Isabella Paterson and Donald Munro - my generation’s great great great grandaunt and uncle

Isabella Paterson was the second oldest of John and Elizabeth’s children. She was born during 1830 in Durness, Sutherland or perhaps Farr, Caithness in the Scottish Highlands. Isabella married Donald Munro on the 15th of May 1855 in Durness, Scotland, and came out to New Zealand around 1862. Donald was born in 1826. His mother was Hughina McKay and his father was Donald Munro. It is likely Isabella and Donald came to New Zealand on the Robert Henderson with John and Elizabeth, however, as mentioned earlier that passenger list has been lost.

Isabella and Donald’s known children included

1. Donald - born in 1864; could be the Donald Munro buried in West Taieri Cemetery, Otago, Block 8 Plot 1 - 2 17 - 18, reportedly born in 1862, who died 23 August 1921; or the Donald Munro buried in Port Chalmers, Block UO, Plot 256A, also reportedly born in 1862, who died on the 28th June 1943

2. James Jackson - born in 1865; possibly the James Jackson Munro buried in Lumsden, Plot 3.00, Block VII, who died 22 July 1939

3. Robert John - born in 1875; could be the Robert John Munro buried in Waikumete Cemetery, Auckland, Wesley Division F, Row 1, Plot 68, who died 8th November 1945; or the Robert John Munro buried in Bromley Cemetery, Christchurch, Plot 57, Block 40, who died in 30 September 1955

No doubt Isabella and Donald had other children, especially prior to 1864, and between 1865 and 1875, however, I have found no other records to date.

Partial view of he Map Of the Crown Grant Index Record Map of the Moeraki District

A Donald Munro’s name appears on the historical Waitaki District Council Rates as owning Section 12 Block 1, of the Moeraki Freehold. This farm was called ‘Tendallan’, and while I have no proof that this was Isabella’s husband, there is definitely no record of them in Otepopo prior to 1891.

‘Tendallan’ is situated on what is now State Highway one between Hampden and Moeraki. The name on the original survey map was Charles Reid. Interestingly a nearby property, section 1 of 15, which is owned by David Munro at this time. Possibly this is Donald’s brother?

‘Tendallan’ was advertised for sale in 1874. It included 70 acres (section 12, Block 1), a two storied house and out buildings, 16 horses, saddles, bridles, harness and a buggy, 20 cattle, including dairy cows, and several farm implements. However, there may have been a change of heart, or no buyers, as Donald Munro was still the rate payer until 1878.

By March 1891, Isabella and Donald had moved closer to family at Otepopo, as Donald paid the rates on Section 67 of Block 5 and continued to do so till at least 1900. This block of land is two sections west from John and Elizabeth’s original block ‘Mussel Farm’. Apparently Isabella and Donald called their farm ‘Strathmore’ after the Strathmore Valley they left behind in Scotland.

Isabella died on the 19th of November, 1902 in Otepopo. She was 72 years old. She was interred on the 23rd of November, 1902 in Block 8 Plot 12 of Otepopo cemetery. Donald passed away on the 30 March 1906 and was interred on the 2nd of April 1906. He is buried in Otepopo Cemetery in Block 8 Plot 13 next to Isabella.

Isabella and Donald’s headstone at Otepopo cemetery