Rev John Munro, of Alness

Notes:

John was minister of Alness. His wife was the daughter of William Abernethie.

Ref: The Munro Tree (1734) - M/63 & M/64

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - M/63

"Mr Alexr. Minister of Durness by Janet Cuming had Mr John Donald Hector Mr Hugh Munro."

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - M/64

"Mr John Minister of Alness by Catherine daughter to Mr Wm. Abernethie had Wm. Mr John Mr Andrew George."

"John min of Alness d 1662; son John was only Regent in St Andrews University not deposed at Revolution 1690; drs Isobel m Robert of Findon family, and Christian."

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - M/63

"Mr Alexr. Minister of Durness by Janet Cuming had Mr John Donald Hector Mr Hugh Munro."

"Alexander min of Durness d 1643, son Donald identified as schoolmaster of Alness 1650."

Minister of Alness before 16 July 1649. Talented, fluent speaker.

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

John was appointed as minister of Alness before 16 Jul 1649. He possessed considerable native talent, and was a very fluent speaker.

References:

(1) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
391

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.

Family/Spouse: Catherine Abernethy. Catherine was born about 1605; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

William Munro of Miltown of Katewell.

Ref: The Munro Tree (1734) - M/64 & M/65

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - L/66

"John of Tearivan d 1705; wife was dr of Robert and widow of William of Milntown of Katewell..."

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - M/59

"Janet his eldest daughter on her Brother Hughs death married Wm. son to Mr John Munro Minister of Alnes by whom she had John and Anne."

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - M/64

"Mr John Minister of Alness by Catherine daughter to Mr Wm. Abernethie had Wm. Mr John Mr Andrew George."

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro -M/65

"Wm. Munro of Miltown of Catwall married Janet daughter to Robert Munro of Miltown of Catwall."

BIO:William was the 4th son of John Munro, Minister of Alness (1649-1662). He married his first cousin, Janet Munro of Milton of Katewell, daughter of his father's sister, Catherine Munro and her second husband, Robert Munro of Milton of Katewell. See chart for common grandfather (great grandfather) Alexander Munro, Minister of Durness c. 1620-1653.

Married his first cousin Janet, elder daughter of Robert Munro III of Milnton of Katewell and (her second marriage) Christian Munro, daughter of Alexander Munro, Minister of Durness. Robert and Christian were also first cousins (fathers were brothers Hugh and Alexander Munro).

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.
391, 393

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.

William married Janet Munro, of Milntown of Katewell in , , Ross and Cromarty, Scotland. Janet (daughter of Robert Munro, of Milntown of Katewell and Christian Munro) was born est 1640 in Of, Katewell, Ross-Shire, Scotland; died in in , , , Scotland. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

John served as regent in St. Andrews University. He was the only regent who was not deposed in the Revolution 1690.

Ref: The Munro Tree (1734) - M/64

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - M/64

"Mr John Minister of Alness by Catherine daughter to Mr Wm. Abernethie had Wm. Mr John Mr Andrew George."

"John min of Alness d 1662; son John was only Regent in St Andrews University not deposed at Revolution 1690; drs Isobel m Robert of Findon family, and Christian."

References:

(1) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
391

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)" by R. W. Munro - M/64

"Mr John Minister of Alness by Catherine daughter to Mr Wm. Abernethie had Wm. Mr John Mr Andrew George."

References:

(1) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
391

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:

**********
(The following is from the genealogy notes of R. W. Munro.)

«i»Fourth Son of Rev. John Munro Alness ( 1662 of Miltown of Katwell Branch). Called "Mr Andrew' in Munro Tree (1734), on record among children of Mr John in 1663, but not further identified.

MacKenzie 391; Fasti vii 26; Inverness Sassines 3 May, 1663, Scottish Records Offcie Reference RS 38/2/174«/i»
**********

Ref: The Munro Tree (1734) - M/64

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - M/64

"Mr John Minister of Alness by Catherine daughter to Mr Wm. Abernethie had Wm. Mr John Mr Andrew George."

References:

(1) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
391

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)" by R. W. Munro - M/64

"John min of Alness d 1662; son John was only Regent in St Andrews University not deposed at Revolution 1690; drs Isobel m Robert of Findon family, and Christian."

In 1659, Andrew contracted to marry Christina, daughter of Mr. John Munro, minister of Alness and on 10 Jul 1662, the contract was registered in the Books of the Sheriffdom of Ross. However, the marriage did not take place because of "the sudden death of the lady or some other important cause." Instead, Andrew married Christian, daughter of John Munro of Culcraggie in the same year.

References:

(1) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
387, 391

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)" by R. W. Munro - L/86

"Robert married Isobell daughter to Mr John Munro Minister of Alness by whom he had Mr John William and a daughter Christane married to the Minister of Reays brother."

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - M/64

"...drs Isobel m Robert of Findon family..."

