Colin Munro
Colin Munro (1819-1884) was born in Dundon, Argyleshire, Scotland and died in Buffalo, New York. His obituary, published in the Dutton Enterprise on February 7, 1884 gives the best biography of Sheriff Munro.
He came to Canada in 1827, and assisted in clearing his father’s farm in Southwold. He became well educated and he acquired his education in those “early days” by overcoming difficulties being possessed of a determination and an amount of ambition that seemed to lead to success. He had one advantage – his father was well-to-do and gave his son Colin a good supply of money and land, and with the money he speculated. Always cautious, his investments were remunerative…. At the age of 18 he was appointed assessor of Southwold, and performed his duties satisfactorily. Becoming 21 he was elected deputy-reeve, and subsequently reeve, retaining the position for several years. He held a seat in the provisional county council when Elgin was separated from Middlesex, and after the organization of the government of the county he was appointed sheriff by the Hinks Lanfontaine Administration, which was in power, and which office he continued to hold till the time of his death.
In addition to being Sheriff, Colin Munro served as vice-president of the Bank of the County of Elgin. His signature may be found on the bills that were issued by the bank, which incorporated in 1854, operated from 1856-1860.
He was married to Alma Moore (1838-1864) and was the father to William (1860-1862) and Agnes Adelia “Alma”, who married James Cummings Duffield in 1885.
Although Munro held a public office, he is best remembered in history books as a member of the first executive board for the St. Thomas Ladies College, and known after 1881 as Alma College, named after his late wife.
Colin, his wife and son are buried in the Old Survey, south section of the St. Thomas Cemetery.