Col. John Munson

NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

Col. John Munson

Source: J. Percy Crayon, Rockaway Records of Morris County, N. J. Families, (Rockaway, N.J., Rockaway Publishing Co., 1902)

The Presbyterian Church Records show that Capt. John MUNSON became a member in 1773. He was connected with the iron interest of Rockaway previous to the Revolution, and built "Guinea Forge" about 1770, which he sold with 2,600 acres, to Joshua WINGET, having failed in the iron business. The same tract was surveyed by Thomas MILLAGE to Benj. BEACH and Col. John MUNSON. He resided about one mile north of Rockaway on the Hibernia road. Was captain at the beginning of the Revolution, a member of the Committee of Safety and Lt. Col. in 1776, and as colonel enlisted men in Rockaway and vicinity June 5, 1778, to serve nine months in the 1^st Reg. New Jersey Brigade. He probably died soon after this service, as no mention is made of him in the Church Records after the Revolution.

No records as to who he married. Children were: Daniel, Elizabeth, born Feb. 12, 1763, married Nathaniel FAIRCHILD June 24, 1799, who was a soldier in the Revolution, as these Bible records were sent to the pension office to secure the pension of the said Elizabeth FAIRCHILD. Anna, married MINTON, probably of Rockaway; Margaret and John.

Col. John was a probable brother of Capt. Solomon MUNSON, Jr., who married Mary PIERSON Oct. 10, 1753. He was born 1725, died Feb. 8, 1803, and belonged to the 1^st Company of the 3^rd Battalion. His son Ezekiel settled Munson’s Hill, Dover; was born 1761 and died Sept. 2, 1828. His wife Rhoda was born 1765 and died Nov. 15, 1827. Both buried in the Rockaway Cemetery. Descendants are still numerous in Morris and Sussex counties. Will not some of them give further information in regard to Col. John MUNSON, of Rockaway?

Transcribed by John Cresseveur (1949-2003)