References to Monroes
in the Minutes of the
Court of Pleas and Quarter
Session,
Cumberland County, North Carolina
1755-1791
(Abstracted by the Cumberland County
Bicentennial Commission)
The Courts of Pleas and Quarter Sessions
served the function of both County Commission and District Courts from colonial times
until the ratification of North Carolinas reconstruction constitution in 1868.
The courts met quarterly, with a minimum of
three Justices of the Peace presiding. In addition to hearing minor criminal and civil
cases, the courts proved and recorded deeds and probated estates. The Courts, in
conjunction with the governor, appointed all county officials, including coroners, tax
collectors, constables and road overseers. The sheriff, for example, was appointed by the
governor from a list of three nominated by the Court.
In its administrative role, the Court appointed
juries to layout and maintain roads; licensed and set rates for taverns, public houses,
mills, ferries and toll bridges; recorded livestock brands; and set tax rates.
Between sessions of courts, the justices could
act individually as a magistrate, performing marriages, and hearing minor matters.
The Court minutes survive nearly intact with
only a few gaps, the most notable from October 1765, through October 1771. Interestingly,
a Munroe may account for this deficiently. In his claim with the British Crown for
compensation of his losses during the American Revolution, Tory James Munro reported,
"I seized the records of the county in order to strengthen the influence of the
government
. I had all of the records mentioned privately buried underground in the
woods along with my own bonds, books and most valuable papers, with strict directions not
to touch them until I should return. Consequently they were suffered to remain in that
situation so long that when they were taken up, many of the books were quite destroyed and
almost all my own papers rendered useless." (Patterson, page 13)
Entries are listed by date and abbreviated to include only the Monroes
listed in each entry.
January 20, 1756
Grand Jurors: Malcom Munrow, John Munrow
April 20, 1756
Petty Juror: Malcom Munrow
July 20, 1756
Deed: Malcom and Patrick Munroe to Thos. Mat[hew], acknowledged.
Petty Juror: Danl Munroe
January 20, 1757
Daniel Monroo sworn and sent to the Grand Jury
April 19, 1757
Petty Juror: Danl Munrow
April 20, 1757
Juror for Lodiwick Vinger vs. John Welsh: Daniel Munrow
April 21, 1757
Juror for Thos Armstrong vs. John Brooks: Daniel Munrow
Juror for Hector McNeill vs. Mathew Hardy: Daniel Munrow
Daniel Munroo and Wm. Roberts presented their certificates for
attending as jurors at Wilmington for 11 days, allowed.
October 18, 1757
£5:4:0 due by Dugan [Dugald?] Munrow to the
estate of Angus McEachran
January 16, 1758
Grand Juror: Malcom Munrow
January 17, 1758
Petty Juror: John Munrow, Malcom Munrow
January 19, 1758
Juror for Richard Braswell vs. Benjamin Kimbro Sr.: John Munrow, Malcom
Munrow
[Same jury for several cases same day]
January 20, 1758
Daniel Munrow licensed to keep an ordinary at his home; securities: John
Munrow and Malcom Munroe. [According to Websters Unabridged
Dictionary, an "ordinary" was a fixed-menu, fixed-price meal, such as served at
a boarding house. In colonial Virginia, (and possibly as far south as Cumberland?) the
word was used to refer to a tavern or inn of any kind.]
Juror for The Justices and Gabrill Reagains vs. Archibald Boue: Malcom Munrow
Juror for Robert Rowan vs. William Hall: Malcom Munrow
October 19, 1758
Ordered that David [Daniel?] Munrow show cause for non-attendance at jury.
Juror for Giles and Richard Hall vs. John Stephens: Daniel Munrow
January 16, 1758
Grand Juror: Malcolm Munrow
August 19, 1760
Grand Juror: Malcom Munrow
February 18, 1761
Petty Juror: Daniel Munrow
February 20, 1761
Daniel Munrow fined 10s for not attending jury duty.
May 19, 1761
Deed: John Patterson to Wm. Moore, proved by Daniel Munrow
August 19, 1761
Grand Juror: Daniel Munrow
August 21, 1761
Daniel Munrow appointed constable from the mouth of Lower Little river th Mr.
Gibsons store on the south side of said river.
