The Hissem-Montague Family

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Two of the sons of Peter Montague, of the Boveney Montague family, emigrated to America. One, Peter Montague Jr., went to the Virginia colony at Jamestown. The other, Richard Montague, went to the Massachusetts Bay colony. I worked out the genealogy below some time ago, and was fairly proud of the work I did on the Zenas Montague branch. I was excited to find the following reference confirming my work, but also disappointed that it obviated it as well.

"It is possible that an occassional correspondence was maintained between the English and Hadley Montagues. There was communications, at least in the ealy part of the last century, between Richard's children and their kin abroad; and the fact that there is yet preserved, as I am told, an ivory-headed cane, said to have been sent from England to Peter Montague, Richard's son, in 1700, with directions that it should pass from Peter to Peter, so long as Peters should be born, is evidence that the American emigrants were not forgotten in their native land."

. . .

"Note 9.--Page 19.

This cane is now owned by Peter Ross Montague, Mina, Chautaqua County, New York. He is son of Zenas, son of Peter, son of Moses, son of John, son of Richard the first in Hadley."

- from "Meething of the Montague Family of Hadley, Mass., Aug. 2, 1882"

Of even greater interest is a note I recently found on the internet in a Montague genealogy forum. It said that Y-DNA tests of descendents of both Peter and Richard Montague had been done and that these showed a close enough affinity to prove that Peter and Richard were most likely brothers. Looking at the Montague DNA Project at the Family Tree DNA site, it looks like the "Richard Montague and Abigail Downing Group" is haplogroup R1b, which is expected from a family with English origins; R1B is the dominant type along the Atlantic shore of Europe from Spain through France and into England. More precisely, the Montagues are R1b-Z8, a branching that occurrd in about 1200 BC among the Germanic tribes of central Europe. This may mean that the family came over during the 5th century AD Anglo-Saxon invasions. Z8 comes under the U106/S21 clade, referred to as the Proto-Germanic.

"R1b-U106 is a patrilineal descended family that appears to descend from an ancestral R1b group located among or near the Yamnaya culture, north of the Black Sea area. The group rose to significance in southern Germany and the surrounding areas probably a bit before 3000 BC. Although U106 is found all over Europe, and in countries that Europeans have migrated to, it is most significant in Germany and surrounding countries, Scandinavia, and Britain." - from Family Tree DNA

"The Germanic branch (R1b-U106)

The principal Proto-Germanic branch of the Indo-European family tree is R1b-U106. This haplogroup is found at high concentrations in the Netherlands and north-west Germany. It is likely that R1b-U106 lineages expanded in this region through a founder effect during the Unetice period, then penetrated into Scandinavia around 1700 BCE (probably alongside R1a-L664), thus creating a new culture, that of the Nordic Bronze Age (1700-500 BCE). R1b-U106 would then have blended for more than a millennium with preexisting Scandinavian populations, represented by haplogroups I1, I2-L801, R1a-Z284. When the Germanic Iron Age started c. 500 BCE, the Scandinavian population had developed a truly Germanic culture and language, but was divided in many tribes with varying levels of each haplogroup. R1b-U106 became the dominant haplogroup among the West Germanic tribes, but remained in the minority against I1 and R1a in East Germanic and Nordic tribes, including those originating from Sweden such as the Goths, the Vandals and Lombards.

The presence of R1b-U106 in other parts of Europe can be attributed almost exclusively to the Germanic migrations that took place between the 3rd and the 10th century. The Frisians and Anglo-Saxons disseminated this haplogroup to England and the Scottish Lowlands, the Franks to Belgium and France, the Burgundians to eastern France, the Suebi to Galicia and northern Portugal, and the Lombards to Austria and Italy. The Goths help propagate U106 around Eastern Europe, but apparently their Germanic lineages were progressively diluted by blending with Slavic and Balkanic populations, and their impact in Italy, France and Spain was very minor. Later the Danish and Norwegian Vikings have also contributed to the diffusion of R1b-U106 (alongside I1, I2b1 and R1a) around much of Western Europe, but mainly in Iceland, in the British Isles, in Normandy, and in the southern Italy.

. . .

O'Sullivan et al. (2018) tested the genomes of Merovingian nobles from an early Medieval Alemannic graveyard in Baden-Württemberg. Apart from one individual belonging to haplogroup G2a2b1, all men were members of R1b, and all samples that yielded deep clade results fell under the R1b-U106 > Z381 > Z301 > L48 > Z9 > Z325 clade. The lineage of the Kings of France was inferred from the Y-DNA of several descendant branches and also belongs to R1b-U106 > Z381. Their earliest-known male-line ancestor was from Robert II, Count of Hesbaye, a Frankish nobleman from present-day Belgium. The House of Wettin, one of the oldest dynasties in Europe, which ruled over many states at various times in history, was yet another well-known noble Germanic lineage part of R1b-U106 > Z381." - from eupedia.com

Historical Timeline: The Stuarts: 1603-1625 James I King of Scotland and son of Mary Queen of Scots. He gained the English throne through his grandmother, a sister of King Henry VIII. During his reign successful colonies were founded in Virginia and Massachusetts.

Also as Mountague. The 8th Great-Grandfather of my wife, Anita Montague Hissem. Richard Montague, the third son of Peter Montague and Eleanor Allen, of Boveney, Burnham Parish, Buckinghamshire, England, was born on 29 May 1614 in Warfield, Berkshire.

Like many, I used to think he was born in Boveney. That is afterall where he lived, but I've recently received an enlightening email on the subject of Richard's birth from Richard W. Montague of Ebenhausen, Germany, a descendent.

"Dear Mr. Hissem:

I have exciting news which I would like to share with you. A documented historic record for the actual date of birth (DOB) as well as place of birth (POB) for Richard Montague I, the pioneer English settler of Hadley, Massachusetts has been discovered.

Richard I's date of birth (old style) is May 29, 1614 and his place of birth is Warfield, Berkshire, England.

These newly discovered data stem from baptism records ("Bishop's Transcripts for Warfield Parish") in the "Wiltshire Records Office, Throwbridge" which provide data for the children of Peter and Ellen Mountague. The reference to the "Wiltshire Records Office, Throwbridge" means, today, the Wiltshire and Swindon History Center, Cocklebury Road, Chippenham, Wiltsire SN153QN, in the United Kingdom.

Brame is not the original discoverer of this new data regarding Richard I and his siblings. The credit goes to Roger Blackman who first published this information in The Magazine of the Berkshire Family History Society, Spring 1986. Brame cites Blackman as his source for the information. Apparently, Myrtle Stevens Hyde, author of "The English Origin of Peter and Richard Montague" (New England Historical and Genealogical Register, April 1988) was also not aware of Blackman's discovery.

Peter and Ellen Mountague were the mother and father of Richard I, the Hadley settler as well as of Peter I, the pioneer English settler in Virginia.

The data are:
Richard Mountague May 29, 1614
Margaret Mountauge March 8, 1617
Robert Mountague January 27, 1621/22

Until this discovery, it was generally held that Richard I had been born in Boveney in Buckinghamshire on the north side of the Thames River. Warfield is located in Berkshire a few miles south of the Thames River. Boveney and Warfield, on opposite sides of the Thames River, are relatively near Windsor Castle. In previous accounts of the American Montague Family it had been assumed that Richard I's birthday was around 1614 and that his POB had been Boveney.

Background

I recently learned from a fellow Montague Family historiographer (Robert V. Montague, III of Florida) that Arden H. Brame, Jr. (now deceased) had authored in 1991 an article entitled The One and Only Peter Mountague (1603-1659) of Warfield, Berkshire, England and Nansemond, Isle of Wight and Lancaster Counties, Virginia. Brame's article appeared in the Augustan Society's Omnibus (Book 13) in October 1991. The Augustan Society is a collection of scholars who focus on fields of genealogy and of heraldry. Society was formed in 1957 and is headquartered today in Orlando, Florida.

Although Brame's article deals primarily with Peter Mountague I of Virginia, his account also mentions new data on the DOB and POB of Richard Montague I. I had not been aware of Brame's article until Robert V. Montague called them to my attention.

Brame concludes that POB and DOB data on the 1634 Herald's Visitation of Buckinghamshire should be augmented to show the following additional data, viz:
William Mountague March 6, 1596/97 at Dorney
Peter Mountague 1603 at Boveney or Warfield
Richard Mountague May 29, 1614 at Warfield
Margaret Mountague March 8, 1617 at Warfield
Elizabeth Mountague ca. 1619 at Warfield
Robert Mountague January 27, 1621/22 at Warfield
Ann Mountague ca. 1624 at Warfield

This 1634 Visitation had earlier been considered to be the oldest extant written record regarding Peter I and Richard I.

Brame's discovery in the records of Berkshire is an interesting new discovery. The HGMFA, for example, states categorically:

"Richard Montague was the son of Peter and Eleanor Montague of Boveney, Parish Burnham, Buckinghamshire, England. His mother, Eleanor, was the daughter of William Allen of Burnham, in the same parish. Richard was born about 1614 in Boveney, where his ancestors for several generations had resided." (HGMFA, page 43.)

Today, it is certain that the authors of the HGMFA (published in 1886) or of the Meeting (published in 1882) were not aware of the existence of records for Richard I's date of birth in Berkshire. The HGMFA does not give a source for the claim that Boveney was the birthplace for Richard I, nor does book Meeting of the Montague Family. The justification for the claim that Boveney was Richard I's birthplace must have been a Montague family oral tradition within the Hadley branch of the Montague Family."

"Regarding your question whether there is any historical data which would explain why Richard I was born in Warfield, Berkshire on May 29, 1614 (old style), I am afraid that I have to draw a blank. To my knowledge, only Myrtle Stevens Hyde, to date, looked into such questions. I would suggest that you refer to her seminal article, "The English Origins of Peter and Richard Montague," which appeared in the April 1988 issue of the New England Historical Genealogical Register.

To summarize, Mrs. Hyde states that Robert Montague (ca. 1505-1575/6), a yeoman farmer, was probably born and died in Burnham. He married Margaret Catton (Cotton or Calton), whose parents may have come from Warfield. The marriage of Robert and Margaret produced six children, one of whom, the third-born, child was William.

This William Montague (ca. 1536-1594/5) was probably born in Boveney. He married Margaret Grove in 1560 [Margaret Malthouse first married Thomas Grove]. Both were apparently residents of Boveney. Their marriage produced seven children, the last born of whom was Peter Montague (ca. 1573-1638/9). No place of birth is known for Peter, but his elder siblings were born either in Dorney or in Burnham.

This Peter Montague probably grew up in Boveney, across the Thames River from Windsor Castle. He married Ellen/Helen Allen, probably in 1596, who was born in Burnham (Boveney during this period belonged to the Parish of Burnham). Their marriage produced seven, among whom was the third-born child Peter (the ancestor of the Virginia Montague line) as well as the seventh-born child Richard (the ancestor of the Massachusetts Montague line). Sometime prior to 1630, and perhaps much earlier, Peter Montague and his wife Ellen/Helen Allen moved with their children across the Thames River to Warfield on the south side of the river. The ancient location of Warfield village is about five miles southwest, across the river, from Boveney.

Montague Residences

The paragraphs above suggest that the Montague family lived at various locations near to Windsor Castle and at various times on both north and on the south banks of the Thames River during the period 1500-1650. Why the several generations of the family chose to live on the north side and then on the south side of the river is a subject of conjecture. Perhaps the several generations owned or worked parcels of land on both sides of the river. There could be other reasons as well, such as periodic flooding of the Thames which put large portions of the meadow-lands under water.

The Visitation of the county of Buckingham made in 1634, conducted by John Philipot, styles the family as "Montague, of Boveney" and provides a coat-of-arms: 3 lozenges conjoined in pale G, inter 3 roundles S. The fixing would suggest that Peter (now in Virginia 1634), Richard, Robert, William, Elizabeth, and Ann considered Boveney their place of residence during Philipot's survey of the residents of Buckinghamshire."

Richard was apprenticed to his elder brother, William, as a baker in 1628, at the age of 14, and was admitted to the Baker's guild in 1637.

"Worshipful Company of Bakers' records (Ms. 5185/1 Worshipful Company of Bakers, Freedom Register, 1631/2-1646, fol. 45), show that Richard Mountague the son of Peter Mountague of Wartell in Berkshire was admitted a freeman to the company on 6 December 1637, having been apprenticed to William Montague for 8 years since 1628." - from Mrs. Cathy Soughton, AGRA, via Richard W. Montague

Historical Timeline: The Stuarts: 1625-1649 Charles I Religious conflicts accelerated. Charles was an ineffective King, stubborn when he should be conciliatory, irresolute when he should be strong. The English Civil War (1641-1651) and defeat of the King's forces. The Virginia colony was loyal to the King, but a fleet loyal to Parliament forced it to acquiesce. 1645 Sir Thomas Fairfax and Oliver Cromwell's Parliamentary troops defeated King Charles' army at the battle of Naseby.

Richard was listed in the visitation of 1634, see below, still living at Boveny, England. Richard's name was annotated "3 sonne." I used to think this meant he had 3 sons, just as his next brother, Robert "4 sonne," must have had 4 sons. I now realize (with a slap to the forehead) that this meant Richard was the third son of his father, Peter. Note that his brother, Peter, was shown as already living in Virginia at this time. See the "History and Genealogy of the Montague Family in America" by George William Montague for a book-length account of the clan.

The figure at right is from a miniature of Richard Montague. It was owned by William H. Montague, of Boston. It is mentioned in the published report of the Montague family reunion in 1882 and a grainy photographic reproduction was included in that book. The Montague Family at Hadley stated that the miniature "was doubtless painted in England and the youth of its subject is consistent with the traditions relative to the date of Richard's emigration to America, as is the depicted Cromwellian style of dress." A recent commenter has written:

"Richard Montague in his 20's" The date when the miniature cameo portrait (on copper plate) was first made has not been established nor is has it been established that the cameo portrait was made in England before Richard I's departure to New England. If it could be located today, the cameo would be the oldest surviving Montague Family artefact in the United States. It is last recorded in Boston in the early 1900s. The reproduction of Richard I's signature is a copy of the signature which appears on his last will and testament, reproduced in HGMFA (History and Genealogy of the Montague Family of America)."

Richard married Abigail Downing in about [8 November?] 1637. Where he married her is open to conjecture. The usual response is in Norwich, Norfolk, England. I suspect this relates to the following,

"The date of their marriage is not known, probably between the years 1636 and 1641, possibly before 1637. A little light is obtained from a letter, written by Major Richard Montague of Leverett, to Revd William Montague of Boston, under date of March 13, 1789, in which he states, that he visited Hadley, "and spent some time there searching the records," relative to this subject, and from the records, and also from papers and letters, at the old homestead, he found that Abigail Downing was a clergyman's daughter of Norwich, in England, and came from there in company with Richard Montague's brother, William, who went to Virginia. (This William returned to England)." - from "History and Genealogy of the Montague Family in America" by George William Montague

"(1) Richard and Abigail were married in Layer Marney by her father, Joseph Downing, who served as Rector of the church in Layer Marney, Essex County, England from 1628-1646 and (2) that their marriage probably took place in the period 1637-1638 (based on the baptism year of their first-born child 1639 [see below]."

It has also been claimed that Richard and Abigail married in America, perhaps in Wells, Maine, the first place Richard was thought to have settled. However,

"My on-going historical research has shown that in all likelihood Richard married Abigail Downing (baptized 1617; died at Hadley, MA. 1694) in England prior to their sailing for New England. Although I have diligently search in England for surviving records of their marriage, I have been unable to locate any such record.

Surviving church records (recently electronically indexed) list the name of a Richard Montague who had two children baptized at St Giles' Cripplegate: a daughter named Abigail, baptized in 1639 (buried at St. Giles Cripplegate in July 1641) and a son Joseph, baptized in 1642 who died as an infant.

The first names of these two deceased children can not be an accident: the children's mother had the first name Abigail and the children's maternal grandfather had the first name Joseph. The first name Abigail was an uncommon first name in this period. The passing down of the first name Joseph is most likely not an accident and helps to strengthen the case for Abigail Downing's being the mother of the child." - from an email from Richard W. Montague

Reverend Downing's eldest brother, Emanuel Downing, a barrister, founded the American Downing family in Salem, Massachusetts in 1638. Emanuel married the sister of John Winthrop, the Governor of Massachusetts. He wrote the Governor from Salem on 15 January 1652,

"Deare Sir. I wrote this winter to you with letters enclosed to my cousin Mountegew; . . . Your loving Uncle, Em. Downing." - from "History and Genealogy of the Montague Family in America" by George William Montague

Richard is sometimes said to have arrived in New England in 1634 in the ship SPEEDWELL. If so then Richard must have emigrated soon after the Visitation of 1634, above, and married in America. I'm not convinced that any of this is correct. 1634 is simply the last verified date that Richard was in England (discounting the children's birth, above, which cannot be absolutely attributed to our Richard). SPEEDWELL was a common name for ships of the period. The MAYFLOWER Pilgrims originally had a second ship of that name, though it proved unseaworthy, and during the 1630's there was a SPEEDWELL that made a number of transatlantic crossings to both the Massachusetts and Virginia colonies hauling new settlers.

Another researcher who is looking into the Ballard family line contacted me with the following information,

"Researching my family tree I came across this document that led me to look into Richard Montague thinking he may have emigrated to America with John Ballard the son of Adrian Ballard. You can see that Richard's brother William Montague was married to the sister of both Daniel & Adrian Ballard. Richard Montague is named as the servant of Daniel Ballard in his will of 1640 and is bequeathed 50 pounds [sic, actually 20]. Daniel Ballard attended an April 17, 1629 meeting of the Massachusetts Bay Company. The coincidences are stunning; your thoughts?" - from Richard Ballard

First, I want to address the comment, "Daniel Ballard attended an April 17, 1629 meeting of the Massachusetts Bay Company." This is from chapter 16 in the book "The Massachusetts Bay Company and Its Predecessors" by Rose-Troup Frances. This book makes clear that Daniel was a member, or Adventurer, of the Company. From that book, page 69-70:

"The Generality were summoned "by tickets" to attend on 17 June to consider a matter of great importance. The "bringing in of moneys" was the subject first dealt with on that occasion, for their treasury had been depleted by the expenses incurred for the patent and in fitting out the ships, etc. Several alternative courses were suggested: to increase their former subscriptions; to invite others to underwrite; to borrow money for a time "to supply the occasions"; to take up money at interest; and, as a separate suggestion which was accepted, that those here present do furnish 200li or 100li apiece, to have allowance of it.

Those in Court who "underwrit to lend" were:
. . .
Daniel Ballard . . . 25 [li]
. . ."

Daniel Bollard's knowledge of the colony, and many connections to its leaders, may have influenced him to encourage Richard Montague to emigrate. It is noteworthy that Richard's brother, Peter, had emigrated to the Virginia colony before 1634. There must have been some reason that Richard, who emigrated to the Massachusetts colony, did not follow his brother, as it would have been natural for him to do. Peter may have warned him off; things had been rough for that colony in the beginning. Or someone else pumped for the alternative, someone who knew about the northern colony and could perhaps give him a leg up.

Next are a couple of pertinent paragraphs from the will of Daniel Ballard, mentioned above by Richard Ballard.

"In the name of God. Amen. I Daniell Ballard of the parish of St. Clemet's Danes in the county of Midd. Cittizen and draper of London . . . And my bodie to the earth to be buried in the middle isle of the parish church of St.Clements aforesaid as neere to the bodie of my late deceased wife Anne Ballard . . . My will and mynd now is And I doe give devise and bequeath all those my coppie hold lands with the appurtenances lyinge and being in the said parish of Horton [also those in parish of Barnes] unto my lovinge brother Adrian Ballard and my lovinge sister in lawe Anne his nowe wife for and during their naturall lives and the life of the longer liver of them. And from and after the decease of the survivor of them. Then I devise and bequeath the same coppie hold lands in Horton aforesaid unto my nephew John Ballard sonne of my said brother and sister and to his the said John's heires forever . . .

Item I give and bequeath unto my goddaughter Prudence Mountague daughter of William Mountague baker ten pounds in money to bee within twoe yeares after my decease paied unto her said father for her use, to the said William Mountague I bequeath thirtie pounds in money to be also paied within the said twoe years, to his brother Richard Mountague nowe my servant, I bequeath twentie pounds in money to be paied into the hands of his said brother within one year of my death and by the said William to bee paied unto the said Richard when he the said Richard shal be settled as a master in some good course of life and not till then; to his brother Robert Mountague I give tenn pounds in money to be paied unto him when he shall be a freeman of London. And to his sister Margaritt Mountague tenn pounds in money to be paied within one yeare after my death.

. . . Item I bequeath unto John Winthrop Esquier and Mr: Humfreyes twentie marks in mony to be paied within twoe years after my death. And to be disposed of by them or one of them towarde the educatinge of native children of and in Newe England in America in a christian way to and for none other use whatsoever . . .

To my brother in law Mr. William Mountague fortie shillings. To George Mountague twentie shillings . . .

The rest and residue of all and singular my goods chattells and debts where of by custome of the said cittie I may dispose I whollie give and bequeath to my said brother Adrian Ballard and to his said sonne John Ballard my nephewe whome I make and ordaine the joynte executors of this my last will and testament." - from the Probate Court, Prerogative Court of Canterbury. Will dated 26 March 1640; probated 15 June 1640.

The will accurately reflects the sons of Peter Montague who were living in England in 1640, William, Richard, and Robert; Peter was in Virginia. Margaret was the eldest daughter, and probably a spinster. Elizabeth and Anne are not mentioned, perhaps because by this time they had married.

The Drapers' Company A Draper was a man who might have had a shop where he sold fabric and drapery. Wealthier drapers were merchants, traders in wool and cloth, and financiers. The Drapers' Company was created to protect and promote the activities of its members. Through royal charter it gained extensive powers to regulate the woollen cloth trade. The Company controlled the sale of cloth at fairs and set the "Drapers' ell", or standard measure, by which all cloth was sold. Dealers could only sell cloth to a freeman of the Company. The expansion of the English woollen cloth trade in the 15th century was reflected in the prosperity of the Drapers' Company. When the order of precedence of the City Companies was set in 1516, the Drapers' position was confirmed as being third, after the Mercers and the Grocers. The present Draper's Hall in London was bought from Henry VIII in 1543. It had been the house of Thomas Cromwell, the king's chief minister, but had been forfeited to the King on Cromwell's execution in July 1540. The hall is located on Throgmorton street. Master of the Draper's Company The company is governed by a Master and four Wardens who are elected annually. Because of the importance of this company, the Master has often also been one of the Aldermen of London, and many times Mayor.

Why might John Ballard and Richard Montague emigrate together? Because our Richard Montague had an aunt, Anne Montague, who married Daniel Ballard, who was John's uncle. Richard Montague and John Ballard were cousins. However, there is no evidence they did emigrate together. The researcher above is simply exploring the possibility since both Montagues and Ballards ended up in Massachusetts. However, try as I might I cannot find a link between those Ballards and Adrian and Daniel Ballard.

Daniel Ballard was a Draper of London and, in 1640, according to Daniel's will, Richard Montague was his servant, presumably also living in London. This would support the contention that Richard and Abigail had children while living in the parish of St. Giles [Without] Cripplegate, in London. The term servant probably meant only that Richard was in Daniel's employ. It would have been normal for a rich uncle to provide his relations with a start in life.

"Indexed livery records for the Drapers Company in London show that a Richard Montague of Berkshire, son of Peter Montague of Warwell, Berkshire, a yeoman, was apprenticed to a Daniel Ballard, a master of the Company of Drapers in 1629 for an 8 year period. Apprenticeships normally commenced in this period around the age of 14/15, which was consistent with a baptism in 1614. Warfield was sometimes known as War(d)ville in this period hence Warwell was almost certainly Warfield." - from Mrs. Cathy Soughton, AGRA, via Richard W. Montague

Is it strange that Richard was apprenticed to two different men at the same time, as both a baker and a draper? It may be that since his masters were a brother and an uncle, Richard's apprenticeship to the latter may have been more of a guardianship while the boy resided in London. However, based on the following, this may simply be a case of William Montague's apprentices, including, later, Richard, being bound to Daniel beginning in 1621.

"The minutes note that William's [Richard Montague's brother] apprentices bound in 1621 were to serve Daniel Ballard who had married the widow of Edward Smith, William's former master, suggesting that Daniel Ballard had taken over the bakery business after his marriage to Ann Smith (nee Mountague)." - from Mrs. Cathy Soughton, AGRA, via Richard W. Montague

Daniel Ballard's concern in his will dated 26 March 1640 that Richard only receive his inheritannce "when he the said Richard shal be settled as a master in some good course of life and not till then." Was Richard slow to commence that career and hence needed a kick to the behind to get his life together? Richard had been admitted to the Baker's guild in 1637, which implies that he was already a Master Baker. Perhaps he hadn't taken the next step of setting up his own shop. Did Richard then use the inherited money to emigrate? Another good reason to leave England at this time was the outbreak, in 1641, of the Civil War between King and Parliament.

The Richard and Abigail sailed for New England no earlier than June 1640, based on the theory above, landing in Salem, where Abigail had relatives.

". . . the first record we possess today of either Richard or Abigail residing in New England is a church record of Salem, MA. of the year 1646, which notes that Abigail Montague "removed" from the church in Salem to the church in the Wells Settlement on the Atlantic Coast (now Wells, Maine) . . . why Richard and Abigail Montague first settled in Salem appears to be the fact that Abigail herself had close family relatives already living in Salem. These relatives [were] Emanuel Downing of Salem, Massachusetts and his wife Anne (Ware). Abigail Montague was the niece of Emanuel Downing." - from Richard W. Montague

Downing House c1640, courtesy of the Essex Institute

"The "Annals of Salem," by Rev. J. B. Felt, states that she [Abibail] was at one time a member of the Salem Church." - from "History and Genealogy of the Montague Family in America" by George William Montague

Emanuel Downing had an estate of 300 acres, later increased to 700 acres, near a spot known as Proctor's crossing. This was in today's Peabody, which lies on the western border of Salem. The estate was named Groton after his second wife's childhood home. Emanuel's house burned to the ground in April 1645 and the family subsequently moved into Salem, procuring a house at 126 Essex street. The loss of the Groton house may have precipitated Richard and Abigail's move to Wells. Proctor's Crossing is named for the man, John Proctor, who rented Downing's house after Emanuel Downing returned to England in 1652. By the way, Proctor was caught up in the Salem Witch Trials, being executed in 1692 for being a witch himself.

Emanuel was an investor, or "adventurer," in the Massachusetts Bay Company, so he may have had some influence as well on Richard and Abigail emigrating. He was in London from the fall of 1642 to the spring of 1643.

In 1646 the family had moved to Wells, now in York county, Maine. Wells is on the southern most coast of Maine, just northeast of the border with New Hampshire. It was a new community, only having been settled in 1640. While the current town is focused on its harbor and beach, I expect the Montague family farmed somewhere inland, perhaps near the Ogunquit river, which is just southwest of the town.

Wells, Province of Maine The territory between the Merrimack and Kennebec rivers was first called the Province of Maine in a 1622 land patent granted to Sir Ferdinando Gorges and John Mason. The two split the territory along the Piscataqua River in a 1629 pact that resulted in the Province of New Hampshire being formed by Mason in the south and New Somersetshire being created by Gorges to the north, in what is now southwestern Maine. The New Somersetshire colony was small, and in 1639 Gorges received a second patent, from Charles I, covering the same territory as Gorges' 1629 settlement with Mason. Gorges' second effort resulted in the establishment of more settlements along the coast of southern Maine, and along the Piscataqua River. Gorges' Province of Maine had been absorbed into the Massachusetts Bay Colony by 1658. - from Wikipedia. Wells The town was first settled by settlers from Exeter, New Hampshire in about the year 1640. - from "A Gazetteer of the State of Maine" by George J. Varney.

Richard's daughter Mary was born in Wells. Most records show this as occurring in 1642 though this is only an estimate based on her year of death. In 1646 Richard moved his family down to Boston, Suffolk county, Massachusetts. His occupation was listed variously as miller, baker, and farmer. His wife, Abigail, became a member of the First Church of Boston on 26 April 1646 by letter of dismission from Wells, Maine. This was the first tangible evidence of Richard and Abigail's presence in America. The form of the letter would have been,

This is to certify that [Name] is a member of the church of God and regular standing. And is at own request here-by dismissed from us to unite with you. When we receive notice from you that [Name] has united with you church connection with us shall cease. May the blessing of God rest on [Name] and you.

Boston The vanguard of English settlers led by Reverend William Blaxton arrived in the Boston area in 1624, less than four years after the Pilgrims arrived in nearby Plymouth. The colony of Massachusetts Bay was established six years later in 1630 when the elder John Winthrop, official representative of the Massachusetts Bay Company, took up residence. The settlers built their earliest houses along what is today "State Street." By 1636 the thoroughfare was known as Market Street. From 1708 to 1784 it was renamed King Street. In 1770 the Boston Massacre took place in front of the Old State House. During the Revolutionary War, the street assumed its current, non-royalist name. - from Wikipedia. From the beginning Boston was the center of Puritan culture and life in the New World. First Church of Boston This church, the first in Boston, was established in 1630. A second house, replacing the first, was built of wood on Cornhill Square, at the corner of Cornhill and King streets, in 1639. These are today Washington and State streets. This was near, and just behind, the Old State House. See the red circled area on the maps to the right and left. This church burned down in 1711. A third house, known as the Old Brick Church, below, succeeded it at the same spot.

In 1651 Richard moved to Wethersfield, Connecticut, supposedly with letters of introduction to the Governor from Emanual Downing, the uncle of Richard's wife and an intimate of the Governor of Massachusetts. On 25 May 1651 his wife, Abigail, officially transferred from the First Church, Boston to the church in Wethersfield, again with a letter of dismission.

Richard and family lived in Wethersfield for the next 8 years. He worked as a miller and baker in Wethersfiled. A biography states that,

"They had money also for the purchase of much land, and the tools of a miller and baker, as well as a modest library of books." - from "The Founders: Portraits of Persons Born Abroad who Came to the Colonies in North America Before the Year 1701" by Charles Knowles Bolton, 1919

According to the following citation, listed under "Land Holdings of Early Inhabitants," Richard bought a 3 acre house lot on High Street and then, not long before he left the village, bought the adjoining 3 acre lot.

"Montague, Richard, b. abt. 1614, came fm. Boston, abt. 1647 [sic] with his wife, Abigail (Deming [sic]) and several ch. At Weth., he bo't the ho'd of William Gull, a ho. and 3 acs. ld. on E. side High St. betw. George Wolcott's, N., and Will Colfax's, S. In 1652, the Town gave him a strip in front, 2 r. wide at N. end and 1 on S. ext., fm. "the Rails" N. to the Street S.; sold to Thos. Curtis, 1660. In 1685, Curtis' heirs, as is inferred fm. a vote of that yr. "threw up" this strip of ld. In Feb., 1659-'60, he rec. a ho'd bo't of Will. Colfax, on E. side High St. betw. his own N. and Henry Howard's S., a ho. and 3 acs. ld., and which he also sold to Thos. Curtis, 1660. He was a baker by trade; and rem. to Hadley, Mass., with the Rev. Mr. Russell and his congregation, 1659-'60; he d, 14 Dec., 1681.- See Judd's Hist. Hadley."

"Mch. 11, 1652 Richard Montague ------- 178 Taken from the Street.
____________ Richard Montague 30 rds 178 At North Meadow Gate." - from "History" by Sherman Wolcott Adams

"He [William Gull] apparently purchased land from William Cross, which he sold to Richard Montague before 22 March 1650[/1?], when the latter's lands were recorded in the town books." - from "The New England Historical and Genealogical Register"

In June 1656 Richard Montague was engaged in a suit with Benjamin Crane, of Wethersfield, in the Particular Court, in Hartford - from "Genealogical and Family History of Western New York" by William Richard Cutter.