Married Robert, fourth son of of Hector Munro I of Findon.

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

Isabella and Robert had children.

References:

(1) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
391

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.

Family/Spouse: Robert Munro. Robert (son of Hector Munro, I of Findon and Helen Urquhart) was born about 1644; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

The second wife of John Munro of Miltown of Katewell was Ann Bethune of Culnaskeath, widow of John Bain, minister of Dingwall.

Ref: The Munro Tree (1734) M/59 & M/60

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - M/59

"Janet his eldest daughter on her Brother Hughs death married Wm. son to Mr John Munro Minister of Alnes by whom she had John and Anne."

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - M/60

"John of Miltown of Catwall by a daughter of Teanards had Robert."

"John m first Christian dr of Alexander of Teanord and as well as Robert had Hugh and Christian, and second Ann Bethune of Culnaskeath widow of John Bain min of Dingwall."

Name appears frequently in Session records of Kiltearn and presbytery records of Dingwall, In 1725 appointed with Colonel Robert Munro of Foulis, George Munro of Linlair and David Bethune of Culnaskea to attend meeting of Synod of Ross and Sutherland. Married (1) only daughter of Alexander Munro of Teanoird. She died before 21 June 1723 and he married (2) Ann Bethune of Cilnaskea, widow of Rev. John Bain, minister of Dingwall.

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

John's name frequently appears in the Session records of Kiltearn, and in the Presbytery records of Dingwall. On 20 Feb 1710, the Session appointed him an "informer" to report to them regarding the behavior of the people in his district.

On 7 Sep 1725, he was appointed, along with Colonel Robert Munro of Fowlis, George Munro of Limlair, and David Bethune of Culnaskea, to attend the next meeting of the Synod of Ross and Sutherland, and prosecute a call given by the parishioners of Kiltearn to the Rev. John Balfour, minister of Logie-Easter.

References:

(1) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
393, 402

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

«i»Alexander Monro, younger of Teanaird fl1666/82 Eldest son of William Monro of Teanaird & Catherine Munro of Foulis; on record 1666, 1674, 1682; said to have suc. father in Teanaird, but not found on record as such; m. 1680 *Isobel Ross, & had issue - George (d. young), Christian (m. John Munro of Milton of Katewell). May have predeceased father, as brother Farquhar was 'tutor of Teanaird' in 1703 - prob. to nephew George. *thus 'Earls of Ross'; Munro Tree says Catherine.

Munro Tree M/80 - wife Catherine [& 60 for dr]; Mackenzie,p. 401 - wife Isobel; Mackintosh Muniments, no. 501; Foulis Writs no. 255; Fasti, Medii Aevi, ed. D.E.R. Watt, vii 56; F.N. Reid, «u»Earls of Ross«/u», p. 28 - wife Isobel from Shandwick pedigree; NAS «u»Register of Sasines for Inverness, Ross & Cromarty, Sutherland«/u» 2 Nov 1682 - per D. Gordon.«/i»
**********

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.

Family/Spouse: Ann Bethune. Ann (daughter of Peter Bethune and Jean Munro) was born about 1686 in Of, Culnaskeath; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

John married Christian Munro before 1708. Christian (daughter of Alexander Munro, of Teanoird and Catherine Ross) was born about 1683; died about 1724. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Ref: The Munro Tree (1734) M/59

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - M/59

"Janet his eldest daughter on her Brother Hughs death married Wm. son to Mr John Munro Minister of Alnes by whom she had John and Anne."

Anne (or Ann) was married and had children.

References:

(1) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
393

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

Notes:

Ref: Clan Munro files - Munro, James Donald
Stroud, Anna Margaret

BIO:The Katewell and Milnton of Katewell branches of the Munro Family Tree are poorly recorded and documented in the existing Munro records in Scotland. Alexander Mackenzie (among other historians) had few records to construct this genealogy other than those in the unpublished "Munro Tree" and the main order of the Katewell estate successions. He names John as Janet and William Munro's "only son" although this is contradicted by the 1768 "Birthbrief" written and signed by Harry Munro of Fowlis and heads of other cadet families and James Fraser, Minister of Alness, which names HUGH also as a son. [See BIRTHBRIEF - ANCESTRY OF CAPT. HON. JOHN MUNRO 1728-1800]. Mackenzie also failed to record a grandson of William and Janet's named HUGH. Although Mackenzie's "MUNRO FAMILY" book is still the primary published source for Munro genealogy, a number of errors have been discovered and proven in this volume. The proponderance of evidence established in the John Munro birthbrief, supported by detailed research of that document in both Scotland and America by Clan Munro Historian R. W.Munro, and all other available Munro sources support the conclusion that this Hugh Munro IS the son of William and Janet of Milnton of Katewell.