February 17, 1762
Petty Juror: Daniel Munrow
Juror for Mary Brown, administrix, vs. Tamer Jones: Daniel Munrow
Appointed constable:
Daniel Munrow from the lower end of the
county to Lower Little River
May 19, 1762
Appointed Constable:
Daniel Munrow from the mouth of the Lower Little
river to Mr. Gibsons store, up the Wagon Road to John McAfees and down to Arch
McNeills on Little River
May 21, 1762
Constable Daniel Munrow ordered to summon the inhabitants of his district in
order to make lists of taxables.
August
19, 1762
John Munrow recommended to the General Assembly to be exempt from public
duties and taxes, be being sixty-odd years of age.
February 18, 1763
Thomas Statefiled appointed constable in place of Daniel Munrow.
August 16, 1763
Deed: Malcom Munrow to Hugh Black, proved by John Patterson
Petty Juror: Malcom Munrow
Bond to Rev. James [from several individuals], proved by Patrick Munrow
August 18, 1763
Juror for Robert Bennerman vs. Edward Dunfield: Malcom Munrow
August 19, 1763
Juror for Stephen Phillips vs. P. Ballard: Malcom Munrow
August 22, 1764
Grand Juror: Lewis Munroe
Petty Juror: Pat. Munrow
November 23, 1764
A road to be laid off from Williams Mill to the Yadkin road, Saml. Jackson
appointed overseer, following to meet James Cheney, Esq., at Jacksons house on the
second Saturday in January to qualify:
Malcom Munroe
February 21, 1765
Lewis Munrow fined 10s failure to appear for jury duty.
May 22, 1765
Daniel Munroe appointed constable in place of Wm. Moore
May 24, 1765
Constable Daniel Munroe ordered to summon the inhabitants of his districted
to be listed for taxes.
August 20, 1765
Grand Juror: Lewis Munroe
August 21, 1765
Alexd. McCarter, aged 5, son of Gilbert McCarter, apprenticed to Lewis
Munroe till he came of age.
August 22, 1765
The sheriff ordered to deliver a cow in his possession attached in the
suit of Jas. Mears, supposed to be the property of Gilbert McCarter, to Lewis Munroe, as
Peter McCarter made oath that cow belongs to Alexd. McCarter, son of said Gilbert
McCarter, bound to Lewis Munrow; said Munroe to take care of the cow for his apprentice.
Ordered Constale Daniel Munroe to appear at every February session of
court [each constable was assigned one session to attend.]
January 29, 1772
Alexander McKay, road overseer from Little River bridge to his house at the
fork in the road, the following hands to work under him:
Archd. Munroe
.
Deed: Danl Munroe to Archd McNeill, proved by John McNeill.
Deed: Danl. Munroe and John Clark to Malcolm Smith, proved by Thomas
Dobbins
April 29, 1772
Peter Munroe overseer of the road leading from Crosscreek to Archd.
McKays in palce of Alexr. McPherson
July 29, 1772
Deed: Daniel Munroe to James Munroe, acknowledged
October
28, 1772
Inventory of estate of Malcom Munroe given into court by Margaret Munroe,
administrix.
January 30, 1773
Juror for Chas. Shearin vs. David Stroud: Patrick Munroe
July 26, 1774
The will of Thomas Thomson, proved by Donald Munroe, the executors Charles
Campbell and Rober Boue qualified.
July 28, 1774
Mrs. Margaret Munroe, administrix, ordered to sell the personal estate of
Malcolm Munroe, deceased, and rendered an account.
January 27, 1775
A road to be laid off from George Blockers ferry to the upper line of
Bladen County near Fohn Farris on South river, the following jury, or any 12 of them, to
lay out said road:
Neill Munroe
January 25, 1775
Deed: Peter Munroe to Donald McIntire, acknowledged.
Deed: Wm. Burt and Isabel Burt of John McIntire, proved by Archd.
Munroe
April 26, 1775
Margaret McArthur [note that Margaret has apparently remaiiried],
administrix of Malcolm Munroe, summoned to the next court to render an account of the
administration of said estate; Daniel Munroe and James Munroe, securities for said
administrix brought in an account of the sale of said estate amounting to £912:19:10.
