Freedom Monroe

Notes:

When Freedom was six years old, his family moved to Ostego, New York. Then in 1808 the family moved again to East Bloomfield, New York. In 1816 he went to Cincinnati, Ohio and stayed until 1824. He then returned to New York and in the same year whent to Michigan, crossing Lake Erie on the steamer Superior, the first passenger ship on the lake. He took up 260 acres of land in Bruce Township, Macomb County, Michigan. In 1868 he sold the farm and moved to Romeo, Michigan with his daughter, Elizabeth.

Freedom and his brother, Benjamin were signers on a petition to Congress by inhabitants of the Territory of Michigan, U.S., for roads to be surveyed and established.

**********
Freedom wrote to his father, Lemuel, March 5, 1829. Freedom was living at Washington, Macomb County, Territory of Michigan. Before Michigan became a state.

The letter is as follows:

I once more take my pen in hand to inform you that I am well and hope these few lines may find you enjoying this same blessing. I wrote to you a short time after I got home and sent it by Esquire Gates (Gideon Gates was the postmaster and we see his name in Lemuel Monroe's application for a Revolutionary War pension S.S. 12/6/03). I was at Mr. Algers the first of January, they were well. Benjamin (Lemuels son by Anna Potter and Freedoms brother) was well the last time I heard from him which is the best news I can write of him.

The winter the middle of October. I then thought it best to change my situation if ever. I accordingly took to myself a companion for life. Her name is Mary Elizabeth Cooper, niece of Capt Gad Chamberlain from Lima, New York. I want you to write or get someone to do so as soon as you can if you know where Mr. Beach (his brother in law who married Elizabeth his eldest sister) has gone, to inform me so I can write to them. It may be this is the last letter you may be permitted to read from me.

It appears that you are almost entirely forsaken by your first and second family of children as to seeing or hearing from them except myself but you shall hear from me as often as once a year as long as both of live. I hope the family you are now raising will prove more of a blessing than your children here to fore. You have seen a great deal of trouble in your life. I have witnessed a considerable but may you be blessed with peace and quietness the remainder of your days which will smooth your path to the grave . I have no more give my respects to all inquiring friends.

remain your affectionate son


Freedom wrote to Lemuel in 1835.

"I received a letter yesterday written in your name by someone else. I expect by your orders informing me of your situation, which was not very agreeable news. Though if you lived I expected to learn something like it sooner or later. I am sorry that of the numerous family you have there is one you have reason to expect help from...

(Regarding Lemuel) It seems to be a singular circumstance that a man and wife should part and be separated for life without anything essential to cause it, but if agreed upon by both I don't know it is well enough. I was in hopes you would get a pension but if the United States does not give you anything for your services in the Revolution for the liberty which they now
enjoy, I hope there will be feelings of humanity enough in the people of the Town of Bloomfield or the County of Ontario to give you a little something.

If you come to Michigan to live with me which I am willing you should if that be your mind. You have lived amongst them the best part of twenty years. They know whether you are a fit subject for their help or not. Money is hard to be got in this country. I could not raise enough to get here...

If you can find a good place for Alexander -- you had better do it. ......... If you had rather come this spring I am willing. And let Alexander come with you if that is your mind if you think he will do well......... (Alexander was Lemuel's 2nd to last son.

(Email from Suzanne Spencer - 16 Sep 2009)
**********

Ref: "Lexington, Mass. Munroes", 2nd ed. by R. S. Munroe - 13-87-10/

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

Buried:
Freedom was buried at the Romeo Cemetery.

Freedom married Mary Elizabeth Cooper on 16 Oct 1828. Mary (daughter of Chamberlain) was born in 1807 in Lima, Livingston Co., New York, USA; died on 8 Oct 1854 in Romeo, Macomb Co., Michigan, USA; was buried in Romeo, Macomb Co., Michigan, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Maria Antoinette Monroe was born in Sep 1830 in Bruce, Macomb Co., Michigan, USA; died about 1918 in Hampton, Rock Island Co., Illinois, USA.
2. Lewis Falley Monroe was born in 1831 in Romeo, Macomb Co., Michigan, USA; died on 8 Sep 1898 in Romeo, Macomb Co., Michigan, USA; was buried in Romeo, Macomb Co., Michigan, USA.
3. Francis Cutler Monroe was born in Oct 1835 in Romeo, Macomb Co., Michigan, USA; died on 4 Feb 1890 in Webster, Washtenaw Co., Michigan; was buried in Monroe, Monroe Co., Michigan, USA.
4. Aleda Monroe was born about 1836 in Romeo, Macomb Co., Michigan, USA; died on 8 Sep 1915; was buried in Pontiac, Oakland Co., Michigan, USA.
5. Robert Emmett Monroe was born on 22 Jun 1839 in Romeo, Macomb Co., Michigan, USA; died on 11 Mar 1921 in Webberville, Ingham Co., Michigan, USA.
6. Mary E. Monroe was born on 16 Jun 1841 in Romeo, Macomb Co., Michigan, USA; died on 30 May 1897 in Leavenworth, Leavenworth Co., Kansas, USA.
7. Orissa Jane Monroe was born in 1842 in Romeo, Macomb Co., Michigan, USA; and died.
8. Charlotte H. Monroe was born in 1844 in Romeo, Macomb Co., Michigan, USA; and died.
9. Elizabeth C. Monroe was born on 28 Jun 1846 in Romeo, Macomb Co., Michigan, USA; died on 4 Feb 1920 in Pontiac, Oakland Co., Michigan, USA; was buried in Pontiac, Oakland Co., Michigan, USA.
10. Ellen T. Monroe was born on 9 Sep 1848 in Romeo, Macomb Co., Michigan, USA; died on 3 Aug 1925 in , Macomb Co., Michigan; was buried in Pontiac, Oakland Co., Michigan, USA.

Freedom married Lucinda Coty on 30 Sep 1867 in , , Ohio, USA. Lucinda was born about 1798 in , , Ohio, USA; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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 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:

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

Notes:

Married:
Lemuel and Anna had 6 children.

Marriage place unverified

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]

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

Notes:

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

Phinehas married Dorcas Hinman. Dorcas (daughter of Eleazer Hinman and Hannah Scovil) was born on 13 Dec 1736 in Woodbury, Litchfield Co., Connecticut, USA; died in in Fly Creek, Otsego Co., New York, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

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

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

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.

Daniel married Hannah Holbrook. Hannah was born about 1710; 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

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.

Eleazer married Hannah Scovil. Hannah was born about 1713; 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.