Richard lived in Wethersfield until about 1659. His children Peter, Abigail and John were born there.

Wethersfield This town was founded in 1633-34 and is the most ancient in the colony of Connecticut. It is just south of Hartford on the Connecticut river. The land in this region is far more fertile than the flinty soil of the coastlands around Boston. Four witch trials and three executions for witchcraft occurred in the town in the 17th century. Mary Johnson was convicted of witchcraft and executed in 1648, Joan and John Carrington in 1651. In 1669, landowner Katherine Harrison was convicted, and although her conviction was reversed, she was banished and her property seized by her neighbors.

In the 1650's a portion of the Wethersfield Congregationalist Church became involved in a long running controversy. The dispute was caused by the liberalization of the requirement that stated only parents that had both taken communion should be allowed to have a child baptized and allowed non-communicants to vote. This issue had first arisen in the Hartford church where the contrary personalities of their pastor, the Reverend Samuel Stone, and the Ruling Elder, William Goodwin, increased the rancor. The Reverend Stone was aligned with the change while Mr. Goodwin, and the pastor of the Wethersfield church, the Reverend John Russell, were opposed. The dispute, however, became wide-ranging as tempers were inflamed. So irreconcilable did the feud become that the issue was eventually taken, on 20 May 1658, to the General Court to adjudicate. The court ruled that although Reverend Stone had been too strict in ignoring the majority of his parishioners, he was right in liberalizing the baptism ritual. It was also found that those members who disagreed could remove themselves to a location in Massachusetts to practice how they saw fit. Anticipating this decision, members of the congregations of the Hartford and Wethersfield churches, including Richard Montague, had met to discuss the issue and entered into a compact.

"At a meeting at Goodman Ward's house, in Hartford, April 18th, 1659, the company there met engaged themselves under their own hands, or by their deputies, whom they had chosen, to remove themselves and their families out of the jurisdiction of connecticut into the jurisdiction of the Massachusetts, as may appear in a paper dated the day and year abovesaid. The names of the engagers are these:--
. . .
Thomas Coleman
. . .
Thomas Wells
. . .
Richard Montague
. . .
1st. We whose names are above written do engage ourselves mutually one to another, that we will if God permit, transplant ourselves and families to the plantation purchased, on the east side of the river of Connecticut, beside Northampton, therein to inhabit and dwell by the 29th of September come twelve months, which will be in the year 1660.

2d. That each of us shall pay the charges of the land purchased according to his proportion, as also for the purchase of Hockanum [the meadow].

3d. That we will raise all common charges, of what sort soever, for the present, upon the land that men take up: mow, plow land and house lot, according to the proportion of land that each man takes of all sorts; and all charges shall be paid as they shall arise and be due, from the date hereof.

4th. That if any persons so engaging be not inhabiting there by the time aforesaid, then, notwithstanding their payment of charges, their lands and what is laid out in rates shall return to the town: and yet this article doth not free men from their promise of going and inhabiting.

5th. That no man shall have liberty to sell any of his land till he shall inhabit and dwell in the town three years; and also to sell it to no person, but such as the town shall approve on.

. . ." - from the "History of Hadley" by Sylvester Judd

A committee of the signers of the agreement were directed to go to the new town site "on the east side of Northampton and lay out the number of 59 homelots and allow 8 acres to every homelot." This was done some time in the early summer of 1659, and the occupation of the new settlement soon followed. When their church was recovenanted, John Russell of Wethersfield was chosen Pastor and William Goodwin of Hartford its Ruling Elder. - from "The Goodwins of Hartford, Connecticut, Descendants of William and Ozias Goodwin" compiled for James Junius Goodwin.

Richard's house and lot in Wethersfield were sold to Dr. Thomas Curtice.

"He [Curtice] had a home lot of six acres by the common on High Street, Wethersfield, Connecticut, purchased of Richard Montague, February 20 1659 . . ." - from "Genealogical and Family History of Western New York" by William Richard Cutter

"Before the end of the year [1659], all of the above named [the 'Withdrawers'], except Thos. Edwards, Samuel Smith, Jr., Luke Hitchcock, Richard Montague and John Latimer, had removed to Norwottuk. These five remained in Wethersfield." - from "History" by Sherman Wolcott Adams, 1904

Hadley, Massachusetts A dissenting Connecticut congregation under the leadership of the Reverend John Russell founded Hadley in 1659 as an agricultural community on the east bank of the Connecticut River. It was located on a fertile peninsular plain defined by a bend in the Connecticut River, purchased from the Indians. The first settlers laid out this area, formerly known as the Norwottuck Meadow, as the center of the new settlement before their arrival, with the Town Common, referred to as "the Broad Street," as the central feature. The common measured 20 rods wide and one mile long, with the Connecticut River defining both ends. Eight-acre home lots were ranged along both sides of the common, with farmlands behind. In 1675-76, during King Philip's War, to guard against Indian attacks, a palisade that ran far enough behind the houses to include most of the barns and farm buildings enclosed the street and common. Through the years, the common remained the focus of town life. The meetinghouse occupied a prominent site. Animals were pastured on the open land, militia drill were held periodically, and Hadley's Liberty Pole was erected there during the Revolutionary War. Taverns at the north and south ends and at the center of the common served the needs of passengers on the ferry, stagecoach, and riverboat routes. Now known as West Street, Hadley's Common is the longest public green in Massachusetts. The red circle marks the approximate location of Richard Montague's property in the photograph to the left. As the number of settlers south of Mount Holyoke grew, the towns of Hatfield, Granby, South Hadley and Amherst formed from the sprawling town of Hadley.

Richard Montague must have been in Hadley by July 1660. John Pynchon, who was commissioned to buy wilderness land for the new community, had signed a deal on 10 July 1660 with Umpanchala, a tribal sachem, to buy Indian lands on behalf of the inhabitants of Hadley. Richard Montague was a witness to this deed of sale. - from the "History of Hadley" by Sylvester Judd. This deed was for "Hadley West of the River, or Hatfield." Two more purchases were made from chiefs Chickwallop and Quontquont for the other lands that made up Hadley. These men were all sachems of the Norwottuck tribe, which was part of the Pocumtuc Confederacy.

The colonists laid out a village, common, and a medieval-style "open-field" farming system in the Great Meadow. Richard received a land grant in the Great Meaedow in 1661. The grant was for,

"that parcell of land in the greate medowe judged about four acres more or less (bounded on the south by Mr. Goodwins moeing lott on the North by Nathaniell Ward ffronting uppon the highway which runneth by the side of Samuell Smith his land) for and in consideration of his allottments in Amphonsett meddowes." - from MinerDescent.com

The Great Meadow

Note on the property plat of 1663, above, that Richard Montague's houselot is shown on the right hand, or eastern, side, near the top, directly across from the meeting house. Just below him is the lot of John Dickinson, the forebear of Emily Dickinson, the poet. Look further down and notice the lot of Thomas Wells. This was the older brother of John Wells, who is, I think, the forebear of the Wells side of my wife's family. Three lots above that of Richard Montague is a lot for Thomas Coleman, the step-father of Thomas and John Wells. By the way, while the meeting house was ordered to be built in December 1661, it was not completed until 1670.

"The town have ordered that they will build and erect a meeting-house, to be a place of public worship, whose figure is, (in length and breadth,) 45 feet in length and 24 feet in breadth, with Leantors [Leantos] on both sides, which shall enlarge the whole to 36 in breadth.

The town have ordered that the meeting-house abovesaid, when prepared, shall be situated and set up in the common street, betwixt Mr. Terry's house and Richard Montague's, in the most convenient place, as the committee chosen by the town shall determine." - from the "History of Hadley" by Sylvester Judd

__________________

Below is a drawing of Richard's house as it was supposed to have looked circa 1660.

"[the house] stood upon the north half of the eight acres, allotted to him in Hadley, was forty by twenty-four feet, of two stories, with a lean-to added at a later date. It was built with its end toward the street, and its principal entrance was on the south side. This house stood for more than one hundred and fifty years. It was taken down in 1830. The panes of glass were very small, 6x8 inches; the chimney was very large. When taken down it was found, that. while the front part was lined with clay mortar, the rear half was lined with brick ; the supposition being that this was to render the rear bullet proof in case of Indian attacks." - from Wikitree.com

"Richard Montague farmed, was also called a baker in one record. In Hadley he was a field driver in 1661 and 1662 (received a fee for loose animals brought out of the meadow), . . ." - from "Goff-Davis Ancestral Lines" by Lois B. Goff. A field driver was also known as a hay-ward, i.e. warden of the hay field.

"Hayward.--Goodman Montague was chosen a common Hayward, May 11, 1661, and again in 1662. He was to have 12 pence each for cattle and hogs, two shillings for a horse, and 20 pence for 20 sheep, that he should find loose in the meadow, and bring out; to be paid by the owners. At a later period, these officers were called Field Drivers, and two were chosen annually." - from the "History of Hadley" by Sylvester Judd

Richard Montague continued to work as a miller and baker, but also farmed.

"Richard Montague is said to have been a baker, and his bolting-mill was valued at 80 shillings in 1680. His widow sometimes bolted flour for others, by the barrel."

"Richard Montague was a baker, but there was not much demand for his services in Hadley, except in the Indian war."

"Richard Montague baked for the soldiers, and Timothy Nash repaired their arms." - from the "History of Hadley" by Sylvester Judd

"At an attack of Indians, Richard Montague of Hadley was impressed to bake a supply of bread, and his horse was taken by a trooper." - from the "History of Northfield"

Per the above, Richard may have had trouble making a living as a baker, even if he also farmed. The following looks like occassional labor, but also rather difficult for a man almost 50 years old.

"Grave Digger.-- It was voted, March 9, 1663, that Richard Montague should have four shillings for every grave he makes for a grown person, and two shillings for the grave of a child under ten years." - from the "History of Hadley" by Sylvester Judd

Richard was elected as a Selectman in 1671 and 1677, a freeman in 1680, and Clerk of Writs in 1681 - from "The Compendium of American Genealogy," Virkus. I also show Richard Montague as a Selectman in 1679 - from the "History of Hadley" by Sylvester Judd.

After 1675 the main street and abutting houses were protected by a wooden palisade. These were removed in 1713.

In 1675 a large scale war broke out between the settlers and the local Indian tribes upon whom they were encroaching. Many towns in the connecticut river valley were attacked and a number of the settlers fled east. An expedition to recover crops from abandoned fields around Deerfield was on its way to a grist mill north of Hadley when it was ambushed and wiped out at what became known as the Battle of Bloody Brook. As a result of this debacle the village of Deerfield was abandoned, and later destroyed by the Indians. Springfield, just south of Hadley, was attacked in October and 45 of its 60 homes were burnt to the ground. Throughout the winter the Springfield survivors held out against a siege while Indians attacked and destroyed more settlements throughout the colony.

In the spring, Longmeadow, near Springfield, was attacked. However, by this time the colonists were beginnning to get the upper hand, which included raising the siege of Springfield. The Connecticut River towns managed their crops by limiting the amount of land under cultivation and working in large armed groups for self protection. Springfield, Hatfield and Hadley were fortified and their militia's reinforced. They held their ground though attacked several times. Smaller towns were abandoned, to await better times. An attack on Hadley on 12 June 1676 was defeated with the help of 500 militia from Connecticut and Mohegan allies. The Mohegan were part of the Iroquis confederation, bitter enemies of the Algonquin tribes of New England. This assault on Hadley would prove to be the last coordinated native military action in the valley.

By August 1676 the war was all but over. The Indians were running low on supplies, especially powder and shot, while roving bands of colonial militia had discovered, and destroyed, their crops causing widespread hunger. At that point the leader of the Wampanoag, a leader of the war, was killed, and the Indians sued for peace.

While the war was a calamity for the region, it taught the settlers their strength and changed their attitude to the government in England, who had provided no help during the emergency. Was Richard, a Selectman of the village, a volunteer with the militia? He would have been 53 years old, so he was outside the normal age limits, but when Indians attacked Hadley in 1676 all able bodied men would have manned the stockade walls, whether to shoot or fill cartridges. Richard's son, Peter, was a soldier with the militia and while I don't have any records of service for his younger son, John, at the age of 20-21 he would have necessarily have joined.

On 16 March 1681 Richard Montague and his wife, Abigail, entered into an indenture to provide for their son, John, and his prospective bride, Hannnah Smith, the daughter of Chileab Smith and Hannah Hitchcock. The agreement was,

"for y^e encouragement and advancement of John Mountague . . . to y^e intent and purpose y^t the Moiety of Lands & tenemantes hereafter mentioned, shall & may be & continue in y^e stock, blood & kindred of y^e s^d Richard Mountague, & for & in Consideration of a Marriage, by God's permission, shortley to be had & solemnized between y^e s^d John Mountague & Hannah Smith, daughter of y^e s^d Chileab Smith & Hannah Smith his wife of Hadley . . ." - from "The History and Genealogy of the Montague Family of America" by George Wm. Montague

Richard "sealed and subscribed" his will on 8 July 1681 in Hadley naming his wife, Abigail, and son, John, as executors. This was witnessed by Joseph Smith and Pett Sitton. The original record can be viewed in the court archives of the Probate Court in Northampton, Massachusetts.

"I, Richard Mountague of Hadley, in y^e County of Hampshire in New England, being of sound minde, memory, and understanding, yet not knowing how soone that little time I have yet to Continue may terminate & Expire, doe therefore make & ordain this as my Last will and testament, in manner and form following:--

Imp^s, I commit myself Soul and Body into the hands of y^e almighty & eternal God, whose I am, and into the Armes of my deare Redeemer in whome I desire forever to repose & steadfastly to believve for Life, Righteousness & Salvation; Leaving my body to be interred with a Comely & Christian buriall in Assured hope of a Blessed Resurrection through y^e mercy of God unto eternal life at the Glorious appearing of the Lord Jesus at the Last day. And for y^e outward estate y^e Lord hath blessed me withall, my will is that after my just debts being pay^d and funerall Expenses discharged,

Item, I give and Bequeth to my Loving wife Abigaale Mountague, my whole Estate, wheather houses, lands or movable, that is, y^e free use, improvement, enjoyment and all y^e Profits of y^e same during y^e term or tyme of her naturall life or Widowhood, but if it happen, she see cause again to marry, then my will is y^t from y^e tyme of her said marriage she shall only have a third part of my estate before mentioned, wheather of houses, or lands, or movable, as aforesaid, during y^e tyme of her naturall life, only my will is that y^e third of y^e Land belonging to her by this my will & testiment she shall receive y^t is as to y^e full vallue, worth & Profitt of y^e Same in or Out of y^e estate.

Item, I freely give to my loving wife Abigaile Mountague twenty Pounds to be pay^d her or to her assigns out of my movable estate, to bee to her & at her own free Cheere & absolute, dispose and liberty.

Item, I give to my son Pett^r Mountague, besides what he hath already Received, forty Pounds, to y^e making up of which Sum I account y^e thirty five Pounds I am ingaged to pay to Thomas Dickinson (for Petters house) to be a part of y^e s^d forty. And after y^e decease of my wife within space of one yeare, then my will is that my execut^rs, pay him y^e other five Pounds. I give to my son Pett^r Mountague that Lot in y^e meadow called Hoceanum, which I had in exchange for my Lot in great ponsett. Also I give him that two acres more or less in y^e great meadow, which I had in Consideration of my Lot in Little ponsett, Bounded by William Goodwin's & Nathaniel Wares Land. I give to my son also two acres of land more or Less, lyeing next to y^e divident Brook between Hadley & Swampfield.

Also it is my will y^t if my wife continue in her widdowhood my son John Mountague doe improve her estate for her best advantage & Comfort, his mother giving him due satisfaction for his paynes & labor, & if any agreement made between them, let it be written, to prevent trouble.

Item, After my wife's decease and Thomas Dickinsons Bond discharged & my son Pett^es five Pound pay^d I then give to my Son John Mountague all y^e Remaind^r of my Estate of what Kinde soe ever excepting y^e legacies hereafter mentioned which shalll be pay^d out of my said estate by my said Execut^rs, viz--I give to my daughter Mary Worriner five Pounds, I give to my daughter Martha White five Pounds, I give to my daughter Abigaile Worriner five Pounds, I give to my daughter Martha Whites two children, she had by Isaack Harrison, five Pounds, to be equally divided between them & which they shall receive wⁿ they attaine to y^e age of eighteen yeares each of them. I give to all y^e rest of my grandchildren ten shillings apeice to be pay^d when they be of age.

I give to my son John my ffeather bed with all ffurniture & Appurtenances belonging thereto to be to him and to his heirs & in case my son John should dye without issue then my will is y^t my son Pett^e Mountague should enjoy my whole Estate, he making good all the legacies aforesaid and performing this my will & testiment as afores^d.

I ordeine & Constetute my Beloved Wife Abigaile Mountague & my Loving Son John Mountague as My Lawfull & Sole Execut^rs of this my Last will and testiment, Renouncing, Annulling & making Voyde all former Wills, Gifts, Legacies or bequests by me at any tyme before these presents given, named, willed, or bequethed. In witness of which I seale & Subscribe this eight day of July Anno domini One thousand six hundred Eightie one.

Richard Montague
and a [Seal] affixed.

In y^e presence & Witness of
Joseph Smith
Pett^e Sitton" - from "History and Genealogy of the Montague Family of America" by George Wm. Montague

Richard Montague died on 14 December 1681 in Hadley, Hampshire county, Massachusetts. The following is from The Register Book for Births, Marriages and Deaths in Hadley.

Abigail died on 8 November 1694 in Hadley, at the age of 77. The inventory of her estate was taken on 21 November 1694 by Samuel Partridge and Samuel Smith.

There is a tombstone for Richard in the Hadley cemetery. It was erected by a descendent, George Montague, in 1881 to replace the original stone, weathered by time.

A family researcher, Richard Montague, writes,

"Dear Fellow "Hadley" Montague Cousins:

Today, December 14th, is a special day in our family history, since we mark on this day the death of our original ancestor in New England: Richard Mountague. Richard was born on May 29, 1614 in Warfield, Berkshire, England (as modern genealogical research shows) not as has traditionally assumed in Boveney, Buckinghamshire. The hamlets of Warfield and Boveney are close to each other, but on opposite sides of the Thames River, not too far distant from Windsor Castle.

Richard immigrated, probably for Puritan religious reasons, to the Massachusetts Bay Colony sometime prior to 1646, the year in which he and his wife Abigail Downing are first recorded in surviving written records. The date and place of their marriage is not known.

Their first child, Mary, was probably born in Wells, Maine around 1642. Two additional children, both daughters, Sarah and Martha, appear to have been born in Boston, respectfully in 1646 and 1647. Sarah, the second born child, died as an infant (4 days old).

Richard and Abigail lived in/near Boston before moving with their children in 1651 to the Wethersfield Settlement on the Connecticut River. At least three additional children were born in Wethersfield: Peter (1651), Abigail (1653) and John (1655 or 1656). Our "Hadley" Montague line traces its origin to Richard's son John. John's older brother, Peter, died sine prole.

Richard lived a long life, since at this death he was more than 67 years of age, an unusual age in the Massachusetts Bay Colony of the seventeenth century. His wife Abigail lived for almost 13 years after her husband's death.

Both Richard and Abigail were buried on the Old Burial Grounds of Hadley's Grand Meadow. No headstone for Richard or for his wife Abigail survives. A number of early Montague Family graves, however, are located in the extreme north-western edge of the cemetery, near the current site of the Memorial Tablet to Richard I, erected by George William Montague and Charles C. Montague, in August 1881, two hundred years after the death of the pioneer Montague settler.

Make a pilgrimage this coming year, if you can, to visit Hadley's Old Burial Grounds and walk again Middle Street, the street on which Richard built his log house in the early 1660s. The original dwelling is no longer standing, but the location on Middle Street can be easily determined.

Stay in touch! Cousin Richard (Richard W. Montague, Rosenstrasse 4, D-82067 Ebenhausen/Bavaria, GERMANY)"

Below is a final note on Richard and his family, published in 1860.

"Montague
. . .
RICHARD, Boston, said to be s. of Peter, of the parish of Burham, Co. Bucks, by w. Abigail Downing had Sarah, b. by the town rec. 15 June 1646, and d. 4 days aft. but the ch. rec. says, bapt. 28, a. 2 days old, in right of her mo. who had join. 4 Apr. preced. and Martha, 20 June 1647, a. 4 days old; rem. to Wethersfield, there had Peter, 8 or 18 July 1651; thence to Hadley, a. 1659, in a depon. of 1671, calls hims. 57 yrs. old, was freem. of 1681, and d. 14 Dec. of that yr. His wid. liv. to 8 Nov. 1694. In the will, he names ch. Peter; John; Mary, prob. the oldest ch. w. of Joseph Warriner, m. 25 Nov. 1668; Martha, wh. m. 1 Dec. 1671, Isaac Harrison, and next, 3 Apr. 1677, Henry White; and Abigail, m. 8 Dec. 16781, Mark Warner." - from the "Genealogical Dictionary of the First Settlers of New England" by James Savage

Richard's children were,
(18) Abigail Montgue (1639), baptized in 1639 and buried at St. Giles Cripplegate in July 1641, maybe
(18) Joseph Montague (1642), baptized in 1642 at St. Giles Cripplegate who died as an infant, maybe
(18) Mary Montague (c1642), she was born in Wells, York county, Maine, she married Joseph Warriner, the son of William Warriner, on 25 November 1668 in Hadley, she died on 22 July 1689 in Enfield, Hartford county, Connecticut
(18) Sarah Montague (1646), born on 15 June 1646, Boston, Massachusetts, she died on 19 June 1646 in Boston
(18) Martha Montague (1647), she was born on 16 June 1647 in Boston, she married Isaac Harrison on 1 December 1671, he was slain after the Falls Fight 18 May 1676, second she married Henry White, she died on 3 November 1691 in Deerfield
(18) Peter Montague (1651)
(18) John Montague (c1655)
(18) Abigail Montague (c1656), she married Mark Warner, the son of John Warner, on 8 December 1671, she died on 6 February 1705 in Northampton

He was born on 8 July 1651 in Wethersfield, Hartford county, Connecticut [though it is possible that he was born in Boston, it was early in 1651 that his father had moved the family to Wethersfield]. Peter was in the famous Falls Fight on 19 May 1676, as was his brother-in-law, Martha's husband, who was killed.

Peter was a Selectman of Hadley in the years 1682, 1687, 1689, 1694, 1701 , 1703, 1705, and 1708. According to the "History of Hadley" he was also Selectman in 1711, 1715, and 1718. He was a representative at Boston in the General Court for four terms.

Peter married Mary Partridge, the widow of John Smith, on 16 September 1679 at Hadley. She was baptized on 16 October 1647 in Hartford, Connecticut, the daughter of William Partrdige and Mary Smith. She died on 20 May 1680.

Peter then married Mary Crow, the widow of Noah Coleman [see the founders of Hadley], on 16 September 1680. She was born on 27 December 1656 in Hadley, the daughter of John Crow and Elizabeth Goodwin. After this Peter lived in the old Thoomas Coleman house, three lots north of Richard Montague's original holding. Mary died on 12 October 1720 in Hadley.

Note that in 1720 Peter Montague appears to own the property owned originally by Thomas Coleman. Since Peter married the widow of Noah Coleman, Thomas' son, that makes sense.

"East side of the street, beginning
at the north end

Mr. Samuel Partridge .73 s.5
Mr. Peter Montague .151 s.14
John Smith, 2d. (orphan) .112 s.8
Lt. John Smith .94 s. 4
Ichabod Smith .96 s.18
John Montague, Sr. .75 s.8
Corp. John Montague .41 s.5
Experience Porter .117 s.18
Samuel Porter, Jr. .89 s.10
Daniel Hubbard .94 s.16
Timothy Hillyer .24 s.0
Town or Proprietors .150 s.0
Rev. Isaac Chauncey .92 s.16

Middle Highway" - from the "History of Hadley" by Sylvester Judd

Finally, Peter married Mary Smith, the widow of Preserved Smith, on 22 April 1721. She was born on 16 August 1681 in Hadley, the daughter of Chileab Smith and Hannah Hitchcock. This marrying of widows is suspicious. Was Peter perhaps too interested in their husband's fortunes?

Peter died on 27 March 1725 in Hadley, Hampshire county, Massachusetts, at the age of 73. He had no children, but left a good estate to his relatives. His tombstone in Hadley:

A family researcher, Richard Montague, sent me the following information about Peter Montague.

"Peter Mountague gave a silver Communion Cup to the Church of Christ in Hadley, Massachusetts in 1723. This piece of Colonial period silver hollowware, the work of John Dixwell, an early Boston-based silversmith, in now on permanent loan to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

The donor of the cup, Peter Mountague (1651-1725), led an interesting life in the Connecticut River valley of western Massachusetts. His parents, Richard Mountague and Abigail Downing, had both been born in England and had come to New England sometime before the mid 1640s as colonists. The dates and places of their arrival in the New World are not known.

Peter Mountague (the spelling of his surname which he used) was probably born in Wethersfield, Connecticut in July 1651. Together with his father and mother and his four siblings sisters, he travelled from Wethersfield in 1659/1660 further up the Connecticut River to help found the new religious settlement of Hadley, in Hampshire County, on the Connecticut River.

The General Court in Boston created Hampshire County in 1662 out of lands originally apportioned to Middlesex County, which had been one of the four original countries organized in 1643 by the Massachusetts Bay Colony. By moving upriver into Hampshire County, Richard Montague and his family became colonists of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Their previous in Wethersfield was part of the Province of Connecticut, which had been organized in 1636 as a "haven for Puritan gentlemen."

The colonists chose the name Hadley for their settlement in honor of Hadley (Hadleigh), Suffolk County in England's East Anglia region. Many of the pioneer settlers of Hadley had their origin in East Anglia, but not Richard Mountague, who was born in Berkshire County on the Thames River.

His father, Richard Montague, was born (according to the latest historical research) in Warfield, Berkshire, England in May 1614. Warfield, Richard's actual birthplace, lies south across the Thames River in Berkshire, approximately opposite Boveney, Buckinghamshire, Richard's traditional birthplace. Richard died at Hadley in December 1681 and was buried on the Grand Meadow. His wife Abigail died at Hadley in November 1694 was presumably buried next to her husband on the Grand Meadow. No gravestones on the Grand Meadow mark the precise location of their burials. Richard Mountague had four daughters, but only two sons: Peter Mountague (1651-1725) and John Mountague (1655/56-1732). Consequently, all currently living "Hadley" Montagues trace their lineage to John Mountague, since Peter died in 1725 sine prole.

Peter Mountague became one of the wealthiest and most prominent men in Hadley. He was elected, for example, by his fellow Hadley settlers to serve in Boston on four occasions on the General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, the ruling legislative body of the Colony. Curiously, however, Richard Mountague, in his last will and testament made shortly before his death, names his "beloved wife" Abigail and "loving son" John Mountague as his sole executors. Peter Mountague, his first born son, was not named an executor, although he is specifically mentioned in the will. Peter married three times, but had no children by any of wives. His first marriage was to Mary Partridge, whose family had been one of the original English settlers of Hadley. Mary was a widow, having been married previously to John Smith of Hadley. Mary died in May 1680. Following her death, Peter married for a second time in September 1680 Mary Coleman, who was the widow of Noah Coleman. Mary Coleman was the daughter to John Crow, also an early English settler of Hadley. The second Mary died in October 1720.

Following the death of his second wife, Peter married his sister-in-law, Mary Smith, the daughter of Chileab Smith, who had previously been married to Preserved Smith. Mary Smith's sister, Hannah Smith, married Peter Mountague's younger brother, John Mountague. All three of Peter's wives stemmed from fellow English settler families in Hadley. About two years before his death in March 1725, Peter donated an impressive silver hollowware communion cup to the Hadley Church (now the First Congregational Church). The cup is the work of John Dixwell (1680-1725), an early English silver smith working in Colonial Boston. It is probably that Peter Mountague dealt directly with Dixwell as a result of Peter's frequent visits to Boston to serve on the General Court. It is likely that Peter furnished the silver required, in the form of English silver coins, for Dixwell to fashion the cup. The melting down of specie was the customary Colonial practice to provide metal for the manufacture of silver items, as there were no silver mines in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Since 1939, the cup has been on permanent loan to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. The first three or four generations of "Hadley" Montagues spelled their surname M o u n t a g u e on wills and gravestones. Josiah Montague (1727-1810), the great- grandson of Richard, appears to be the first to use the spelling M o n t a g u e instead of M o u n t a g u e. Succeeding generations of Hadley-origin Montagues have continued this spelling of our name.

If you are in Boston and have the time, do try to see the Peter Mountague communion cup! Genealogically Yours,

Your Montague Cousin Richard"

Anita's G-G-G-G-G-G-G-Grandfather. John Montague, the youngest son of Richard Montague and Abigail Downing, was born in about 1655 in Wethersfield, Hartford county, Connecticut. However, I've recently seen a reference to the "Massachusetts Historical Society, Winthrop Medical Journal" which apparently states that John was "3 years old in January 1657/58 and 5 in April 1659." I don't have a birth record for John, but he was named, along with his mother, Abigail, as his father's executor.

He moved to Hadley, Massachusetts with his parents in 1659.

As a young man 20 to 21 years old during the Indian troubles of 1675/6, John would have been involved in defending the town. I suspect that though he fought in no batttles we know of, he would have done a stint on watch or as an armed guard while others harvested the crops outside the walls of the town's stockade.

John married Hannah Smith on 23 March 1680/81 in Hadley. She was born on 7 July 1662 in Hadley, Hampshire, Massachusetts, the daughter of Chileab Smith and Hannah Hitchcock.

John had been married for only a short time when his father died. The couple, with John's widowed mother, lived on the original Montague lot on the east side of the road. John's son, Corporal John Montague, lived just south of John, on a small lot which may have been a portion of John's or part of the old Dickinson lot. John's brother, Peter, had bought the old Dickinson lot for L40, as shown above. The following is from January 1720.

"East side of the street, beginning
at the north end

Mr. Samuel Partridge .73 s.5
Mr. Peter Montague .151 s.14
John Smith, 2d. (orphan) .112 s.8
Lt. John Smith .94 s. 4
Ichabod Smith .96 s.18
John Montague, Sr. .75 s.8
Corp. John Montague .41 s.5
Experience Porter .117 s.18
Samuel Porter, Jr. .89 s.10
Daniel Hubbard .94 s.16
Timothy Hillyer .24 s.0
Town or Proprietors .150 s.0
Rev. Isaac Chauncey .92 s.16

Middle Highway" - from the "History of Hadley" by Sylvester Judd

John was a Selectman of Hadley in 1697 and remained on the family farm until his death, which occurred in about 1732. Hannah died in about 1694 in Hadley, Hampshire, Massachusetts. There is no tombstone extant in the Hadley cemetery, though it is probable that John was buried here. In 1936 there was a flood of the Connecticut river that left many tombstones broken and scattered. Some of the grave markers were washed away and retrieved miles down river.

