The Home's History

Built in 1797, this historic site reflects both the personal struggles and accomplishments of its builder, a successful lawyer and Federalist politician - as well as an enslaver. Munro, the nephew of John Jay—America's first Chief Justice—purchased the property in 1795, marking the beginning of his deep ties to Larchmont’s history.

The Life of Peter Jay Munro

Peter Jay Munro’s family life was turbulent. His father, Henry Munro, was a chaplain who arrived in America during the French and Indian Wars, while his mother, Eve Jay, was described as mentally unstable and abusive. Despite these challenges, Munro achieved significant professional success, even studying law under Aaron Burr. Burr later played a pivotal role in helping Munro elope with Margaret White, defying his parents' disapproval.

Munro and Slavery

Munro’s ownership of enslaved individuals complicates his legacy. While his 1790 residence in NYC listed four enslaved people, he kept at least three enslaved individuals at the Manor House. He recorded the birth of a child to one of his slaves in Mamaroneck in 1814.

One enslaved girl, Abigail, known as “Abbe,” was particularly significant in Munro’s life. Abbe was the “property” of Peter Munro’s aunt and uncle, Sarah Livingston Jay and John Jay. Due to a difficult home life, Peter Munro was very close to Sarah and John. After a dispute with Peter’s aunt Sarah in Paris, Abbe ran away and was imprisoned by Parisian authorities at the bequest of the Jay family. Munro visited Abbe in jail on behalf of Sarah to bring Abbe back to the Jay home in Paris, but Abbe was unwilling unless she was returned to America. She eventually left jail in poor health and died shortly after at the Jay’s home in Paris.