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

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

Hugh married Christiana Munro about 1725 in , , Ross and Cromarty, Scotland. Christiana (daughter of Hugh Munro, Of Tullochue and Elizabeth Munro) was born about 1706 in , , Ross and Cromarty, Scotland; died in in , , , Scotland. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Ref. (1) does not list Margaret as a daughter in this family.

References:

(1) "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - Edinburgh (1978) - L/86

(2) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
505

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

Family/Spouse: David Munro. David (son of John Munro and Isobel Anderson) was born est 1643; died about 1693; was buried in Reay Churchyard, Reay, Scotland. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

John was minister of Halkirk. His wife, Janet, was the heiress of Braemore.

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - L/87
"The Highland Clans" by Moncreiffe & Hicks - p. 164

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - L/86

"Robert married Isobell daughter to Mr John Munro Minister of Alness by whom he had Mr John William and a daughter Christane married to the Minister of Reays brother."

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - L/87

"Mr John Munro Minister of Hakrick married a daughter of Allexander Gun of Braemore by whom he has severall children sons and daughters."

"John min of Halkirk d 19 Apr 1743 and by Janet Gun of Braemore had John Gun of Braemore who d May 1773, Sir George gun Munro of Poyntzfield who d 1785, Robert, Henry of Granville Nova Scotia who d 1781, David and Janet. Mackenzie is confused and unreliable on this family."

Ref 1 says John died on 17 Apr 1743.

References:

(1) Clan Munro files - Hall, Barry Earl - Ahnentafel Chart - dated 19 Aug 1997
- p. 1

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 Janet Gunn in Jun 1714 in Halkirk, , Caithness, Scotland. Janet was born on 6 Jan 1693 in Thurso, , Caithness, Scotland; died in in Of, Braemore, Caithness, Scotland. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

William's wife was the daughter of Sir George Sinclair of Clyth.

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - L/86

"Robert married Isobell daughter to Mr John Munro Minister of Alness by whom he had Mr John William and a daughter Christane married to the Minister of Reays brother."

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - L/88

"William his 2d. son married Mary daughter to Sir George Sinclair of Clyth."

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.

Family/Spouse: Mary Sinclair. Mary was born est 1694; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - L/86

"Robert married Isobell daughter to Mr John Munro Minister of Alness by whom he had Mr John William and a daughter Christane married to the Minister of Reays brother."

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 Munro of Milntown of Katewell.

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - M/60

"John of Miltown of Catwall by a daughter of Teanards had Robert."

"John m first Christian dr of Alexander of Teanord and as well as Robert had Hugh and Christian, and second Ann Bethune of Culnaskeath widow of John Bain min of Dingwall."

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - M/61

"Robert his son younger of Milntown of Catwall."

"Robert m and had son John; Mackenzie 394-5 differs."

Removed to Jamaica.

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

Robert was better known as "Rob-Mor-Rhi-fhearchar." It appears that his father had sold or alienated the estate of Milntown of Katewell, and Robert used this name because he lived at Rhi-fhearchar in the vicinity of Loch Glass.

He was a tall, well-built, powerful man, capable of great endurance, famed for his ready resource in trying difficulties. There are many stories giving account of his bravery and feats of strength.

One such story tells of his encounter with a bullock on one of the slopes of Ben Wyvis. The animal had been turned out to the hills to graze, and left there so long that it became quite wild. When the time came to bring it home, Robert sent one of his men for it. The man returned home, informing his master that the beast had become so wild that whenever he went near it, it charged him, so that he was obliged to show it a clean pair of heels.

Next day another man was sent, but he fared no better. The third day, Robert himself started on the same errand, taking a stout cudgel with him. Towards evening he was seen slowly wending his way homewards astride the bullock's back. When he arrived he nimbly leaped off, saying, "You cowardly fellows, it is the quietest animal I ever came across." the men replied, "That is very strange. It charged us so furiously as to make us fly." "So it did me," replied Robert, "but it discovered that it was of no use. When I saw it coming on to charge me, I prepared to receive it, and when it came up to me I caught it by the horns, turned round its neck, and laid it on its side. Before it had time to recover from its surprise I was astride its back. When it got up it turned round to go up the hill. I gave it a blow on the side of the nose with my cudgel. It turned round the other way. I shifted the stick to the other hand, and gave it a blow on that side. It then understood that it had its master on its back and at once decided to obey him."

Robert moved from Rhi-fhearchar to Boginturee, where he died at an advanced age.

References:

(1) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
393-394

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

Family/Spouse: Isabella Munro. Isabella (daughter of Farquhar Munro, of Teanoird and Janet Munro) was born about 1690; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Ref: The Munro Tree (1734) M/60

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - M/60

"John m first Christian dr of Alexander of Teanord and as well as Robert had Hugh and Christian, and second Ann Bethune of Culnaskeath widow of John Bain min of Dingwall."

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

Notes:

Ref: The Munro Tree (1734) M/60

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - M/60

"John m first Christian dr of Alexander of Teanord and as well as Robert had Hugh and Christian, and second Ann Bethune of Culnaskeath widow of John Bain min of Dingwall."

