George Mason Monroe, M.D.

Notes:

George was born in Alabama in 1858. His father moved the family to Louisiana in 1865, when George was about 7. He grew up on his father's farm, attending country schools at Sugartown and Hineston.

He served as a 2nd Lieutenant in the American Civil War.

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The following is from "History of Louisiana", by Chambers - vol III - p. 99 (published by the American Historical Society Inc. Chicago & New York 1925)

Through a long peoriod of forty years Dr. George M. Monroe has been active in the work of the medical profession. His home is at Glenmora in Rapides Parish, and in that locality his name stands for the highest standards of professional and civic ability.

He was born in Alabama in 1858 son of John A. and Sara (Levi) Monroe, his father a native of North Carolina, and his mother Maryland. The grandparents of Doctor Monroe were natives of Scotland. John A. lived in Alabama for thirty years, coming to Louisiana in 1865, and followed the trade of a tailor, also was a farmer and planter and for a number of years a local minister of the Methodist Church.

He served four years in the American Civil War, being a second lieutenant. He was a democrat in politics. Of eleven children only two are now living, George M. and Jefferson Davis. The latter is a truck farmer at Tioga, Louisiana.

George grew up on his father's farm, attended country schools at Sugartown and Hineston, and from the age of 19 was entirely dependent upon his own exertions. He earned the money that put him through the Alabama Medical College at Mobile, from which he graduated in 1884. For eight years he practiced in Rapides Parish, and then for five years was engaged in the work of his profession in New Mexico. On returning to Louisiana he took a post graduate course in Tulane University during 1897-98, and in the latter year located at Glenmore, where for a quarter of a century he has been busy in a general practice. More recently he has been limiting his practice, the great amount of riding and driving having entailed heavy demands upon his health and strength. He has been local railway surgeon for a number of years and is a member of the Railway Surgeons Association.

Doctor Monroe married, in 1889, Miss Martha Thielemann, a native of Sugartown, Louisiana. Seven children were born to their marriage and five are now living: Ada, wife of E. O. Pringle, a merchant at Glenmora; Harold L., a railway clerk at Portland, Arkansas; Mildred, wife of Homer C. Lee, a lawyer at Dallas, Texas; Gladys, a school teacher; and Grace at home.

Dr. Monroe has taken a prominent part in Masonry, being affiliated with the Lodge, the Royal Arch Chapter, the Council, the Scottish Rite Consistory and the Shrine, and has served in the offices of master, high priest and thrice illustrious master. Both he and his wife are members of the Eastern Star, and he is a democrat in politics. During his residence in New Mexico, he served a term as county commissioner.
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The following appears to be a record of medical payments kept by Dr. Monroe.

29 Apr 1905 - Receipts for medical visits
M S. S. Akins & Son to Geo M. Monroe MD
professional servics from 31 Jul 1900 tp 5 Sep 1900
5 visits at 5.00 = $25.00
1 visits of Extra charge = $10.00
other charges Surgical special Medicine $15.00
Credits, by cash $30.00
Amount due $20.00
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In 1880, he was working as a school teacher in Sugartown, Louisiana and living with his sister, Catherine. He put himself through medical school graduating from the Alabama Medical College in Mobile, Alabama in 1884 or 1885.

After graduation, he practiced medicine for eight years in Elmer, Louisiana (population 22 when he arrived) and Rapides Parish, Louisiana. In 1887, he married Martha Thielemann. One descendant, Lonnie Elaine Monroe, has stated that all of their children were adopted, but that is not believed to be true.

In about 1892, the family moved to Eddie, New Mexico (later named Carlsbad), where George continued his profession and served a term as county commissioner.




On returning to Louisiana, he took a post graduate course at Tulane University during 1897-98, and in the latter year he was one of the first to settle in Glenmora, Louisiana, where he farmed for a time but for many years he had a very busy general practice there. It is said that he always kept a carriage ready or a horse saddled, night and day, in case he was called out on a medical emergency. He also served as the local railway surgeon for a number of years and was a member of the Railway Surgeons Association.

George was one of the first settlers in Glenmora, Louisiana and in addition to his medical practice, he did some farming. He was a member of the Methodist Church, and was a Democrat by politics.