"Montague
. . .
John, Hadley, s. of Richard, had John, b. 31 Dec. 1681; Richard, 16 Mar. 1684; Hannah 8 Aug. 1687; Hannah, again, 21 Mar. 1689, both d. young; Peter, May 1690; William, 16 Dec. 1692; and Nathaniel, 1 or 6 Oct. 1704. He m. 23 Mar. 1681, Hannah, d. of Samuel Smith. These seven s. were not scatter. far; John and Nathaniel liv. at Hadley; Richard at Wethersfield; Peter, William, and Luke, at South Hadley; and Samuel at Sunderland." - from the "Genealogical Dictionary of the First Settlers of New England" by James Savage

John's children were,
(19) John Montague Jr. (1681)
(19) Richard Montague (1684)
(19) Hannah Montague b. 8 Aug 1687, d. Nov 1688
(19) Hannah Montague b. 21 Mar 1689, d. 19 Apr 1689
(19) Peter Montague (1690)
(19) William Montague (1692)
(19) Deacon Samuel Montague (1695)
(19) Hannah Montague (1697)
(19) Lieutenant Luke Montague (1699)
(19) Nathaniel Montague (1704)

Joⁿ[athan] Mountegue's Family

He was born on 31 December 1681 in Hadley on the original homestead of his grandfather, Richard Montague. The original lot of eight acres was divided and upon the southern half of it John built a new house in about 1705. That house was still standing in 1886. By some, he was considered to be the greatest man and farmer in his day in Hadley.

On 29 February 1704, in what became known as the Meadow Fight, John joined other Hadley men in driving away an Indian assault on the village of Deerfield. It is not certain if he was also involved in the attempt to recover the captives taken in the destructive and memorable assault on the French and their Indian allies. Deerfield is about 12 miles north of Hadley.

John married twice. First to Mindwell [great name!] Lyman on 17 January 1712 in Northampton, Hampshire county, Massachusetts. Northampton is a large village, to the west of Hadley. She was born on 30 August 1688 in Northampton, Hampshire county, Massachusetts, probably the daughter of John Lyman. She died on 4 April 1713.

Next John married Abigail Smith on 29 September 1714. She was born on 26 October 1691, the daughter of John Smith and Mary Root. John died on 28 September 1722 in Hadley, at the age of 40. He was buried at Old Hadley Cemetery. His tombstone,

John's children with Mindwell were,
(20) Abigail Montague (1713), b. 20 March 1713, m. Nathan Moody 16 March 1734/5
(20) Mindwell Montague (1714), b. September 1714, d. 2 December 1715

John's children with Abigail were,
(20) John Montague (1716), b. 5 January 1716, m. 1st Thankful Sheldon 24 September 1747, m. 2nd Rhoda Seldon, d. 18 April 1783 in Hadley

John was the only son of John Montague Jr. He inherited the greater part of his great uncle Peter Montague's property and became one of the leading farmers of Hadley. In the returns of the Assessors to the General Court in 1771, his stood third on the list of those who had raised the most grain in Hadley.

__________

He was born on 16 March 1684 [or 1683] in Hadley, Hampshire County, Massachusetts. He was the son of John Montague and Hannah Smith. Richard Montague moved back to Wethersfield, Hartford County, Connecticut. He purchased land there from Stephen Micks in April 1715 at and paid £17 current silver money for it.

He married Abigail Benton Camp on 28 July 1715 in Wethersfield. Abigail was born on 9 December 1691 in Hartford Connecticut, the widow of Joseph Camp and the daughter of Samuel Benton and Sarah Chatterton, of New Haven. Richard Montague purchased land from Jonathan Blyn for £80 on 15 January 1717 at Wethersfield, Connecticut.

Richard died on 24 December 1751 in Wethersfield, Connecticut at the age of 67 years. He was buried at Wethersfield Cemetery, Wethersfield, Hartford County, Connecticut. His tombstone reads:

"Here lies interred the body of Mr. Richard Mountague, who died Decbr the 24th 1751, in the 62d year of his age."

The children of Richard Montague and Abigail Benton were,
(20) Abigail Montague, b. 11 Jul 1716, m. Nathaniel Riley, d. 6 Dec 1789
(20) Anne Montague, b. 16 May 1718, m. Timothy Sage 18 January 1753, d. 24 Jun 1797
(20) Richard Montague, b. 2 Aug 1721, d. 21 Dec 1721
(20) John Montague, b. 17 Oct 1722, m. Anna Belden 27 September 1750
(20) Martha Montague, b. 17 Mar 1726
(20) Mary Montague, b. 19 Apr 1728
(20) Richard Montague, b. 17 Mar 1730, m. Olive Nott 16 April 1752, d. 28 Aug 1815
(20) Hannah Montague, b. 16 Aug 1732, d. 26 Apr 1805
(20) Sarah Montague, b. 10 May 1736
(20) Lucy Montague, b. 25 Apr 1738

Anita's G-G-G-G-G-G-Grandfather. Peter Mountague, the son of John and Hannah Mountague, was born in May 1690 in Hadley, Hampshire county, Massachusetts - from "Massachusetts Births and Christenings, 1639-1915," database, FamilySearch. Peter Montague married Mary Hubbard on 15 December 1715 in Hadley.

Peter and Mary moved to South Hadley in May 1719 and built the first house there. At this time a number families from Hadley had proposed to settle in South Hadley. The day previous to their departure the people assembled in the church, and it was a day of prayer and fasting, as "some of their number were going over the mountain to live." Peter's younger brothers, Luke and William, also moved to South Hadley. During the first year, however, only the following six actually began to clear land and build houses.

"The early settlement of South Hadley may be attributed to the energy, courage, and perseverance of six persons--Peter, William and Luke Montague, Chileab Smith, Jr. [Peter's cousin], John Preston, and Ebenezer Marsh.

"The fourth division, west of Stony Brook," comprised twenty-eight home lots upon the east side of College, Woodbridge and Amherst streets, begining near the Perkins Mill and reaching almost to Bittersweet Lane. It provided also for a highway eight rods wide, to be located a little below the present Morgan street. The which formed the original Seminary Campus was chosen by William Murray and Peter Montague, Jr. [sic]

The pioneers of South Hadley, with the exception of Luke Montague, who, not being of age, was not yet entitled to draw a home lot, were all married men whose ages ranged from twenty-eight to thirty-seven years. Since Peter Montague would have the assistance of his younger brother [Luke], it would naturally be expected that his should be the first house to be framed, especially as he had shrewdly selected his land in a central location, and just opposite the point of junction where two roads leading from Hadley came together, but before this house could be built great trees must be felled, great beams hewed, and planks be sawed, to say nothing of joists, shingles and hand-made nails.

It is doubtful whether the house of Peter Montague was completed during this first summer. Months were required for seasoning the green timber so that it would neither shrink nor wapr; then to, the chimney must be taken into consideration, ground must be excavated to the depth of several feets, that its foundation might be below the reach of frost." - from "In Old South Hadley" by Sophie E. Eastman

While their new home was building in South Hadley, Peter and Mary continued to live in Hadley, as did Peter's younger brother, William.

"On the New Street, on the Pine Plain.

. . .
Peter Montague, Jr. .27 s.8" - from the "History of Hadley" by Sylvester Judd

Peter took up a large tract of land, and much of it has always remained in the possession of the Montagues, his descendants, passing from Peter to Moses, and from him to Elijah and to his children. The homestead of Elijah, which passed to his son, Obed, was built by Moses for his son, Seth, in 1791, and Seth lived there for awhile before he emigrated to Vermont. Obed's lot is at the top of the map to the right. Peter's lot in South Hadley included the farm shown as owned by C.N. [Calvin Newton] Montague, in the top right hand corner in the map to the right, as well as the lot of Elijah Montague that was afterwards occupied by his son, Obed. Of the Montagues it was said, "they were a tall race, and were said to build the doorposts of their houses higher than common, "that a Montague might walk in with his hat on.""

Troubles with the Indians continued in this period which resulted in South Hadley being for a time abandoned. A war erupted in 1722 between the settlers and the Mi'kmaq, Maliseet, and Passamaquoddy tribes and a loosely-allied group of communities living between the Penobscot and the Kennebec Rivers often called the Abenaki. Altogether these tribes were described as the Wabanaki Confederacy.

"The work of constructing these [new] roads was soon interrupted by the fourth Indian war, which was terminated only by the Long Peace of 1726. During this time the depredations of the red men were so great that the government, in order to stimulate watchfulness, offered a bounty of one hundred pounds for every Indian scalp. Under these circumstances, life south of Mt. Holyoke would be deemed very unsafe." - from "In Old South Hadley" by Sophie E. Eastman

Peter Montague's first house was sold to Daniel Nash Jr. and, later, Peter built a new place.

"In 1728 Peter Montague returning to South Hadley, purchased the land southwest of Bachelor Brook, where he built his second house, which was at that date the finest dwelling south of Mt. Hoyoke. Four of its large rooms contained each a big, open fireplace; one of these, a chamber in the second story, being called the spinning room." - from "In Old South Hadley" by Sophie E. Eastman

Peter died on 13 October 1745 in South Hadley. His estate was settled in 1749, though an inventory was not presented until February 1756. Below is Peter's tombstone in the South Hadley Evergreen cemetery.

Mary Hubbard Montague died on 27 August 1746 in Hatfield, Hampshire county, Massachusetts. No photograph of her tombstone is available.

His children were,
(20) Mary Montague, b. 4 March 1717, m. 1st Daniel Alexander, 2nd John Brown, 3rd J. Clark
(20) Anna Montague, b. 31 October 1718, m. Nathaniel Cole of Hatfield and Belchertown
(20) Elizabeth Montague, b. 13 November 1720, m. 1st Samuel Montague, son of Samuel Montague and Elizabeth White, on 12 Jul 1742 in Bennington, Benton, Vermont. (Samuel Montague was born on 30 Jun 1720 in Sunderland, Franklin, Massachusetts and died on 17 Jan 1777 in Bennington, Benton, Vermont.), 2nd Reverend James Smith
(20) Peter Montague (1723)
(20) Captain Moses Montague (1724)
(20) Josiah Montague (1727)
(20) Rachel Montague, m. 29 Nov 1753 Stephen Warner of Granby
(20) Experience Montague, b. circa 1728, m. 1st Jonathan Pierce in 1751, 2nd Philip Ingram of Amherst on 10 March 1756
(20) Adonijah Montague (1732)

He was born on 2 January 1723 in South Hadley. Here's something I have seen before,

"Three of our pioneers sent their five sons to assist in the reduction of Canada, William, John, Peter, and Josiah Montague and Phineas Smith.

Peter Montague was at the siege of Louisburg in 1745. No sooner had our troops landed than the French spiked the cannon in their outer fortifications and retired behind the inner defenses, which were supposed to be impregnable."

"But it was necessary to drag their own artillery across a morass impassable for horses or oxen, so Peter and his comrades placed straps about their shoulders, and for fourteen nights dragged the cannon through mud and water reaching to the ankles, and in some cases even to the knees . . . This hardship and exposure was too great for one so young as Peter, and the ultimate song of triumph fell upon ears that were deaf to its notes." - from "In Old South Hadley" by Sophie E. Eastman

Anita's G-G-G-G-G-Grandfather. Moses Montague, the son of Peter Montague and Mary Hubbard, was born on 17 November 1724 in Hadley, Massachusetts. His father had moved south of Mount Holyoke in 1719 to found the new village of South Hadley. However, while their home was being built the family had continued to live in Hadley, on New street on the Pine Plain. Later, in 1722, Indian troubles forced the family to move back, inside the stockade, at Hadley. Between 1725, when hostilities ceased, and 1728 Peter and his family were once again living in South Hadley.

Moses' father, Peter Montague Sr., died in 1745, as did his elder brother, Peter Montague Jr. His mother then died the next year, in 1746, leaving Moses, the eldest son at 22, responsible for his siblings and in charge of his father's properties in South Hadley. Moses did, however, have a plethora of uncles in both Hadley and South Hadley to provide advice and counsel to the young man.

Moses Montague married Sarah Graves on 22 September 1748 in Sunderland, Massachusetts - from the Sunderland Town Clerk, Vital Town Records. Sarah, the daughter of Benjamin Graves and Mary Warner (the daughter of Jacob Warner and Elizabeth Goodman), was born on 9 February 1726 in Sunderland.

In 1774, as the colonies stumbled toward a break with Britain and open rebellion, men were organizing themselves.

"A Committee of Correspondence was chosen June 14 1774; a Committee of Inspection relative to the drinking of East India tea, Nov. 7, 1774; a Committee of Inspection respecting the consumption of British goods, Jan. 2, 1775;--more were added to the Committee of Inspection, Nov. 28, 1775; a Committee of Correspondence, Safety and Inspection, March 14, 1776, another March 17, 1777, and a third March 2, 1778. The men on these committees were the following, the figures denoting the number of committees to which each man belonged:--
Ens. Daniel Nash, 2, Lt. Luke Montague, 1 . . . Capt. Moses Montague, 5" - from the "History of Hadley" by Sylvester Judd

The people were also organizing into militia companies and drilling on the town common. Immediately after hearing about the battles at Lexington and Concord, Moses Montague led a company of Hampshire county men towards Boston in response. The men most likely all came from South Hadley and Moses had been chosen to lead them - the men voted on it - because of his position in the town. News of the fighting, delivered by horseborne couriers, was received at about noon, the day after the battles, on 20 April - from "A History of Hatfield" by D. W. Wells. The company probably marched out the same day. Given the title of Captain, Moses would serve under the command of his South Hadley neighbor, Colonel Benjamin Ruggles Woodbridge.

"Moses Montague (1724-92) commanded a company in Col. Ruggles Woodbridge's regiment at the Lexington Alarm." - from the "Lineage Book" of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution

Moses entered service on 20 April 1775 and served for 15 2/3 days during the initial response to Lexington and Concord. Colonel Woodbridge's 1st Hampshire County Militia Regiment marched to Cambridge and served just over 15 days in this part of the campaign. I assume their duties were to watch British activity in Boston and to protect Cambridge, which had become the seat of Provincial government after the British occupied Boston and the headquarters of the new American army.

"After the battles of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, news of these events led to 1,600-person Cambridge being inundated with volunteer soldiers. Mansions that the Tories had vacated became barracks and hospitals. After Harvard relocated to Concord (to return in a year), its buildings were used for military purposes as well. General Artemas Ward attempted to "establish order in the chaotic makeshift camp," made up of soldiers who numbered 16,000 by May, ten times the number of citizens." - from mountvernon.com

At the end of April the regiment was reorganized as the 22nd Provincial Regiment, still under Woodbrige's command. They continued the siege of Boston and later fought at Bunker Hill. Moses was not listed as one of their officers. By the way, Woodbridge's regiment was reorganized later and became the 25th Massachusetts Regiment of militia.

The Siege of Boston "Immediately after the battles of April 19, the Massachusetts militia, under the loose leadership of William Heath, who was superseded by General Artemas Ward late on the 20th, formed a siege line extending from Chelsea, around the peninsulas of Boston and Charlestown, to Roxbury, effectively surrounding Boston on three sides. They particularly blocked the Charlestown Neck (the only land access to Charlestown), and the Boston Neck (the only land access to Boston, which was then a peninsula), leaving only the harbor and sea access under British control. In the days immediately following the creation of the siege line, the size of the colonial forces grew, as militias from New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Connecticut arrived on the scene. General Gage wrote of his surprise of the number of rebels surrounding the city: "The rebels are not the despicable rabble too many have supposed them to be....In all their wars against the French they never showed such conduct, attention, and perseverance as they do now."" - from Wikipedia. The British soon abandoned Charlestown and concentrated their defense on Boston. The high ground in Charlestown, Bunker Hill and Breed's Hill, were left undefended. When the British decided later to retake these positions they found them heavily defended and they lost 1000 men, including 92 offices, in the assault. Boston Harbor and Environs

I expect Moses went home because he, like most of the militia, never planned to be gone long. He had a family and a farm back in South Hadley that needed his attention and the immediate issue of the British advance had been taken care of. Also note that Moses was 51 years old.

Back home, the colonists felt at the mercy not only of the British army, but of mercenary businessmen who raised prices in the face of uncertainty. Leading citizens, like Moses, attempted to counteract these actions.

"[O]n February 11, 1777, a meeting of selectemen was held at the house of Captain Moses Montague, "to prevent monopoly and high prices." - from "In Old South Hadley" by Sophie E. Eastman

Moses was commissioned as a Captain again on 28 May 1778, in Colonel Elisha Porter's 4th Hampshire county regiment of Massachusetts militia. Azariah Alvord was Moses' 1st Lieutenant,

"Alvord, Azariah. 1st Lieutenant, Capt. James (also given Moses) Montague's (2d) CO., Col. Porter's (4th Hampshire Co.) regt. ; list of officers of Mass. militia; com- missioned May 28, 1778" - from "Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors of the Revolutionary War"

"[Moses Montague] later commanded the 2nd company, Porter's Hampshire County regiment." - from the "Lineage Book of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution"

"The record shows that Waitstill [Dickinson, of Amherst] again served as a Corporal in a Company Commanded by Captain Reuben Dickinson of Colonel Elisha Porter's 4th Hampshire County Regiment which participated in the battle of Monmouth New Jersey, and was fought on June 28, 1778." - from Waitskill Dickinson on Wikitree

Captain Montague was commanding a company from Hampshire county from 13 October to 21 November 1779. Moses' company was in Colonel Israel Chapin's 3rd Hampshire County Regiment. Israel Chapin was from Hatfield. Lieutenant Daniel White, a Selectman of Hadley, was his 1st Lieutenant and Edward Smith was his 2nd Lieutenant.

"He [Moses Montague] served under Col. Israel Chapin to reinforce the Continental Army . . ." - from the "Lineage Book of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution"

"Daniel White: Born in Hatfield, Dec. 28, 1726 . . . First Lieutenant and Adjutant, Capt. Montague's Company, Col. Israel Chapin's Regiment; reinforced the Continental Army at Claverack, Oct. 12-Nov. 21, 1779" - from "Register of Members and Records of Their Revolutionary Ancestors" by the Sons of the American Revolution, Massachusetts

"Goodale, Jacob private, Capt. Samuel Merriman's (2nd) Co., Col. Israel Chapen's (3rd) regiment; enlisted Oct. 15, 1779, discharged Nov.21, 1779; service, 1 mo. 14 days, travel included, at Claverack.

That he again enlisted, at said New Salem, in fore part of October 1779, in a company commanded by Capt. _____ Merryman, Thomas Grover, Lieut. & Josiah Osgood, Ensign, in Col. Israel Chapin's Regiment for three months. The Reg. assembled at Sunderland, marched from thence to Pittsfield, and from thence to Claverack, State of New York, from thence to Kinderhook, and from thence to Albany, where he remained during the term, and was there discharged." - from "Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors of the Revolutionary War"

This march appears to be related to the ongoing battle for control of the Hudson and perhaps to Washington's proposed assault on New York City. As with many military plans, this gathering of forces came to nothing and the men were released early.

"Alphabetical List of Officers of the Continental Army" lists "Montague, Moses (Mass). Captain Massachusetts Militia, 1779-1780 (Died 1792.)."

In the 1790 census of South Hadley, Hampshire county, Massachusetts as Moses Montague. In the household were 3 "Free white Males of 16 years and upwards," probably Moses and his sons, Seth and Elijah, 1 "Free white Males, under 16 years," unknown, and 3 "Free white Females," probably Sarah and her daughters, Lucinda and unknown, and no others.

Moses died on 18 December 1792 in South Hadley. His tombstone reads,

"In Memory of
Capt. Moses
Montague
who died Dec. 18th
1792
aged 62 years

Moses' children were,
(21) Penelope Montague, b. 16 July 1749, d. 19 March 1821
(21) Peter Montague (1751)
(21) Sarah Montague, b. 4 March 1754, d. 27 January 1796
(21) Moses Montague (1756)
(21) Irene Montague, b. 29 August 1758, d. 16 April 1842
(21) Selah Montague (1761)
(21) Seth Montague (1763)
(21) Mary Montague, b. 14 September 1765, m. Jonathan Sykes [Sikes] of Ludlow 22 January 1789, d. 8 November 1803. Jonathan was the cousin of Pliny Sikes, below.
(21) Lucinda [Lucina] C. Montague, b. 25 April 1768, m. Pliny Sykes [Plyna Sikes] of Ludlow 11 February 1790, d. 24 January 1850
(21) Elijah Montague (1771)

Anita's G-G-G-G-Grandfather. Peter Montague, the eldest son of Moses Montague and Sarah Graves, was born on 18 November 1751 in South Hadley, Hampshire county, Massachusetts.

Peter married Mary Smith on 24 February 1778 in Hadley. Mary was born on 20 July 1754 in Hadley, the daughter of Deacon David Smith and Hannah Willard. After his marriage Peter moved his family to Westhampton, a village just the other side of Northampton, on the other side of the connecticut river.

"There were 49 polls, 32 houses, and 18 barns, in 1776. In 1777 and 1778 the new settlers were Peter Montague, Noah and Timothy Edwards, . . ." - from "Memorial of the Reunion of the Natives of Westhampton, Mass., September 5, 1866"

I don't see any reference to Peter's service during the Revolution, though I would have thought he would at least a member of the local militia.

In the 1790 census of Westhampton, Hampshire county, Massachusetts as Peter Montague. In the household were two boys below the age of 16 and 5 women living in his home. One of those sons was David, aged 4, on which all the authorities agree. I believe the other son was Zenas, aged 12, who was Anita's forebear. I don't think Zenas has been well recorded because he left home early, moving on to Vermont, and died at a relatively early age in New York.

The Town of Westhampton Westhampton is a small, dispersed community. Life in the town was based on agriculture and one had to provide for food and clothing. Most of the early residents kept sheep, as a source of not only meat, but wool to use for clothing. The land was thickly forested and needed to be cleared for agriculture. Life at this time was very simple. Often families would have bread and milk for a single meal and sometimes a dessert known as "Hasty Pudding." This was a pudding of apple, molasses, warm cider and toasted bread. The main meal was served at noon. A common meal of the day might be a "New England Boiled Dinner." This consisted of boiled corned beef or pork, potatoes, carrots, cabbage and whatever else they may have had handy in the root cellar. Cider was kept in the cellars and often was served. All settlers farmed in order to provide for their needs. They owned horses, pigs, chicken and sheep. Among the various crops raised to feed these animals were: corn, rye, wheat, hay and oats. Milk, meat, potatoes, maple syrup, apples, cider and corn were staples of the day. Maple syrup making was the first industry ever recorded in Westhampton. The area was rich in deciduous forest and used as a source for lumber. Prior to its incorporation as a town, men would travel from Northampton to saw lumber. This area became known as "the woodlot of Northampton." Later, chestnut trees proliferated and were highly sought after but were wiped out in 1918 by a blight.

The following is from a list of some of the earlier industries in Westhampton:
- "Charcoal Making - manufactured by Peter Montague."

In the 1800 census of Westhampton, Hampshire county, Massachusetts as Peter Montague, 45 years old or older. Peter was 49 at the time. In his household were one boy under 10, Calvin, and one 10 to 15 years old, David. Women in the house included one girl 10 to 15, Mary, one 16 to 25, Patty, and a woman 45 and over, Mary Smith. Peter's eldest son, Zenas, 22, had already left home and was living in Vermont. I don't know where Cynthia, aged 4, was at this time.

In the 1810 census of Westhampton, Hampshire county, Massachusetts as Peter Montague, 45 years old or older. Peter was 59 at the time. In his household was one boy 16 to 25, Calvin. Women in the house include one girl 16 to 25, perhaps Cynthia, who was 14, and one 45 or older, Mary Smith. Peter's eldest daughter, Patty, had married in 1804. Mary had also married, but I'm not sure about the date.

Peter's eldest son, Zenas, died on 22 September 1810 in northern New York. Peter came up the following winter and brought Zenas' eldest children, Cynthia and David Owen, back to live with him in Westhampton. The younger children, Emily and Peter Ross, stayed with their widowed mother.

"Mary Montague wife of Peter Montague died Sept 3d 1815" - from "Westhampton Births, Marriages and Deaths"

"He [Peter] married (second) in 1817 Lucina Preston." - from "Western Massachusetts: A History"

"Peter Montague second married Lucina Preston on 3 May 1817" - from the "History and Genealogy of the Montague Family of America" by George Wm. Montague

In the 1820 census of Westhampton as Peter Montague, 45 years old or older. In Peter's household was one boy 10 to 16, his grandson, David Owen, who was 15. Women included one girl 16 to 26, his grand-daughter Cynthia, who was 17, and a woman 45 and over, Lucina Preston. Peter's second son, David, lived next door. Calvin, the youngest boy, had received his M.D. in 1814 and was probably in New Jersey in 1820, where he was continuing his medical studies.

Peter's grandchildren were, at some point, adopted by his son, David. In 1826 Cynthia married and David O. Montague went west to rejoin his mother in western New York.

On 24 September 1822 Peter Montague died in Westhampton. There was a tombstone in the Westhampton grave yard with an inscription,

"In Memory of
Mr. Peter Montague,
who died Sept. 24 1822, aged 71 yrs."

Montagues continue to live in Westhampton. A Peter Montague is the Fire Chief of Westhampton today and an environmental activist.

Peter's children were,
(22) Zenas Montague (1778)
(22) Cynthia Montague (1781), was born on 16 March 1781 Westhampton, Massachusetts. She died on 12 May 1796 and was buried in the Center cemetery in Westhampton.
(22) Patty Montague (1783)
(22) Mary Montague (1785)
(22) David Montague (1788)
(22) Doctor Calvin Montague (1790/1)

Anita's G-G-G-Grandfather. His line of the family has, today, ended in all female heirs. According to a record of births and christenings, 1775-1795, for Westhampton, Massachusetts, taken by the LDS church, a Zenas Montague was born in 1778 to Peter and Mary Montague.

"Zenas Montague son to Mr. Peter Montague and Mary his wife was born December 12th A1778" - Westhampton Births, Marriages and Deaths

I've recently found another source that agrees with this theory:

"Descendant of Capt. Moses Montague, as follows [in backwards order]:
1. Owen H. Montague (b. 1838) m. 1871 Cornelius J. Tracy (1843-1919).
2. Peter R. Montague (1800-96) m. 1835 Olive F. Hall (1815-91).
3. Zenas Montague (1778-1810) m. Abigail Owen (1781-1840).
4. Peter Montague (1751-1822) m. 1778 Mary Smith (1754-1815).
6. Moses Montague m. 1748 Sarah Graves (1726-1810)."
- from the "Lineage Book" complied by Mae Jones for the Daughters of the American Revolution

A possible explanation of his unusual given name, and another check on the authenticity of this citing, is the existence of a Zenas Graves in the Sarah Graves family. Sarah would be Zenas' grandmother. Toby Williams writes,

"Was reading your very interesting website, and I found the references to Zenas Graves very interesting.

For what it is worth, as far as I can tell, Zenas Graves appears to have left the Sunderland/Montague area around 1780 or so, apparently going up towards Troy, NY, and probably over into Rutland County, Vermont for a while, before going up Lake Champlain, and over to Jay, NY, where he appears to have been by 1798. It appears that Zenas' family left Jay sometime around 1811 - he is on the 1810 Essex County census, mistranscribed as Times Graves. It appears that they went west through New York state, ultimately going down the Ohio River to Cincinnatti, and then over to Deraborn County, Indiana, where he is reportedly buried in what is now called Pella Cemetery.

Zenas' son, William Graves, married Mirium Howe in Wells, Vermont in 1806.

Interestingly, Zenas's first wife was named Hannah - last name unknown, although I strongly suspect it was Harvey. His second wife is almost certainly Abigail Ward, daughter of Asahel Ward and Esther Franklin. Zenas probably married Abigail Ward in Addison County, Vermont, near Chimney Point, 10 miles north or Orwell.

The extended Graves family were fairly numerous in 18th century Massachusetts, and there were a large number of them in the Sunderland/Montague area.

Thus, your Zenas Montague that died in Rutland may have been the first son of Zenas Montague, although this would have meant that he would have had to have married immediately after the 1800 census.

Anyway, very interesting research you have done."

Sometime before 1800 Zenas moved north from Massachusetts into Vermont. In the 1800 census of Rutland township, Rutland county, Vermont there was Zenas Montague, a single man between 16 and 25 years old, living alone. He would have been 22 at the time. Rutland is on the western slope of the Green Mountains, a little less than half way up the state. Zenas joined the Congregational Church of Rutland in 1801.

"Members - from . . .
. . .
1801
. . .
Zenas Montague Start Date: April 1801 End Time: Died" - from the Congregational Church of Rutland, Vermont,

Zenas married Abigail Owen in about 1802. She was born in Windham, connecticut on 16 January 1782 per "Descendants of John Owen of Windsor, Connecticut" or 12 October 1781 per the "History and Genealogy of the Montague Family of America." She was the daughter of Frederick Owen and Margaret Hibbard. - from "Descendants of John Owen of Windsor, Connecticut (1622-1699) : a Genealogy," and per the "History of Chautauqua County, New York":

Owen, Montague; Abigail Owen b 12 Oct 1781; d 12 Oct 1840; m Zenas Montague b 12 Dec 1778; d 22 Sep 1810 NY.
- from Northern Owens 1500-1800, an Owens family website

Zenas settled for a time in Orwell, where his daughter, Cynthia, was born on 22 September 1803, and his son David Owen Montague was born in July 1805. Zenas was 27 years old at the time.

By 1809 Zenas had moved his family further north, settling in Bridport, Vermont, where his second son, Peter Ross Montague was born.

In the 1810 census of Bridport, Addison county, Vermont as Zenas Montague. In the household there were two sons, 0-10 years old, Peter Ross, 1, and David Owen, 5, and one, presumably Zenas Montague, aged 26-45, he was 32 at the time. There were also two daughters, 0-10 years old, Cinthia, 7, and Emily, 3, and another woman, presumably Abigail Owens Montague, aged 26-45, she would have been 29.

Zenas couldn't seem to live for long in any one place. The year after Peter's birth, sometime in 1810, he was in Syracuse, Onondaga county, New York, where he died, at the age of 32, on 22 September 1810.

"Zenas Montague named above died Sept 22 1810" - Westhampton Births, Marriages and Deaths

"David O. Montague of Davenport, Io., said, "My father's name was Zenas Montague of Vermont. He died in September 1810. The following winter my grandfather came up, and brought me and my elder sister to West Hampton, and that was my home until he died. At the age of twenty-one I went West, and have been there since, with the exception of my return to West Hampton nineteen years ago this fall. While there, at the home of uncle David Montague living in the centre of the town, cousin Henry Montague accompanied me to my old home,--the house and home of my grandfather Peter (which I understnad is now nearly all torn down); and I have been requested to repeat some verses which I composed on my ramble out there in September, 1863 . . " - from "Pamphlets on Biography" volume 19

By 1812 Zenas' widow, Abigail, with infant children, Emily and Peter, had moved to Middleburry, in Genesee county, New York. There she married for a second time, to Ezra Bisby [Bisbee, Bisbey], though at what date is uncertain [probably about 1812]. I do not see either Ezra or the Montagues in the 1820 census.

Peter R. Montague, Zenas' second son, is on record as coming to Mina, in Chautauqua county, New York at the age of 15, with his stepfather, Ezra Bisby, in April 1824. Cinthia and David Owen had been brought back to Westhampton at the time of their father's death by their grandfather, Peter.

In the 1830 census of Mina, Chautauqua county, New York as Ezra Bisby, the step-father. In the household were one man, 20 to 30 years old, Peter Ross Montague, and another 60 to 70 years old, Ezra I suppose. David Owen had by this time moved to Mina, but was married and living on his own. Of the women, there was one 10 to 15, one 15 to 20, and a third who was 40 to 50, this was probably Abigail who would have been 49.

In the 1840 census of Mina as Ezra Bisby, a man 60 to 70. Living with him was a woman 50 to 60 years old, Abigail. I suspect that Ezra was about 10 years older than Abigail. In the 1830 census he was at the younger end of the spectrum and in 1840 at the upper end.