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

Notes:

BIO:In the "Birth Brief" stating the pedigree of John Munro it is stated "he is the youngest but only surviving son", so therefore had at least one older brother.

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

Notes:

John was born near Foulis Castle, on an adjacent Munro estate in Ross-shire, Scotland, and spent his childhood there. His birth date is accepted as 1728, although sources have stated 1731.

When war broke out between the French and British in the American Colonies in 1755, a call was put out for soldiers to expand the 48th foot, and John joined this regiment where Munro's had served before with distinction. Some sources have stated that he was a "Subaltern", but in documentation by his own hand, he states he was a Sergeant in the 48th. Some references list him as a Major in the 48th, but this is an error which probably originated from the fact that he later was a Captain in the King's Royal Regiment of New York during the American Revolution.

He was posted with the 48th to the American Colonies in 1756 for the French-Indian wars, and arrived in America on 8 Jun 1756. He was stationed at the fort in Albany.

John was well educated and had moved in the upper levels of the social circles in Scotland. He was soon well acquainted and became a confederate and military companion of Sir William Johnson, kin of the DeLancey family, and became a member of the aristocratic level of the English and Dutch social community.

On 12 Apr 1758, he may have married Jane Caldwell, of the socially prominent Caldwell and Van Courtlandt families. Although no marriage record has been found, there exists a marriage bond for a couple with these names bearing a signature comparable to the same John Munro. However, on his subsequent marriage to Mary Brouwer in 1760, John is not listed as a widower, so it is doubtful that the marriage actually took place.

John was active throughout the French-Indian campaigns and served with Sir William Johnson in some campaigns. He was present with his Regiment at the capitulation of Quebec. He obtained an early discharge from the Army in 1760, and settled on Crown land grants on the Hudson River in New York Province. His grants and purchases totaled almost 15,000 acres.

On 5 Apr 1760, he married Mary (or Maria) Brower (also called Maritje Talbot Gilbert Bruere). She was the daughter of Cornelius and Cornelia (Barlieyt) Brower (or Brouwer) of Schenectady, New York. At this time, John was engaged in the mercantile business in Schenectady and became rather affluent. Before the American Revolutionary War, he moved to Albany and went into business there. While he lived in Albany, he was an elder and trustee in the Scottish Presbyterian Church.

In 1767, he built a home on the east side of the Hudson River in Shaftsbury and named his estate Fowlis. His business continued to expand until it included grain and lumber mills, a nail factory and other enterprises. He was active in political and social circles and was appointed Magistrate and Justice of the Peace of the New Hampshire holdings, a controversial area claimed by both New York and New Hampshire. Intolerant of raids conducted by The Green Mountain Boys, John became embroiled in a protracted struggle with Ethan Allen and his New Hampshire supporters for ownership of the same land.

Tensions grew as the American Revolutionary War drew closer, and John, who was known for his unswerving loyalty to the crown, was soon marked by the local Patriots. When the New Hampshire contingent seized the opportunity to discredit him, he went to New York to meet with General McLean, his old military commander, who enrolled him as a Captain in the new Royal Highland Emigrants 84th Regiment, which was being raised from Loyalists in New York, many of them previous British troops. Later McLean cited him as being the first to report for duty.

McLean commissioned him to return to Vermont and raise a company of Loyalist recruits and to provide intelligence and information on rebel troops, supplies, provisions, arms etc. He used his own money to finance his operations, depleting his farm stores to equip and support the troops he raised. He had several adventures while delivering dispatches and escorting British dignitaries through the rebel lines between New York and the British forts around Quebec and Montreal.

Eventually John was seized and imprisoned for 18 months for his Loyalist acts. He was offered freedom if he would accept a commission as Lieutenant Colonel in the American Army, but he refused. He was one of the first Loyalists imprisoned at the Fleet Prison at Esopus. Eventually he was rescued from captivity by his compatriots. Once free, he resumed his Loyalist activities meeting with General Tryon on board the British warship Dutchess of Gordon, where he received 100 pounds with which to pay his recruits and a dispatch to take to the Bishop of Quebec.

On his return from Canada, he was recaptured. This time he was sentenced to be hung and narrowly escaped that fate by rescue and flight to the British lines.

John joined General Burgoyne in the New York campaign, but realizing that he is about to be defeated, Burgoyne sent John and other well known Loyalists to Canada to avert their being captured by the Americans.

Reporting to the British Army at Quebec, he found that the Royal Highland Emigrant commissions were all filled. Instead, he received a commission as Captain in Sir John Johnson's new King's Royal Regiment of New York. Now wearing his red British Uniform as a captain of the first battalion, he officially joined the American Revolutionary War. Eventually he enlisted his oldest son, Hugh, and an Ensign, then Lieutenant in his battalion, and his three other sons as privates.