July 26, 1775
James Munroe appointed overseer in place of John McNair
January
25, 1776
David Ochiltree, overseer of the road on the lower side of Monrows
bridge over Little river and overseer of the others side with their companies to repair
said Monrows bridge, after which said Daniel Monrow agrees to give up his
pretensions to said bridge, saving his priviledge if the court should consitute it a toll
bridge.
October 29, 1777
Returned for Jury Duty: Patrick Munrow
April 27, 1778
Returned for Jury Duty: Peter Munro
July 31, 1778
Summoned for Jury Duty: Peter Monro
The following took Oath of Allegiance to the State in January Court:
Daniel Munroe
[The text of the oath, from an earlier session of court:]
I do solemnly and sincerely promise and swere that I will be faithfull and
bear True Allegiance to the State of No. Carolina, and to the powers and Authoritys
which are or may be established for the government thereof not inconsistant with the
Constitution, and I do Solemnly and Sincerely declare, that I do believe in my Conscience
that neither the King of Great Britain nor the Parliament thereof, jointly with the said
King, or seperately or any foreign prince person, State or potentate have or ought to
have, any right or title to the dominion or Sovereignty of this State or any part of the
government thereof, and I do renounce refuse and abjure any Allegiance or Obedience to
them or any of them, or to any person or persons put in Authority by or under them, or any
or them, & I will do my utmost endeavorurs to disclose and make known to the
legislative or Executive powers of the said State, all treasons and traiterous
Conspiracies and Attempts whatsoever which I Shall know to be made or intended, against
the said State, & I do faithfully promise, that I will endeavour to Support, maintain
and defend the Indepandence of the said State against him the said King, and All [other]
persons Whatsoever, and All these things I do p[ledge] and Sincerely acknowledge and swear
according [to] the plain and Common Sense and understanding of the Same words without any
equivocation mental evasion or Secret reservation whatsoever, & I do make this
Acknowledgement, abjuration, renunciation and promise heartily willingly and truly, so
help me God.
October 26, 1778
Summoned as juror: Peter Munro
Grand Juror: Patrick Munro
January 30, 1779
Summoned as Juror: Danl Munro
April 26, 1779
Danl. Monroe summoned as juror.
April 28, 1779
Grand Juror: Danl Munrow
July 28, 1779
Malcom Munroe named constable in place of Mathew Burnsides.
Deed: Donald Munro to Michl. Conelly acknowledged.
July 31, 1779
Malcom Munroe appointed assessor in Capt. McCranies district
Daniel Munroe appointed assessor in Capt. Chas. Campbells
District
Oct. 27, 1779
James McDonald, Donald Munro, and Neil McCranie, assesors, allowed L80 each
for their services as assessors in 1779.
October 28, 1779
Jurors summoned for next term: ...Peter Munro....
January 27, 1780
Malcom Munroe, constable, allowed £44.
January 28, 1780
Jurors summoned for next term: ...Peter Munro....
April 25, 1780
Grand Juror: Patrick Munrow
April, 1782
Summoned as Juror for Next Term: Patrick Munrow
April 30, 1784
Patrick Munrow appointed road overseer in place of John McKethan
Summoned as Juror next term: Danl Munrow
Patrick Munrow road overseer in place of John McKethan
[On July 4, 1784, the General Assembly passed an act dividing Cumberland County into
Moore and Fayette Counties. In November, 1784, an act was passed clarifying the boundary
between the two counties and reverting Fayette County to its former name of Cumberland
County. Threfore the July and October, 1784, terms of court are listed under as Fayette
County.]
Second day of term, July 1784 (Fayette County)
Suit: Danl Munrow vs. Malcom McNeill -- Caveat; jury ordered on premises
The following to lay off a road from Alexr. Grahams to
Fayetteville: ...Patrick Munrow, Neill Munro....
October 26, 1784 (Fayette County)
Following to serve as Jurors, January Term: ...Neill Monrow; Peter Monrow....
January 26, 1785
Malcom Munro road overseer in place of John McDonald
April
29, 1785
The following appointed as a jury to lay off a road from Taylors hole
to Alexr. Averas and from there to Sprowls Ferry: ... Patrick Munro....
January 28, 1786
Following hands to work the road from Little Rockfish to Fayetteville,
Neil Buie, overseer: ...Neill Munro, John Munrow....