Abigail died on 12 October 1840 in Mina, Chautauqua county, New York. Zenas' children were,
(23) Cinthia Montague (1803)
(23) David Owen Montague (1805)
(23) Emily Montague (1807)
(23) Peter Ross Montague (1809)

Or Cynthia. She was born on 22 September 1803 in Orwell, Vermont. After her father's death in 1810 she and her brother, David Owen, returned to Westhampton, Massachusetts, brought there by her grandfather, Peter Montague. She was later adopted by her uncle, (22) David Montague (1788), of Westhampton, Zenas' younger brother.

She married Roland [Rowland] Strong, a farmer at Westhampton, on 30 November 1826. Rowland was born on 28 June 1801 in Westhampton, the eldest son of Amasa Strong and Rhoda Bartlett.

"Rowland Strong, b. June 28, 1801, m. Nov. 30, 1826, Cynthia Montague b. Sept. 22, 1803 in Orwell, Vt. (dau. of Zenas Montague, and adopted dau. of David Montague of Westhampton, Mass.): a farmer at Westhampton, and after 1830, at Huntsburgh, O., where he d. Aug. 10, 1805, 1865: she d. Nov. 11, 1861.
[7th Generation] Children:
Zenas Montague Strong b. July 19, 1828, at Westhampton . . ." - from "The History of the Descendants of Elder John Strong"

Cynthia and Rowland moved to Hutsburgh, Ohio, where he died on 10 August 1865 and she on 11 November 1861.

They had two sons, Zenas Montague Strong, born on 19 July 1828 in Westhampton, and Edwin Lyman Strong. - from "Descendants of John Owen of Windsor, Connecticut" and "newenglandgenealogy.pcplayground.com."

Cynthia's eldest son, Zenas Montague Strong, went on to marry Martha Jane Austin on 14 January 1855.

Anita's G-G-Grandfather. David Owen Montague, the eldest son of Zenas Montague and Abigial Owen, was born on 31 July 1805 in Orwell, Vermont. All the descending lines of David's family end in females, the Montague name dying out. I suspect his middle name was in honor of his mother's family, the Owens. I have another source that shows a David Owen Montague who was born on 31 July 1805, but this time listed as in Westhampton, Massachusetts. This is probably an error, a supposition based on his father's birth there and David's return to this town after his father's death.

Soon after David's birth the family moved further north, to Bridport, Vermont where his brother, Peter Ross, was born in 1809. The family moved immediately thereafter, settling in Syracuse, New York, where David's father, Zenas, died in 1810. David was only 5 years old at the time.

David's mother married Ezra Bisby and she and his younger siblings, Emily and Peter, moved, in 1824, to Mina, Chatauqua county, in western New York. David and his older sister, Cinthia, moved back to Westhampton, Massachusetts.

"David O. Montague of Davenport, Io. said, "My father's name was Zenas Montague of Vermont. He died in September, 1810. The following winter my grandfather [Peter] came up, and brought me and my elder sister to West Hampton, and that was my home until he died. At the age of twenty-one [1826] I went West [to Mina, New York], and have been there since, with the exception of my return to West Hampton nineteen years ago this fall. While there, at the home of uncle David Montague living in the centre of the town, cousin Henry Montague accompanied me to my old home,--the house and home of my grandfather Peter (which I understand is now nearly all torn down); and I have been requested to repeat some verses which I composed on my ramble out there in September, 1863."

"Mr. Montague repeated some interesting lines of considerable length, which lack of space and copy prevents our inserting. [I bet]" - from "Meeting of the Montague Family at Hadley, Mass., Aug. 2, 1882" by Richard Montague, page 65

"A printed copy of "Poetical Reflections of a Ramble from Westhampton Centre to the Old House and Home of Boyhood Days," by David Owen Montague (born Orwell, Vt., July 31, 1805), and dated Davenport, Io., Sept. 15, 1882, was received too late for insertion in previous pages. For a copy, address as above." - from "Meeting of the Montague Family at Hadley, Mass., Aug. 2, 1882" by Richard Montague, page 105

David married Lucy Lee Hill on 3 June 1829 [1827 per "Descendants of John Owen of Windsor, Connecticut"] in Mina, Chautauqua county, New York. She was born in Middlebury, New York on 23 July 1809. She was first cousin of Zera Colburn, the great arithmetical prodigy [never heard of her] - from "History and Genealogy of the Montague Family of America." A relative of hers wrote to me recently.

"Hello Mr. Hissem,

Just had to write and tell you how much I've enjoyed your research! Your work in putting together all that family information is superb. I had to write and say so - Congratulations on a job well done!

Particularly enjoyed your write-up on David Owen Montague. His wife Lucy Lee Hill was the sister of my 3rd great-grandmother. I live in Jackson County, Iowa, just nine miles from LaMotte, where the family settled. The Hills are very difficult to trace! Beside Lucy Lee and my 3rd great-grandmother Melinda Hill Belknap, there were also two more sisters Charlotte and Eunice. Their mother Polly Lee Hill is buried in the East Hill Cemetery in LaMotte, but the name of Polly's husband has escaped us. Current research suggests there may have been a brother or cousin named Truman/Sherman Hill, but that is as yet only conjecture.

Regarding Zenas Montague and his wife Ida Theressa Noble, I believe Ida to have been the daughter of Ande and Abiah Herrick Noble of Chautauqua County, NY. Ande Noble is credited with being one of the first settlers of French Creek in Chautauqua County. He and his wife Abiah ended up in Jackson County, IA, where they are buried in the East Hill Cemetery in LaMotte with two grandchildren. I think they ended up in LaMotte because the Chautauqua County families of Noble, Montague, Hill, and Belknap were related, it's a long story.

The Nobles did live in Kalamazoo, Michigan for a time, after they left New York. I also have often wondered why Zenas and Ida Montague went all the way back to Michigan to marry. I have yet to discover the connection.

Once again, I've enjoyed your research. Best Wishes, Jill T. Davis"

In the 1830 census of Mina as David O. Montague. In the household were one boy 5 to 10 years old, [?], a man 20 to 30, David, a girl under five, [?], and 2 women 20 to 30 years old, probably Lucy and a sister-in-law.

In the 1835 Federal Census of Mina, New York there as David C. [O?] Montague. There were two males in the family and three females. None of the males were subject to militia duty. One male was qualified to vote, meaning that one of them must have been underage. This may be a son we haven't found yet. If so, he died before 1840. There was one married female under 45, Lucy, no unmarried females 16-45, and two unmarried females under the age of 16, Alvira, Harriet. They had twelve acres of improved land that was occupied by the family.

In the 1840 census of Mina, Chataqua county, New York as David O. Montague. In his household were one man 40 to 50 years old, David would have been 45 at the time. Women in the household included 1 girl under 5, Polly, 2 that were 5 to 10, Alvira and Harriet, and a woman 30 to 40 years old, David's wife, Lucy. Zenas was not born until 1841.

David Owen Montague was an early anti-slavery advocate.

"David Owen Montague (1805-1883) was a delegate from the Baptist church of Sherman (Chautauqua County) NY at the 1842 annual meeting of the Harmony Baptist Association, where the following resolution was unanimously adopted: "Resolved, that we look upon Slavery as it exists at the South as a great moral evil, and do most affectionately beseech our brethren, to put away this sin for their own good and the good of the oppressed."
. . .
Montague also served as the church clerk for the Sherman church and also for the Baptist church of Mina (Chautauqua County) NY. He was a son of Zenas Montague (1778-1810) and Abigail Owen Montague (1781-1840). He was married to Lucy Lee Hill (1809-1893), and their children of record included Alvira Mabel Montague (1831-1904), Harriet Newell Montague (1833-1911), Polly Abigail Montague (1836-1919), Zenas Winthrop Montague (1841-1922), Adoniram Judson Montague (1845-1921), and Leroy Couch Montague (b.1853).

The family was living in Mina at the time of the 1830 and 1840 censuses. However, by 1845 they were residing in LaMotte (Jackson County) IA. The Missionary Magazine of the American Baptist Missionary Union, Vol. 31 (Boston 1851) noted that Montague donated $3.00 to the Baptist Church of LaMotte IA in 1851. In 1843, Montague sold his farm to Henry Babbitt, who may be seen on the 1854 county map in the town of Mina." - from a website titled "1800's Antislavery Activists"

David's son Zenas Winthrop was born in Mina in 1841. Zenas later recalled,

"In the fall of 1838 my father, David Owen Montague, and Joseph Palmer drove from old Chautuaqua county, New York, to Jackson county, Iowa, and walked back in December, the last day walking over fifty miles,and broke the track through the snow over a prairie for twelve miles. Judge Palmer moved out to Jackson county, Iowa, in the spring of '39, but father said it took him four years to sell his little pile of rock, called in that country a farm, and in the spring of 1843, he moved out, driving the three horses, and located at what he afterwards called Lamotte, and bought out a homesteader who had up a pile of logs and twelve acres of the best sod ground in fourteen states and settled down for a home amongst the wolves, and frequent visits from Merill's gang of robbers.

Our log cabin was very fortunate, having been located first in the territory of Michigan, then Wisconsin, then Iowa, and in '46 was welcomed to the State of Iowa, and yet had not been moved during that time. In '46 John E. Goodenow and my father got the stage line and mail route established from Dubuque, through Lamotte, Andrew and Maquoketa to Davenport, being the second mail route in the state, the line on the old military road from Dubuque to Iowa city being the first. If father were living now there is no place he would rather spend the 4th of July than with the old settlers of Maquoketa."

David's second son, A. Judson, was born in Iowa in 1845.

"In regard to Lamotte, I mention D. O. Montague, George Belknap, Merrick and John Chamberlain, as being among the first settlers. D. O. Montague was first postmaster." - from "Annals of Jackson County, Iowa"

In the 1850 census of Prairie Spring township, Jackson county, Iowa as David O. Montague, a 45 year old farmer, born in Vermont, with a personal worth of $1,500. Living with him were his wife, Lucy, 41, also born in Vermont, and children, Alvira, 18, Harriet, 17, Polly, 14, and Zenas, 10, all born in New York. Another son, Judson, was 5 and born in Iowa. Leroy Couch would not be born until 1853.

David O. Montague, postmaster at Lamotte, Jackson county, Iowa - from "The United States Post-Office Guide" by Eli Bowen, 1851. On a similar list of 1856.

In May 1852 David O. Montague, of the Iowa Asso[ciation], was on record as donating $4 to the missionaries - from "The Missionary Magazine." His support of this cause perhaps explains his second son's interesting name. Adoniram Judson was prominently mentioned in the magazine as was his widow. A Bisopu Judson, a son or native?, continued to work with the missionaries in Assam, part of Burma.

In the 1860 census of Richland township, Jackson county, Iowa as D.O. Montague, a 54 year old farmer. He was born in Vermont. Living with him were his wife, Lucy, 50, also born in Vermont, and children, Polly, 24, and Zenas, 19, both born in New York, and Judson, 15, and Leroy, 7, born in Iowa.

In the 1870 census of Lyons City, Clinton county, Iowa as David O. Montague, a 65 year old Colporteus [?], of Vermont. Living with him were his wife, Lucy, 61, also of Vermont, and children, Polly A., 32, of New York, and Leroy C., a 17 year old farm laborer, of Iowa. Clinton county is just south of Jackson county. Lyons City is a small town, now called simply Lyons. on the Mississippi river. Below is a panoramic view of the town.

In the 1880 census of Davenport, Scott county, Iowa David Montgue and his wife were living with his second son, Judson. Davenport is in Scott county, on the Mississippi river, just south of Clinton county. His occupation was listed as Real Estate & Fire Insurance. His parents were listed as coming from Vermont.

At a family reunion in 1882 a registry was made of the descendents of Richard Montague of Hadley, Massachusetts. The Iowa family members included:

David O. Montague Davenport, Iowa
. . .
A. Judson Montague Davenport, Iowa
. . .
Jessie Montague Davenport, Iowa
Roy R. Montague (1871) Davenport, Iowa
Carrie M. Montague (1874) Davenport, Iowa
Guy Judson Montague Lyons, Iowa
Zenas W. Montague La Motte, Iowa
Leroy C. Montague Lyons, Iowa
Elvira M. Montague Salisbury La Grand, Iowa
Abbie Montague Stebbins Lyons, Iowa
- from "Meething of the Montague Family of Hadley, Mass., Aug. 2, 1882"

David died in Davenport, Iowa on 4 [14] September 1883 after a painful illness. He was buried in the Oakdale cemetary of Davenport, near where his son, Judson, was later buried.

David's chidren were,
(24) Alvira [Elvira] Mabel Montague 1831)
(24) Harriet Newell Montague (1833)
(24) Polly Abigail Montague (1836)
(24) Zenas Winthrop Montague (1841)
(24) Adoniram Judson Montague (1845)
(24) Leroy Couch Montague (1853)

She was born on 17 April 1831 in Mina, New York. In the 1850 census of Prairie Spring township, Jackson county, Iowa as Alvira Montague, 18, born in New York.

She married James M[onroe?] Salisbury, a wagon maker, the son of Calvin C. Salisbury and Sarah Stroud. He was born on 4 October 1832. He served as a Private in the 9th Iowa infantry during the Civil War. After the war they settled in Le Grand, Marshall county, Iowa where they lived for many years. Alvira died on 17 January 1904. James soon followed her, and died on 28 November 1904. Both were buried in the Pleasant Hill cemetary in Le Grand, Marshall county, Iowa.

She was born on 28 July 1833 in Mina, New York. In the 1850 census of Prairie Spring township, Jackson county, Iowa as Harriet Montague, 17, born in New York.

Harriet N. Montague, 19, married Caleb Burlison McDowell, a blacksmith, on 18 March 1852 in LaMotte, Jackson county, Iowa. He was born on 3 July 1831 in Freetown, Cortland county, New York, the son of George Washington McDowell and Irene Dodge.

In the 1860 census of Parani Springs township, La Motte post office, Jackson county, Iowa as Caleb B., 29, and Harriet, 27, McDowel. Caleb was a wagon maker. Living with them was their son, Frank D., 7.

In the 1870 census of Lyons, Clinton county, Iowa as C.B., 39, and Harriet N., 37, Mcdowell. Caleb was a manufacturer of wagons and carriages. Living with them were their children, Frank D., 17, Charles O., 9, and Jenny, 5.

In the 1880 census of Lyons, Clinton county, Iowa as Caleb and Harriet McDowell, both 48 years old. Caleb's occupation was "traveling for health." Their children were Frank, 27, Charles, 19, and Jennie, 15.

At some point after 1880 Harriet and Caleb, along with their children Charles and Jennie, moved to California. According to "The Grizzly," a newspaper of 1935, Jennie, who died in 1935, had resided in California for 53 years, that is, she arrived in about 1882. If Caleb was traveling for his health perhaps that's why he moved.

In 1887 Harriet was buying land.

"Hiram B S Davis and Mattie C Davis to Mrs Hattie N McDowell and Mrs Jennie Keen--13 acres in W1/2 of SE1/4 of NE1/4 of Sec 7, Tp 1 S, R 10 W; $1000." - from the "Los Angeles Herald" of 15 May 1887

"Mrs Jennie Keen to Mrs H N McDowell--13 acres in W1/2 of SE1/4 of NE1/4 of Sec 7, Tp 1 S, R 10 W; $1000." - from the "Los Angeles Herald" of 15 May 1887

"Fred H M Davis to Harriet N McDowell--NW1/4 of NE1/4 of sec 7, T 1 S, R 10 W; $4000." - from the "Los Angeles Herald" of 14 July 1887

On 7 October 1890 Caleb B. McDowell registered to vote. He was living at 1524 Bellevue avenue, in Los Angles. He was 59 years old, born circa 1831.

Caleb had his troubles in California.

"Caleb B. McDowell, a native of New York, 59 years of age, appeared before Judge Van Dye in department four yesterday for examination by the lunacy commmissioners as to his sanity, and was committed to the state insane asylum at Napa." - from the "Los Angeles Herald" of 26 March 1891

The State Insane Asylum at Napa This facility was built to ease overcrowding at the Stockton Asylum, the first state hospital. Construction started in 1872, and the first two patients, from San Francisco, were admitted in 1875. The hospital was almost totally self-supporting. It had its own dairy, pig farm, poultry ranch, vegetable gardens and orchards. It had its own kitchens and bakery and even had an underground railroad where meals and bakery goods were transported to the wards on rail cars. Before Napa became known for its wine it was better known for the asylum. If you said you came from Napa people would ask, "Who let you out?"

In 1892 Harriet sold land in San Bernardino county, under her own name, to her brother, Leroy.

"Real Estate Transfers.
Tuesday, Jan. 26, 1892.
. . .
Harriet N M McDowell to Leroy C Montague - W 1/2 of NW 1/4 of NE 1/4 sec 7, T 1 S, R 2 W, S B M; $2000." - from the "Los Angeles Herald" of 27 January 1892

Also in 1892, on 4 August, Caleb B. McDowell, born in New York, registered to vote. He was living at 1258 Temple street in Los Angeles. He was born circa 1831. I suppose this means he was released from the insane asylum.

Caleb died on 30 September 1900 in Ward 2, Los Angeles, California. I haven't found Caleb's burial place.

In the 1900 census of Los Angeles as Mrs. McDowell, a 65 year old widow. Living with her was her daughter, Mrs. Jennie Keen, 35. Oddly, the census was said to have been taken in June 1900, some month before Caleb's death. Was there some reason Harriet considered herself a widow?

In the 1910 census Harriet N. McDowell, a 76 year old widow, was living in Los Angeles county. She had three women boarding with her. Harriet was from New York and her parents from Vermont. She had three children, all still living.

Harriet died on 30 November 1911 and was buried with her daughter, Jennie, and brother, Leroy, in the Evergreen cemetery in Los Angeles.

Harriet's children were,
(25) Frank D. McDowell (c1853), one-time mayor of Clinton, Iowa, still in Iowa in 1900, he also moved to California, and hosted a reunion for Clinton, Iowa natives at his home in Los Angeles in 1906
(25) Charles O. McDowell (c1861), 22, married Lizzie G. Cooper, 20, in Los Angeles on 15 February 1883
(25) Jennie Helen McDowell (1864) was born on 2 October 1864 in Lamotte, Jackson county, Iowa. In California by 1882. She married Edward George Keen. She died in 1935 and was buried in the Evergreen cemetery where her mother and uncle, Leroy, were buried.

She was born on 2 March 2 1836 in Mina, New York. Her middle name appears to be in honor of her grandmother, Abigail Owen. In the 1850 census of Prairie Spring township, Jackson county, Iowa as Polly Montague, 14, born in New York. In the 1860 census of Richland township, Jackson county, Iowa as Polly Montague, 24, born in New York. In the 1870 census of Lyons City, Clinton county, Iowa as Polly A. Montague, 32, of New York. She was still living at home.

She married S. H. Stebbins and continued to live in Iowa. - from "Descendants of John Owen of Windsor, Connecticut."

He was born on 25 April 1841 in Mina, Chautauqua county, New York, the eldest of David's three sons. Note that he was named after his grandfather. In the 1850 census of Prairie Spring township, Jackson county, Iowa as Zenas Montague, 10, born in New York. In the 1860 census of Richland township, Jackson county, Iowa as Zenas Montague, 19, born in New York.

He doesn't appear to have served in the Civil War, but note that Iowa had many volunteers for service and only once resorted to a draft.

Residence: Prairie Springs, Jackson county, Iowa. Name: Montague, Zenas. Age: 22. White or Colored: White. Profession: Teacher. Married or Unmarried: Single. Place of Birth: New York. - Civil War Draft Registrations Records, 1863-1865

"At the time of the late war he [Zenas Winthrop Montague] aided in organizing a company, and was offered the first lieutenancy, and afterward assistant quartermaster, but his health would not admit of the duties of either. Educated at Monroe, Ill. Engaged in mercantile business at Lyons, Iowa ; was also Mayor of La Motte, Iowa." - from "History and Genealogy of the Montague Family of America" by George Wm. Montague

Zenas W. Montague, of Lamotte, Iowa, 23, married Ida T. [Theressa Louisa] Noble, of Lamotte, Iowa, 18 [1845], on 17 May 1863 in Detroit, Wayne county, Michigan. One of the witnesses was N. H. Noble, of Lamotte. The latter was probably her brother, Nathaniel Herrick Noble. The Reverend Supply Chase officiated at the wedding. I don't know why the marriage took place in Detroit.

I see Ida Noble, 16, of Ohio, in the 1860 census of Prairie Springs, Jackson county, Iowa. Her parents were Andrew W. Noble, 70, of Connecticut, and Abiah [Herrick], 60, of Vermont. There are some siblings in their late twenties listed as well, including Nathaniel H. Noble, 25, of New York. Note that the Noble family, according to Jill T. Davis, above, were "one of the first settlers of French Creek in Chautauqua county," New York, near where the Montagues had lived. They moved to Ohio in 1843, then to Michigan, where they resided between 1846 and 1858, when they moved to Jackson county, Iowa - from the obituary of one of Ida's sisters. Andrew W. Noble, who died on 6 February 1869, Abiah Herrick Noble, who died on 10 April 1867, and N. Herrick Noble, who died on 5 December 1868, were buried in the East Hill cemetery in Lamotte. By the way, Abiah's father was Nathaniel Herrick, thus her son's name.

In the 1870 census of Prairie Springs, Jackson county as Zenas Montague [Gonas Mentagne in Ancestry.com], a 29 year old Life Insurance agent, of New York. Living with him were his wife, Ida, 25, and daughter, Ida, 4/12.

In 1879 Zenas was mayor of Lamotte.

"Z. MONTAGUE WAS THE FIRST LA MOTTE MAYOR

Narrow Gauge Road, Churches, Fires, Make Town's History

LaMotte, a town of 325 citizens, is located 20 miles north of Maquoketa on the gravel road which was known as the old Davenport-Dubuque post road. The land was purchased from the government in 1847 at $1.25 an acre by Owen Montague, who before his death, willed the park site located in the center of the town for recreational purposes and the grounds for a public school building.

About the same time that the land was purchased, David Montague and John E. Goodenow established a mail route from Davenport, through Maquoketa, Andrew, LaMotte, to Dubuque, one of the earliest mail routes in the state. Mr. Montague named the town after Alexander LaMotte, who was born in Paris in 1818 and died in 1871. Mr. LaMotte was buried in a cemetery ten miles southwest of Maquoketa, and his only living son, LaFayette, now resides in Brighton, Iowa.

Z. Montague was named first Postmaster.

With the coming of this road LaMotte became a community and business center. However, the town site was not surveyed until 1873, incorporation following six years later, in March, 1879. Z. Montague was the first mayor.

Also in 1879 came an event which made LaMotte a business center-the narrow gauge railroad, a branch of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul system, was built through the town to Zwingle and then later on to Cascade. This gave the town connection with the main line running through Bellevue, and also with the Mississippi river traffic. The narrow gauge operated until 1933 when it was replaced by a gas rail locomotive. Two years later the track and equipment were sold and since that time the town has depended upon trucking service." - from the "Jackson Sentinel Centennial Issue"

In the 1880 census of La Motte, Jackson county, Iowa as Z.W. Montague, a 39 year old stock dealer. His father was listed as being from Massachusetts [sic]. Living with him were his wife, Ida T. Montague, 35, and children, Lela, 10, Cora, 7, and Helen, 4. For Ida it mentions her occupation as the usual, keeping house, but also mentions, under the heading of "Is the person sick . . . If so, what is the sickness or disability?," it mentions confinement. Was she expecting another child or just very sick?

Last Name(s) First Name(s) Occupation or Business
Montague Z W live stock
- from the "La Motte, Jackson Co., Iowa, 1882 Business Directory."

It is not entirely clear what the followig snippet means, but apparently Z.W. bred American Trotting horses.

"Bred by ZW Montague, Lamotte, Iowa; passed through the hands of Judge Hayes, Clinton, Iowa, 8, A. Browne >t Co. , Kalamazoo, Mich. ; owned by M. . ." - from "Wallace's American Trotting Register"

In the 1885 state census of Richland, Jackson county, Iowa as Zenas Winthrop Montague, a 43 year old "Mayor [?] and Dealer in Stock [Insurance?]." Living with him were his wife, Ida L. T. Montague, 40, and daughters, Lela Abiah, 14, Cora Sally, 12, and Helen Marie, 9.

"This record discloses the following facts: ZW Montague, a justice of the peace of Jones county, upon an information filed charging defendant with the commission of a crime in Dubuque county, Iowa, and within 500 yards of the boundary of Jone county, Iowa, did, on July 31, 1893, issued a warrant for the defendent's arrest, . . ." - from "Reports of Cases at Law and in Equity Determined by the Supreme Court of the State of Iowa", 1897

Zenas held a number of official positions.

"Official Roster, Madison Township
. . .
1897 . . . Justices: S.L. Gilbert, G.W. Evans, Z.W. Montague:
. . .
Official Roster, Center Junction
. . .
1886 Assessor Z.W. Montague
1887 Assessor Z.W. Montague
1888 Recorder Z.W. Montague
. . .
1891-1893, 1896-1897 Mayor Z.W. Montague" - from the "History of Jones County, Iowa" by S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, pg 418

A reference, "History of Jackson County, Iowa," claims that "The postoffice [of Lamotte] was conducted first by Z.W. Montague;" however that ignores the service of Zenas' father in 1851 to 1856. Z.W. Montague was assessor [of Lamotte] in 1886 and 1887; recorder in 1888; the mayor in 1891, 1892, 1893, 1896 and 1897. - from "History of Jones County, Iowa: Past and Present" by Robert McCalin Corbit.

The following may illustrate what Zenas was doing as a stock dealer, in this case a dealer in hogs. The quoted paragraph is from an article about the rise of the livestock commission merchant, by K.C. Olson. These merchants were agents who arranged the sale of livestock for a commission fee. The article is mainly concerned with the Kansas City stockyards.

"A hog trader named Z. W. Montague in a letter to Drovers Journal (August 12, 1884) poignantly illustrated the graft inherent in the dockage system. Montague's commission agent sold his hogs early one morning but the hogs were not weighed and docked until late afternoon. During that day, the price of hogs declined 25/hundred-weight. Observing this price trend, the packer buyer warned the commission agent that Montague would have to take a big weight dock before payment was rendered. To make his actions less obvious to others in the stockyard, the packer buyer rushed the load of hogs out of the pen six or eight abreast and identified aloud each hog he viewed as imperfect. Montague was astonished at the number of dockages applied by the packer buyer. In his opinion, there was only one dockable hog in the lot but the packer buyer managed to reduce the price of that lot of hogs exactly 25/hundredweight from the high morning price to the low afternoon price."

Zenas moved his family to Center Junction, in Jones county, which is due west of La Motte. From the "Plat Book of Jones County, Iowa," Patron's Directory, 1893:

Madison
Name: Montague, Z. W.
Business: Real Estate, Insurance, Notary Public, and Justice of the Peace. Breeder Imported "Black Langshans," Felch and Autocrat Strains of "Light Brahmas" and S. C. W. Leghorns [these are types of chickens]
Post Office: Centre Junction
Section: 4

In the 1895 state census of Center Junction, Jones county, Iowa as Zenas Montague [sometimes mistranscribed as Jonas], 53, born in New York. Living with him were his wife, Ida, 50, and daughters Lela, 24, Cora, 22, and Helen, 19. It appears that Ida's confinement did not result in another child.

After 1895 Zenas made another move west, settling in Vinton, Iowa. In the 1900 census of Vinton City, Benton county, Iowa as Z. W. Montague, a 59 year old farmer, born in New York state, then residing on Hamilton street. Oddly, today all the streets in Vinton are designated by numerals. Both of his parents were from Vermont. Living with him were his wife, Ida, 56, and daughters Lela, 30, Cora, a 27 year old school teacher, and Helen, a 24 year old stenographer. The census indicated that Ida had 5 children, 3 of which were still living.

In 1904 Zenas Winthrop provided a history of his family's movements.

"Letter from an Old Pioneer.

Cedar Falls, June 21, 1904.
Mr. W. C. Gregory, Maquoketa, Iowa.

Dear Sir and Brother . . . As I came to Jackson county, Iowa, sixty-one years ago this last month (June, 1843), and have made Iowa my home ever since, perhaps I am entitled to membership [in the Pioneer Society] . . . ; but since getting crippled up in a runaway in February, 1901, have not been so far away from home and two years ago moved here, and we are keeping roomers from the state normal.

In the fall of 1838 my father, David Owen Montague, and Joseph Palmer drove from old Chautuaqua county, New York, to Jackson county, Iowa, and walked back in December, the last day walking over fifty miles,and broke the track through the snow over a prairie for twelve miles. Judge Palmer moved out to Jackson county, Iowa, in the spring of '39, but father said it took him four years to sell his little pile of rock, called in that country a farm, and in the spring of 1843, he moved out, driving the three horses, and located at what he afterwards called Lamotte, and bought out a homesteader who had up a pile of logs and twelve acres of the best sod ground in fourteen states and settled down for a home amongst the wolves, and frequent visits from Merill's gang of robbers.

Our log cabin was very fortunate, having been located first in the territory of Michigan, then Wisconsin, then Iowa, and in '46 was welcomed to the State of Iowa, and yet had not been moved during that time. In '46 John E. Goodenow and my father got the stage line and mail route established from Dubuque, through Lamotte, Andrew and Maquoketa to Davenport, being the second mail route in the state, the line on the old military road from Dubuque to Iowa city being the first. If father were living now there is no place he would rather spend the 4th of July than with the old settlers of Maquoketa. It is time for the mail man. Best regards to all.

Respectfully, your friend,
ZW MONTAGUE." - from the "History of Jackson County, Iowa"

In 1908 Zenas took a trip.

"Zenas Montague and Mr. and Mrs. Homer Curtiss left today for a trip to northeastern New Mexico, in the vicinity of Springer and Los Vegas [sic], to look over the country with a view to locating there if the country suits them. They expect to be gone about ten days." - from the Cedar Falls Gazette of 16 June 1908

Zenas moved to the New Mexico territory. In the 1910 census of Las Vegas, San Miguel county, New Mexico territory as Zenas W. Montague, a 68 year old real estate agent, born in New York. Had his father, David, and younger brother, Judson, finally gotten him into the real estate market? Living with him were his wife, Ida T., 65, and daughters, Cora, 36, and Helen, 34. The census correctly shows his father as born in Vermont. What the heck was Zenas doing in New Mexico? The early prosperity of Las Vegas had peaked and by 1910 the town was on the route to becoming a quaint tourist attraction. If Zenas had meant to cash in on real estate he would have been too late. An alternative explanation may be that he was one of the first snow-birds, retirees who head for the sun-belt.

For an exhaustive and entertaining look at Zenas' time in Las Vegas, see Zenas and Ida Noble Montague in Las Vegas, New Mexico, by Suzanne Liles.

"Mr. ZW Montague deserves the credit for persuading the Chamber of Commerce in Las Vegas, New Mexico, to act in favor of the Baptists on this occasion. They not only presented the property, which was valued at $350,000 free of debt to the Baptists, but they also offered a . . ." - from the "Records of the American Catholic Historical Society of Philadelphia"

Ida died before 1920. In the 1920 census of Las Vegas, New Mexico as Zenas W. Montague, a 78 year old widower, of New York. Living with him were his daughters, Cora, 40, and Helen, 38.

Zenas gave up on New Mexico, moving to Southern California. In the 1922 city directory of Pasadena, California as Zenas W. Montague, living with his daughters, Cora V., teacher, and Helen, a book keeper, at 2280 Olive avenue. In 1923 Zenas and his daughters were living at 310 East Green in Pasadena. Helen was working for the FM Taylor Optical company.

