set up and shot at with elf arrows, the object being to cause the person whom the image represented (Robert XVI. of Fowlis), to pine away and die. William Macgillivray sold to the Lady a "box of witchcraft," that is of poison, for the smae end, for which he was sentenced to be burnt. Loskie was not similarly dealt with, probably because a distinction was made between witchcraft that took the effective form of administrating poison and that which confined itself to the fanciful method of shooting at a clay image.

Several of the other instruments, "reputed witches," were convicted at a Justice Court held "within the Cathedral Kirk of Roiss," on the 28th of November, 1577, and sentenced to be "brint for the samin." They died at the stake, confessing the whole plot and implicating their employer in all their horrible practices. Lady Fowlis was not tried until the 22nd of July, 1590, being then "dilatit of certain crymes of witchcraft," at the instance of the King's Advocate, David Macgill of Cranston-Riddell, and Hector Munro of Fowlis. The verdict of the Assize, however, pronounced her "to be innocent, and quit of the haill poynts of the dittay," and she was acquitted accordingly.

The private prosecutor was Hector Munro, now of Fowlis, another stepson, who in a few hours was to change places with her as the accused at the same bar of Justice for similar crimes; his "assize," or jury being chiefly composed of Munros and Rosses, burgesses of Tain and Dingwall, and dependents of the families of Ross and Munro.

On the 4th of June, 1589, Hector appears in a curious position in connection with a prosecution for witchcraft against several women, and an abridgement of the document, as recorded in the records of the Privy Council, is of sufficient interest to justify a place here. It is the complaint of Katherine Ross, relict of Robert Munro of Fowlis; Margaret Sutherland, spouse of Neil Munro, in Swordale; Margaret Ross, spouse of John Neil Macdonald Roy, in Coull; and Margaret Mowat, as follows:--Mr Hector Munro now of Fowlis, son-in-law of the said Katherine Ross, "seeking all ways and means to possess himself in certain her tierce and conjunct fee lands of the Barony of Fowlis, and to dispossess her therefrom," had first "persued certain of her tennants and servants by way of deed for their bodily harm and slaughter," and then, "finding that he could not prevail that way, neither by sundry other indirect means sought by him, had at last, "upon sinister and wrong information and importunate suit, purchased a commission of the same to His Majesty, and to Colin Mackenzie of Kintail, Rory Mackenzie, his brother, John Mackenzie of Gairloch, Alexander Bain of Tulloch, Angus Mackintosh of Termitt, James Glas of Gask, William Cuthbert, in Inverness, and some others specially mentioned therein, for apprehending of the siad Margaret Sutherland, Bessy Innes, Margaret Ross, and Margaret Mowat, and sundry others, and putting them to the knowledge of an assize for witchcraft and other forged and feinted crimes alleged to be committed by them." Further, "the said persons, by virtue of the same commission, intended to proceed against them most partially and wilfully, and therby to drive the said complainers to that strait that either they shall satisfy his unreasonable desire, or then to loose their lives, with the sober portion of goods made by them for the sustenance of themselves and their poor bairns; howbeit it be of verity that they are honest women of repute and holding these many years bygone, spotted at no time with any such ungodly practices, neither any ways having committed any offence, but by all their actions behaved themselves as discreetly and honestly as none justly could or can have occasion of complaint--they being ever ready, like they are yet, to underlie the law for all crimes that can be laid to their charge," and having to that effect, "presently found caution for their compearance before the justice and his deputes, or any judge unsuspected, upon fifteen days' warning." Their prayer, accordingly, is that the said commission be discharged. Mr Hector Munro, appearing for himself and his collegues, and the complainers by Alexander Morrison, their procurator, the Lords ordain Mr Hector and the other commissioners to desist from proceeding against the women, and remit their trial to be taken before the Justice-General or his deputes in the next justice court appointed to be held after His Magesty's repairing to the north parts of this realm in the month of July next," at which time, if His Majesty shall not repair thither, or being repaired shall not before this returning cause the same trial to be taken, "in that case commission shall be given to Thomas Fraser of Knockys, tutor of Lovat, John Urquhart of Cadboll, tutor of Cormarty, and Alexander Bayne of Tulloch, or any two of them to administer justice conform to the laws of the realm." (Mackenzie's History of the Mackenzies, second edition, pp. 170-172.)

Hector Munro and Lachlan Mackintosh of Mackintosh enter into a bond of caution on the 1st of August, 1589, that they will produce before the King's Justice in the Tolbooth of Edinburgh on the 28th of October following the King's letters executed against such persons as are appointed to be upon the trial and assize of Kathering Ross, widow of the late Robert Munro of Fowlis, and also that the said Lachlan and Hector "shall insist in pursuit of her to the uttermost upon the same day for such crimes whereof she is delait and accused without shift, excuse, or delay." Hector also gives bond, on the 1st August, that he--who is appointed to intromit with the rents of the said Catherine till she be tried of the crimes laid to her charge--shall pay to her forty shillings daily out of his intromissions for her expenses in ward, whether in any of the King's castles, or elsewhere, till the said trial be taken, beginning on the 2nd of August instant; and further, that the said Hector shall account to her, in case she may be found innocent, for any sums of money, maills, or duties, to be intromitted by him after the date of the bond, over and above the daily sums provided therin to be paid by him.

On the 5th of November following John Campbell of Cawdor becomes cautioner in 2000 pounds that Hector will not harm Katherine Ross, Lady Fowlis, her tenants, or servants.

On the 3rd of August, 1598, a bond is subscribed at Tain, and registered in Edinburgh on the 14th of the same month, by Hector Munro, apparent of Assint; Hugh Ross, apparent of Muldearg; and three others, for George Sinclair of Mey, that he will not molest Katherine Ross, Lady of Fowlis, William Gordon of Brodland, her spouse; or William Ross in Balnacnycht. From this it appears that she married again, after the death of her husband, Robert Munro, who died on the 4th of November, 1588.

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«i»There are many stories in Fraser's history of the clan and, of course, after the Battle of Worcester the line is continued in his compilation. The most interesting of these stories has to do with Robert Mor Munro who married about 1563, as a second wife, Katherine Ross, daughter of the Laird of Balnagown. She bore him six children, but as Fraser puts it, "she was an unchancy mate for a pious man. Many of her contemporaries believed her to be a murderess, a poisoner, and an employer of witches and sorcerers. Not only this, but she was said to have introduced one of her stepsons, Hector Munro--who later became Chief--to similar sinister practices. Shortly after her husband's death in 1588, both she and Hector Munro stood their separate trials for witchcraft and attempted murder" (p. 22). The result was that both were acquitted on every point, "in apparent disregard of the evidence" (ibid.). The crimes with which Katherine was charged are said to have been committed in 1566 and 1567. The witches and warlocks involved were named and in 1567 two of them were caught, tried, and burned at the stake.«/i»

(The Monroe Book - by J. S. Guilford)
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Compiled and edited by Allen Alger, Genealogist, Clan Munro Association, USA

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