April 30, 1785
Summoned as juror for next session: Peter Munro, Danl Munro
Appointed to Grand Jury: Danl Munro
Jurors summoned for next term: ...Peter Munro...
July 29, 1785
Summoned as Juror for Oct. term: John Munro
A road to be laid off from John Grayhams plantation [to] Little
Mountain Creek, then by Malcom Smithes Esq, then crossing Rockfish to Beaver Creek
bridge, then to Neill Bowies thence to Fayetteville, the following jury appointed:
... Neill Munro, John Munro... Malcom McDuffie to be overseer and work the following
hands: ... Neill Munro, John Munro ....
Oct. Term, 1785
Summoned as Juror: John Munrow
Following jurors absent to be fined 20s each: John Munrow
October 28, 1785
Venire to January sessions, 1786: ...Peter Munrow....
January 24, 1786
Danl. McNeill (appointed) road overseer from the forks of the road
where Alexr. McKoy lived to the Moore County line, his hands to be: ...Peter Munrow....
Summoned as juror: Peter Munrow
Danl. McNeill roadoverseer from the forks of the road wher Alexr. McKoy
lived to the Moore County line, his hands to be: ... Peter Munrow...
John Munroe exempted from paying his fine for non-attendance as a
juror, he not having been summoned.
Jan 26, 1786
Deed: Malcom Munrow to Saml. William, Proved by Isasc Williams
Following hands to work in the road from Little Rockfish to
Fayetteville, Neil Buie, overseer: ... Neill Munro, John Munrow....
Summoned as jurors: ...Danl; Munroe, John Munroe....
Dun. Smith (appointed tax) collector in McCraniea and Neill
Smiths districts; securities Malcom Smith and Peter Munroe
Jan 28, 1786
Summoned as juror: Danl. Munroe
Following hands to work on the road from Little Rockfish to
Fayetteville, Neil Buie overseer: ....Neill Munro, John Munrow ...
April 27, 1786
Juror for Wm. Rand, assignee vs. Saml Norrington: Danl. Munro
April 28, 1786
Securities in suit Cochran vs Kitchin: P Munro and Thos Gillmore
April 29, 1786
John Campbell appointed road overseer from Munros Bridge to Elliotts Mill,
following to work under him with their hands: Patrick Munro .... Donald Munro ...
July 25, 1786
Wm. Ward, an orphan, apprenticed to John Murphy (tailor), said Murphy giving
Danl. Munroe and John Dobbin as securities the sum of £50
July 27, 1786
John McKay road overseer from Munroes Bridge to the fork of the road
near Fayette (sic) in place of Malcom Munroe
July 29, 1786
James Dyer, county surveyor, and Norman Campbell to survey the disputed
claim between Malcom McNeill and Danl Monroe, agreeable to their respective location, to
make two fair plats of both entries and return same to next court, same to be made in the
presence of Col. Thos. Armstrong, Alex. Gregory and Farqd. Campbell, or either of them,
motioned by Mr. Spiller.
Jurors summoned for next term: Peter Munroe
October 25, 1786
Juror: Peter Munroe
Grand Juror: Peter
Bondsman for estate of Donald Morrison: Peter Munroe
October 26, 1786
Cain Morrison road overseer in place of Malcom Clerk, to work the following:
Peter Monroe
October 27, 1786
David Torrey (appointed) road overseer from Munros bridge to the fork
of Yadkin Road.
Jurors for Suit No. 15 -- Kinchen Kitchen vs. Danl. Cammeron: Danl.
Munroe, Peter Munroe
Oct. 28, 1786
The surveyors who were ordered to survey the disputed lands of Danl. Monroe
and Malcom McNeill allowed 20s. per day each for serving 4 days.
David Torry appointed road overseer from Munros bridge to the
fork of Yadkin Road
Charles Campbell granted license to keep a tevern at his house.
Securities: Malcom McNeill and Danl. Monroe.
Jan 27, 1787
Suit: Duncan Ochiltree vs Duncan McNabb -- Peter Munroe and Jno.
Dobbins, bail.
Juror Executors of Robt. Hogg vs Administrators of A. Simpson: Malcom
Munroe
Jurors for next term: Malcom Munroe, Jno. Munroe
April 25, 1787
Malcom Munroe, constable, having a certificate for his services,
allowed £44, which, agreeable to the scale of depreciation,
amounts to £1:8.