Zenas W. Montague, aged 82, died on 28 May 1923 in California.

Zenas' children were,
(25) Lela Montague (1870)
(25) Cora V. Montague (1872)
(25) Helen Montague (1876)

She was born in Jackson county, Iowa in April 1870. In the 1870 census of Prairie Springs, Jackson county as Ida [sic] Montague, 4/12. In the 1880 census of La Motte, Jackson county, Iowa as Lela Montague, 10. In the 1885 census as Lela Abiah Montauge, 14. In the 1895 state census of Center Junction, Jones county, Iowa as Lela Montague, 24. In the 1900 census of Vinton City, Benton county, Iowa as Lela Montague, 30. She was still living at home with her parents, with no occupation shown.

She did not move to New Mexico with her father, but I haven't yet found her in later censuses. I suspect she stayed behind in Iowa and married, though I haven't found any likely Lela's in Iowa.

She was born in Clinton county, Iowa on 7 August 1872. In the 1880 census of La Motte, Jackson county, Iowa as Cora Montague, 7. In the 1885 census as Cora Sally Montauge, 12. In the 1895 state census of Center Junction, Jones county, Iowa as Cora Montague, 22. In the 1900 census of Vinton City, Benton county, Iowa as Cora Montague, a 27 year old school teacher.

She was also in the 1910 census of Las Vegas, San Miguel county, New Mexico territory as Cora Montague, a 36 year old teacher in the public school, living with her father. Note that there is another Cora Montague in the 1910 census, living in De Witt, Clinton county, Iowa. She was a 39 year old teacher in the public schools, of Iowa, rooming in the house of John B. Webb. This latter Cora is not our gal.

In the 1920 census of Las Vegas, New Mexico as Cora Montague, a 40 year old bookeeper, of Iowa, living at home with her father, Zenas, and sister, Helen.

In the 1930 census of Compton, Los Angeles county, Calfornia as Cora Montague, a 51 year old sales lady in a dry goods store, of Iowa. She was a roomer in the house of Tim O'Leary. Note that her sister, Helen, also lived in Compton. Cora died in Los Angeles on 3 October 1964. This death record shows, correctly, that her mother's maiden name was Noble.

She was born in Clinton county, Iowa in June 1876. In the 1880 census of La Motte, Jackson county, Iowa as Helen Montague, 4. In the 1885 census as Helen Marie Montauge, 9. In the 1895 state census of Center Junction, Jones county, Iowa as Helen Montague, 19. In the 1900 census of Vinton City, Benton county, Iowa as Helen Montague, a 24 year old stenographer. She was still living at home.

In in the 1910 census of Las Vegas, San Miguel county, New Mexico territory as Helen Montague, a 34 year old book-keeper in a grocery store, living with her father.

In the 1920 census of Las Vegas, New Mexico as Helen Montague, a 38 year old bookeeper, of Iowa, living at home with her father, Zenas, and sister, Cora.

In the 1930 census of Compton, Los Angeles county, California as Helen Montague, a 54 year old book-keeper in a retail drygoods store, of Iowa. She was rooming in the house of Edgar Geisler. Note that her sister, Cora, also lived in Compton.

Called Judson, A. Judson, and Judson A. Judson was born on 19 May 1845 in La Motte, Jackson county, Iowa. In the 1850 census of Prairie Spring township, Jackson county, Iowa as Judson Montague, 5, born in Iowa. In the 1860 census of Richland township, Jackson county, Iowa as Judson Montague, 15, born in Iowa. David O. Montague shows up on several lists as a donor to the American Baptist Foreign Missionary Society, which may explain his son's name.

Adoniram Judson (1788-1850) The eldest son of Reverend Adoniram and Abigail Judson, he was a famous Baptist missionary to Burma. He had not seen vast numbers saved directly through his ministry, but he was remembered for his role in the establishment of US missions, his outstanding translation of the Bible into Burmese and his foundational work among the Burmese people. There was a rash of children named Adoniram or Adoniram Judson around 1850. In World War II a Liberty ship was named for this man.

Judson married Marie Louise [Laura, Lou] Richardson on 25 December 1867 in Scott county, Iowa. She was born on 27 June 1847 in Certreville, Michigan, the daughter of Silas D. M.G. Lamb officiated at the wedding and his clerk was the witness.

In the 1870 census of the 5th ward, Davenport, Scott county, Iowa as Judson Montague, a 25 year old prorietor of the D[avenport] College. This was the Bryant & Stratton Commercial College, at Davenport, Iowa, of which he was the principal. Living with him were his wife, Louisa, 23, of Michigan, and his child, Jessie, 10/12.

In 1875 A.J. Montague was listed as a "Patron" of the "Illustrated Historical Atlas of the State of Iowa," 1875, by A.T. Andreas. In it he was described as the "Proprietor of the Davenport Business College." The same title was given to a D.R. Lillibridge, probably his partner. During this time A.J. lived on the corner of 16th and Farnam street. Judson was an important enough citizen that an engraving of his home was included in the State Atlas of 1875.

In the 1880 census of Davenport, Iowa as A. Judson Montague, living on East High stree. His parents, David O. and Lucy R. Montague, were living with him. Also living with him were his wife, Lau. R., 32, and his children, Jessie, 11, Roy R., 9, and Carrie, 5. Judson worked in real estate & fire insurance, like his father.

In 1882 he had a real estate office at the corner of Perry and 3rd street, in Davenport, Iowa according to the Iowa State Gazeteer and Business Directory of that year. In that same year A.J. was also noted to be a Deacon of the Second Regular Baptist Church of Christ in Davenport. In 1882 three of his children, Roy, Marie and Lura, died, possibly as a result of an epidemic of smallpox that raged during that year. In 1883 Judson's father, David Owen MOntague, passed away.

In the "Iowa Gazetteer and Business Directory of 1884-1885" A. Judson Montague and Roscoe A. Salibury ran the real estate firm of Montague & Salisbury, on the corner of Perrty and 3rd.

Sometime after 1885, when his youngest son, Orlo, was born in Iowa, Judson moved to Chicago, perhaps to try his hand in a more dynamic real estate market. In the 1890 Chicago Voter Registration as A. J. Montague, of 4556 Champlain Avenue, registered on 14 October 1890. He was born in Iowa. He was also in the 1892 Chicago Voter Registration as A. J. Montague, though the rest is garbled.

In the 1900 census of the 31st ward, Chicago, Cook county, Illinois as A. Judson Montagu [A. Eardean Montagu in Ancestry.com], a 54 year old real estate agent. This document is out-of-focus and very hard to interpret. Living with him were his wife, Lari A., 53, and children, Jessie, a 30 year old cashier in a Comfort H[ouse], Albert R., 16, Alicia, 16, and Orlo C., 15.

In the 1910 census of the 32nd ward, Chicago as A. Judson Montague, a 64 year old real estate agent. Living with him were his wife, Lori [sic] R., 62, Jessie A., a 40 year old cashier in a Comfort Home, Albert R., 25, no occupation, Alicia H., 25, a Kindergarten teacher, and Olo, 24, who was also in real estate.

He was listed, under the name A.J. Montague, in the "History of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition," pages 161 and 393-394. This book included a "full account of the great exposition, embracing the participation of the states and nations of the world, and other events of the St. Louis world's fair of 1904." I haven't seen this source, so this isn't necessarily our man, but the timing and location is right.

In 1917 the firm of A.J. Montague & Son was in business in Chicago.

I think Judson lived in Chicago until his death in 1921, but I haven't been able to find him, or any of the members of his family except Orlo, in the 1920 census. He was then returned for burial in the Oakdale cemetary in Davenport, next to his father, David Owen Montague. Laura died in 1927. She was also buried in Oakdale, in Davenport, but under the name "Lou [sic, probably "Lau"] Richardson Montague, wife."

Judson's children were,
(25) Jessie Arlette Montague (1869)
(25) Roy Richardson Montague (1871)
(25) Carrie May Montague (1874)
(25) Lura Montague (1882)
(25) Albert R. Montague (1884 - twin)
(25) Alice H. Montague (1884 - twin)
(25) Orlo Owen Montague (1885)

Or Jennie. She was born on 4 November 1869 in Davenport, Iowa. In the 1870 census of the 5th ward, Davenport, Scott county, Iowa as Jessie Montague, 10/12. In the 1880 census of Davenport, Iowa as Jessie Montague, 11.

By 1890 her father had moved the family to Chicago, Illinois. She was mentioned in the Daily Times newspaper of Davenport, Iowa on 7 July 1890 as "visiting friends in this city," which means, I suppose, that she no longer lived in Davenport.

In the 1900 census of the 31st ward, Chicago, Cook county, Illinois as Jessie Montague, a 30 year old cashier in a Comfort H[ouse]. I'm certain this did not have the same connotations that as it does today, that is, a brothel. This was probably the name of a hotel.

In the 1910 census for the 32nd ward, Chicago, Cook county, Illinois as Jessie A. Montague, 40, a cashier in a Comfort Home. In the 1920 census . . .

In the 1930 census of Chicago, 60 years old, with no occupation [retired?], living with her sister, Alice. She died in 1947 and was buried in the Oakdale cemetary, in Davenport, next to her parents. Apparently she never married.

He was born in Davenport, Iowa on 18 [17] August 1871. In the 1880 census of Davenport, Iowa as Roy R. Montague, 9, 5. He died in 1882, at the age of 11. Note that his middle name was his mother's maiden name. He was buried in the Oakdale cemetary, in Davenport, next to his parents. Of significance is that Roy and his sisters, Marie and Lura, below, all died in 1882. This may have been a result of an epidemic. Smallpox was a problem in Davenport in 1882.

Known as May. She was born on 30 September 1874 in Davenport, Iowa. In the 1880 census of Davenport, Iowa as Carrie Montague, 5. She died in 1882. She was buried in the Oakdale cemetary, in Davenport, next to her parents.

Also known as Lena. She was born on 10 April 1882 and died the same year. She was buried in the Oakdale cemetary, in Davenport, next to her parents.

He was born in Iowa on 30 April 1884 His middle name may be Richardson in honor of his mother's maiden name, just as it was for his elder brother, Roy. In the 1900 census of the 31st ward, Chicago, Cook county, Illinois as Albert R. Montague, 16. In the 1910 census of the 32nd ward, Chicago as Albert R. Montague, 25, with no occupation.

In the 1920 census . . .

In the 1930 census of district 2270, Oak Park, Cook county, Illinois as Albert R. Montague, a 45 year old civil engineer. Living with him were his wife, Jeanie M., 40, of Illinois, and daughters Jean M., 8, and Mary A., 5.

She was born in Iowa on 30 April 1884. In the 1900 census of the 31st ward, Chicago, Cook county, Illinois as Alicia Montague, 16. In the 1910 census of the 32nd ward, Chicago as Alicia H. Montague, a 25 year old Kindergarten teacher.

In the 1920 census . . .

Living with her sister, Jessie, in the 1930 census of Chicago, a 45 year old Kindergarten teacher in the public schools. She does not appear to have married.

Or Arlo. He was born on 16 September 1885 in Davenport, Iowa. Note that his middle name was the same as his grandfather's. In the 1900 census of the 31st ward, Chicago, Cook county, Illinois as Orlo C. Montague, 15. In the 1910 census of the 32nd ward, Chicago as Olo Montague, 24, who was also in real estate. He married Bess Shaul.

Orlo registered for the draft in Chicago in 1917. He was at that time a real estate agent, specializing in industrial real estate, working for A.J. Montague & Son. He was given an exemption for dependency [of his wife?] and industrial [his occupation?]. He was described as tall, of medium build, with brown eyes and dark brown hair.

In the 1920 census as Orlo Montague [Orla in Ancestry.com], a 34 year old real estate man. Living with him were his wife, Bessie, 33, and sister-in-law Helen Shaul, 34, a private secretary.

In the 1930 census of Chicago as Orlo O. Montague, a 44 year old salesman of industrial real estate. Living with him were his wife, Bess S., 42, of Illinois, and daughters, Mabel L., 11 [where was she in 1920?], and Phyllis O., 5, and his sister-in-law, Helen R. Shaul, 40. He was fairly well to do with $35,000 in real estate and he owned his own home.

For David Owen's youngest son and the line of the family continuing to my wife, Anita Montague, see (24) Leroy Couch Montague (1853), or press the right-arrow key, below.

She was born in Vermont in 1807 [or on 24 August 1807 in Syracuse, New York?]. She apparently remained with her mother after her father's death. She married Moses Thompson of Middlebury, New York. She died in California on 14 February 1882.

The younger brother of David Owen Montague. Peter Ross Montague, the son of Zenas Montague and Abigail Owen, was born on 3 July 1809 in Bridport, Vermont [or Syracuse, New York?].

"Peter R. Montague, bom in Vermont, July 3, 1809, removed, at the age of 3 years, with his mother to Middlebury, Genesee Co., and thence to Mina, in 1824, with his step-father, Ezra Bisby, who settled on the farm on which Mr. Montague now resides. He has held various offices in the town, and is at present an overseer of the poor. He married, Jan. i, 1835, Olive Hall, of French Creek. Their children are : Owen H., now at Wattsburg, Pa.; Ellen, wife of Theodore M. Ryan, Foxburg, Pa.; Vira L., who married Hubbard T. White, and lives at Jamestown ; Clara, wife of Dana P. Horton ; and Harriet, unmarried." - from the "History of Chautauqua County, New York," 1875, by Andrew Young

Peter moved with his family to Syracuse, New York, where his father, Zenas, died in 1810. He left Syracuse at the age of 3 years with his mother, moving to Middleburry, Genesee county, New York. He later moved to the town of Mina, in western New York, in 1824 with his step-father, Ezra Bisby [Bisbee].

"Peter R. Montague owns the farm on which, at the age of 15, he settled with Ezra Bisby, his step-father, the original purchaser in 1824." - from the "History of Chautauqua County, New York," 1875, by Andrew Young

He was one of the earliest settlers to Mina, coming to the town in April 1824.

In the 1830 census of Mina, Chautauqua county, New York he was probably the young man, aged 20 to 30, who was living in the house of his step-father, Ezra Bisby. In the household was a woman, who was probably his mother, Abigail, who would have been 49.

He married Olive F. Hall on 1 January 1835 at French Creek, Chautauqua county, New York. I have a David Hall who was living in French Creek in 1830. This may be Olive's father, born between 1780 and 1790. In his household was 1 daughter, 5 to 10 years old, and 2 daughters who were 10 to 15. One of the latter was perhaps Olive, born about 1815.

In the 1840 census . . . Between 1841 and 1845 Peter's brother, David Owen, left the area and moved his family to Iowa.

In the 1850 census of Mina, Chautauqua county, New York as Peter Montague, a 43 year old farmer, of Vermont. Living with him were his wife, Olive F., 35, of New York, and children, Owen H., 12, Ellen A., 9, Elvira L., 6, Clarisa C., 2, and his step-father, Ezra Bisby, 80. Peter's mother, Abigail, had died in 1840.

In the 1860 census of the French Creek post office, Mina as Peter R. Montague [Montagne in Ancestry.com], a 50 year old farmer, of Vermont. Living with him were his wife, Olive, 43, of New York, and children, Owen, a 22 year old farmer, Ellen, 19, Elvira, 15, Clarrissa, 11, and Harriet, 5. Both Peter R. and Olive Montague were also included in the Chautauqua County, New York list of Will Testators.

In the 1870 census of Mina as Peter R. Montague, a 61 year old farmer, of Vermont. He had real estate worth $10,800 and personal property worth $4,800. Living with him were his wife, Olive, 55, and children, Owen, 32, and Hattie [Harriet], 15.

In the 1880 census of Mina as Peter Montague [Montauge in Ancestry.com], a 70 year old farmer. Living with him were his wife, Olive, 64, and daughter, Hattie, 25.

It was noted of his that he had

"been a resident of the town 70 years, has never, since he was entitlted to vote, missed but one fall election, is a strong Republican, has held the office of commissioner of highways 16 years, has served 21 years as overseer of the poor. Is a Baptist in his religious preference. He has always been a farmer on the place settled by his step-father." - from "History of Chautuaqua County, New York"

Olive Montague died on 19 September 1891.

In the 1892 state census of Mina, Chautauqua county, New York as Peter R. Montague, an 83 year old farmer. Living with him were his daughter, Hattie S., 37, and his grand-daughter, Clara C. Horton, 17.

Peter Ross Montague died in Mina on 18 October 1896 at the age of 87. His obituary,

"Peter H. [sic] Montague passed peacefully away at his home in Mina, October 18th 1896 at the advanced age of 87 years 3 months, He wife preceding him 5 years ago. He was confined to his bed only 2 days. He was one of the earliest settlers to Mina, He came to this town April of 1824 and cleared a farm from the dense forest to one of thrift and comfort, He knew all the privations and hardships of pioneer life, and met them with untiring energy , as only one of those of early days endured. With greatest industry he made himself and his family a comfortable home. On Jan 1st 1835 he married to Olive HALL of French Creek and they lived happily together for 56 years She departed this life, Sept 19th 1891 Leaving a memory dear to all.

He was the father of 5 children,
O H Montague,
Mrs Theodore Ryan,
Mrs Elvira White,
Mrs D P Horton, deceased, and
Miss Hattie Montague, all present at his bedside to behold for the last time the looks and loving words of an honored father." - posted by Dee Davidson

The Mina Corners Cemetary has modern tombstones for both an Oliver R. Montague (1815-1891) of Chautauqua and Peter R. Montague (1809-1896) of Mina. Both were also Will Testators for Chautauqua county. Oliver is probably another transcription error for Olive, Peter's wife.

Peter's children were,
(24) Owen H. Montague (1838)
(24) Ellen A. Montague (1841)
(24) Elvira L. Montague (1844)
(24) Clarisa [Clara] C. Montague (1848)
(24) Harriet [Hattie] S. Montague (1854)

He was born on 10 March 1838 in New York. His first name was given in honor of his grandmother's family, the Owens. Was his middle name Hall, in honor of his mother's? In the 1850 census of Mina, Chautauqua county, New York as Owen H. Montague, 12. In the 1860 census of the French Creek post office, Mina as Owen Montague [Montagne in Ancestry.com], a 22 year old farmer. In the 1870 census of Mina as Owen Montague, 32.

He moved to Wattsburg, Erie county, Pennsylvania where he married Cornelia I. Tracy on 9 March 1871. She was born on 27 October 1842 in Wattsburg, Pennsylvania.

In the 1880 census of Venango township, Erie county, Pennsylvania as O. H. Montague [Montaque in Ancestry.com], a 41 year old farmer. Living with him were his wife, Cornelia, 37, and daughter, Mary, 7.

In the 1900 census of Venango township as Owen Montague, a 61 year old [March 1839] farmer, of New York. Living with him were his wife, Cornelia, 57 [October 1842], and son, Tracy, 16 [April 1994], both born in Pennsylvania.

In the 1910 census of Venango township as Owen Montague, aged 71 dairy farmer. Living with him was his wife, Cornelia, 60. Cornelia had 2 childen, both of whom were still living.

In the 1920 census of Wattsburg township, Erie county as Owen H. Montague, aged 81. He was living with his daughter, Mary, and her husband William H. Cornell. Presumably Cornelia had died.

Owen's children were,
(25) Mary Elizabeth Montague (1873)
(25) George (Tracy) P. Montague (1884)

She was born on 11 February 1873 in Wattsburg, Erie county, Pennsylvania. In the 1880 census of Venango township, Erie county, Pennsylvania as Mary Montague [Montaque in Ancestry.com], 7.

She married William H. Cornell on 17 June 1897. In the 1920 census of Wattsburg township, Erie county her father, Owen H. Montague, was living with her and her husband, William H. Cornell.

Known as Tracy Peter, Tracy for his mother. He was born on 30 April 1884 in Wattsburg, Erie county, Pennsylvania. He seems to have been referred to as Tracy as well, seemingly in honor of his mother's maiden name [?]. In the 1900 census of Venango township, Erie county, Pennsylvania as Tracy Montabue, 16 [April 1894], born in Pennsylvania.

There was, in 1910, a case presented before the U.S. Supreme Court, involving the Moore Printing Typewriter Company, Russell W. and George P. Montague, appellants, vs. the National Savings and Trust Company. This was not our George, but George Prescott Montague, 1849-1936, a distinguished lawyer and distant relative, a descendent of Richard Montague of Hadley, Massachusetts.

In the 1910 census of the 2nd ward, Union borough, Erie county, Pennsylvania as Tracy Montague, a 26 year old butcher in a meat market. He was a boarder in the house of Fred Bunce.

He married Grace G. Still. She was born on 17 May 1893.

In the 1920 census of Union borough as Tracy P. Montague, a 35 year old cattle dealer. Living with him were his wife, Grace G., 26, and children, Genevieve M., 5, Rosemary, 3 9/12, and Harriet G., 1, all of Pennsylvania.

In the 1930 census of Union borough as Tracy P. Montague, a 45 year old merchant in the oil business. Living with him were his wife, Grace G., 35, Genevieve M., 15, Rose M., 13, and Harriet G., 11. Also living with him was his mother-in-law, Abbie Still, 73. The following is from an heir, Frederick R. Pusch .

"I guess I could tell you a lot about the Montague's. Owen Hall Montague was a milk and egg salesman so to speak in Wattsburgh, Pa. He had two children, Mary Elizabeth and Tracy Peter. ( I never knew my grandfathers first name was George and neither did my mother. He was always known as Tracy. He was sent to a boys school at a young age and was terminated for gambling in his teen years. He later started a butcher shop in Union City, Pa. where he met and married Grace Still, one of nine children. He sold the butcher shop and started the Keystone gasoline company which ended up in some sort of legal battle. He then built the Consumers Oil Company, sold that and started Montague Livestock Auction the oldest livestock Auction in Pa. He died in 1953 and my mother and father ran the business until my father died in 1974. My mother ran the business for a couple of years after my fathers death and then closed it down. It caught on fire and burned to the ground shortly after. My grandfather had three daughters. My mother, Genevieve Montague was born first and then Rosemary Montague followed by Harriette Montague. Rosemary and Harriette are both dead but my mother is still living at ninety-one in her own home. My mother had two children Christine Montague and myself Frederick Richard. Rosemary had three children. Karen Montague, Peter Montague, and Charles Beecher Hatch. Hariette had two boys Gregory Baker and Steven Montague. All of us live near each other with the exception of Charles who lives in Catersville, Ga. We are more like bothers and sisters than first cousins and are together constantly. The cane has always been a bone of contention in our family. Since my mother is still living I have the cane that I mentioned but Peter Montague claims that the cane will be his when my mother dies since his name is Peter Montague. Since I ever can remember the Montague's were very important in all of our lives and I could go on and on and maybe even write a book!! My cousin Steve has the genealogy book on the Montague's which is hard to follow I think. I love to go to the Wattsburgh cemetery and look at the tombstones but can't figure out who is who. Back to the girls! My mother Genevieve married Frederick Richard Pusch from Beaver, Pa. Rosemary married Charles Hatch originally from Pasadena, California, and Hariette Married Cassius Sears from Corry, Pa. The first cousins range in age between 64 and 53. I am 57 and my sister is 60. Karen Montague Hatch the oldest cousin had three children Jason, Melinda and Andrew Blakeslee. Peter Montague Hatch had three children Peter Montague Hatch , Keri Hatch and Mary Hatch all of which live in Bemis Point New York about forty miles from here. Charles has two adopted children, Margo and James Hatch. Christine Montague Pusch has three children, Amanda Montague Daggett, John Tracy Daggett, and Abigail Daggett. I have two children Lauren Montague Pusch and Jacob Dietrich Pusch. Gregory Baker Sears has one child Colin Montague Sears and Steven had two children Mark Sears and Danielle Montague Sears."

She was born on 23 March 23 1841 at Mina, New York. In the 1850 census of Mina, Chautauqua county, New York as Ellen A. Montague, 9. In the 1860 census of the French Creek post office, Mina as Ellen Montague [Montagne in Ancestry.com], 19.

She married Theodore M. Ryan of Foxburg, Pennsylvania on 22 January 1867 at Mina.

Called Vinah. Also as Alvira. She was born on 23 December 1844 in Mina. In the 1850 census of Mina, Chautauqua county, New York as Elvira L. Montague, 6. In the 1860 census of the French Creek post office, Mina as Elvira Montague [Montagne in Ancestry.com], 15.

She married Hubbard T. White on 14 January 1867 in Mina. They later lived in Jamestown.

She was born on 5 November 1848. In the 1850 census of Mina, Chautauqua county, New York as Clarisa C. Montague, 2. In the 1860 census of the French Creek post office, Mina as Clarrissa Montague [Montagne in Ancestry.com], 11.

She married Dana P. Horton on 5 September 1867 in Mina. She died on 28 September 1875. She was buried in the Mina Cemetery.

She was born on 26 June 1854. In the 1860 census of the French Creek post office, Mina as Harriet Montague [Montagne in Ancestry.com], 5. In the 1870 census of Mina as Hattie Montague, 15. In the 1880 census of Mina as Hattie Montague [Montauge in Ancestry.com], 25.

Hattie never married.

She was born on 23 March 1783 in Westhampton, Massachusetts. On 23 February 1804 she married Paul Wright. After Paul's death in 1838 she married the Reverend Jeptha Pool.

Mary Montague was born on 22 October 1785 in Westhampton, Massachusetts. She died on 22 April 1853 in Brookline, New York. Martha Lightner wrote,

"Mary Montague above born Oct 22 1785 Westhampton, Mass married Luke Phelps and one of their children is Zenas Montague Phelps born in 1811. He does not belong to Theodosia Montague who married a John Phelps as per your website."

He was born in Westhampton, Massachusetts on 19 July 1811, just a year after the death of his uncle, Zenas Montague, and probably named in his memory. Biographical information includes:

"W.C. [probably Wagner college of NYC] '39; U.T.S. [Union Theological Seminary in NYC], '39-'41; Tea [?], Sing Sing, N.Y. -- Tea, Riverdale, N.Y., -- Died, '72." - from the "General Catalogue of Union Theological Seminary in the City of New-York. 1836-1876"

He was born on 16 January 1788 in Westhampton, Massachusetts, the second of Peter's three sons. He married Louisa Janes in 1816 [or 20 January 1810] in Westhampton. She was born on 15 March 1792 in Easthampton, the daughter of Enos Janes and Hannah Wright.

In the 1820 census of Westhampton, Hampshire, Massachusetts as David Montague, a farmer. In his household were 2 boys under 10 years old, Melzer and Enos, and a man, 26 to 45, David. David would have been 32 to 34 years old at this time. Women in the house included 2 girls under 10, Mary Ann and Sylva, and one woman, 26 to 45, Louisa. He was living next-door to his father, Peter Montague.

Cynthia Montague is portrayed as "dau. of Zenas Montague, and adopted dau. of David Montague of Westhampton, Mass." - from "The History of the Descendants of Elder John Strong" by Benjamin Woodbridge Dwight. Note that Zenas was David's elder brother and that Cynthia, Zenas' eldest child, married Rowland Strong in 1826, and had a son named Zenas Montague Strong. Zenas' second child, David O. Montague, may have been adopted at the same time. In 1826 he moved to western New York, rejoining his mother.

In the 1830 census of Westhampton as David Montague. His household included 1 son under 5, Alfred, 1 who was 5 to 10, David Jr., 2 that were 10-15, Melzer and Enos, 1 man 20 to 30, unknown, and one man 40 to 50 years old, David. David was 44 at the time. Women in the house inclued 1 girl under 5, Lovisa, 1 girl who was 10 to 15, Sylvia, 1 who was 15 to 20, Mary Ann, and a women 30 to 40 years old, which was probably Louisa.

I don't see David in the 1840 census, though there was a David Montague in North Hampton, Hampshire county.

In the 1850 census of Westhampton as David Montague, a 62 year old farmer. Living with him were his wife, Louisa, 58, and children, David, 25, Alfred, 21, Henry W., 19, Louisa H., 16, and Lucinda, 13.

In the 1860 census of Westhampton as David Montague, a 72 year old farmer. Living with him were his wife, Louisa, 68, and children, Louisa, 26, Henry, 29, Lucinda, 23, and Sylvia, age unclear, perhaps 9. Also living with him was a Charles Marsh, 20. I don't know who this was, but note that David had a daughter named Sylvia Marsh Montague, so perhaps there was a relationship. David's son, David Jr., was living 'next-door.'

In 1863 there was a meeting of the Hadley Montagues. David O. Montague, eldest son of Zenas Montague, came back to Westhampton where his "uncle David Montague" showed him "the house and home of my grandfather Peter . . ." - from "Meeting of the Montague Family at Hadley, Mass." by Richard Montague.

David died on 10 April 1864, though the death record from the Town lists 12 April.

In the 1870 census of Westhampton as Louisa Montague [Montagne in Ancestry.com], a 78 year old widow. Living with her were her children, Hannah L., 36, with no occupation, and Syliva M., a 19 year old music teacher. Her son, Henry, lived next door. Louisa Janes Montague died on 13 October 1870. The inscription reads,

David and Louisa's children were,
(23) Mary Ann Montague (1814)
(23) Sylva Montague (1816)
(23) Reverend Melzer Montague (1818)
(23) Reverend Enos Janes Montague (1820)
(23) Hannah Wright Montague (1823), she died young
(23) David Smith Montague Jr. (1825)
(23) Lovisa Montague (1827), she died young
(23) Alfred Dwight Montague (1829)
(23) Henry Wright Montague (1831)
(23) Louisa Hannah (1834)
(23) Nancy Lucinda Montague (1837)
(23) Silvia Marsh Montague (1850)

She was born on 1 Janaury 1814.

She was born on 2 March 1816 in Westhampton. She married Philander S. March on 8 May 1835. She died on 2 November 1850 in Chicopee, Hampden county, Massachusetts.

He was born on 5 May 1818. He graduated from Williams College in 1841, then studied theology at the Theological Institute, East Windsor, connecticut, graduating from there in 1844. He went to Wisconsin as a home missionary in 1844 and became the pastor of the Congregational church in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. After his voice began to fail he devoted himself to teaching.

He married Mary Hale in May 1845 in milwaukee, Wisconsin. In the 1850 census of Fort Atkinson, Jefferson county, Wisconsin as a 32 year old Congregational minister. Living with him were his wife, Mary, 28 [?], and daughter, Josephine K., 2.

In the 1860 census of Sharon township, Walworth county, Wisconsin as a 43 year old Principal of an Academy. Living with him were his wife, Mary, 39, Josephine, 12, and Mary, 8. In the 1870 census of Sharon township as M. Montague, a 52 year old clergyman, of Massachusetts. Living with him were his wife, Mary, 49, and child, Mary W., 19.

Melzer died on 30 December 1872 in Allen's Grove, Wisconsin.

She was born on 20 August 1848.

She was born on 14 April 1851.

He was born on 16 March 1820 in Westhampton and named for his grandfather. He graduated from Williams College in 1841 and from the Theological Seminary, East Windsor, Connecticut in 1845. He was ordained a minister on 14 May 1846 and became pastor of the Congregational churches in Summit, Oconomowoc, and Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin - I assume he accompanied his older brother, Melzer. He was a leading minister for thirty-four years and for twenty-four years he was a permanent clerk of the State Convention of Congregational Churches and Ministers.

He married Faith Huntington Hooker on 11 May 1846. She was born on 6 November 1824 in Green Farms, Fairfield, Connecticut, the daughter of Edward William Hooker and Faith Trumball Huntington.