On 20 Apr 1889, George bought land in Rapides Parish for $150. He bought more land on 9 May 1899 for $400, on which he was restricted "from the manufacture or sale of intoxicating liquers except for medical purposes." On 9 Apr 1903, he sold some land to J. D. Stalsby. He sold more land on 26 Sep 1904, and on 9 Aug 1913.

Doctor Monroe took a prominent part in Masonry. He was initiated at the Glenmora Masonic Lodge Number 356 on 18 May 1912. He was affiliated with the Arch Chapter, the Council, the Scottish Rite Consistory and the Shrine. He served in the offices of master, high priest and was three times the illustrious master. Both he and his wife were members of the Eastern Star. On 29 May 1913 he gave the building that became Glenmore Lodge #356 F&AM, however, he leased the downstairs offices for the sum of $1 for 99 years. He called it the lawyer story of the lodge building.

While he was practicing medicine, George would get up every morning and harness up his horse and buggy for the day just in case someone needed him in a hurry. then at night he would saddle up his horse and put him in a stall. Doctors traveled a lot in those days.

On 26 Jan 1947, George and his wife walked to church as they did every Sunday. As the service was being dismissed that evening, the couple were standing. Elmer Melder was standing behind him and saw him go down. Elmer helped to get Dr. Monroe up, but he was dead.

George lived most of his life in Glenmora, Louisiana where his name stood for the highest standards of professional and civic ability.

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

Buried:
Glenmora Cemetery

George married Martha Frances Thielemann on 10 Feb 1887 in Sugartown, Calcasieu Par., Louisiana, USA. Martha was born on 17 Jun 1870; died on 30 May 1961; was buried in Glenmora, Rapides Par., Louisiana, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Married:
The place of marriage of George and Martha has not been confirmed.

1. Ada Monroe was born on 30 Nov 1888; died on 26 Mar 1981 in Alexandria, Rapides Par., Louisiana, USA.
2. Aubrey Monroe was born on 30 Nov 1891; died on 13 Jun 1893.
3. Harold Langly Monroe was born on 21 Jun 1894; died on 27 May 1956 in Houston, Harris Co., Texas, USA.
4. Lucy Mildred Monroe was born on 24 Apr 1896; and died.
5. Gladys May Monroe was born on 22 Jul 1900 in Glenmora, Rapides Par., Louisiana, USA; died on 28 Oct 1991 in Houston, Harris Co., Texas, USA.
6. Grace Margarite Monroe was born on 29 Mar 1903; died on 31 Jul 1968 in New Orleans, Orleans Par., Louisiana, USA.
7. James Herman Monroe was born on 13 Feb 1908; died on 13 Feb 1908.

Notes:

The 1850 census shows John living in Taladega County, Alabama (house number 532) and working as a tailor. In the 1860 census, he and his family were living near Sylacauga, Taladega County, Alabama. He was still a tailor with real property worth $700 and personal property worth $700. The Louisiana Masonic Grand lodge had John listed as a farmer.

On 12 Aug 1981, Elbra A. Monroe said that John Anthony was living in North Carolina when Yankees came through and burned and killed his cattle, and knocked down fences. He then packed up and moved away. He said he got this information from a book by Joanne Coker Graves. He may have meant Alabama because he was living there from at least 1844 to 1860.

On 1 Jan 1863, John enlisted at Coosa County, Alabama and was assigned to Company B, 2nd Battalion of Hilliard's Legion. On 2 Jul 1863, he became ill and was sent to the hospital in Chattanooga.

He and Sara lived in Alabama until about 1865 when they moved to Mississippi for a short time and then settled in Louisiana, where he continued working as a tailor. He also was a farmer and planter, and for a number of years served as a local minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

On 8 Nov 1873, at the fourth Quarterly Conference held at Liberty Grove Church, J. A. Monroe was duely recommended by the Conference for Elders Orders. On 29 Dec 1873, he signed the following statement: "I firmly believe in the doctrines and discipline of the M.E.C. South and will conform to her rules in all my Ministrations." He later became a local minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

The following constitutes part of John's religious record:

1874: Elected elder but not ordained
1875: Elder
1877: Natchitoches Circuit
1879: Allowance 300 receipts 37.75
1880: Many Circuit, Allowance 140 receipts 22.50
1881: Allowance 150 receipts 25
1885: converted R. M. Blocker in 1871

1881 - membership: 154, collected for Bishop: 1.05, collected for Conference Claimants: 2.00, Allowance for Preacher in charge: 200.00, Receipts of preacher in charge: 81.20, Allowance for Presiding Elder: 20.00, Receipts for Presiding Elder: 5.00, Collected for Foreign Missions: 5.00, Collected for Domestic Missions: 2.00 - listed in Shreveport District.

