The Munros of Pinetown
Their Families, Ancestors and connected families
OBITUARY
From Our Own
Correspondent
PINETOWN,
March 13, The funeral of the late Mr. George Munro, who died at his
residence, Preston House, Pinetown on Friday, took place at St. John's
Churchyard, Pinetown, on Saturday afternoon last.
A large number of
mourners and friends followed the cortege to the graveside to pay their last
respects to the deceased. The coffin was carried to the grave by four sons
of the deceased, and the Vicar (the Rev. F. Stead), conducted the burial
service.
There was a large number
of wreaths, and the funeral arrangements were in the able hands of Messrs.
Adlam Reid and Co.
The late Mr. George Munro
arrived in Natal by the sailing vessel, “Udore”, in 1864, and was
accompanied by his brother Donald Munro, who both went out to the Umgeni
brickfields, where they joined their brother John, and were some time
engaged in brick making.
Towards the latter part
of 1868 the deceased set out from Durban with the late Archie Campbell for
the Tati Goldfields with a cart and six oxen. From there he returned during
1869, and took up building and contracting on the Natal Coast, also tobacco
growing and transport riding for a considerable period. In 1875 he was
married to Selina Jane Davie, niece of the late James Sanderson, of Preston
House, Pinetown, the marriage ceremony being performed by the Rev. Posselt,
of New Germany. He then lived at Umgeni for about 12 months, and
subsequently settled down in Pinetown, at Preston House, being engaged in
farming pursuits for the remainder of his life. His farm to-day is one of
the best known landmarks on the Durban-Maritzburg Road.
The deceased gentleman at
the time of his death was in his 78th year, which he would have celebrated
in May next. To mourn their loss, he leaves a wife, five sons James, Alfred
George Malcolm and Willie; four daughters - Mrs. Dryden, presently living in
South-West Africa, Mrs. Clendenning, Mrs. J. Crawford and Mrs. Barrett who
all attended the funeral with the exception of Mrs. Dryden.
The late Mr. George Munro
was of a kindly disposition and well beloved by those who knew him. He had a
wonderful and retentive memory, and could relate reminiscences and tales of
the early day by the score. He was widely known throughout Natal, and was
one of the oldest pioneers in the Province.
Transcribed from The Natal Daily News published on 13th March 1923.