From the Waukesha Freeman, a newspaper in Wisconsin, in an article about the history of the First Presbyterian church of Summitt, Wisconsin, dated 14 November 1901:

"The church was supplied portions of the time by different pastors until the arrival of the Rev. Enos Montague, who was sent from New England by the Home Missionary society, and commenced his labors July 19, 1846, he continued his pastorate there seventeen years . . . At the installation services introductory exercises were by . . . Rev. Melzer Montague of Fort Atkinson . . ."

From the Waukesha Freeman, dated 14 November 1901:

"In the course of events and changes in the community it was deemed wise by the church to connect itself with the Oconomowoc church. Mr. Montague went to reside in1863, and ministered to the combined church for several years."

In the 1880 census of Springvale, Fond Du Lac county, Wisconsin, as E.J., a 60 year old clergyman. Living with him were his wife, F.H., 55, and Mary, 19, who was attending school. Enos died on 30 September 1880 and was buried in Westhampton, Massachusetts.

Enos' widow was listed in the Washington, D.C. city directory of 1890 as "Faith H. Montague, widow Enos J., 1108 8th Northwest." Enos' children were,
(24) Edward Hooker Montague (1847)
(24) Elizabeth Hooker Montague (1849)
(24) Mary Jane Montague (1850)

He was born on 9 December 1847 in Summit, Wisconsin. He died on 6 January 1861 and was buried in the Summit cemetery, Waukesha county, Wisconsin. His tombstone reads,

Edward Hooker
Son of
Rev. E. J. & F. H.
Montague
Died Jan 6, 1861
Aged 13 years & 28 days

She was born on 23 December 1849 in Summit, Wisconsin. She was educated at Ripon College and at Fox Lake Female College, Wisconsin. Ripon College is a private liberal arts college located in Fond du Lac county. Elizabeth married Price Colby Claflin on 8 October 1872. He was born on 17 October 1849 in Summit, Wisconsin.

She was born on 11 September 1850 in Summit, Wisconsin. She was educated at Ripon College, Wisconsin. In the 1880 census of Springvale, Fond Du Lac county, Wisconsin, as Mary Montague, 19, who was attending school while living at home.

She married Harry Huntington Powers on 4 October 1882. He was born on 7 August 1859 in Hebron, Wisconsin.

She was born on 20 March 1823 and died on 10 July 1829.

He was born on 1 February 1825. In the 1850 census of Westhampton as David Montague Jr., 25, living at home with his parents.

He married Lucinda Clark on 25 November 1851. In the 1860 census of Westhampton as David Montague Jr., a 35 year old farmer living 'next-door' to his father, David Sr. Living with him were his wife, Lucinda, 33, and son, Myron, 1.

Lucinda Clark died and, on 2 June 1864, David married Asenath Parsons. In the 1870 census of Westhampton as David Montague [Montagno in Ancestry.com], a 45 year old farmer. Living with him were his wife, Asenath, 37, and children, Myron H., 11, and Amelia L., 4.

In the 1880 census of Westhampton as David S. Montague, a 56 year old farmer. Living with him were his wife, Asenath C., 50, Myron H., a 21 year old farmer, and Amelia L., 14.

David died between 1880 and 1900. In the 1900 census of Westhampton was his widow, Asenath P. Montague, 68 [March 1830]. She was living with her daughter, Aurelia L., 33 [November 1865], and her husbnad, Henry M. Clapp.

In the 1910 census Westhampton as Asenath P. Montague, a 79 [sic] year old widow. She was living with her daughter, Aurelia [sic] L. Clapp, 45, and her husband, Henry M. Clapp, 46.

David's children were,
(24) Myron Henry Montague (1858)
(24) May Lucinda Montague (1862)
(24) Amelia L. Montague (1866)

He was born on 22 August 1858. In the 1860 census of Westhampton as Myron Montague, 1. In the 1870 census of Westhampton as Myron H. Montague [Montagno in Ancestry.com], 11. In the 1880 census of Westhampton as Myron H. Montague, a 21 year old farmer, still living at home with his parents.

He married Emma Frances Bridgman on 11 June 1884. She was born on 1 June 1860, the daughter of Franklin Augustus Bridgman and Eliza Augusta Rust. From: Genealogy of the Bridgman Family:

"He was killed (thrown from his carriage) Jan. 5, 1885."

She was born on 12 June 1862. She died on 20 September 1862.

Her name might be Aurelia Lucinda. She was born on 15 November 1866. A daughter of Asenath. In the 1870 census of Westhampton as Amelia L. Montague [Montagno in Ancestry.com], 4. In the 1880 census of Westhampton as Amelia L. Montague, 14.

Aurelia married Henry M. Clapp. In the 1900 census of Westhampton as Aurelia L. Clapp, 33 [November 1865]. She was living with her husbnad, Henry M. Clapp, and her widowed mother, Asenath P. Montague, 68 [March 1830].

In the 1910 census as Aurelia L. Clapp, 45, the wife of Henry M. Clapp, 46. Living with them was Aurelia's mother, Asenath P. Montague, a 79 year old widow.

She was born on 21 January 1827 and died on 18 January 1831.

He was born on 6 March 1829 in Westhampton. In the 1850 census of Westhampton as Alfred Montague, 21, living at home with his parents.

He married Sophia Clapp on 17 June 1858. She was born on 29 March 1828 in Westhampton. In the 1860 census as Alfred Montague [Gruntergen in Ancestry.com!], a 31 year old farmer. Living with him were his wife, Sophia, 32, and son, Francis, 10/12.

In the 1870 census of Westhampton as Alfred Montague [Montagne in Ancestry.com], a 41 year old farmer. Living with him were his wife, Sophia C., 42, and children, Francis C., 10, Edward H. 9, Louisa J., 7, Alfred D., 5, and Harriet C., 2.

In the 1880 census of Westhampton was Alfred D. Montague, a 51 year old farmer. Living with him were his wife, Sophia C., 52, and sons Francis C., 20 [or 26?], Edward H., 19, and Alfred D. Jr., 14, and daughters Louisa J., 17, and Hannah F., 11.

Alfred died before 1900. In the 1900 census of Westhampton was Alfred's widow, Sophia, 72 [March 1828]. She had 5 children, all living. Living with her was her daughter, Louisa J., 37 [February 1863]. Her sons, Francis and Edward, lived near by. In the 1910 census of Westhampton as Sophia, a 82 year old widow, was living with her son-in-law, Charles G. Loud. Her niece Francis P., 9, was also there, but not her mother, Hannah, who had apparently died. Sophia's other daughter, Louisa J. was also living there.

Alfred's children were,
(24) Francis Clapp Montague (1859)
(24) Edward H. Montague (1861)
(24) Louisa Janes Montague (1863)
(24) Alfred Dwight Montague Jr. (1865)
(24) Harriet Francis Montague (1868)

Known as Frank. He was born on 5 August 1858. In the 1860 census as Francis Montague [Gruntergen in Ancestry.com], 10/12. In the 1870 census of Westhampton as Francis C. Montague [Montagne in Ancestry.com], 10. In the 1880 census of Westhampton was Francis C. Montague, 20, still living at home.

Alfred married Alice Rosanna Woodard, of Vermont. In the 1900 census of Westhampton as Frances Montague [Montaque in Ancestry.com], a 40 year old farmer. Living with him was his wife, Alice R., 36 [September 1863]. They had been married 17 years, but had no children. Also living with him was his mother-in-law, Hossana Woodard, and her daughter, Grace Woodward, 8. Living nearby was his widowed mother, Sophia, and brother, Edward.

Francis died after 1900. In the 1910 census of Westhampton was Francis' widow, Alice R. Montague, 47. Living with her was her adopted daughter, Grace, 18. Francis and Alice had no children of their own.

He was born on 20 March 1861. In the 1870 census of Westhampton as Edward H. Montague [Montagne in Ancestry.com], 9. In the 1880 census of Westhampton was Edward H. Montague, 19.

He married Susan Parson, of Massachusetts. In the 1900 census of Westhampton as Edward Montague, a 39 year old farmer. Living nearby was his widowed mother, Sophia, and brother, Francis. Living with him was his wife, Susie, 41 [January 1859]. They had been married 11 years, but had no children.

In the 1910 census of Westhampton, Massachusetts as Edward H. Montague [Montaque in Ancestry.com], a 49 year old dairy farmer. Living with him was his wife, Susan, 51. She had no children. His little brother, Alfred, and his widowed mother, Sophia, lived nearby.

In the 1920 census of Westhampton as Edward H. Montague, a 58 year old dairy farmer. Living with him was his wife, Susan E., 59. There was no evidence of children. He was a Deacon in the church.

Or Lovisa. She was born on 24 February 1863. In the 1870 census of Westhampton as Louisa J. Montague [Montagne in Ancestry.com], 7. In the 1880 census of Westhampton was Louisa J. Montague, 17. In the 1900 census of Westhampton as Louisa J. Montague, 37 [February 1863], living with her widowed mother, Sophia.

In the 1910 census of Westhampton as Louisa J. Montague, living with her brother-in-law, Charles G. Loud. Francis P. Loud, 9, her neice, was also there, but not her sister, Hannah/Harriet, who had apparently died. Sophia was also living with Charles Loud.

In the 1920 census of Westhampton, Hampshire county, Massachusetts as Louis Montague, at 56 years old, she was still living with her brother-in-law, Charles G. Loud, 45, and her niece, Francis P., 19, but her mother had died.

In the 1930 census of Westhampton as Louis J. Montague [Montagne in Ancestry.com], a 67 year old "old-maid," living with her brother-in-law, Charles Loud.

He was born on 31 October 1865. In the 1870 census of Westhampton as Alfred D. Montague [Montagne in Ancestry.com], 5. In the 1880 census of Westhampton as Alfred D. Montague Jr., 14.

He married Emma Frances Bridgman on 11 December 1889. She was born on 1 June 1860, the daughter of Franklin Augustus Bridgman and Eliza Augusta Rust. This was her second marraige. She had been married to Alred's cousin, Myron Henry Montague, but he had died in a fall in 1885.

I have not found Alfred in the 1900 census.

In the 1910 census of Westhampton, Hampshire county, Massachusetts as Alfred G. Montague, a 44 year old farmer, living 'next-door' to his brother, Edward H. Living with him were his wife, Emma F., 49, and children, Evelyn F., 19, Marian R., 17, Enos J., 16, Fay B., 9, Edward H., 7, and his sister-in-law, Minnie H. Bridgman, 47. Alfred and Emma had been married 20 years. Emma had 5 children, all living. Note: Alice R. Montague, Francis' widow, was the enumerator!

Emma apparently died in 1918. He then married Julia Miller Edwards. In the 1920 census of Westhampton, Hampshire county, Massachusetts as Alfred G. Montague, a 54 year old dairy farmer. Living with him were his wife, Julia E., 54, Edward H., 17, and Fay B., a 19 year old milk tester [garbled[ at Amherst College. Alfred's sister-in-law, Minnie H. Bridgman, still lived with him. His older brother, Edward, was living next door.

Alfred's children were,
(25) Evelyn F. Montague (1891)
(25) Marian R. Montague (1893)
(25) Enos Janes Montague (1896)
(25) Fay B. Montague (1901)
(25) Edward A. Montague (1903)

In the 1910 census of Westhampton, Hampshire county, Massachusetts as Evelyn F. Montague, 19, living at home.

In the 1910 census of Westhampton, Hampshire county, Massachusetts as Marian R. Montague, 17, living at home.

Or Enis. In the 1910 census of Westhampton, Hampshire county, Massachusetts as Enos J. Montague, 16. In the Amherst city directory of 1912 as "Montague, Enos J., F.C. Plumb."

Enos may have been an officer in the U.S. Army during World War I. An Enos J. Montague was listed in Company 2, of the 17th Provisional Training Regiment at Plattsburg, New York Training Camp, in 1917. This was the site of the National Army's Officer Candidate School in 1917. The camp was established in 1911 and held courses for prospective officers intermittently until America's entry into World War I. The Regular Army at the time was very small and totally insufficient for the requirements of fighting in Europe. The National Guard was called out to augment the Regular Army, but the total manpower was still insufficient. The United States Government then decided upon a course of conscription of men for a "National Army." These draftees would need officers to train and lead them, thus the reason for the facility at Plattsburg, New York. The officer candidates listed in the rosters from which this information was culled, were members of the second class of 1917, conducted in August, September, October and November, 1917. The facility was commanded by Colonel P. A. Wolf. There were 9 companies in the 17th Regiment and 7 in the 18th. There was also a Provisional Artillery Training Regiment of 6 Batteries. Note there was also a detachment of the 17th Regiment at Fort Des Moines, Iowa which trained black officers.

Enos married Millicent Canning. In the 1920 census of Amherst, Hampshire county, Massachusetts as Enos J. Montague, a 26 year old manager on a farm. Living with him was his wife, Millicent C., 21.

In the 1930 census of Amherst as Enos J. Montague, a 36 year old farmer. Living with him were his wife, Millicent C., 31, and children, Richard C., 8, and Alfred D., 5.

In the Amherst city directory of 1932 as "Montague, Enos J. (Millicent C), supt farm dept, h MSC grounds." In the 1935/1935 directories as "Montague, Enos J. (Millicent C), land bank appraiser Federal Land Bank 310 State h at Amherst." In the 1938/1940/1942 directories as "Montague, Enos J. (Millicent C) farmer h813 N Pleasant (5)." He was listed in various directories through 1954.

In the 1960 directory of Amherst his widow was listed as "Montague, Millicent C wid Enos J h 845 N Pleasant." Enos' children were,
(26) Richard Canning Montague (1921)
(26) Alfred D. Montague (1925)
(26) David Montague (1935)
(26) Stephen C. Montague (1939)

He was born on 11 September 1921 in Amherst, Massachusetts. In the 1930 census of Amherst as Richard C. Montague, 8. He married Gladys. He died on 13 November 2014 in Hadley, Massachusetts.

"Richard Canning Montague, 93, passed away peacefully Thursday, Nov. 13, 2014, in Hadley. His life was a study of quiet dignity and devotion to his family and community.

He was born Sept. 11, 1921, in Amherst, and lived with his parents and three brothers on their farm. As a young man he was a student at the Massachusetts Agricultural School in Amherst before enlisting in the Army Air Force in 1942. He fought in the Pacific during World War II before returning home in 1946.

He married Gladys Eckart in 1947 and they had a son Mark R. Montague in 1950. They moved to South Hadley in 1954 where Richard lived until 2007. His son died suddenly in 1998 at the age of 48.

For many years, Richard was employed with H.P. Hood first as a home delivery man and later in the factory in Agawam. After Gladys died in 1999, Richard was a volunteer for the South Hadley Senior Center, helping people, until he moved to an assisted living apartment in 2007.

Richard is survived by his brother Stephen Montague and his wife Rita of Amherst. Richard's brothers Alfred and David Montague died several years ago. Richard is also survived by his sister-in-law Elinor Thompson of west Yarmouth, and many nieces and nephews and their families.

There will be a graveside service for Richard Friday, Nov. 21, at 1 p.m. at the Westhampton Center Cemetery.

He was born on 13 April 1925 in Amherst, Massachusetts. In the 1930 census of Amherst Alfred D. Montague, 5. He served in the US Army in World War II. He married Claire. He apparently lived most of his life in Amherst. He was in the city directory in 1954 as "Montague, Alfred D (Claire H) emp Spfld Vt r E Pleasant." In 1957 as ". . . emp Florence . . ." In 1960 as ". . . rem to Northfield." He died in March 1965.

He was born in June 1935, probably in Amherst, Massachusetts. He married Martha Reims. In the Amherst city directory of 1960 as "Montague, David (Martha K) clk Holyoke h N East RD 3." A retired Optometrist [?]. Related to Bruce D. Montague and Elaine Janet Montague.

He was born on 11 June 1939, probably in Amherst, Massachusetts. In the Amherst city directory of 1960 as "Montague, Stephen C in US Air Force r 845 N Pleasant." He married Rita Moczulewski, the daughter of Henry Moczulewski of Hadley.

"Mr. and Mrs. Henry Moczulewski of Russell St., Hadley, have announced the engagement of their daughter, Miss Rita Moczulewski, a former student at the North Adams State Teachers College, to Stephen C. Montague, son of Mrs. Millicent Montague of Pleasant St., Amherst, and the late Enos Montague. Miss Moczulewski was graduated from Hopkins Academy and attended the local college." - from "The North Adams Transcript" of 7 March 1960

In the 1910 census of Westhampton, Hampshire county, Massachusetts as Fay B. Montague, a son, 9. In the 1920 census of Westhampton, Hampshire county, Massachusetts as Fay B. Montague, a 19 year old milk tester [garbled[ at Amherst College.

In the Suffield, Massachusetts city directory of 1928 as "Montague Fay B emp United Dairy Systems Inc r 18 Plainfield." In the 1930 census of Westhampton as Fay B. Montague, a 29 year old laborer in a dairy, living at home with his widowed step-mother, Julia.

In the Amherst city directory of 1960 as "Montague, Fay B (Cornelia S) supv UofMass h West SA RD 1."

Edward A. Montague, the son of Alfred D. Montague Jr. and Emma Frances Bridgman, was born on 30 December 1902 in Westhampton. In the 1910 census of Westhampton, Hampshire county, Massachusetts as Edward A. Montague, 7. In the 1920 census of Westhampton, Hampshire county, Massachusetts as Edward A. Montague, 17.

Edward married Sadie Church in about 1923. Sadie May Church, born on 18 May 1903 in Westhampton, was the daughter of Arthur W. and Ethel H. Church.

In the 1930 census of Westhampton as Edward A. Montague, a 27 year old dairy farmer. Living with him were his wife, Sadie M., 26, and children, Edward A. Jr., 5, Frank B., 4, and Joyce E., 2. Edward and Sadie had been married for about 7 years. He was living next door to his widowed step-mother, Julia, and brother, Fay.

In the 1940 census of Westhampton as Edward A. Montagu, a 37 year old farmer. Living with him was his wife, Sadie C. [sic], 36, and children, Edward A. Jr., 15, Frank B., 14, Joyce E., 12, Sydney A., 9, and Ruth E., 5. They had lived at the same address in 1935.

Sadie died in 1966. Edward died on 27 January 1976 in the Center cemetery in Westhampton. Their children were,
(26) Edward A. Montague Jr. (1924)
(26) Frank B. Montague (1925)
(26) Joyce E. Montague (1928)
(26) Sydney A. Montague (1930), he was born on 20 October 1930, he married Louise Pelton. She was born on 15 November 1932. Louise went to Northampton High School and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.
(26) Ruth E. Montague (c1935)

He was born on 10 May 1924. In the 1930 census of Westhampton as Edward A. Montague Jr., 5. In the 1940 census of Westhampton as Edward A. Montague Jr., 15.

During some period he lived in Texas, where he got his social security card. He served in the Navy during WWII as a MOMM2, Motor Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Petty Officer. He married Irene J. Major. She was born on 19 June 1925. Edward died on 17 September 2004 in Westhampton, Hampshire county, Massachusetts. Irene died on 9 January 2015.

"WESTHAMPTON - Irene J. Montague, 89, of 67 Chesterfield Road, passed away Friday, Jan. 9, 2015, at Linda Manor Nursing Facility after a brief illness.

Irene was born June 19, 1925, in Adams, the daughter of the late Fred and Laura (Gagnon) Major. She grew up in Adams, attended local schools and graduated from Adams Memorial High School.

After marrying Edward A. Montague, they moved to the Westhampton area where they resided most of her life. She was a librarian for the Daily Hampshire Gazette for many years prior to her retirement.

She was very active in Westhampton serving on the Westhampton Historical Society, the Council on Aging, and the Westhampton Memorial Library, offering her time and knowledge of the library system. She also volunteered her time with the Smith College greenhouses and the annual flower show.

Her husband Edward A. Montague passed away in 2004. She leaves her children Jonathan E. and his wife Rhonda of Boylston, Daniel J. and his wife Bev of Westhampton, Jason P. of West Moreland, New Hampshire, Susan J. of Southampton, and Katherine J. Montague-Bennett and her husband John of Colrain; her grandchildren Jondra, Dawn and her husband Mike, Gabe and his wife Siobhan, Sam, Margaret, Hannah and AnnaMae; a great-granddaughter Adrianna; as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her siblings Fred Major and Helene Allessio.

Their children were,
(27) Jonathan E. Montague (c1955), and his wife Rhonda of Boylston
(27) Daniel J. Montague (c1957), and his wife Beverly J. of Westhampton
(27) Jason P. Montague (1959), of West Moreland, New Hampshire
(27) Susan J. Montague (c1961), of Southampton
(27) Katherine J. Montague (c1962), and her husband John Bennett of Colrain

He was born on 6 November 1925. In the 1930 census of Westhampton as Frank B. Montague, 4. In the 1940 census of Westhampton as Frank B. Montague, 14.

He married Marion E. Warner. She was born in 1926. Frank died on 4 March 1999 in Westhampton, Hampshire county, Massachusetts. Marion died on 27 August 2015.

"WESTHAMPTON - Marion W. Montague, 88, of Westhampton, died Thursday, Aug. 27, 2015, at her home.

She was born Oct. 18, 1926, in Williamsburg, the daughter of George V. and Hazel M. (Damon) Warner. She was educated in local schools and graduated from Helen E. James (Williamsburg) High School in 1944. Mrs. Montague was a member of Westhampton Congregational Church for more than 50 years.

Mrs. Montague worked for William Fiske at Outlook Farm and later worked in the Dean's Office at Williston Academy, Easthampton, for many years. Following her time at Williston Mrs. Montague worked in the admissions office at Smith College before retiring in 1992. Mrs. Montague also served on the Westhampton School Board and as secretary to the selectmen and to the board of assessors.

After her retirement she took great pleasure in creating many lovely and lasting hand-knitted sweaters, afghans, socks and other knitted wear for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She made intricate and fine baskets and braided many rugs for her home and family.

Mrs. Montague is predeceased by her husband of 53 years, Frank B. Montague, an infant daughter Faye-Ann, a sister Jean Norris of Westhampton, and a brother George Warner of Pelham. She leaves a son, Peter Montague of Westhampton, and three daughters, Sandra Sluman of Lake Worth, Florida, Deborah Montague of Gilford, New Hampshire, and Sylvia Montague of Westhampton; a daughter-in-law Mary Montague of Westhampton; and a son-in-law D. Randolph Lawton of Gilford, New Hampshire; two brothers, Marshall Warner of Southampton, and Russell Warner of Williamsburg; a sister Evelyn Arnold of Goshen; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Their children were,
(27) Faye Ann Montague (1954), a daughter, born and died in 1954
(27) Sandra Sluman of Lake Worth, Florida,
(27) Deborah Montague, she married D. Randolph Lawton, of Gilford, New Hampshire
(27) Sylvia Ann Montague of Westhampton
(27) Peter E. Montague (c1955)

Peter Montague married Mary P. [Fitzgerald? Perhaps the daughter of William Richard Fitzgerald]. The following ties the current generation in Westhampton back to Edward and his father, Alfred Montague Jr.

"Bridgmont Farm was established in 1786 in the north end of Westhampton by Elisha Bridgman. In 1889, Emma Bridgman married Alfred Montague, Jr., thus joining two families that are the ancestors of Bridgmont Farm. The farm has a continuing history of cattle, maple syrup production, and lumber.

Peter and Mary Montague purchased the farm from Peter's grandfather's estate in 1976 to become the 7th generation to farm the land and raise animals. They operated a dairy farm of award winning Holstein and Guernsey cattle until 1995 and now raise beef cattle, meat goats, and hay. They also work together, with their family, to produce maple syrup, lumber, and make compost for sale.

Now the newest chapter at Bridgmont Farm. Peter and Mary, the seventh generation to continuously farm at 61 Chesterfield Road, are moving to 71 Chesterfield Road and are opening a new store for sales of maple products and their grass fed beef, pastured pork, and compost at the end of June 2014. Matthew Montague and his wife Happy [Frates] and their children have moved into the farm house at 61 Chesterfield Road to become the eighth and ninth generations to farm this land." - from the Bridgmont Farm webpage

Their son is,
(28) Matthew Frank Montague (1975)

Matthew was born in March 1975. He married Happy D. Frates. She was born on 26 May 1977 and may be the daughter of Albert E. and Karen L. Frates of Redwood City, California. They previously lived in New Bedford, Massachusetts.

In the 1930 census of Westhampton as Joyce E. Montague, 2. In the 1940 census of Westhampton as Joyce E. Montague, 12.

Also known as Hannah? She was born on 2 September 1868 in Westhampton. In the 1870 census of Westhampton as Harriet C. Montague [Montagne in Ancestry.com], 2. In the 1880 census of Westhampton as Hannah F. Montague, 11.

She married Charles Gilbert Loud on 22 June 1899 in Westhampton. He was a dairy farmer like her brothers, Edward and Alfred. Was Charles the brother of Julia Loud who married Nathan L. Montague, Hannah's cousin, below? Charles was born on 28 April 1874 in Williamsburg, Hampshire county, Massachusetts. They had two daughters, Frances and Eunice.

Harriet died on 30 August 1904. Her daughter Eunice died in the same year. In the 1910 census of Westhampton her widowed husband, Charles G. Loud, 36, was listed. Living with him were his daughter, Francis P., 9, his mother-in-law, Sophia, and sister-in-law, Louisa J. In the 1920 census of Westhampton, Louisa J. was still living with him, but Sophia had deceased.

He was born on 17 April 1831. In the 1850 census of Westhampton as Henry W. Montague, 19, living at home with his parents. In the 1860 census of Westhampton as Henry Montague, 29, living at home with his father.

He married Achsah L. Burt in 1869 [Achsah is a biblical name, the daugther of Caleb]. Inthe 1870 census of Westhampton as Henry Montague [Montagne in Ancestry.com], a 39 year old. Living with him were his wife, Achach [sic], 32, and Calvin Montague, a 79 year old laborer. I'm not sure he's any relation.

In the 1880 census of Westhampton was Henry W. Montague, a 44 year old farmer. Living with him were his wife, Achsah, 42, and children, Henry B., 7, and Nathan L., 6.

In the 1900 census of Westhampton as Henry W. Montague, 1 69 year old [April 1831] farmer. Living with him were his wife, Achsah L. [Asksah in Ancestry.com], 62 [March 1838], and son, Nathan L., a 26 year old [April 1874] tool maker. Henry and Achsah had been married for 32 years. Achsah had 2 children, both of whom were still living.

In the 1910 census of the 1st ward of Springfield, Hampden county, Massachusettshe as Achsah L. Montague, a 72 year old widow. She was living with her son, Nathan L., 36, and his wife, Julia.

Henry's children were,
(24) Henry Burt Montague (1872)
(24) Nathan Lyman Montague (1874)

He was born on 7 July 1872. His middle initial is from his mother's maiden name, Burt. In the 1880 census of Westhampton as Henry B. Montague, 7.

In the 1900 census of Southbridge, Worcester county, Massachusetts as H. B. Montague, a 27 year old [July 1872] lawyer. He was a lodger.

He married Elizabeth E. Perry. In the 1910 census of Southbridge as Henry B. [N in Ancestry.com] Montague, a 37 year old lawyer in general practice. Southbridge is about 20 miles east of the Connecticut river valley towns of Hadley and Westhampton. Living with him were his wife, Elizabeth P, 39, and son, Robert P., 2. In the Southbridge city directory of 1919 as "Montague, Henry B (Elizabeth P) lawyer Main c Hamilton h Park ave c Spring."

In the 1920 census of Southbridge as Henry B. Montague, a 47 year old lawyer. Living with him were his wife, Elizabeth P., 49, and his son, Robert P., 12. Also living with him were his mother-in-law, Evelyn E. Perry, 73, and two nieces, Elizabeth P., 18, and Bertha Lore [or Love], 12.

In the 1930 census of Southbridge as Henry B. Montague, a 57 year old lawyer. Living with him were his wife, Elizabeth P., 59, and son, Robert P., 22. Young Robert had no occupation.

He was born on 16 October 1907. In the 1910 census of Southbridge as Robert P. Montague, 2. In the 1920 census of Southbridge as Robert P. Montague, 12. In the 1930 census of Southbridge as Robert P. Montague, 22. He was still living at home and had no occupation. Robert died in May 1984 in Southbridge, Massachusetts.

I had thought that the following might be our Robert, above, but another researcher has shown me that this was Robert Paul Montague, the son of William Kelley Montague and Mary Mueller, born on 6 March 1923 in Virginia, Minnesota. He was a veteran of World War II. A Staff Sergeat Robert P. Montague was in the crew of 1st Lieutenant Donald D. Waldorf, a B-24 pilot. The crew were,

Waldrof, Donald (P) 1 Lt O-809035 - Pilot
Glasullo, Libro J. (CP) 2 Lt O-549198 - Copilot
Mangan, Albert F. (N) 1 Lt O-493714 - Navigator
Biegler, Stewart E. (N2) 2 Lt O-703687 - Asst Navigator
Schwab, Vern R. (B) 2 Lt O-695378 - Bombardier
Cohen, Russell R. (R) T/Sgt 36355668 - Radioman
Edwards, Edison R. (E) T/Sgt 34646117 - Engineer/Gunner
Larsen, Norland E. (G) S/Sgt 37460094 - Gunner
Montague, Robert P. (G) S/Sgt 17154802 - Gunner
Wolf, Kenneth C. (G) S/Sgt 13126160 - Gunner

The Group arrived in the European Theater on 28 April 1944 and was stationed at Eye Army Air Base, in England. "Ole Baldy" was the first to arrive at the new station. However, that aircraft was taken away from them and replaced, on 7 May, by "Short Bier," a B-24J, #44-40442. After more training, their first combat mission was flown on D-Day. They flew a total of eight combat missions in this aircraft.

The 851st Bomb Squadron, 490th Bomb Group The Group was activated on 1 October 1943 at Salt Lake City Army Air Base, Utah. They transferred to Mountain Home Army Air Field, Idaho, where the Group formed and trained from December 1943 to April 1944. Aircraft started overseas movement on 12 April 1944 taking the southern ferry route, via Florida, Trinidad, Brazil, Dakar and Marrakesh to England. They initially trained in B-24H and transitioned to the B-24J for their first combat missions. They entered combat in June 1944 bombing airfields and coastal defenses in France immediately preceding and during the invasion of Normandy. They then struck bridges, rail lines, vehicles, road junctions, and troop concentrations in France. They supported ground forces near Caen in July and near Brest in September 1944. They converted to the B-17G and operated primarily against strategic targets until the end of February 1945. They mounted attacks against enemy oil plants, tank factories, marshalling yards, aircraft plants, and airfields in such cities as Berlin, Hamburg, Merseburg, Munster, Kassel, Hannover, and Cologne. They interrupted strategic missions to attack supply lines and military installations during the Battle of the Bulge, from December 1944 to January 1945. Beginning in March 1945, they attacked interdictory targets and supported advancing ground forces. After V-E Day, they carried food to flood-stricken areas of Holland and transported French, Spanish, and Belgian prisoners of war from Austria to Allied centers. They returned to the US in August 1945 and were inactivated on 7 November 1945.

Beginning in mid-July 1944 the crew were detached to train at Sudbury with the 486th BG as a "GH" crew. Gee-H, as it was commonly known, was an electronic device that allowed a bomber to find its target, even in bad weather, based on signals transmitted from stations in England. Usually one aircraft, a pathfinder, had this equipment and would lead the Group to the target. All aircraft would drop their bombs on the pathfinder's signal.

A temporary assignment to the 34th BG followed their training, during which they flew aboard a GH-equipped B-24, "Winnie the Pooh," #41-28880. I assume this was a chance for further training in which they would practice the skills they had learned in a real world environment.