During John's imprisonment and flight Mary remained at the Bennington estate and she and her children became prisoners or hostages of the Patriot Cause. They were allowed to stay in the house and keep two milk cows to provide for the children, but they soon found themselves in dire straights as the Munro estate was picked clean by vindictive neighbors. In desperation, Mary wrote the following letter to John in Montreal:

Mr dear John

I hope when you receive these few lines they may find you in good health. Your Dear Children are all well, as for myself I am in a poor state of health and very much distresst. I must leave my house in a very short time, and God knows where I shall get a place to put my head on, for my own relations are my greatest enemys, the mills they have had a long time in their possession -- likewaise all your tenants houses and lands -- They have distressed me beyond expression. I have scarcly a mouthful of bread for myself or Childer for heavens sake my dear Mr. Munro send me some relief by the first safe hand. Is there no possibility of your sending for us, if their is no method fallen upon we shall perish, for you can have no idea of our sufferings here, let me once more entreat you to try every method to save your family - my heart is so full it is ready to break -- Adew my Dearest John May God Almighty bless and preserve and protect you, that we may live to see each other is the constant prayers of Your affectionate tho afflicted wife
Mary Munro P.S. The Childer send their love to you

[Public Archives of Canada
MG 21, Vol B214, Pg 35]

In 1778, after receiving this letter, Captain Munro wrote to British authorities and Governor Clinton pleading with them to intervene with the American Generals to allow his wife and children to move to Canada as she and their seven children hadn't enough to eat. His plea was successful and Mary left Shaftsbury using money she got from selling some silver plate that she had hidden from her persecutes. She went first to Schenectady but relatives there refused to shelter or help her. She was finally aided by a friend or relative and made her way to Lake Champlain over the roads and Indian trails. There she was provided transportation by boat to Crown point and Fort St. John. John met her there and took her to Montreal where he obtained quarters for the family. In 1784, at the close of hostilities, she was established at L'Assumption.

Although the seven children seemed to survive this adventure with little effect, Mary became very ill. She eventually recovered, but she suffered from the debilitating effects of these years for the remainder of her life.

Mary was widowed in 1800 and died in Upper Canada, at another manor house and estate called Fowlis, on 12 Apr 1815, aged 76 years, 6 months and 3 days.

John was mustered out of the military at half pay in 1781, but John Johnson requested that he help with Land Claims for displaced Loyalists, and he spent three years in England lobbying for settlements for these claimants as well as for himself before returning to Ontario with no success and virtually penniless.

In 1784 he accepted Land Grants in the Lunenburg, Upper Canada area, settled by his compatriots from the First Battalion, and was instrumental in settling the Matilda township (later Dundas County). He built a home and established mills and other enterprises.

LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF THE HONORABLE JOHN MUNRO, ESQUIRE Filed 16 Dec 1800 (Surrogate Court Records of Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry, Wills 1800-1821, Microfilm Reel 862340, Ontario Archives)

"I give and bequeath to my loving wife MARY MUNRO during her natural life my dwelling house with so much of the furniture as will be necessary for her comfort and support, together with so much of the live cattle as she might have question for, that in any case any of my sons should marry, and that she might wish to remove that then and in that case the other house on the farm shall be repaired and made comfortable and warm, that she shall be supported from the income of the property under the direction of the Executors as shall be hereafter named in this my will, that in case it should so happen that either of my sons or daughters should leave her under this protection, she is to have the same allowance from the estate as if she were living by herself, in order to compensate them for their support, I further will, that twelve hundred acres that I have located in her own name shall be within her own right to will to whom she pleases at her death. It is also my will that each of my children shall enjoy twelve hundred acres to each, that is to say, to HARRY 1200 acres, to JOHN 1200 acres, to WILLIAM 1200 acres, to CHRISTINA 1200 acres, to CHARLOTTE 1200 acres, to CORNELIA 1200 acres, which I have located for them, and shall do my duty to have the same granted in their own names, with respect to my Military Lands. It is my will that no part should be disposed of, unless necessity requires it to pay my debts, until such time as land will become of full value.

To my three grandchildren I give and bequeath the twelve hundred acres granted to me by the Government for giving up my claim to the township, that is to say, to Hugh's SON four hundred acres, to JOHN MOUNT four hundred acres, and to Cornelius' Son JOHN four hundred acres, to be equally divided between them. The remaining rest of my property to be divided between my three sons HENRY,WILLIAM and JOHN, reserving to my son HENRY the money he has advanced for the payment of land purchased from his brother HUGH. That in case I shall not be able to obtain some lands for my son Hugh's children, HENRY, JOHN and WILLIAM will give a fourth part of the undivided remains to his children, when the property is divided, but in case I shall be able to get lands for himself or his children and in that case the remainder of any property is vested in Henry, John and William and to their heirs and assigns forever.

