Isaac Stiles Munson’s legacy lives on in Wayne County

A Revolutionary War patriot buried in Wayne County helps connect today’s communities with their Revolutionary past: Isaac Stiles Munson.

Munson was born Sept. 13, 1761, in New Haven, Connecticut. At just 15 years old, he enlisted in 1776 with the First Connecticut Regiment under Capt. Mansfield and served until November 1781. During his years of service, he saw significant action including the battles of White Plains and Elizabethtown, as well as the Siege of Yorktown and the capture of British Gen. Cornwallis.

According to his pension application, Munson was at times selected to serve as one of Gen. George Washington’s Life Guards — an elite unit personally created by Washington in 1776.

Known formally as “His Excellency’s Guard,” these men were chosen for their discipline, appearance and character. Their primary mission was to protect Washington, as well as the army’s money and official papers. In addition to their protective role, the Life Guards also served as light infantry, participating in key engagements and enduring the harsh winter at Valley Forge. The unit remained active throughout the war and was disbanded at its conclusion.

Munson’s military service ended in November 1781 when he was honorably discharged after suffering a disabling knee injury caused by a falling timber.

While still living in Connecticut, Munson married Eleanor Andrews, and the couple had one son, Henry. In 1815, after the death of his wife, Munson moved to Wayne County, where he became one of the early settlers of Franklin Township. At age 56 he was granted a government pension in recognition of his military service.

Munson and his son established a successful lime production business in 1817, supplying customers within a 50-mile radius. Lime, produced by burning limestone in a kiln, was an essential material used in agriculture, construction and household sanitation. Munson owned 160 acres of land just off what is now state Route 83, about 2 miles south of Moreland. His modest home stood along a narrow, winding road that passed over what became known as Munson’s Knob and into a wooded area beyond.

Remembered by neighbors as a man of “good character, industry, hospitality and general good qualities,” Munson lived on his property for the remainder of his life. The land stayed in the family well into the mid-20th century.

Munson died July 10, 1830, and is buried in Salt Creek Township. In recent years the Wooster-Wayne Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution honored his service by providing a new government headstone to replace one that had been damaged.

Editor's note: The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution Wooster-Wayne Chapter is submitting a series of articles about Revolutionary War patriots buried in Wayne County. This is the third of the series. Email Jolene Dyer at jolene.dyer@gmail.com with questions or comments.