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The following is from Book Q, page 529, Rapides Parish, Louisiana land transactions:

21 Mar 1892

John Anthony gives to Jefferson Davis Monroe Eighty Acres with all the buildings, said tract of land as described, given unto the said Jefferson D. Monroe by the said John A. Monroe did move over and agree to and with the said Jefferson D. Monroe that he would warrant and forever deferred the above described property against the claims of all persons. The conditions of this _____ for are as follows to wit: that the said Jefferson D. Monroe, shall support maintain and keep in sickness and in health his father John A. Monroe and his mother Sara A. Monroe to the end of their natural lives, providing for there all necessary food and receiveth and paying all necessary debts made by them, or either of them in any way or manner whatsoever to the end of both or either of their natural lives.

It states that Jefferson D. Monroe declares to this Notary that the conditions of the foregoing is understood by him and that he accepts the property and the conditions there in expressed and that he has bound and obligated himself and bound himself to the foregoing conditions expressed.

The Notary said that John A Monroe exhibited to him the certificate required by law showing the payment of any taxes due to date. Then it says that the afore mentioned is understood by him and agreed to by him.

. . .

John Anthony Monroe of Rapides Parish gives to Jefferson Davis Monroe of same residence Eighty acres and all buildings free of taxes and all leins and unto his heirs this said tract of land. The conditions of this: that the said Jefferson Davis Monroe shall support maintain and keep in sickness and in health his father John Anthony and his mother Sarah Ann Monroe to the end of their natural lives providing for there all necessary food and paying all necessary debts made by them or either of them in anyway or manner whatsoever to the end of both or either of their natural lives. Jefferson D. Monroe declares to the Notary that the conditions of the foregoing are understood to him and that he will keep the property and the conditions therein expressed and that he has bound and obligated himself for the support of his father John Anthony Monroe and his mother Sara A. Monroe to the end of both or either of their natural lives.

signed 26 Nov 1892 - Notary Pickirey A. S???auy
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Compiled and edited by Allen Alger, Genealogist, Clan Munro Association, USA

Buried:
John was buried at the Campground Cemetery. His tombstone read "Rev. Aged 74 yrs 5 mo's & 21 Days"

John married Sara Ann Levie on 15 Nov 1842. Sara (daughter of Theodore Levi and Elizabeth) was born on 11 Jun 1825 in , Charles Co., Maryland, USA; died on 24 Feb 1904 in Glenmora, Rapides Par., Louisiana, USA; was buried in Glenmora, Rapides Par., Louisiana, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Sara (or Sarah) Ann Levie (or Levi) was the daughter of Theodore J. and Elizabeth (Wheatley) Levie.

All but one census record says Sara was born in Alabama. The one exception says she was born in Maryland. The 1840 census of Talladage County, Alabama lists only one Levi family, and the same person, who was probably Sara's father, is found in Maryland in 1830. This strengthens the belief that Sara was born in Maryland.

Mary Cooper Smith, says that Sara's full name was Sarah Anne Rose Elgin Levie.

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

Buried:
Sara was buried at Campground Cemetery in Glenmore, Louisiana. Her tombstone reads: "Sarah A. Monroe - Daughter of J. & E. Levie Wife of J. A. Monroe"

Notes:

Duncan and Nancy migrated to Talladega County, Alabama from Robeson County, North Carolina.

Duncan is found on the 1850 census of Talladega County, Alabama where he is listed as a 66 year-old farmer who was born in Scotland.

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

Died:
Duncan died in a part of Talladega County, Alabama that was incorporated into Clay County, Alabama in 1866.

Duncan married Nancy Tedder on 14 May 1812 in , Robeson Co., North Carolina, USA. Nancy was born on 17 Sep 1786 in , Robeson Co., North Carolina, USA; died on 25 Mar 1864 in , Talladega Co., Alabama, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Nancy was the daughter of William and Martha Tedder.

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.

Theodore married Elizabeth. Elizabeth was born about 1802; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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:

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