I beg and pray that my children shall agree amongst themselves and it is my will in case of any dispute in settling among themselves it shall be finally settled by my Executors and not be any mean go to court and that the settlement made by the Executors shall be binding and finally settled.

I further will and authorize my Executors to make sale and dispose of so much of my property as will be necessary to pay my debts which may be honestly due upon the Estate after my decease if it cannot be otherwise discharged. I struggle hard and shall so long as God is pleased to spare me in this life to clear my Estate of incumbrance that whatever remains may be of service to my dear family.

I bequeath to my son CORNELIUS my sword and I hope he will think I have done by him as well as the rest of his brothers, they are all equally beloved by their poor old father, and if I should err in any way in this my will its not with a design to favor one more than the other, that they will be friendly and kind to one another and that they will never see one another in distress without giving relief to each other, and they will be prudent, careful, and industrious to make the best use of what may remain of the Estate after all debts is paid. I do appoint my loving Nephew HUGH MUNRO, ESQ., Doctor PHILLIP MOUNT, Malcolm McMartin, Esq., my Cousin HUGH MUNRO, Esq., THOMAS FRASER, Esq., and my son HENRY MUNRO or any three of them, to be my Executors, giving these full power and authority and anything to do all lawful deeds and acts, the same as I would do in my lifetime.

For the use and benefit of my poor family I further will that my son HENRY, DR. PHILIP MOUNT shall be trustees to oversee and regulate all and everything belonging to my Estate to prevent waste or mismanagement in carrying this my will on to Execution and last of all I give all my loving family my blessing, praying that God may bless and prosper them in this life and in the life to come.

In witness whereof I hereunder set my hand seal at the fourteenth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred.
(s) John Munro
Signed, sealed and published and delivered by the Testator JOHN MUNRO as and for his last will and testament in presence of each other have hereto subscribed our names respectively as witnesses: (s) Rev. F.C.L.Broeffle, br T. Fraser, CORNs Munro"

LETTER FROM JOHN MUNRO TO CHILDREN (Accompanies Will) "My dear children and friends, my Executors in which I have every confidence to do all for the best. I request that you will bear all your Mother's unfortunate temper with patience as I have done and that she might have what will be sufficient to keep her comfortable during her lifetime. I should have appointed her Executrix, but being sensible of her disposition, I conceived it dangerous to the interest of all the family as her rashness of temper might lead her to what she afterwards would be sorry for, injurious to herself or her children.

I request that my silver watch will be delivered to my son WILLIAM, and my miniature picture be given to my son HUGH, being my oldest ... any clothing I may have to my son JOHN. I further request of all my children to let John have the best part in making the decision in consideration of him staying with his father and mother to carry on the business, and be good to him, for he is little acquainted with the world and the nature of mankind to guard against every advantage which may be taken of him, which is indeed my reason for not giving him more power.

Be kind and friendly to one another upon all occasions and should it so happen that the one is more successful than another let him give his assistance to him who may be in want, resoluting that all blessings is from the Hand of Providence.

I shall leave a list of what I may be indebted at the time of making this my last will and testament as near as I can recollect.

God grant you his blessing which is the prayer and will be while.
(s) John Munro"

The family erected a stone at his original burial site which was later flooded by the St. Lawrence Seaway Project. It stated "The Honorable John Munro, Esq. one of his Majesty's Legislative Council of Upper Canada, Formerly Captain in the King's late Royal Regiment of New York who died 27th of October, 1800 age 72 years."

The Munro burial marker stones were relocated at the Riverside Heights U.E.L. Memorial Cemetery with Honors in 1968. Also included in the new burial plot, surrounded with an ornate wrought iron fence, was the grave site of his wife Mary with the following inscription: "Here lies the remains of Mary Brewer (sic) relict of the late Hon. John Munro who departed this life the 12 April AD 1815 age 76 years. This humble monument is erected to her revered memory by her affectionate daughter Charlotte Munro de Lotbinere." The spelling of her name varies in references, however, the error in spelling here occurred when the old original markers were refaced and a copy of the old inscription was engraved on the new marble back in preparation for the UEL Memorial.

Ref: Clan Munro files - Munro, James Donald
Stroud, Anna Margaret

References:

(1) "The Munro Beacon" - Spring/Summer 1996 - Vol. 22, No. 2 - p. 5

(3) "The Munro Eagle" - number 27 - summer 1997-1998 - p. 29-30

Ref: "The Monroe Book" by Dr. Joan S. Guilford - New York Unconnected Monroes

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

Died:
John died at Dickinson's Landind.

Buried:
John's original burial site was flooded by the St. Lawrence Seaway Project. In 1968, the marker stones were moved to the Riverside Heights U.E.L. Memorial Cemetery.

