The Legend of Jack Munroe: A Portrait of a Canadian Hero

John D. Blackwell is co-ordinator of information services, Arthur A.
Wishart Library, Algoma University College, Sault Ste. Marie.

In this highly readable and meticulously researched biography, Farmiloe
rescues from oblivion the story of one of Canada’s many forgotten
heroes.

Jack Munroe (1873–1942) was a remarkable Cape Bretoner whose crowded
career involved him in some of the major events of his generation. At
age 12, he moved to Montana, and after high school became a football
star and university coach. His greatest notoriety, however, came as a
boxer. Lionized by the American public, he was the first Canadian to
fight for the World Heavyweight Championship. Despite his fame and
success as an athlete, Munroe’s abiding interest was mining. He began
prospecting in Idaho, but by 1906 was drawn to Cobalt, Ontario, for the
silver rush. In 1911, during the devastating fire at South Porcupine
(near present-day Timmins), Munroe became a celebrity across Northern
Ontario for his role in saving the town.

When World War I was declared, Munroe (and his collie, Bobbie Burns!)
enlisted in the newly formed Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light
Infantry regiment. They served in Flanders until 1916, when a bullet
wound permanently paralyzed Munroe’s right am. After a painful
convalescence in England, he returned to Canada still a private. The
Army promoted Munroe and employed him briefly in the desperate effort to
recruit more soldiers for the battlefield. His autobiography, Mopping Up
(1918), although an often sentimental and jingoistic work, presented one
of the first realistic accounts of a common soldier’s life in the
trenches. After the war, Munroe resumed prospecting in Northern Ontario,
where he associated with other legendary figures such as Harry Oakes.

As with many biographies, Farmiloe’s story has gaps; in this case,
the problem is limited sources. The author discusses her extensive
search for information about Munroe in a separate 22-page “Notes”
section, which enhances but does not intrude upon the text. The volume
contains a number of fine illustrations but would have benefited from a
contemporary map of Northern Ontario—the focus of Munroe’s life.
Finally, a more rigorous editing would have removed some obvious
typographical and grammatical errors. Nevertheless, this book will be
enjoyed by a wide readership.