Notable Clan Members
The Munro Clan has been most fortunate in our history to produce so many people who have achieved so much in their lifetime and beyond. These members found fame in a vast variety of fields such as: religion, medicine, politics, trade, science, art and of course the military. Some of our ancestors are noted below.
Colonel Sir Robert Munro (6th Bnt)
Arguably the most prominent member of all Munros down the ages is Sir Robert. Robert was one of, if not, the founder of what was to become the Black Watch. Sir Robert fought in the disastrous Battle of Fontenoy against the French. After Fontenoy Robert was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel because of his leadership and bravery which culminated in his appointment as head of the 37th. Regiment.
Commanding his new Regiment at the Battle of Falkirk the men under him were not Highlanders and ran like sheep from the Jacobite rebels.Robert fought gallantly but was overpowered by the sheer numbers surrounding him and was eventually killed.However, he took several rebels with him. One of Robert’s brothers was also killed at Falkirk. Sir Robert was interred at the churchyard of Falkirk and many Clan Chiefs attended. On the 17th. July,1745 Robert’s brother, John, was appointed to the Colonelcy of the 37th Regiment.
Alexander Munro (1733-1817)
Alexander was the son of his father, also Alexander who held the Chair of Anatomy at Edinburgh University. The second Alexander was more of a researcher than his father and made great inroads in the study of the lymphatic system and the nervous structure. His elder brother was a well renowned London physician. Alexander’s son, also an Alexander, succeeded him in the Chair of Anatomy and in total ended 126 years of the remarkable dynasty.
Henry Munro (1730-1801)
Born in Scotland Henry became an army chaplain and served in America. In 1765 he served as a missionary in the New York frontier after converting to the Church of England. He was very helpful to the Mohawk nation and because of his loyalist sympathies was imprisoned but escaped back to Scotland.
Sir Thomas Munro (1761-1827)
Because of the effects of the American Revolution Thomas’ father’s business failed. Thomas, who was born in Glasgow, hoped to follow in his fathers footsteps involved in the mercantile industry but this was not to be. He decided to go to Madras where he joined the army as an infantry cadet. Moving up through the ranks he became a major-general, as well as being knighted. Because he was so esteemed and competent when peace was achieved he was appointed the governor of Madras.
James Monroe (1758-1827)
James became the US President in 1816 after entering the Senate in 1790. During his presidency five states joined the Union. He is famed by introducing the Monroe Doctrine which maintained that the US would not interfere with the internal affairs of foreign countries and that the US was no longer open to further colonisation by European nations.
Dana C Munro (1866-1933)
The Crusades was a speciality of this esteemed historian. His magnum opus being an in depth history of the Crusades. His philosophy was that verification must be made in historical writing. Professor at Wisconsin from 1902 to 1915 he was actively involved with many historical organisations and published many historical works.
Charles E Munroe (1849-1938)
One of the first chemical engineers in America Charles was a product of the Scottish nobility. Chemical analysts use as part of their investigation apparatus a clay filter which was invented by Charles.He was involved with the Torpedo Corps (1886-1892) as a chemist where he discovered smokeless powder. Later he organised the first tests for the armour-piercing shell and developed the use of the bazooka and shaped charges.
Leslie K Munro (1901-1974)
Leslie was a well known New Zealand government official and particularly a diplomat. He was the New Zealand Ambassador to the US in 1952-8 and an MP for the National Party in 1963. As president of the UN General Assembly, in 1957-58 he was instrumental in negotiating settlement of the anti-Communist revolt in Hungary.
William Bennett Munro (1875-1957)
William was professor at Williams College, Harvard and at the California Institute of Technology from 1929-45. He became the president of the American Political Science Association. Many books on history and government were written by Munro and several honorary degrees were awarded to him.
Neil Munro
Neil Munro’s early days were spent in Inveraray which became a starting point for many of his novels and papers. He excelled as both a novelist and journalist.In July 1907 he featured in the long running series “Men you Know “ of the Glasgow periodical “The Bailie”.His novelistic career ranged from “The Lost Pibroch” (1896) and “Jaunty Jack” (1918).The Biography of Neil Munro was Written by his grand-daughter, Lesley Lindrum.
The foregoing Munros of note are but a short list of our proud heritage. We will, from time to time, make additions.