Grand Juror: Jno. Munro
April 27, 1787
Juror for Gilmore vs. McNeill: Malcom Munroe
Suit: Ocheltree vs. McNabb -- Patrick Munroe, security for defendant,
appeared and delivered him.
April 28, 1787
Malcom Munroe, appointed collector in Capts. McKethans and Archd.
Smiths districts, giving Phil. Hodge and John McNeill secruities in the sum of £800.
[Ordered that Malcom Munroe be appointed collector -- crossed out in
original]
Mrs. Munroe, widow of Daniel Munroe, granted permission to build a bar over thea road at
her house and to receive 3d. per wheel for all carriages passing over her bridge, also 3d.
per horse
July 24, 1887
Juror for Suit No. 67, Maxwell vs Bowell: ...Peter Munroe....
Jurors summoned for next term: ...Peter Munroe....
July 25, 1787
Juror for Suit No. 16, Soloman Porch vs Ebinr. Folsom: Neill Munro
July 26, 1787
Juror for Carmichael ve Crawford: Neill Munroe
[Malcom Munroes name appears in a list this day of deliquent
tax payers, however it is unclear if he is listed as a deliquent or as the tax collector.]
July 27, 1787
Juror for Suit Jonathan Fryer vs Rens Dwoning: Neill Munro, Peter Munroe
Suit No. 68: Neill Munroe vs Gillmore and Gillmore; same jury as No.
78, vertict for plaintiff, £18 and costs.
Sheriff to lay off a road from Fayetteville to Dobbins road near
Dobbin house or Yews path, Jury: ...Neill Munroe, Pat. Munro....
October 23, 1787
Juror: Peter Munroe
Deed: Neill Munroe to Danl. Graham, ackd.
Juror for Suit No. 35, Neill Brown vs Administrators of J. McMillan:
... Peter Munroe ... Neill Munro....
October 26, 1787
Juror for Suit Lewis Bowell vs Neill McArthur: Peter Munroe
Juror for Suit No. 50, Administrators of R. Cochran vs John Dobbin:
...Pat. Munroe....
October 27, 1787
Bill of Sale: Negro boy named Trim from Pat. Travers to John Ingram, proved
by P. Munroe.
January 30, 1788
Deed: Archd. Wilkinson to Neill Munroe, proved by Malcom Munroe
January 30, 1788
Deed: Archd. Wilkinson to Neill Munroe, proved by Malcom Munroe
January 31, 1788
Juror for Suit No. 24, Pat. Travers vs John Haslet: Neill Munro
Flora McLaughlan chose Danl. Patterson as juardian, he giving Neill
Munro as security.
Juror for Suit No. 11, Wm. Crawford vs Hector McLain: Neill Munro
April 30, 1788
Juror for Suit Jas. Pearl vs Hector McNeill: Neill Munro
Suit No. 7, Neill Munroe (Attorney John Hay) vs. Thomas Gilmore
(Attorney Henry Lightfoot; Jury: ....Neill Munroe [Does this indicate there were two
different Neill Munroes there?]...; verdict for plaintiff, L16:10:0
Neill Munro security of Catherine Colbreath, administrator of estate of
Malcom Colbreath
May 2, 1788
Suit: Monroe vs McNeill - A caveat tried some time since, costs not yet
settled, court awards that defendant pay costs.
May 3, 1788
Working the road from Tradaways Bridge to the Yadkin Road: Neill Munro
Working the road from the Mouth of the Little River to Colin
Shaws: Malcom Munroe
Peter Munroe appointed overseer of the Little River From Eliotts
Mill to Crains Creek in place of Jas. Campbell, working the following hands: Dugald
Munro
Thos. Armstrong appointed overseer of the river from Little River to
the mouth of Faifords Creek, working the following hands: ...Patrick Munro....
May 3, 1788
Peter Munro appointed overseer of the little River from Elliots Mill to
Crains Creek, in place of Jas. Campbell, working the following hands: . . . Dugald
Munro ...
August 2, 1788
Patrick Munroe, Capt. Alexr. McNatt and Jno. Ray, Jr., appointed patrollers
in McFersons and Smiths district.
October 31, 1788
Petition for a road to be opened from Campbells Ferry to Carvers Creek
granted; following to lay our said road: ... Malcom Munroe ....
