Frank A. Munroe
Anne Arundel County Court Clerk, 1934-1938
MSA SC 3520-13110
Biography:
On February 25, 1866 Frank Asbury Munroe was born to James and Matilda Walter Munroe. James was a native of Anne Arundel County, while Matilda was from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Frank was their fifth child. His siblings included George, James Middleton, Grafton, and Mary Munroe Brainard.1 He attended St. John's College and then went on to study law at the University of Maryland. Munroe grew tired of studying law however, and decided to work at his father's store on Main St. in Annapolis.2
Munroe married Margaret Davidson Hall of Davidsonville on November 12, 1896. They had two sons, but only one survived to adulthood, Frank A. Munroe, Jr.3 The family resided at 26 Franklin St. in Annapolis.4 Munroe continued to manage his father's store. In 1909 he had his first taste of local politics. He succesffully campaigned for the position of Alderman of the Second Ward. Three years later he was made an Orphan's Court Judge. In 1916 he was appointed to be a member of the Board of Education for Anne Arundel County. He served on the board for many years, eventually becoming its President.5 In 1930 Munroe campaigned for the position of Clerk of the Court, but was defeated by Democrat Frank S. Revell in a close election.6 Munroe continued to serve on the Board. His service to the school system totalled over 20 years, in which he constantly improved and visited the schools. After leaving, he continued his active role in the schools by attending many student events and speaking at graduations.7
In 1934 Munroe made a second attempt at the Clerk's position. This time he was successful, defeating both Democrat George T. Cromwell and Vincent Bailey. This was a rare Republican victory, as Democrats continued their success in the county and the state.8 He served his full term and then ran for a second one only to be defeated again by the Democrats in another close election. This time his opponent was John H. Hopkins, III. Munroe had the majority of votes in Annapolis, but had fewer votes in other parts of the county. As a result of the hard work of party leader Frank A. Revell, every Democrat on the ticket in Anne Arundel County won in 1938.9 In 1946 Munroe returned to county politics as a member on the Board of County Commissioners on which he served until 1950.10 In addition to his active political career, Munroe was also part of many social organizations such as the Annapolis Yacht Club, the Annapolis Club, and the South River Club. He was also an active member of St. Anne's Episcopal Church.
Munroe died on November 28, 1953 after suffering from an illness for
over two years which put him into a lengthy coma.11
He left all of his property to Margaret.12
His personal property was estimated at $20,149.50.13
Margaret died soon after. Her real estate (house on Franklin
St.) was estimated at $25,000 and her personal estate at $84,703.15.14
Upon Frank, Jr.'s arrival from the Panama Canal Zone, where he was working
for the U.S. Army, Munroe's service was held at St. Anne's and he was buried
at St. Anne's Cemetary.15
Biographical Profile-
Born - February 25, 1866 (o)
Family - son of James (a native of AA Co), and Matilda Walter Munroe (from Gettysburg, PA); youngest of five children - three brothers: George, James Middleton, and Grafton; one sister: Mary Munroe Brainard (o)
Education - graduate of St. John's College; studied law at the University of Maryland (o)
Occupation - worked in his father's general store on Main St. in Annapolis; member of Annapolis Yacht Club (formerly Severn Boat Club), the Annapolis Club, and the South River Club; active in St. Anne's Episcopal Church o
Married - Margaret Davidson Hall of Davidsonville on November 12, 1896 p/o
Children - sons: Davidson Hall (died at young age)Mc, Frank A. Munroe, Jr who served in the United States Navy and was stationed at the Panama Canal at the time of his father's death(o).; family resided at 26 Franklin St. in Annapolis (p)
Political Highlights -
1909, Alderman of Second Ward in Annapolis o
1912, Orphan's Court Judge o
1916, Board of Education - appointed to the Board; later served as President of the Board of Education o
1930, Republican Candidate for Clerk of the Court - defeated by Frank S. Revell in a close election; Revell 6966 votes to Monroe's 6761 votes (r pap)
1934, elected Clerk of the Court for Anne Arundel County - rare Republican victory; Vincent Bailey 128, George T. Cromwell 7816, Munroe 8353
1946, County Commissioner - elected to Board of County Commissioners and served until 1950 o
Note - Munroe served the school system for over 20 years, constantly iimproving and visitng the schools; he continued his active role in the schools by attending many student events and speaking at graduations after leaving the Board o
Death - November 28, 1953 after suffering from an illness for over two years and a coma for several weeks, leaving all of his property to Margaret; his property was estimated at $20,149.50; Margaret died soon after; her estate: real (house on Franklin St.) $25,000; personal $84,703.15(p); service at St. Anne's and buried at St. Anne's cemetary (o)
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