Missions with the 34th Bomb Group,

Mission #46 July 29, 1944, 23 aircraft dispached, #41-28880, B/S Waldorf - Juvincourt - Took off at 0432 hours. Flew Lead of a 490BG Squadron attacking Laon. Carried 6 500 lb bombs. Dropped on Primary at 0842 hours from 23,000 feet. No battle damage reported. Landed 1046 hours. Check landing gear. Inspected and repaired. Charging cable to left nose gun broken. Replaced.

Mission #47 July 31, 1944, 35 aircraft dispatched, #41-28880, B/S Waldorf - Laon Athies - Took off at 0906 hours. Flew Deputy Lead, position 1-2 in Lead Squadron. Carried 6 500 lb bombs. Dropped on Primary at 1309 hours from 22,500 feet. No battle damage reported. Landed 1549 hours. Throttles need adjusting. Inspected and repaired.

On 11 August the Waldorf crew moved back to the 490th BG. Their training, however, was for naught as the Group then transitioned into the B-17G bomber. They were assigned to B-17G, #43-38112, which they flew from 15 August. This is according to a Butch Edwards, the son of the crew's Engineer/Gunner. However, while this aircraft was part of the 851st Squadron of the 490th BG, the only reference I find to it, a landing accident at Eye on 13 November 1944, shows the pilot to be Paul T. Foret. Some missions our crew flew back with the 490th Bomb Group that I found, notably in a different aircraft, "Alice Blue Gown," were,

September 30, 1944 43-38400 G/L Waldorf Alice Blue Gown Flew Lead of High Squadron of 490BG
October 18, 1944 43-38400 G/L Waldorf Alice Blue Gown Flew Deputy Lead, position 1-2 in Lead Squadron of 490BG
November 21, 1944 43-38400 G/L Waldorf Alice Blue Gown Flew Deputy Lead, position 1-2 in Low Squadron of 490BG
November 30, 1944 43-38400 G/L Waldorf Alice Blue Gown Flew Deputy Lead, position 1-2 in Low Squadron of 490BG
December 4, 1944 43-38400 G/L Waldorf Alice Blue Gown Flew Deputy Lead, position 1-2 in High Squadron of 490BG
December 5, 1944 43-38400 G/L Waldorf Alice Blue Gown Flew Deputy Lead, position 1-2 in Lead Squadron of 490BG
December 12, 1944 43-38400 G/L Waldorf Alice Blue Gown Flew Lead of Low Squadron of 490BG

Robert Paul Montague died on 28 November 2010 in Dallas, Texas.

He was born on 29 April 1874 in Westhampton, Massachusetts. The Lyman's were a family that had been residents of Westhampton since its founding. I'll guess that the middle name of Nathan's mother, Achsah L. Burt, was Lyman in honor of her mother. In the 1880 census of Westhampton was Nathan L. Montague, 6. In the 1900 census of Westhampton as Nathan L. Montague, a 26 year old [April 1874] tool maker, living at home with his parents.

He married Julia Loud. She was born on 12 July 1870 in Massachusetts. In the 1910 census of the 1st ward of Springfield, Hampden county, Massachusettshe as Nathan L. Montague, a 36 year old automobile toolmaker. Living with him were his wife, Julia L., 39, a daughter, Caroline S., 6/12, and his mother, Achsah L., 72.

Nathan Lyman Montague, 44, registered for the draft in 1917 while living in Springfield. He was at the time working for the U.S. Government as a tool maker. He was described as being of medium height and build, with blue eyes and black hair.

By 1920 he had moved to Pasadena. In the 1920 census of Pasadena, Los Angeles county, California as Nathan L. Montague, a 46 year old continator [?, garbled] for a private firm, of Massachusetts. Living with him were his wife, Julia L., 49, his daughter, Caroline S., 10. Also living with him were his mother-in-law, Louise Loud, 65, and his niece, Mabel, a 33 year old secretary.

In the 1930 census of Pasadena as Natahn L. Montague, a 57 year old mechanic in a research laboratory. Living with him were his wife, Julia L., 59, and his daugther, Caroline, 20.

Julia died on 15 May 1964 in Los Angeles. I assume Nathan died there somewhat earlier.

Her name is alternately Hannah and Louisa. She was born on 11 January 1834. In the 1850 census of Westhampton as Louisa H. Montague, 16, living at home with her parents. In the 1860 census of Westhampton as Louisa Montague, 26, living at home with her parents. In the 1870 census of Westhampton as Hannah L. Montague, 36, with no occupation. She was living with her widowed mother. She married Elijah P. Torrey on 25 August 1874.

She was born on 7 May 1837. In the 1850 census of Westhampton as Lucinda Montague, 13, living at home with her parents. In the 1860 census of Westhampton as Lucinda Montague, 23, living at home with her parents. She died on 16 May 1864.

She was born on 21 October 1850.

"November 7, 1854. David Montague, and Lavina Montague, his wife, of Westhampton, adopt Silvia Montague Marsh, a minor, aged four years, daughter of Phelander S. Marsh, and Silvia M. Marsh, and said Silvia takes the name of Silvia Marsh Montague." - from "Private and Special Statutes of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts"

Calvin Montague, the son of Peter Montague and Mary Smith, was born on 17 December 1791 in Westhampton, Massachusetts.

Calvin earned a college degree in 1814 from Williams College, in Willliamstown, Massachusetts.

"The following persons, natives of Westhampton, have received college degrees: . . . Calvin Montague, 1814, Williams, a physician; . . ." - from the "History of Westhampton" by Josiah Gilbert Holland

"Calvin Montague, 1814, Williams College, medicine" - from "History of the connecticut Valley in Massaschusetts"

After earning his degree, from October 1814 to June 1816, Calvin taught school in Huttonsville [Hortonsville?], Randolph county, West Virginia. What was he doing way out there and what was he teaching? Huttonsville is no metropolis. Calvin may have needed to earn some money to support further real-world training.

Calvin subsequently studied with Dr. John Manners, of Flemington, New Jersey, and in Cincinnati and Deerfield, Ohio. In 1836 he returned to Westhampton. Cincinnati may refer to the College of Medicine there, though Deerfield has no medical school that I can see. Perhaps this simply records his work with more senior doctors, getting the hands-on training Williams College did not provide.

In the census of 1840 for Northampton, Hampshire county, Massachusetts as Calvin Montague, 40 to 50 years old. Northampton abuts Westhampton, to the east. There was also a male child, under the age of 5, in the household, though I expect that's a mistake; all the households on the page got tabbed with at least one male child of this age. How likely is that?

I don't know if this is the correct man, but I have a Calvin Montague, a 54 year old [1796] laborer, living in Milton, Norfolk county, Boston. He was born in Massachusetts. Milton is a suburb of Boston. I would discount this automatically except that in coming years our doctor was listed as a laborer in Westhampton. This Calvin was living in the house of Edward Cole, a milkman, and his wife, Sarah. By the way, there was another Calvin Montague, middle name Newton, who lived in South Hadley, a nephew of our Calvin. He was born in 1827.

In the census of 1860 for Westhampton, Hampshire county, Massachusetts as Calvin Montague, a 69 year old farm laborer [?]. He was living on the farm of Theodore and Mary Ann Clark. Calvin was still living with the Clarks at the time of the 1865 state census. He was not listed as a legal voter. Had he become senile, suffer a mental break-down or commit a felony?

In the census of 1870 for Westhampton, Hampshire county, Massachusetts as Calvin Montague, a 79 year old laborer. He was living on the farm of Henry and Achsah Montague. Oddly, the census indicates that Calvin's right to vote had been denied, but not for reasons of the recent rebellion. Henry Montague was the son of David Montague and Calvin's nephew.

Calvin Montague, the son of Peter Montague and Mary Smith, a single man and a Physician, died of old age on 9 February 1873 in Westhampton at the age of 83 - from "Massachusetts Deaths, 1841-1915."

"Calvin Montague, M.D., who died at Westhampton, Mass., Feb. 9, at the age of 82 years, was a graduate of Williams College, and in early life taught for several years in Hortonsville, Randolph Co., Va." - from "The American Educational Monthly"

"Calvin Montague, son of Peter and Mary Smith Montague, was born in Westhampton, Mass., Dec. 17, 1790. He prepared for college with Rev. Enoch Hale of Westhampton, and Rev. Moses Hallock, of Plainfield, Mass. After graduation, from October, 1814, to June, 1816, he taught school in Huttonsville, Randolph county, Va. He pursued his medical studies with Dr. John Manners, of Flemington, N. J., and in Cincinnati and Deerfield, Ohio, until 1836, when he returned to Westhampton, which has been the place of his residence. He never married. He died at Westhampton, February 9, 1873, aged 82." - from the "William Obituary Record 1865-1875"

Calvin was buried in the Center cemetery in Westhampton.

He was born on 7 May 1756 in South Hadley. He married Martha Graves in 1780. She was born on 28 April 1759, the daughter of Captain Perez Graves and Martha Gillett. She was Moses' cousin, some number of times removed, via Moses' grandmother, Sarah Graves. Their family lines meet at (18) John Graves (1644).

They settled in Norwich, now Huntington, Massachusetts, "going there on horseback with only marked trees to guide them." Norwich is about 12 miles southwest of South Hadley. In the 1790 census of Norwich, Hampshire county, Massaschusetts as Moses Montague. The census included one "free white male 16 years old, and up, Moses, and 3 women, probably Martha and two daughters, one of whom was Sophia.

I haven't found any Montagues in the Norwich census in 1800 or 1810. In the 1820 census of Norwich as Moses Montague, a farmer. The census included 2 boys under 10, 2 who were 10 to 16 years old, a man who was 26 to 45 years old, and one who was over 45. Moses would have been 64. There was also one woman over 45. It is not clear who the younger males in the household were. It is tempting to see the young man as Moses' son-in-law, the husband of Sophia, below, and the four boys as his grandchildren, but I don't know this.

Moses died on 5 October 1835 in Huntington, Hampshire county, Massachusetts. His tombstone in Norwich cemetery reads "Lt. Moses Montague" indicating that he probably held a commission in the militia at some point. Martha died on 5 Janaury 1820. So far I've been unsuccessful in finding latter day Montagues in Huntington.

Moses' children were,
(22) Sophia Montague b. 30 August 1785 in Norwich

He was born in South Hadley on 17 February 1761. He married Electa Winter on 10 January 1787 in South Hadley. She was born on January 1765 in Chesterfield, Massachusetts. They settled in Bridgewater, Windsor county, Vermont. In the 1790 and 1800 census for Bridgewater as Selah Montague. He died on 17 May 1812 and was buried in North Bridgewater, Vermont. His children were,
(22) Betsey Montague b. 22 December 1787
(22) Clarissa Montague b. 15 May 1789
(22) David Montague b. 27 September 1791
(22) Moses Montague b. 11 October 1792
(22) David Montague b. 29 September 1795
(22) Daniel Montague b. 29 August 1798
(22) Otis Montague b. 1 November 1802
(22) Electa Montague b. 5 July c1805
(22) Rowena Montgue b. 29 August 1807
(22) Laura Montague b. 12 October 1810

He was born on 2 July 1763 in South Hadley. He married Rachel Smith on 10 September 1794. She was born on 14 December 1772 in Amherst, Massachusetts, the daughter of Simeon Smith and Rachel Strong. They moved north to Wilmington, Windham county, Vermont after 1800.

In the 1800 census of Wilmington, Windham county, Vermont as Seth Montague. In the 1810 census of Bennington, Vermont as Seth Montague. Rachel died on 2 July 1813 in Bennington, Vermont.

I don't see Seth in the 1820 census. Around 1820 Seth took his sons, Daniel and Rodney, and left Massachusetts, moving to Hunter's Bottoms, Kentucky on the Ohio river. I've not been able to find this place. Other sources call this a move to Ohio itself. Seth then moved on to Edgar county, Illinois. From the "History of Edgar County,"

"The first jury trial was at the May term of 1824 . . . The jury was as follows: Seth Montague, . . ."

Seth's children were,
(22) David Montague (1791)
(22) Moses Montague (1792)
(22) Erastus Montague (1795)
(22) Theodosia Montague (1797)
(22) Daniel Montague (1798)
(22) Rodney Montague (1800)
(22) Otis Montague (1802)
(22) Luman Montague, b. 30 March 1803, m. Elvira Clark 7 February 1831, d. 6 October 1875
(22) Amasa Smith Montague, b. 7 April 1805, m. Julia Ann Thompson 26 June 1828, d. 4 May 1880
(22) Hannah Montague, b. 20 March 1808, m. Lyman Strong 29 April, 1829, d. 7 May 1885
(22) Seth Newel MOntague, b. 10 July 1810, m. 1st Jerlina Johnson, 2nd, Mary Cathrine Bennet about 1824, 19 November 1835, d. 21 March 1851 Nevada City, Nevada

He was born on 27 September 1791. I've found little about this eldest son.

There is some confusion between this Moses and the son of Seth's brother, Selah, above. Moses was born on 11 October 1792, probably in South Hadley, Massachusetts. He married Annis Dike on 1 Janaury 1815. As an adult he moved north into Vermont, as did many in the Connecticut river valley. In the 1820 & 1830 census of Bridgewater, Windsor county, Vermont as Moses Montague.

In the 1850 census of Bridgewater as Moses Montague, a 59 year old farmer, of Vermont [?]. Living with him were his wife, Annis, 61, and children, Caroline, 22, Laura, 17, Justin S., a 34 year old farmer, Ruth S., Justin's 34 year old wife, and Justin's two children, Justin E., 9, and Frances [a girl], 3. Also in the 1850 census of Bridgewater was a Fanny Montague, 24, of Vermont. She was living in the Thomas household.

In the 1860 census of Bridgewater as Moses Montague [Montagno in Ancestry.com], a 69 year old farmer, of Vermont. Living with him were his wife, Clara, 70 [a 2nd wife?], and children, Justin, a 44 year old farmer, his wife, Ruth, 44, and children, Edward, 18, Francis, 13, Charles, 9, and Clara, 2.

In the 1870 census of Woodstock, Windsor county, Vermont as Moses Montague [Montagne in Ancestry.com], a 78 year old widower, of Massachusetts [they finally got it right]. He was living with his son, Justin P. [?] Montague, 54.

Moses' children were,
(23) Justin Montague (1816)
(23) Fanny Montgue (1826)
(23) Caroline Montague (1828)
(23) Laura Montague (1833), b. 20 April 1833, Bridgewater, Vermont

In the 1850 census of Bridgewater as Justin Montague, a 34 year old farmer, of Vermont. He was living with his parents. His family was there as well, his wife, Ruth S., 34, and children, Justin E., 9, and Frances [a girl], 3.

In the 1860 census of Bridgewater as Justin Montague [Montagno in Ancestry.com], a 44 year old farme. He was living with his father, Moses Montague [Montagno in Ancestry.com], a 69 year old farmer, of Vermont. Also living with them was Justin's family, his wife, Ruth, 44, and children, Edward, 18, Francis, 13, Charles, 9, and Clara, 7.

In the 1870 census of Woodstock, Windsor county, Vermont as Justin P. [?] Montague [Montagne in Ancestry.com], a 54 year old farmer, of Vermont. Living with him were his wife, 54, children, Clara, 17, Edward, a 28 year old farmer, Charles R., 20, and his father, Moses, 78.

In the 1880 census of Woodstock, Windsor county, Vermont as Justin S. Montague, a 64 year old farmer. Living with him were his wife, Ruth, 63, and children, Edward J., a 38 year old farmer, and Clara A., 26.

Justin's children were,
(24) Justin Edward Montague (1841)
(24) Frances Montague (1847)
(24) Charles R. Montague (1851)
(24) Clara A. Montague (1853)

He was born in September 1841. During his father's life he was known by his middle name, Edward. In the 1850 census of Bridgewater as Justin E. Montague, 9. In the 1860 census of Bridgewater as Edward Montague [Montagno in Ancestry.com], Edward, 18.

In the 1870 census of Woodstock, Windsor county, Vermont as Edward Montague [Montagne in Ancestry.com], a 28 year old farmer, living with his parents. In the 1880 census of Woodstock, Windsor county, Vermont as Edward J. Montague, a 38 year old farmer, living with his parents, and sister, Clara A., 26.

In the 1900 census of Woodstock, Windsor county, Vermont as Justin E. Montague, a 58 year old farmer, of Vermont. He was a single man. Living with him was his sister, Clara A., 47 [March 1853].

In the 1910 census of Woodstock as Justin E. Woodstock, a 68 year old farmer, of Vermont. He was single. His sister, Clara A., 57, also single, was living with him. He had no children.

He was born in July 1850. In the 1860 census of Bridgewater as Charles Montague [Montagno in Ancestry.com], 9. In the 1870 census of Woodstock, Windsor county, Vermont as Charles R. Montague [Montagne in Ancestry.com], 20, still living at home with his parents.

In the 1880 census of Woodstock as Charles Montague, a 29 year old who kept a cookstore. Living with him were his wife, Louise, 30, and children, Ruth, 4, Louisa, 3, and Susie, 1.

In the 1900 census of Woodstock as Charles R. Montague, a 49 year old book keeper. Living with him were his wife, Louise M., 50 [July 1849], and children, Susie, a 21 year old [March 1879] clerk in a savings bank, and Roger, 12 [July 1887]. Also living with him were his married daughter, Ruth E. Wright, 24 [April 1876], and her daughter, Ruth M., 9/12 [August 1879].

In the 1910 census of Woodstock was Charles' widow, Louise F. [?], 60. Living with her was her daughter, Susanna, a 31 year old book keeper at a savings back.

Charles' children were,
(25) Ruth Montague
(25) Louisa Montague
(25) Susie Montague
(25) Roger Montague (1887)

He was born on 29 July 1887 in Woodstock, Vermont. In the 1900 census of Woodstock as Roger Montague, 12 [July 1887], living at home with his parents.

In the 1910 census of Worcester, Massachusetts as Roger H. Montague, a 22 year old foreman at a bicycle saddler, of Vermont. He was single and lodging in the house of Laura H. Haradin.

Roger married Margaret A. Armsby, of Massachusetts, in about 1915. She was the daughter of Amos and Alice Armsby, of Millbury.

In the City Directory of Millbury for 1917 as "Montague, Roger H. supt (W) h. Main n Summer." In 1918 Roger was the clerk of the Millbury Board of Trade.

Roger Howard Montague, 29, registered for the draft on 8 June 1917. He was born on 29 July 1887 in Vermont, but was then living in East Brookfield, Worcester county, Massachusetts. He was the superintendent of the Graton & Knight Manufacturing company of Worcester. This company made a number of leather products, including scabbards for World War I bayonets and "pure oak tanned leather belting" for belt-powered industrial applications. He requested an exemption from the draft based on his wife and one child. He was described as tall, of medium build, with grey eyes and light brown hair.

In the 1920 census of Millbury as Roger [Roges in Ancestry.com] Montague, a 33 year old book keeper in a leather factory. Living with him were his wife, Margaret, 32, and son, Richard, 4. In the City Directory of Millbury for 1928 as "Montague, Roger H. (Margt A) purch agt h35 Main."

In the 1930 census of Millbury, Worcester county as Roger H. Montague [Montagne in Ancestry.com], a 42 year old education supervisor in a factory. He was not a veteran. Living with him were his wife, Margaret A., 43, and children, Richard A., 14, and Horace M., 10. Also living with him was his sister-in-law, Sarribel [?] Armsby, 46, and 3 boarders. He lived on Main street.

In the City Directory of Millbury for 1938-1939 as "Montague, Roger H. instr r35Main." On the same page was "Montague Horace M. student, r35Main," and "Montague Rich A. student, r35Main."

In the City Directory of Millbury for 1951, 1953-1954, and 1957-1958 as "Montague, Roger H (Marjorie H) personnel mgr Taft Pierce Co. (Woonsocket, RI) h. 35 Main 635."

Roger died in October 1975 in Concord, Middlesex county, Massachusetts. He would have been 88 years old.

Roger's children were,
(26) Richard A. Montague (1916), perhaps b. 1 March 1916, d. April 1985, Bend, Deschutes county, Oregon [Bend is in the middle of nowhere, Oregon]
(26) Horace M. Montague (1920), b. 1 April 1920, d. 16 September 1986, Fresno, California

He was born on 29 July 1795, probably in South Hadley, Massachusetts. He moved north to Bennington, Vermont and married Lucy Robinson. She was born on 11 December 1789 in Bennington, the daughter of Samuel S. Robinson and Esther Safford. In the 1830 census of Bridgewater, Vermont as Erastus Montague.

In the 1850 census of Bennington, Vermont as Erastus Montague, as 55 year old mason, of Massachusetts. Living with him were his wife, Lucy, 50, and children, William L., a 25 year old farmer, and Samuel F. [?], a 24 year old farmer. Also living with him was his brother-in-law, Safford Robinson, 66.

Erastus died on 18 January 1852 in Gainsville, Cook county, Texas. What was he doing there? Note that his brother, Daniel, lived there so perhaps this was just intended as a visit. Erastus' sons were,
(23) William Smith Montague (1825)
(23) Samuel Follet Robinson Montague (1826)

He was born on 22 February 1825 in Bennington, Vermont. He married Julie in 1839. His children were,
(24) Julia Smith Montague, b. 6 November 1840

He was born on 21 September 1826 in Bennington, Vermont. He married Elsie Mary Haughwout on 14 August 1853 [or 1858] in New York City. He died in 1896. His children were,
(24) John Henry Montague (1857), b. about 1857 Rockfall, Whites county, Illinois, m. Sarah Alice Woodworth 27 November 1878, d. 2 June 1855
(24) Mary Lucy Montague (1857)
(24) Jesse Davis Montague (1860)

She was born on 16 January 1797. She first married Peter Moore on 7 November 1815. Second she married John Phelps on 7 September 1820. She died on 6 February 1878 in Rock Falls, Illinois.

He was born on 29 August 1798 at South Hadley, Massachusetts. A noted figure in Texas history, he was a pioneer surveyor, state senator, and foreman of the jury involved in the Great Hanging at Gainesville. The son of Seth and Rachel (Smith) Montague. He moved to Vermont after 1800 and was educated as a surveyor and engineer. As a young man he moved first to Ohio. In 1819 he and a younger brother, Rodney, went to Virginia to work for some eighteen months in the Kanawa Salt Works. Then Montague traveled down the Mississippi and settled in Louisiana, where he worked as a surveyor and established a plantation.

He moved to Texas in 1836 to assist Sam Houston, but arrived after the battle of San Jacinto. He then returned to Louisiana to settle his business affairs and in 1837 brought his family to Texas to settle at Old Warren in the Fannin Land District on the Red River. He and William Henderson built a general merchandise store at Warren, probably in 1838. As the first surveyor of that district he amassed a large estate. Montague became a leader in the settlers' fight against the Indians. In 1843 he led the attack in what was said to be the last Indian fight in what is now Grayson County. The grove in which the Indians were killed came to be known as Montague's Grove.

Montague was a member of the Snively expedition in 1843, and during the Mexican War he served as a Captain of volunteers in the Third Regiment, Texas Mounted Volunteers, under the command of Col. William C. Young. By 1849 Montague had moved to Cooke County, where he was employed to survey the county boundaries and locate the county seat.

In the 1850 census of Cooke county, Texas as Danl Montauge, a 52 year old farmer, of Massachusetts. Living with him were his wife, Jane, 30, of Virginia, and children, Elizabeth, 14, of Louisiana, and Nancy, 11, and Daniel R., 9, of Texas.

Afterward, he continued his work as a surveyor and amassed extensive landholdings in Cooke, Grayson, Collin, Fannin, and Montague counties. He was elected district surveyor in 1854, Cooke county commissioner in 1858 and 1862, and state senator in 1863.

In the 1860 census of Cooke county as Daniel Montague, a 61 year old farmer. Living with him were his wife, Jane, 42, and son, Daniel, 19.

When the Union League of Texas, a secret organization of northern sympathizers, was discovered in Cooke County in 1862, Montague was one of the twelve men selected by a citizens' group to serve on a jury for the event that came to be known as the Great Hanging at Gainesville. He was elected by his fellow members to preside over the jury.

Montague was active in the Methodist Church. He was married four times, first to Rebecca Covington McDowell on 28 February 1825 in Amite county, Mississippi. She died on 15 January 1831. In this marriage he had three children, only one of whom survived to adulthood.

On 11 May 1833, Montague married Mrs. Sarah Margaret Ross Grilling. She died on March 21, 1841. They had four children. He married Mary Dugan on 13 November 13 1841. They had two children, neither of whom survived infancy.

Montague's fourth wife was Jane Elizabeth Shannon, whom he married on 6 August 1848. No children were born to this marriage. Montague died on 20 December 1876 in Marysville, Cooke County, Texas.

Montague County, Texas where he had served as surveyor, was named in his honor. See also Daniel Montague for more information.

Daniel's children with Rebecca Covington were,
(23) Rebecca Montague, b. 23 November 1825 in Louisiana, m. William Carroll Twitty 1842, d. 18 April 1849, Gainesville, Cooke county, Texas
(23) Seth Newell Montague, b. 15 August 1827, d. 13 August 1831
(23) Luman Montague, b. 10 January 1831, died in infancy

Daniel's children with Sarah Margaret Ross were,
(23) Jane Ross Montague, b. 19 October 1834, 14 March 1838
(23) Elizabeth Montague, b. 5 February 1836, m. William Carrool Twitty [her sister's husband] 11 September 1851
(23) Nancy Montague, b. 15 February 1839, d. 11 December 1854
(23) Daniel Ross Montague, b. 31 March 1841, d. 1 February 1876 in Tuxpan valley, Mexico

Daniel's children with Mary Dugan were,
(23) James Newell Montague, b. 9 January 1843, d. 12 July 1843
(23) Catherine Vaden Montague, b. 21 October 1845, d. 1848

He was born on 6 August 1800 in Hadley, Massachusetts. His father moved the family to Vermont after 1800. As a young man he moved to Ohio with his father and brother, Daniel. In 1819 he and Daniel went to Virginia to work for some eighteen months in the Kanawa Salt Works.

While Daniel went down the Mississippi and settled in Louisiana, Rodney moved to Illinois. He married Eunice Priscilla Dennison on 16 October 1843 in Waddams Grove, Stevenson county, Illinois. She was born in about 1818 in Brooklyn, Cuyahoga county, Ohio, the daughter of Daniel Dennison and Sarah Bushnell.

He later married her sister, Louisa Amelia Dennison, on 11 October 1852 in Brooklyn, Ohio.

He was born on 1 November 1802. He is sometimes shown as a son of Selah.

He was born on 21 April 1771 in South Hadley, Massachusetts. He married Rachel Lyman on 23 October 1794. She was born on 10 March 1772, the daughter of Israel Lyman and Rachel Beal. In the 1800 census of South Hadley as Elijah Montague. Rachel died on 27 September 1803.

He next married Abigail "Nabby" White on 12 March 1806. She was born on 7 July 1779. In the 1810 census of South Hadley as Elijah Montague. Nabby died on 2 November 1823. He died on 20 February 1843.

Elijah's children were,
(22) Obed Montague (1799)
(22) Wealthy Montague (1795)
(22) Moses Montague (1797)
(22) Sally Montague, b. 22 July 1802, d. 16 September 1864

He was born on 11 August 1799, the son of Elijah Montague and Rachel Lyman. Obed first married Mary Newell. In the 1830 census of South Hadley as Obed Montague. Also in the 1840 census of South Hadley as Obed Montague [Obed Montique in Ancestry.com].

He second married Chloe Lewis Bliss. She was born on 17 October 1809, the daughter of Gaius Bliss and Flavia Keep. In the 1850 census of South Hadley as Obed [Abel in Ancestry.com] Montague, a 50 year old farmer. Living with him were his wife, Chloe, 40, and children, Edwin N., 16, Mary N., 14, and Emily B., 9.

In the 1860 census of South Hadley as Obed Montague [Montagne in Ancestry.com], a 60 year old farmer. Living with him were his wife, Chloe L., 50, and children, Edwin M., a 26 year old teacher, Mary N., 24, Emily B., 14, and Richard H., 9.

In the 1870 census of South Hadley as Obed Montague, a 71 year old farmer. Living with him were his wife, Chloe, 60, and children, Emily B., 29, and Richard H., 19.

In the 1880 census of South Hadley as Obed Montague, an 80 year old. Living with him were his wife, Chloe L., 70, and daughter, Emily B, 39.

From a letter of Ellen P. Bowers, Mount Holyoke Seminary, South Hadley of 1 November 1880,

"This letter ought not to go on its way without making mention of Mr. Obed Montague's death, which occurred in January. His house, you know, has always been a kind of Seminary home. Mrs. Montague's friendship and kind deeds, which began with the Seminary's beginning, have continued until now, and the daughter at home follows in her footsteps. They will probably leave the old homestead in the spring. Wherever they are, may they be ministered unto in every time of need, as they have ministered unto others."

"One of the few links which bind us to the earliest years of our Seminary was broken ill December by the death of Mrs. Obed Montague. The old home, you remember, was given up at Mr. Montague's death; since then Mrs. Montague has lived in the village a part of the time. She died at the home of Mrs. Payson Williston in Northampton, where Miss Emily remains. What pleasant memories will always come with the mention of her name to a great many who, as Seminary girls and teachers, have partaken of her kindness and bounty in years past!"

Obed's children with Chloe Lewis Bliss were,
(23) Richard Henry Montague (1851)

He was born on 27 August 1833 in South Hadley. In the 1850 census of South Hadley as Edwin N. Montague, 16. In the 1860 census of South Hadley as Edwin N. Montague [Montagne in Ancestry.com], a 26 year old teacher.

There is an Edwin Newell Montague, the son of Obed, who married Lucy Marie Colton on 25 December 1866 in Greenwich, Massachusetts. She was born on 9 August 1832 in Prescott, Massachusetts, the dauther of David Colton and Azuba Chapin. In the 1870 census of Monson, Hampden county, Massachusetts as Edwin Montague, a 36 year old life insurance agent. Living with him were his wife, Lucy, 37, and daughter, Mary N.

Edwin died before 1880. In the 1880 census of South Hadley was Edwin's widow, Lucy M., 47. Living with her were her children, Mary N., 17, Harriet C., 9, and Henry C., 7.

Edwin Newell Montague's children were,
(24) Mary Newell Montague, b. 14 February 1869
(24) Harriet Chapin Montague, b. 10 December 1870
(24) Henry Colton Montague (1872)

He was born on 19 September 1872 in Monson, Hampden county, Massachusetts. In the 1880 census of South Hadley as Henry C. Montague, 7. His father died not long after his birth.

Henry married Aurora, of Massachusetts, in about 1895. In the 1900 census of Washington D.C. as Henry C. Montague, a 27 year old [September 18721] "elect" [electrician?], of Massachusetts. Living with him was his wife, Aurora, 27 [June 1872]. He disappears after this

He was born on 16 February 1851. In the 1860 census of South Hadley as Richard H. Montague [Montagne in Ancestry.com], 9. In the 1870 census of South Hadley as Richard H. Montague, 19.

He was born on 11 October 1795.

He was born on 8 September 1797 in South Hadley. He married Harriet Smith on 18 October 1820. He died on 20 March 1885. His children were,
(23) Clara Smith Montague, b. 25 November 1822, d. 8 March 1845
(23) Moses Lyman Montague (1822)
(23) Harriet Montague, b. 22 april 1825
(23) Calvin Newton Montague (1827)
(23) Samuel Montague (1829)
(23) Elliot Montague (1831)
(23) George Lowell Montague (1833)
(23) Charles Montague (1836)
(23) Abby Montague, b. 8 November 1839
(23) Abby Lucina Montague, b. 10 December 1842

He was born on 25 November 1822.

