Joseph Munro

Joseph Munro (1762-1849) was the third child of Nathan Munro and his wife Sarah. From a young age, he served as a substitute for his father in the local militia company during his shifts guarding the shore. During Joseph Spencer’s Expedition to Aquidneck Island in 1777, he served as a boatman under the command of Nathan Munro. During the Rhode Island Campaign of 1778, Joseph once again served in father’s place during the first militia rotation. By that point in time, he was 16 years old and officially eligible for militia service. This meant that when his father’s term expired, he himself was drafted and had to stay on the island. After the campaign, Joseph served for 10 months as a teamster with Israel Angell’s Regiment. In 1779, he sailed on a privateer ship which was captured, leading to eight months imprisoned in New Brunswick. Joseph completed his last term of militia service in 1781. After the war, he married Mary Eddy. The couple had three children: David, Joseph, and Abigail. Joseph Sr. worked as a cooper and was probably the last Revolutionary War veteran living in Bristol. In 1832, he applied for a pension for his service, receiving $40 per year. He signed his name on his pension application, but his will is signed with a mark (“x”) implying he was no longer able to write. Joseph participated in Independence Day celebrations in Bristol in 1833.