Welcome to The Munros of Pinetown: Unearthing Our Family Story
Ever wondered about the stories hidden within your family tree? Here at The Munros of Pinetown, we're on a journey to uncover the fascinating history of our Munro ancestors, stretching from the Scottish Highlands to the vibrant landscapes of South Africa, and beyond. This site is a culmination of years of dedicated research, spurred by a deep personal connection and a passion for bringing our family's past to life.
From Left to right, Standing: William Langford Lester Munro, Emily Christina Morgan (nee Munro), Thomas Gibson (Gibby) Clendinning (son of Laura Selina Munro).
Seated: Wilfred Hugh Barrett (son of Isabella Munro), Dorothy Dacomb (daughter of Alexanderina Ellen Munro), Gordon Knowles Munro, John Hamish Munro, Maureen Lucy Burt (nee Munro), Laurel Dorothy Bartholomew (nee Munro).
Inset: Barbara Joan Gillman (nee
Munro) who was living in Western Australia at the time of the reunion.
My interest in genealogy ignited back in 1984, at a Munro family reunion in Pinetown. Witnessing the gathering of descendants of my great-grandparents, George Munro of Saltburn, Scotland, and Selina Jane Davie from Ormiston, Scotland, was truly inspiring and became the catalyst for this journey. A hand-drawn wall chart, filled with decades of family connections, served as a tangible link to our shared heritage – a chart I still cherish today.
The Heart of Our History: Preston House
My childhood home, Preston House in Pinetown, was more than just a house; it was the original Munro Homestead. Living there with my great-uncle Bill, I was surrounded by the echoes of our family's past. The very windows of that house hold memories – my bedroom window to the left of the front door, my parents' across the hall, and our shared living spaces. Those formative years instilled a profound curiosity about the people who built this home and this family.
From Microfilms to Modern Discoveries
My initial quest to trace George and Selina's origins was a slow, painstaking process. Imagine countless hours poring over microfilms in libraries and family history centres – a true testament to early genealogical research! The breakthrough came unexpectedly when my mother provided me with a fragile, fading document about the Glaeser family in South Africa. This seemingly small find became the key that unlocked generations of my South African lineage, leading me back through families like le Seuer, Swellengrebel, and Bergh, all the way to Angela of Bengal. Angela, a remarkable 8th and 9th great-grandmother, arrived in Cape Town as a slave in 1657 aboard the Prins Willem, alongside her daughter Anna de Coningh, who later married Olof Bergh and even owned the historic farm, Groot Constantia. Their story is just one of the many compelling narratives waiting to be discovered.
Olof Bergh and Anna de Coningh - key figures in our early South African history
Breaking Through Brick Walls and Connecting Across Continents
While the South African connections began to bloom, tracing our Scottish roots proved more challenging in the pre-internet era. It wasn't until the late 1990s that the digital revolution truly transformed genealogical research. Since then, the progress has been immense! Many "brick walls" have crumbled, allowing me to delve deeper into George's and Selina's families. I've uncovered what became of most of George's siblings, though the mystery of Donald, who arrived in Durban with George in 1864 and then vanished, remains. There's still much to explore on Selina's side. Fortuitously, I've also inherited a treasure trove of original family photos and letters, some dating back to the mid-1800s. These tangible pieces of history offer invaluable insights, bringing our ancestors' lives and voices to life.
Letters from George's Siblings, Alexanderina and
Isabella and Selina's Uncle and Aunt's marriage certificate
My research has since expanded to include my mother's Scottish roots in Aberdeenshire, and even my wife's family history in South Africa, England, and Scotland.
The Power of Technology and Collaboration
In recent years, advances in information technology, the widespread availability of online platforms, and revolutionary tools like DNA matching have accelerated my research beyond imagination. These innovations have not only confirmed long-held beliefs but also unveiled entirely new connections. Even more rewarding has been the opportunity to connect and collaborate with like-minded individuals and distant relatives from around the world.
It's with this spirit of discovery and shared heritage that I've created this website. My hope is that by making my findings available, we can collectively explore, expand, and enrich the tapestry of the Munro family story.