John married Mary Brower on 5 Apr 1760 in Schenectady, Schenectady Co., New York, USA. Mary was born on 9 Oct 1738 in Schenectady, Schenectady Co., New York, USA; was christened on 14 Oct 1738 in Schenectady, Schenectady Co., New York, USA; died on 12 Apr 1815 in Morrisburg, , Ontario, Canada; was buried in 1968 in Riverside Heights, , Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Mrs. Munro was married first in Britain to Donald Munro, a British officer. After she was widowed, she and her son were brought to America under the charge of a second Donald Munro who was also a British officer in the same regiment as her first husband. She and this second Donald Munro were later married.

Ref: Clan Munro files - Munro, James Donald

!In the Memoir of Sarah Harriet Munro Fitton a note is made of John Munro's

"brother" (actually brother-in-law) Donald, who came to America with the 60th Regiment for the Revolutionary War and married a sister of John Munro "who had come to America in his protection" (1774 ) accompanied by her young son, Hugh Munro and a daughter. She was then a widow; her previous husband having been a "brother officer" of Donald's.

"Donald Munro born c. 1740; married 27 July 1774 at New York City 1st Presbyterian Church Margaret Munro, widow of another Donald who died in England, a British officer. She was brought to America with a son Hugh by this Donald who married her. He was of the same Regt. as her deceased husband. Son Hugh became Judge Munro of Bathurst, New Brunswick, Canada." THE MONROE BOOK by Joan Guilford, 1993 Genealogy Pub.;Franklin, NC; Pg 574.

In the passenger listing of the Brig St. Peter, on transporting Loyalist settlers to Paspebiac, Qaspe' Peninsula, Quebec in 1784 were listed:"Donald Munro with wife and 1 daughter (age 13); Hugh Munro, single."

When Donald Munro signed his will (written 1814, shortly before death) he designated as his "sole surviving heir" Hugh Munro, his "step-son". There is no mention of either wife or daughter, so they must have preceeded him in death.

Although "the sister of John Munro" is mentioned in several references pertaining to Loyalists and the Revolutionary War, none of them list her by christian name.

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

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

Family/Spouse: Donald Munro. Donald (son of Hugh Munro and Christiana Munro) was born in 1720-1746 in , , , Scotland; died before 1770. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Margaret married Donald Munro about 1768 in , , New York, USA. Donald was born about 1725 in , , Ross and Cromarty, Scotland; died about 1814 in St. Peters, Glouchester Co., New Brunswick, Canada. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Donald Munro was a British officer. After his death, his wife and son were taken to America under the charge of another British officer from her husband's regiment who was also named Donald Munro. She later married this second Donald Munro.

Ref: Clan Munro files - Munro, James Donald

This unidentified Munro was an officer in the British Army; married to the "sister of John Munro"; a "fellow officer of John and Donald Munro"; he was the father of the child, Hugh Munro, who came to America with his mother who married Donald Munro. He died prior to 1770 or the French and Indian War.

Donald Munro was a British officer. After his death, his wife and son were taken to America under the charge of another British officer from her husband's regiment who was also named Donald Munro. She later married this second Donald Munro.

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

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

Family/Spouse: Margaret Munro. Margaret (daughter of Hugh Munro and Christiana Munro) was born about 1730 in , , Ross and Cromarty, Scotland; died in in Gaspe, Quebec, Canada. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

John studied at the University of Aberdeen where he received his M.A. degree on 3 Jul 1679. It is said that he intruded into the Church of Reay in that year, but whether he did or not, he was received into Communion by the Edinburgh Committee before 6 Jun 1704 and admitted as the minister of Reay as his father's successor in 1704.

References:

(1) "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - Edinburgh (1978) - L/60

(2) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
505-506

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

John married Margaret Barclay in 1710. Margaret was born est 1686; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Ref. (1) does not mention Elizabeth as a member of this family.

References:

(1) "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - Edinburgh (1978) - L/60

(2) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
505

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

Family/Spouse: James MacKay, Of Borgy. James was born est 1684 in Of, Borgy, Scotland; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

References:

(1) "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - Edinburgh (1978) - L/87

(2) Clan Munro files - Delage, Margaret Van Amburg - Extracts from the first
page of an old family Bible dated 1707

(3) Clan Munro files - Hall, Barry Earl - Pedigree Chart of Barry Earl Hall
dated 19 Aug 1997 - p. 2

(4) Clan Munro files - Hall, Barry Earl - Ahnentafel Chart - dated 19 Aug 1997
- p. 1

On the death of his maternal grandfather, George Gun of Braemore, John inherited Braemore in right of his mother.

He entered the army and soon rose to the rank of Captain.

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 Elizabeth Sutherland on 3 Oct 1743 in Little Tonboll, Scotland. Elizabeth was born on 24 Jul 1715 in Watten, Caithness, , Scotland; died on 25 Jan 1771; was buried on 30 Jan 1771 in Braemore, , Caithness, Scotland. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

in about 1780, Sir George Gun Munro of Poyntzfield, Baronet of Nova Scotia purchased the estate of Ardoch in the Black Isle and renamed it Poyntzfield in honor of his wife.

