Ralph Middleton Munroe

Notes:

In 1847, Ralph helped a friend, William Andrews, to develop a wood carving machine and after about one year, the friend threw in the towel and told Ralph to help himself to what tools he wanted, in lieu of better pay. During this episode, he also worked in his spare time with two German machinists named Newman. they were experts in developing and perfecting intricate patterns, so Ralph gained much knowledge from these men.

At one point, Ralph visited his grandfather in Concord, Massachusets, and visited the old pencil shop of William Munroe which was still in operation. Also during this visit, he met the daughter of Ralph Waldo Emerson, Ellen. She was credited with bringing the game of croquet from England to the US. In Concord, Ralph also became acquainted with the Alcotts, Frank Sanborn, the Barretts, William W. Weildon, Horace Mann, the Hosmers and others. Across the way from his grandfather lived Judge Rockwood Hoar, who later became Attorney General under Grant.

Shortly after the beginning of the American Civil War, Ralph went to boarding school at the Eagleswood Military Academy. The school was located about a mile and a half west of Perth Amoby on the Raritan River.

When his parents moved to Staten Island, he was sent to a private school on New York Avenue, opposite St. John's Church. The school was run by Isaac Holden.

In 1875, Ralph became engaged in a business venture with the Elmira Seamless Keg Company.

In 1888, Ralph became a permanent resident of Cocoanut Grove, Florida. He was one of the early settlers of that place and lived there until his death.

From Nov 1889 to Jun 1891, he tried various experiments with sponge culture. He tried to persuade the state legislature to set aside a small area to be reserved for experiments, but the bill was not passed.

Ralph was well known for his superior skill at designing sail boats. He designed and built many boats for his friends and for many well known people of his day. He was the originator of the Sharpie sail boat.

Many other interesting facts about Ralph can be found in his book, "The Commodore's Story" printed in 1930.

References:

(1) "History and Genealogy of the Lexington, Mass. Munroes", 2nd ed. by R. S.
Munroe - Florence, Massachusetts (1986) - 15-21-34-1 - p. 275, 407-408

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

Ralph married Eva A. Hewett in Staten Island, Richmond Co., New York, USA. Eva was born about 1853; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Ralph married Jessie Wellington Wirth on 29 Jul 1895 in Coconut Grove, Dade, Florida, USA. Jessie was born on 13 Jul 1876 in Albany, Albany Co., New York, USA; died on 16 Feb 1940; was buried in Miami, Miami-Dade, Florida, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

References:

(1) "History and Genealogy of the Lexington, Mass. Munroes", 2nd ed. by R. S. Munroe - Florence, Massachusetts (1986) - 15-21-34-1 - p. 408

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

Notes:

References:

(1) "History and Genealogy of the Lexington, Mass. Munroes", 2nd ed. by R. S. Munroe - Florence, Massachusetts (1986) - 15-21-34-11 - p. 408

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

Notes:

References:

(1) "History and Genealogy of the Lexington, Mass. Munroes", 2nd ed. by R. S. Munroe - Florence, Massachusetts (1986) - 15-21-34-12 - p. 408

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

Wirth married Mary Poore in 1933 in Miami, Miami-Dade, Florida, USA. Mary was born on 18 Jan 1904 in , , Massachusetts, USA; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Living. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Living. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]