Munro, William Wallace 1870-1931

MUNRO, MONROE

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, volunteer (email)
Date: 11/6/2011 at 22:33:10

LeMars Globe-Post
March 26, 1931

SAW INDIANS ON WAY TO MASSACRE
W. W. Munro Was Early Pioneer In This Community

William Wallace Munro, one of the earliest pioneers of this county, died at
his home in LeMars Tuesday evening at the age of 60 years. Deceased had
been ailing for over a year with complications.

Funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock from the
Presbyterian Church, Rev. J. J. DePree officiating. Burial will be made in
the LeMars cemetery.

“Wad” Munro, as he was known, was born in Toronto, Canada, on November 25,
1870, and was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Geo. C. Munro. The family came to
Union township, Plymouth county in 1871, when he was one year of age, where
they homesteaded and herded cattle for the Warner ranch.

In 1890 Mr. Munro purchased half interest in the O’Leary store in
partnership with James Hout. This store was operated until 1898, the date of
Mr. Munro’s marriage. On this day the store burned and the partnership
terminated.

Deceased farmed for several years and purchased half interest in Munro Bros.
livery buying out his brother Hugh and continuing Munro Bros. livery with
the late Gil Munro. The business was conducted on the lot now occupied by
Christ Miller Co. Mr. Munro retired from business in the year 1917.

Deceased is survived by his wife, Mrs. Almerta Munro and the following
children: Hugh L. Munro, Glendale, Calif.; Wallace G. Munro, Spencer, Iowa;
Donald Munro, LeMars; and a sister, Mrs. Belle Roberts, Chicago, Ill.

Mr. Munro was one of the early pioneers of this county, herding cattle in
this section when LeMars was nothing but vast prairie. He told of seeing the
Indians going through LeMars on their way to the Spirit Lake massacre, all
dressed in their war clothes and paint.

He was one of the most highly respected citizens of LeMars and vicinity and
his death is mourned by everyone who enjoyed his friendship and his daring
deeds during the early days.