He was born on 16 March 1827. He married Lucy Elvira Judd on 22 September 1831. She was born on 22 September 1831, in Geneva, New York, the daughter of Levi Judd and Elvira Taylor. He died on 9 May 1920. Lucy died on 26 Janaury 1902 in South Hadley.

Calvin's children were,
(24) Clara Elvira Montague, b. 3 September 1858, d. 7 February 1929
(24) Mary Lyman Montague, b. 17 July 1869
(24) Wallace Newton Montague, b. 1 December 1871, Amherst, Massachusetts, M. Martha Adaline Allison 27 June 1906, d. 31 March 1935 in Rochester, Monroe county, New York

He was born on 24 August 1829.

He was born on 25 July 1831.

He was born on 15 December 1833.

He was born on 30 August 1836.

He was born on 10 November 1727 in Granby, Massachusetts. He married his cousin, Abigail Montague, on 4 March 1756. She was born on 18 February 1733 in Granby, Hampshire county, Massanchusetts, the daughter of Luke Montague and Hannah Dickinson. He died on 11 July 1810 in South Hadley, Massachusetts.

Josiah's children were,
(21) Luke Montague (1757)
(21) Lucretia Montague, b. 9 Janaury 1759, m. Waitsill Dickinson, d. 6 October 1837
(21) Abigail Montague, b. 14 April 1761, m. Ivory Dewitt 1779, d. 12 March 1842
(21) Lovice Montague, b. 18 March 1763, m. Joseph Dewitt 6 August 1789
(21) Beulah Montague, b. 2 January 1768
(21) Hannah Montague, b. 8 August 1770
(21) Giles Montague (1774)

He was born on 20 June 1757. He was drafted in the War of 1812, but procured a substitute. He married Mary Lamphere on25 December 1792. She was born on 14 August 1765. He ws one of the first settlers of Granby, New York, arriving in about 1800. He died on 18 February 1840 in Granby, New York.

Luke's children were,
(22) Orrin Montague, b. 15 December 1793, d. 19 December 1824
(22) Julius Montague, b. 28 August 1795, d. 13 September 1853
(22) Adonijah Warren Montague, b. 13 September 1797, d. 24 June 1875
(22) Abigail Montague, b. 31 August 1801, d. 31 July 1893
(22) Erastus Clark Montague, b. 6 April 1806,

"Erastus Clark Montague, son of Luke (831), b. April 6, 1806, in Volni, Oswego county, N. Y.

He emigrated to Wisconsin, when it was a Territory, in May, 1836, and it has been his residence ever since, except six years from 1853 to 1859, which he spent in California. He served in the late war, twenty-one months, in 3d Battery, Wisconsin Light Artillery, was in the battle of Stone River, where his battery was engaged with Breckenridge's Brigade, when shot fell in Stone river "like a good hail storm."

Married, Dec. 13, 1820, in De Ruyter, Madison county, N. Y., Angeline Lamphear. She was b. June 4, 1810, in De Ruyter, N. Y., and d. June 20, 1874, in Berlin, Wis., where he still resides." - from "History and genealogy of the Montague family of America, descended from Richard Montague of Hadley, Mass., and Peter Montague of Lancaster Co., Va. with genealogical notes of other families by name of Montague" by George William Montague

He was born on 20 May 1774 in Granby, Massachusetts. He married Rachel, the daughter of John Preston and Rachel Clark, on 27 November 1800. He died on 3 October 1817 in Granby, Massachusetts at the age of 43. Rachel was still alive in the census of Granby in 1850.

His children were,
(22) Theodore Langdon Montague (1801-1880)
(22) Giles Franklin Montague (1803-1875)
(22) Hannah Sophia Montague (1806-1880)
(22) Holland Montague (1808-1884)
(22) Josiah Montague (1811-1843)
(22) William Elliott Montague (1813)
(22) Rachel Maria Montague (1816)

Giles F., the son of Giles Montague and Rachel Switch [Preston], was born on 28 October 1803 in Granby, Massachusetts. Might Rachel have been married before, so having both the surname of Preston and Switch?

He married Elvira E. Edwards on 28 November 1827 in Northampton, Massachusetts. In the 1830 census of South Hadley, Hampshire county, Massachusetts as Giles F. Montague. In the 1840 census of Granby, Hampshire county, Massachusetts as Giles F. Montague.

In the 1850 census of Granby, Hampshire county, Massachusetts as Granby S. [garbled] Montague, a 46 year old farmer. Living with him were his wife, Alvira E., 42, and children, Giles R., 19, Ellen, 16, Hannah S., 13, and Mary Jane, 8.

He died on 27 December 1875 in Granby, Massachusetts at the age of 72.

Their children were,
(23) Giles Rollin Montague (1830-1914)
- He was born in 1830 in Granby, Massachusetts, died in La Crosse, Wisconsin in 1914 and was buried in the Oak Grove Cemetery in La Crosse. Giles Rollin Montague (only son of the marriage of his father Giles Franklin Montague with Rachel Preston) married Jennette Warner of Williamsburg, Massachusetts. Giles Rollin may have been one of the first Hadley-origin Montagues who "went West" to the newly formed U.S. State of Wisconsin. He settled in La Crosse in the spring of 1854. Both Giles Rollin and his wife Jennette Warner attended the Montague Family Meeting in Hadley in August, 1882. To do so, they travelled "back East" from La Crosse. It must have been quite a trip! He became one of the leading citizens of La Crosse and helped to found, among other things, the National Bank of La Crosse, as well as other business interests in western Wisconsin.
-- (24) Wallace Rollin Montague (1866), second son, born 1866 in La Crosse, Wisconsin, died 1919 in La Crosse. -- (25) Theodore Giles Montague (1899), second son, born 1899 in La Crosse, Wisconsin, died 1967 in Greenwich, Connecticut.

(23) Ellen Elvira Montague (1833-1901)
(23) Hannah Sophia Montague (1837)
(23) Mary Jane Montague (1842-1862)

The son of Giles Montague and Rachel Preston, he was born in about 1808. In the 1850 census of Granby he was living next door to his brother, Giles. He died on 25 November 1884 in Granby, Massachusetts at the age of 76.

He was born in 1732 in South Hadley. He died in 1754, Amh (Amherst?), only 22 years old. He never married.

He was born on 16 December 1692 in Hadley. He married Sarah Eastman on 24 January 1716. She was born on 11 October 1694, the daughter of Timothy Eastman. She died on 29 September 1747. He later married Sarah Smith on 5 January 1749. She was the daughter of Deacon John Smith and the widow of Samuel Kellogg. He settled in Granby Centre. William died on 22 December 1767 in South Hadley at the age of 75. His children were,
(20) Sarah Montague, b. 26 October 1717, m. John Stanley of Killingworth, Connecticut
(20) William Montague, b. 9 April 1720, d. 19 October 1745
(20) John Montague, b. 14 September 1723, a Canadian soldier, d. 6 October 1746 - this may refer to service in Canada during the war with France and capture of Louisbourg
(20) Joseph Montague, b. 31 December 1725, d. 10 August 1786, m. 21 March 1752/3 Sarah Henry
(20) Hannah Montague, b. 16 March 1729, d. 5 November 1745
(20) Timothy Montague, b. 23 February 1732, d. 1 February 1800, m. Mindwell Chapin.

Samuel Montague, the son of John Montague and Hannah Smith, was born on 2 April 1695 in Hadley.

"He was one of the forty settlers of Sunderland, Massachusetts [town-founding seems to have been a Montague habit]. His home lot, No. 14, remained in the possession of descendents for one hundred and eighty-five years. He was a man of character and influence. He was deacon of the church, captain of the military company, and was also a member of that ecclesiastical council held in Northampton, in 1650 [sic], which resulted in the dismissal of Reverend Jonathan Edwards." - from "New England Families, Genealogical and Memorial" by William Richard Cutter

Samuel first married Elizabeth White, the daughter of Nathaniel White and Elizabeth Savage, on 24 January 1718 in Hadley. She died on 15 October 1753. He second married Mary Root, the daughter of Joseph Root and the widow of Jonathan Billings, on 13 June 1754, either in Hampshire or Franklin county, Massachuseets.

Samuel died on 31 January 1779 [tombstone shows 1789] in Sunderland, Franklin county, Massachusetts. Mary Root Montague died on 17 December 1798 in Sunderland.

Samuel's children were,
(20) Samuel Montague (1720)
(20) John Montague (1723), b. 10 Jan 1723, d. 15 Feb 1748 unmarried
(20) Daniel Montague (1725), b. 13 Jan 1725, m. Lydia Smith
(20) Giles Montague (1727), b. 20 Jan 1727, d. 1732
(20) Major Richard Montague (1729)
(20) Captain Caleb Montague (1731)
(20) Giles Montague (1733), b. 16 December 1733, d. 10 September 1734
(20) Elizabeth Montague (1735), b. 18 September 1735, d. 10 September 1743
(20) Nathaniel Montgue (1739), b. 13 February 1739, killed at the siege of Fort William Henry on 7 August 1757, this was also known as the battle of Lake George, during the French & Indian War
(20) Ebenezer Montague (1741), b. 1 October 1741, d. 26 September 1743

He was born on 30 June 1720 in Sunderland. Samuel married his cousin, Elizabeth Montague, the daughter of Peter Montague and Mary Hubbard, on 12 Jul 1742 in Bennington, Benton, Vermont. Elizabeth Montague was born on 13 November 1720 and died on 31 January 1816 in Pittsford, Rutland, Vermont.

Samuel probably settled at the Plumtrees. He was one of a number of "Sepraratists" who were excommunicated from the Sunderland church for non-conformity on 24 August 1753. He removed in about 1761 to Bennington, Vermont, helping found the town, assisted in the organization of the First Church and was Selectman and Moderator of the first town meeting. Bennington is in the southwest corner of the state, near the Hudson river.

Samuel then removed to Pittsford, Vermont where he worked at his trade as a weaver. He lived there until the outbreak of the Revolution, when, on account of the exposed condition of that frontier town, he returned to Bennington. He died on 17 January 1777 in Bennington, Benton county, Vermont.

Samuel's children were,
(21) Samuel Montague (15 January 1743 - 27 February 1826)
(21) Elizabeth Montague
(21) Mary Montague
(21) Martha Montague
(21) Persis Montague
(21) Azubah Montague
(21) Experience Montague
(21) Adonijah Montague (17 April 1757 - 8 October 1828; this is the Adonijah, below, of Pawlet, Vermont. He was in Montgomery's campaign to capture Quebec and in the battle of Bennington, Vermont.)
(21) Nathaniel Montague (4 Jun 1759 - about 1846) (21) Rufus Montague (28 October 1762 - 14 June 1834; he was at the battle of Bennington at the age of 15).

He was born, the fifth son, on 7 May 1729 in Sunderland, Franklin county, Massachusetts in the homestead of Deacon Montague. Richard was a farmer and owned a considerable estate. He married Lucy Cooley on 23 May 1750 in Sunderland, Franklin county, Massachusetts. Lucy Cooley was born on 23 September 1731 in Sunderland, Franklin, Massachusetts.

They lived on Lot No. 20, East side (a house long occupied by Hubbard Graves) in Sunderland, where his first child was born. He soon removed to Lot No. 13, West side, now William Gaylord's home. This is now the site of 69, 71 and 75 South Main Street.

In 1765 he moved to that part of town since incorporated as North Leverett. His homestead stood in sight of the little cemetery where he was buried and was located on the road which extends from the village of North Leverett to the Long Plain road to the town of Montague.

Ricard appears to have been a Baptist, a relatively new religion that was not necessarily "respectable." It would be interesting to know when Richard converted or whether this conversion occurred earlier in the families' history. It might explain some of their wanderings. I suspect his father, the Deacon, was also a Baptist.

Richard was a man of energy, activity and shrewdness. He was the town clerk for many years and for several years teacher of the town school. He he was chiefly instrumental in the founding of the Baptist church in North Leverett. The church often met at his house and the first minister was ordained in his barn. Whenever the congregation was without a preacher he would act as exhorter. At this time laws had been passed exempting Baptists from paying taxes toward the support of the town's Congregationalist churches, but the Leverett church, on account of technicalities, was unable to obtain its rights. Several of its members had property seized on this account and Richard Montague was taken by a constable six miles toward the county jail and kept over night, when the officer returned and took a fine hog from the Major's pen, which he sold to satisfy the demand.

Richard saw much service in the French and Indian wars. He was a member of Roger's expedition to St. Francis, and at Crown Point, in 1759.

"The oldest house in North Leverett," writes a correspondent in 1873, "has just been taken down, It was built by Capt. Sparrow in 1748,--125 years ago. Many of the timbers were found perfectly sound. It was for many years the residence of Major Richard Montague of Revolutionary fame, and one of Ethan Allen's assistants in the taking of For Ticonderoga, and subsequently for many years the headquarters of the few Baptists in those parts, then suffering under the intolerance of the unjust religious laws. The major had a stentorian voice; and, it was said, could read so that a whole brigade could hear. One could easily believe that the timbers of this old house rang as the Major thundered forth his indignation against religious intolerance, especially just after he had on one occasion been arrested, and conveyed six miles towards jail; when the constable, thinking of a surer way, left him, and levied upon, and sold, a fat pig to pay the obnoxious 'minister tax.'"

Later, in 1775, Richard served as an 'adjutant' of Minute Men at the Lexington Alarm. After the news of the battle of Lexington, he renounced allegiance to Great Britain, saying to his wife that if god would forgive him for having fought seven years for the king he would fight for the rest of his days against him or until he was conquered. I assume this means that while he was mustered for the Alarm, he was not at Lexington itself. Perhaps he was with one of the militia units that dogged the British retreat back to Boston.

From "Masachusetts Soldiers and Sailors in the War of the Revolution," Volume 10, page 885:

"Montague, Richard, Leverett. Adjutant, Col. Ruggles Woodbridge's regt. of Minute-men; entered service April 20, 1775; service, 7 days; also, Col. R. Woodbridge's (25th) regt.; engaged April 27, 1775; service, 3 mos. 12 days; also, same regt.; list of men returned as serving on picket guard, dated May 23, 1775; also, order of the day, dated June 4, 1775; said Montague reported as Adjutant of the day for "tomorrow."

From the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Vol.12: "Richard Montague was . . . with Ethan Allen at Ticonderoga."

After Ticonderoga Richard remained in the thick of things. According to the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Vol.9, page 112: "Richard Montague raised a company [of which he was Captain] and fought at Bunker Hill." Clearly he went ahead and was not amongst the group that brought Ticonderoga's cannon to Boston.

After Bunker Hill Richard retired with the rest of the army to Cambridge and was there when Washington took command. He was promoted by the General to the rank of major, made an adjutant, and attached to Washington's staff.

There is still preserved a powder horn most eleborately carved by him while he was a private soldier. The horn was worn by him, or other members of the family, in the Battle of Bunker Hill and in the other principal battles of the Northern division of the Revolutionary army. At the present time the strap attached to it is the original one worn with the horn, and bears the regimental colors of the Continental Army. A diary, still perfect, from Aug. 1 to Dec. 1, 1775 was kept by the Major while at Cambridge and is filled with interesting military details. He was often sent to Western Massachusetts, his homeland, as a recruiting officer and on these occasions the people noted "his fine martial bearing, how well he managed his men, and how elegantly he rode his horse."

He was also a member of the Massachusetts Provincial Congress during the Revolution.

Richard died on 21 February 1794 in North Leverett, Franklin county. His death, said Reverend Baxter Newton, was a heavy stroke to the church, but in all Baptist churches in this section of the State, and although eighty years have passed since he died, the name of Major Richard Montague is a household word in every ancient Baptist family. The naming of his children, if nothing else, illustrates his religious bent. He was buried by the side of his wife in the little burying ground adjoining his farm in North Leverett. The inscription on his tombstone reads,

He was buried in the small burial ground near and joining his farm in North Leverett. New England's greatest statesman, Daniel Webster, is said to have been maternally a Hadley Montague. Lucy, his wife, died on 23 May 1795 in North Leverett, Franklin, Massachusetts

Richard's children were,
(21) Hannah Montague (1752), she married a Gunn
(21) Zebina Montague (1754), the son of Richard Montague and Lucy Cooley, we born on 23 July 1754 in Sunderland, Franklin county, Massachusetts. He died on 13 February 1809, aged 54, in Amherst, Hampshire county, Massachusetts. He is buried in the West cemetery. Zebina was a merchant. He married Jemima [Jamima] Gunn, the daughter of Nathaniel Gunn and Dorothy Marsh, on December 30, 1778 in Sunderland, MA.
- 10 July 1777 as Quarter Master in Lieutenant Colonel Samuel William's regiment of Hampshire county militia. Zebina Montague, of Leverett, was, on 22 June 1780, listed as 3rd Lieutenant of Captain Seth Pierce's company, Colonel Seth Murray's regiment of Hampshire county militia.

"Co. detached from 6th Hampshire Co. regt. to serve for 3 months from the time of their arrival at Claverack, agreeable to order of General Court of June 22, 1780, and mustered by Lt. Col. Samuel Williams and Majo. Whitmore as per statement affixed, dated Warwick Aug. 4, 1780." - from Mass. Muster and Pay Rolls

He was born on 30 September 1756 in Sunderland. He probably served during the revolutionary war, including at the battle of Saratoga.

Uriel Montague. Additional military information: Private, Capt. Reuben Dickenson's co. of Minute-men, Col. R. Woodbridge's regt., marched on alarm of 19 Apr 1775 for 11 days; also, Capt. Reuben Dickinson's co., Col. Woodbridge's regt.; at Charlestown, 27 Jul 1775; from 1 May 1775 for 3 mos. 8 days; also, Sergeant Major, Capt. Elihu Lyman's co., Col. Elisha Porter's (Hampshire Co.) regt.; from 25 Jul to 2 Sep 1779; at New London, Conn.

After the war he was a physician and settled in Southboro, where he was town clerk as long as he remained there. He removed in 1798 to New Hartford, New York and had a large practice in several towns in Oneida county, New York. He died in June 1812 in New Hartford, Oneida county, New York.

He was born on 28 October 1758 in North Leverett. He married Lydia Griffin. After the birth of his eldest four children he removed to Cazenovia, New York, where his remaining children were born and where he died. He served five years in the Revolutionary war and was at West Point when Andre [?] was captured. He died on 18 January 1825 in Caxenovia, Madison county, New York. There is a nice biography online at the Rootswebs Madison county site for another of Oreb's children, Linus b: 22 Jul, 1799 in Cazenovia. Lydia died in Jul 1823 in Cazenovia, Madison, New York.

He was aide to his father in the Revolutionary War and was a ruling elder in the Presbyterian church. Nathaniel married Eleanor Miner on 1 Jan 1786. Eleanor was born on 9 Jun 1764 and died on 18 Mar 1839 in New Hartford, Oneida, New York.

He was a merchant in Amherst, Massachusetts. His homestead is still owned by his descendants and is the next dwelling beyond the town hall, on Main Street. His store adjoined his home. Luke married Irene Dickinson on 15 Nov 1798. Irene Dickinson was born on 31 Dec 1770 and died on 5 May 1849.

He was born on 26 November 1768 [1765?] in North Leverett, Massachusetts. From Elijah Montague,

"He was licensed to preach in 1797 and in 1798 was ordained pastor of the Baptist church at North Leverett, which relation continued 28 years, during which time he baptized 250 persons. Three time during these 28 years he went into the then wilds of New York and Pennsylvania on missionary tours, and on one of these occasions traveled over 1000 miles on horseback, in the winter, preaching wherever he could find an audience. A son used to say the he could always tell when his father was going to preach a rousing sermon by the work flew; which illustrates his method of study. With his pen he worked at disadvantage. That his early opportunities for learning had been meagre, was ever cause for regret, but with his Bible he was perfectly familiar and his preaching was of the sort that found its way to the hearts and consciences of his hearers."

Elijah died on 26 September 1841 and was buried, next to his first wife, in North Leverett. From his tombstone,

"His life was not distinguished, By fading honors of the world; But by his warm and ardent zeal, For Jesus and his word."

Elijah's children with Lovina Jones were,
(22) Emeline Montague, b. 5 July 1792, m. Judah Wright 6 April 1812, d. 26 September 1818
(22) Sophia Montague, b. 21 September 1794, d. 9 March 1798
(22) Polly Montague, b. 7 March 1796, m. Otis Moore 23 November 1815, d. 2 January 1877
(22) Minerva Montague, b. 22 November 1797, m. John G. Curtiss 2 December 1819, d. 27 December 1871
(22) Elijah Montgue, b. 20 August 1799, m. 1st Emily Hemenway, 2nd Theodosia Rowe 19 March 1927, d. 4 October 1880
(22) Hibbard Montague, b. 18 November 1801, m. Mary Cowden, d. 21 April 1846
(22) Simeon Montague, b. 9 October 1803, m. 1st Phebe A. Rabblee, 2nd Sibyl Leland 15 October 1826, "Removed to Michigan 1837, was elected town clerk at the first town meeting in Springport, Montague Lake, near that town was named for him. He was inventor of the first machine made for sewing boots and shoes."

Elijah's children with Jerusha Woodbury were,
(22) Levi Montague, b. 19 February 1806, d. 20 February 1806
(22) Jonathon Armory Montague, b. 7 March 1807, d. October 1832, "Removed to Canada; is said to have been drowned while fishing."
(22) Unknown son Montague, b. 25 July 1808, d. 25 July 1808
(22) Isaac Woodbury Montague, b. 23 July 1809, m. Hannah Stevens 16 January 1832
(22) Richard Montague, b. 4 April 1811, m. Lovina Newton 1833, d. 8 May 1875
(22) Nathaniel Montague, b. 8 February 1813, d. 5 April 1814
(22) Thomas B. Montgue, b. 16 July 1815, m. Clarrissa S. Coleman [son Thomas Coleman Montgue, b. 29 October 1843]
(22) Uriel Montague, b. 1 October 1817, m. Jane Stevens [sister of Hannah?]
(22) Benjamin Montague (1821)

He was born on 17 May 1821 in North Leverett, Massachuseets. He married Mary A. Newton. She was perhaps the sister of Richard Montague's wife, Lovina Newton. Benjamin died on 9 August 1862 at the Battle of Cedar Mountain in Virginia.

Caleb Montague, the son of Luke Montague and Elizabeth White, was born on 27 July 1731 in Sunderland, Franklin county, Massachusetts. He married Eunice Root, the daughter of Joseph Root [was this the sister of his step-mother?], on 30 October 1751.

He was a Captain in the Revolutionary war, receiving his commission at Watertown on 10 May 1776. He commanded the 2nd company, 6th regiment of Hampshire county militia regiment under Colonel Samuel Williams - per the "Lineage Book of the Daughters of the American Revolution." Daniel Hubbard was his First Lieutenant circa 1778. I believe this unit was in the expedition to Bennington, Vermont, in the Northern department, in August 1777 with Moses Montague's company.

After the war Caleb succeeded to his father's homestead. He was a man of character and influence. His comparatively early death was said to have been due to disease contracted while in the service. He was elected to the office of deacon, which he declined, but he held all of the important civil and military offices of the town. He died on 9 November 1782 in Sunderland. Eunice died on 9 December 1804. His children were,
(21) John Montague (1752)
(21) Eunice Montague, b. 14 September 1754, m. Israel Russell 16 July 1775
(21) David Montague (1757)
(21) Irena Montague, b. 6 March 1759, m. Martin Cooley 9 October 1777, d. 24 July 1784

John Montague, the son of Caleb Montague and Eunice Root, was born on 12 August 1752 in Sunderland, Franklin county, Massachusetts. He married Abigail Hubbard on 8 October 1777. She was born on 21 July 1756, the daughter of Captain Israel Hubbard and Abigail Smith. He succeeded to his father's homestead and was town clerk for 32 consecutive years and during most of those years was selectman, assessor and treasurer. He was deacon of the church for 27 years and for many years teacher of the town school. He was instrumental in establishing a social library during the last century. His last years were spent living with his son John. Abigail died on 12 March 1796 in Sunderland. John died on 7 November 1832 in Sunderland.

John's children were,
(22) Belinda Montague, b. 11 November 1778, d. 14 December 1842, unmarried
(22) Caleb Montague, b. 7 February 1781, m. Martha Warner, daughter of Eleazer Warner, 27 March 1809, d. 28 October 1825
- (23) Juliette Montague (1812), born on 12 Marh 1812, she married Amos Cooke and traveled to Hawaii as a missionary, ala Michener's "Hawaii."

He was born on 3 March 1757 in Sunderland, Franklin county, Massachusetts. He married Sarah Clark on 23 September 1781. She was born on 19 February 1763. He lived at "Great Swamp" farm. He died on 21 January 1839 in Sunderland. Sarah died on 13 August 1856. David's children were,
(22) Moses Montague, b. 9 June 1782, removed to Stanstead, Canada, where he lived several years, m. 1st Susan Lee 29 September 1808, Stanstead, Canada, (b. 29 January 1787, d. 19 August 1811), returned to Sunderland and lived near his father, 2nd Mary Pomeroy 2 November 1820, d. 18 October 1863, Sunderland, Franklin, Massachusetts
(22) Irena Montague, b. 29 April 1784, m. Rufus Hubbard 29 October 1817
(22) Ira Montague, 7 January 1787, m. 1st Talitha Hubbard 18 October 1815, 2nd Abigail Melenthe Clapp 30 June 1852, d. 5 March 1865
(22) Orlando Montague, b. 11 October 1789, m. Hannah Lord 4 September 1817
(22) Phila Montague, b. 16 March 1793, m. Walter Graves 1814, d. 6 December 1866
(22) Lucy Montague, 25 November 1796, m. Oliver Dickinson 9 March 1847, d. 7 April 1877
(22) Luther Montague, b. 25 November 1796, d. 15 March 1824
(22) Levi Montague, b. 23 August 1803, d. 3 September 1805

She was born on 28 May 1697. She married Josiah Willard.

"A surviving tradition concerning her brings vividly to mind that delusion which so disgraced some parts of Massachusetts, but from which Hadley was so largely free. It was sometimes thought that Hannah was "possessed" that she was indeed a witch. Perhaps she feigned her action in sport, or it may be she was the subject of some nervous disorder. But the story goes that when afflicted she would call on her brother Samuel for help. He would at once arm himself with a great broadsword, enter the room where Hannah was, and when his sister had pointed out the locality of the tormenting spirits - to him invisible - would cut and slash for very life. And then Hannah, - the wicked tease, - noting her brother's troubled air, would say, "No, not there, but there! there!" - Rev. Richard Montague in address at Hadley, 1882.

Luke Montague, the son of John Montague and Hannah Smith, was born on 4 October 1699 in Hadley. He first married Hannah Dickinson before 9 March 1729. Hannah was the daughter of Nehemiah Dickinson and Mehitable Church, born on 30 July 1706 in Hadley and died on 3 September 1765, aged 60. The Dickinson's were founding members of the town of Hadley. Emily Dickinson, the poet, was part of this family.

He settled in South Hadley, near his brother Peter, on Cold Hill. Luke was styled a Lieutenant. This must have been as part of a militia that took part in the French-Indian Wars.

Second Luke married Deborah after 3 September 1765. He died on 25 August 1775 in South Hadley, at the age of 75. There is a gravestone in the South Hadley grave yard with the inscription,

"In memory of Lieut. Luke Montague, A worthy Christian, and an ornament to the community in general, who died Aug 23, 1775, in the 76th year of his age."

Luke Montague Jr., the son of Luke Montague and Hannah Dickinson, born on 9 March 1729 in Hadley. He died on 19 November 1752 in South Hadley. I have found no indication that he married or had children.

Giles Montague, the son of Luke Montague and Hannah Dickinson was born on 28 June 1736. He died on 3 May 1738, not yet 2 years old.

Nathaniel Montague, the son of John Montague and Hannah Smith, was born on 6 October 1704 in Hadley. He married Hannah Ingram on 18 May 1743. She was born on 14 Apr 1711, the daughter of Nathaniel Ingram and Esther [Hester] Smith. Hester was the sister of Hannah Smith, John Montague's wife, making Hannah Ingrahm the first cousin of Nathaniel Montague. Nathaniel lived on his father's homestead and was a Deacon of the church. A Selectman or Townsman of Hadley in 1749. He died on 16 November 1753 in Hadley. His children were,
(20) Hannah Montague, b. 29 February 1744, m. 15 November 1770 Isaiah Carrier of Belchertown
(20) Nathaniel Montague Jr. (1745)
(20) Esther Montague, b. 2 March 1747, m. 21 February 1775 Moses Church
(20) Sarah Montague, b. 21 November 1748, d. 2 or 3 May 1764
(20) Eunice Montgue, b. 25 July 1751, m. 15 February 1780 Joseph Church of New Marlboro
(20) Elizabeth Montague, b. 8 February 1753, m. 23 February 1773 Abner Phillips

Nathaniel Montague, the son of Nathaniel Monatague Sr. and Hannah Ingram, was born on 26 July 1745 in Hadley, Massachusetts. He married Sarah Goodrich on 21 October 1773. She was the daughter of David Goodrich and Sarah Edwards. Like his father, Nathaniel Jr. lived on John Montague's old homestead in Hadley. Nathaniel died on 4 November 1784 in Hadley. He had 4 children,
(21) Nathaniel Montague III (1774)
(21) Sarah Montague (1775), born on 15 December 1775 in Hadley, married Moses Kingsley on 31 March 1807, his second wife, died on 17 September 1777 in Brighton, Suffolk county, Massachusetts
(21) Mary Montague (1777), born on 26 August 1777 in Hadley, died on 11 May 1857
(21) Stephen Montague (1779)
(21) Elijah Montague (1781)

Nathaniel Montague, the son of Nathaniel Montague Jr. and Sarah Goodrich, was born on 7 August 1774 in Hadley and died just one day later on 8 August 1774.

Stephen Montague, the son of Nathaniel Montague Jr. and Sarah Goodrich, was born on 4 September 1779 in Hadley [tombstone shows 24 September], He married Grace Grant White on 28 November 1802. Grace, the daughter of Captain Daniel White and Sarah Goodrich, was born on 18 October 1782. Stephen died 18 May 1851 in Hadley. They had 10 children,
(22) Mary B. Montague (1809), b. 1809, d. 1848
(22) Daniel Nathaniel Montague (1811), b. 10 June 1811 in Hadley, m. Mary W. Pierce 6 June 1839 in Lima, New York, d. 4 September 1905 in Clio, Genesee county, Michigan
(22) Susan Grant Montague (1817), b. 1817, m. Ayers, d. 1892
(22) Sabra Ward Montague (1822), b. 1822, m. Charters, d. 1904

Elijah Montague, the son of Nathaniel Montague Jr. and Sarah Goodrich, was born on 24 June 1781 in Hadley. He married Esther McElwain on 10 August 1803 in Palmer, Massachusetts. He died 3 January 1862 in Charlotte, New York. Their children were,
(22) Orra Montague (1804), b. 1804, m. Coder, d. 1879
(22) Elijah Montague Jr. (1806), b. 27 December 1806 in Batavia, Genesee county, New York, m. Mary Graves 10 March 1836, d. 19 March 1872 in Charlotte, Monroe county, New York, children: Sarah Louisa, John A., and Vinal Elijah
(22) Ester Susan Montague (1817), b. 1817, m. Bigelow, d. 1880
(22) John Allen Montague Nathaniel Montague (1820), b. 1820, d. 1822
(22) Electa Allen Montague (1823), b. 1823, m. Putnam, d. unknown
(22) Myron Mervin Montague (1827), b. 3 October 1827 in Batavia, Genesee county, New York, m. Anna E. Wagoner, d. 7 October 1920 in Sinclairville, Chautauqua county, New York, children: George, Esther, Stella and Fred

Steve Hissem
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