One reference says he died in 1803. He was married but left no heirs. He was succeeded by his nephew, George Gun Munro of Braemore.

Ref: Clan Munro files - Delage, Margaret Van Amburg
"The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - L/87

"John min of Halkirk d 19 Apr 1743 and by Janet Gun of Braemore had John Gun of Braemore who d May 1773, Sir George Gun Munro of Poyntzfield who d 1785, Robert, Henry of Granville Nova Scotia who d 1781, David and Janet. Mackenzie is confused and unreliable on this family."

George's wife, Charlotte, was quite wealthy. After they were married, he purchased the lands of Ardoch, in the parish of Resolis, county of Ross and renamed the estate Poyntzfield in her honor.

He spent large sums of money on the estate and was the first owner in the Black Isle to carry out agricultural improvements on a large scale by reclaiming, enclosing, planting, draining, liming, fallowing, and sowing green crops on his estate. He also planted fine trees in the policies around the Mansion-house of Poyntzfield.

He and his wife had no children, and upon George's death, the estate was inherited by George Gun Munro II of Braemore.

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.

Family/Spouse: Hon. Charlotte Poyntz. Charlotte was born est 1719; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - L/87

"John min of Halkirk d 19 Apr 1743 and by Janet Gun of Braemore had John Gun of Braemore who d May 1773, Sir George gun Munro of Poyntzfield who d 1785, Robert, Henry of Granville Nova Scotia who d 1781, David and Janet. Mackenzie is confused and unreliable on this family."

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)" by R. W. Munro - L/87

"John min of Halkirk d 19 Apr 1743 and by Janet Gun of Braemore had John Gun of Braemore who d May 1773, Sir George gun Munro of Poyntzfield who d 1785, Robert, Henry of Granville Nova Scotia who d 1781, David and Janet. Mackenzie is confused and unreliable on this family."

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)" by R. W. Munro - L/87

"John min of Halkirk d 19 Apr 1743 and by Janet Gun of Braemore had John Gun of Braemore who d May 1773, Sir George gun Munro of Poyntzfield who d 1785, Robert, Henry of Granville Nova Scotia who d 1781, David and Janet. Mackenzie is confused and unreliable on this family."

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:

Henry Munroe was commissioned first lieutenant of the first company in Mont- gomery's Highlanders, raised in Argyleshire for service against the French in America in 1759 or about that time. The regiment had scarcely arrived in Massachusetts when the Peace of Utrecht was signed, and the war with France was ended, in consequence of which it never saw any service in the field, and was soon disbanded. According to the terms of enlistment its officers were entitled to grants of land in Nova Scotia, and Henry Munroe received a grant of two thousand acres in that county in 1765. Some of his descendants were still occupying portions of it in 1897.

The Wood reference says that Henry was wounded in the expedition against Fort du Quesne (later renamed Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) in 1757, and that he saw other action until 1763.

In 1765, Henry had the honor to be chosen the first representative of Granville in the Assembly of the Province, in which he served two years, when he voluntarily vacated the seat. He was appointed Justice of the Peace, and commissioned a lieutenant colonel of the militia in or about 1776, a position which he continued to hold until his death, late in 1781 or early in 1782 when he died suddenly of apoplexy, leaving a widow and seven children with slender means of support, notwithstanding the large grant of land which he had secured on his arrival in the country some years before.

One of Henry's great-grandsons, Henry Munroe, also had the honour of a seat in the assembly as a representative of the county.

Ref 1 gives Henry the birthdate of Aug 1745, but this date must be in error because Henry was commissioned a first lieutenant in 1759 which would have been when he was 14 years old. Also, his father died in 1743.

Ref 5 says Henry was the son of John Gunn Munro and Elizabeth Sutherland. Other references place Henry as the brother of John Gunn Munro.

Ref 6 says Henry and Sarah were married about 1763.

References:

(1) "The Monroe Book" by Dr. Joan S. Guilford - Franklin, North Carolina
(1993) - p. 553, 568

(2) Clan Munro files - Adams, George - "History of Annapolis, Nova Scotia" by
Calnek & Savary (1897) - p. 331-332

(3) "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - Edinburgh (1978) - L/87

(4) Clan Munro files - Delage, Margaret Van Amburg - Text of Land Grant in
Granville, Annapolis County, Nova Scotia dated 30 Oct 1765

(5) Clan Munro files - Hall, Barry Earl - Pedigree Chart of Barry Earl Hall
dated 19 Aug 1997 - p. 2

(6) Clan Munro files - Hall, Barry Earl - Ahnentafel Chart - dated 19 Aug 1997
- p. 1

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

Henry married Sarah Hooper in 1767 in Granville, Annapolis Co., Nova Scotia, Canada. Sarah was born on 10 Mar 1743 in Mendon, Worcester Co., Massachusetts; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]