Suit No. 52 - Patrick Munroe vs Dugald Cawford; verdict for plantiff: £79:10:0
November 1, 1788
Following to serve as jurors, January term: ...Malcom Munroe...
Dunkan Munro appointed road overseer from Munros bridge to the
fork of the Yadkin Road in place of David Torry
April 27, 1789
The coroner returned the following summoned to attend as jurors: John Munro
Juror for Suit No. 3, Jas Williams vs. Wm. Bennet: John Munro
April 29, 1789
Grand Juror: John Munro
January 29, 1789
Juror: Malcom Munroe
Suit No. 22: Executors of Munro vs. Peter Mallet. Same jurors as suit
no. 21; verdict for defendant, no cause of action; appeal prayed and granted.
Juror for suite No. 23: Adam Killen vs Malcom Clerk: ...Malcom
Munroe...
January 30, 1789
Allen Cameron, son of Danl., road overseer from Munros Bridge to D.
Camerons plangtation.
January 30, 1789
Neil Munro security for Cathn. Shaw and Danl. Shaw, Sr., administrators on
the estate of Danl. Shaw
January 31, 1789
Following jury to view the road from Colin Shaws to Campbells
Ferry and lay off a new road or continue the old one, whichever they think most proper,
making return to court: ...Malcom Munroe....
Following to serve as Jurors next term: John Munroe (Boons Creek)
May 1, 1789
Juror for Peter Strong vs Administrator of S. Fosdick: P. Munro
Juror for Suit No. 130, Wm. Trapnall vs John Black: ...Neill Munro....
Summoned as juror for next term: ...Neill Munro....
Following to lay off a new road from Mr. Campbells ferry to Colon
Shaws, but if found conveneint for the public benefit and ease of the inhabitants, to
continue the old road: ...Patrick Munro....
Neill Galbreath road overseer in place of Patrick Munro, working the
same hands
July 29, 1789
Alexr. Moore and Archd. McMillan to work under Peter Munro on Little River
James Dick, Isaac Burkloe and Peter Munro appointed to examine and
balue the bridge built by Jas. Campbell over Little River and report to next court.
July 30, 1789
Pat. Munro, George McDuffee and John Ray, Jr., appointed patrollers in Captl
Mcfersons district.
October 28, 1789
Following jury to view a new road to be laid out from Jas. McNeills
near Rockfish to Fayetteville: ...Neill Munroe....
October 29, 1789
Patrick Munro, Jos. Gist and William Gibson to value Mrs. Munros bridge
and report to next court.
January 29, 1790
Joseph Gest and Patrick Munro returned the valuation of Mrs. Munros b
ridge which they set at £160.
April 28, 1790
Juror for George Knowls vs Norman Shaw: ...Peter Munro....
April 29, 1790
Malcom Munroe, collector of taxes for 1786 in McKethans and
Smiths districts, settled with the court.
Juror for State vs Solo. Macklin: ...Malcom Munroe....
Daniel McNeill overseer of the Yadkin road between the fork of the road
and the Moore County in place of John McNeill, working the following hands: ... John
Munrow and Dugald Munroe.
April 30, 1790
Juror for Suit Administrators of G. Fletcher vs John Hadly: ...Peter Munro
Juror for Suit: Joseph Spaight vs Abel Holton: ...Peter Munro
July 27, 1790
Juror for Abel Holton vs Administratrix of Ambrose Smith: Lewis Monroe
July 29, 1790
Juror for Maurice Carmichael vs. Nicholas Nall: Dunl. (sic) Munroe
John Munro appointed constable in Capt. McFersons district in
place of D. McLoad.
October 26, 1790
Bondsman for Peter Smith: Lewis Munro
October 29, 1790
Summoned as jurors, next term: Neill Munroe, Peter Munro (Turtle Creek)
January 2, 1791
Danl. Rea appointed tax collector in Capt.s Munros and Danl
Smiths Disricts.
January 24, 1791
Attended as jurors this term: Neill Munroe, Peter Munroe (Turtle Creek)
January 27, 1791
Duncan Baker named road overseer in place of Duncan Munro, working the
same hands.
January 28, 1791
Justice Alexr. McIver to take tax list in Capt. Monroes District
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