The Hissem-Montague Family

Two of the sons of the Boveney Montague family emigrated to America. One, Peter, went to the Virginia colony at Jamestown. The other, Richard, 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 Zena 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"

The G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-Grandfather of my wife, Anita Montague Hissem. Richard was the third son of Peter Montague, of the Boveney Montagues, and was born in 1614 in Boveney, Burnham Parish, Buckingham, England. He was listed in the visitation of 1634, still living at Boveny, England. In the visitation 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 this meant Richard was the third son of his father, Peter. Note that his brother, Peter, was shown as already living in Virginia.

Richard emigrated to New England. It would be interesting to know why Richard did not follow his brother to Virginia. Were they not that close or were their situations that different? It might also be possible that Peter's letters home, assuming that he wrote any, may have painted a dismal picture of Jamestown. See Peter's story on the previous page, "Montagues in Virginia."

Richard arrived in New England in 1634 in the ship SPEEDWELL. This 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.

Richard apparently settled at first in Boston. He married Abigail Downing on 8 November 1637. She was the daughter of the Reverend Doctor Joseph Downing and Jane Rose. Abigail was baptized on 5 October 1617 at the St. Lawrence church, Ipswich, Suffolk, England. The couple eventually settled in Wells, York county, Maine in about 1640. Wells is on the southern most coast of Maine, just north of the border with New Hampshire. Not incorporated until 1653, it is one of the oldest towns in the state. Note that Maine was part of the Massachusetts Bay colony at the time.

As some point after 1642, when his daughter Mary was born in Wells, and perhaps as late as 1646, he moved to Boston, Suffolk county, Massachusetts, where his daughters, Sarah and Martha, were born. His occupation was listed as miller, a baker, and a farmer. His wife, Abigail, became a member of the First Church of Boston on 26 April 1646.

In 1651 Richard moved to Wethersfield, Connecticut where he lived until 1659. On 25 May 1651 his wife, Abigail, officially transferred from the First Church, Boston to the church in Wethersfield. Richard worked as a miller and baker in Wethersfiled. 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.

Around 1660 Richard joined in a compact with 59 men from Hartford and the surronding area to establish a village to the north. There appears to have been some kind of falling-out amongst the local parishoners and Richard's group had decided to create their own church. The group moved up the Connecticut river and founded the village of Hadley, in Massachusetts. This was in the midst of the rich farmland of the Connecticut River Valley.

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. 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 received a land grant in 1661 in the village of Hadley. Note on the property plat of 1663, above, that Richard Montague's lot is shown on the right hand 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.

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

Ricard signed a will on 8 July 1681 in Hadley naming his wife, Abigail, and son, John, as executors. He died on 14 December 1681 in Hadley, Hampshire county, Massachusetts. 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.

Richard's children were,
(18) Mary Montague (1642), Wells, York county, Maine, m. Joseph Warriner 22 November 1668, d. 22 July 1689, Enfield, Hartford county, Connecticut
(18) Sarah Montague (1646), b. 15 June 1646, Boston, Massachusetts
(18) Martha Montague (1647)
(18) Peter Montague (1651)
(18) Aaron Montague (1651)
(18) John Montague (c1655)
(18) Abigail Montague (c1656), m. Mark Warner 8 December 1671, d. 6 February 1705

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. 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. She died on 12 October 1720 in Hadley.

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.

Aaron appears to be Peter's twin brother, also born on 8 July 1651 in Wethersfield. He died on 27 March 1725 in Hadley. There is no evidence of a spouse or children.

Anita's G-G-G-G-G-G-G-Grandfather and Richard's youngest son. He was named, along with his mother Abigail, as his father's executor. He was born in about 1655 in Wethersfield, Hartford county, Connecticut. John married Hannah Smith on 23 March 1681 in Hadley. She was born on 7 July 1662 in Hadley, Hampshire, Massachusetts, the daughter of Chileab Smith and Hannah Hitchcock. She was the sister of Mary Smith, the third wife of John's elder brother, Peter, above.

He was a Selectman for the village. Hannah died in about 1694 in Hadley, Hampshire, Massachusetts. John is said to have lived on his father's homestead in Hadley until his death in 1732.

John's children were,
(19) John Montague (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)

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.

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 Rhoda Seldon, 2nd Thankful Sheldon 24 September 1747, d. 18 April 1783
(20) Jemima Montague (1719), b. 28 Janaury 1719, she married John Church 24 April 1741, d. 28 August 1812
(20) Mary Montague (1721), b. 8 November 1721, she married Jonathan Ingram 24 October 1743, d. 2 February 1808

He was born on 16 March 1684 in Hadley, Hampshire County, Massachusetts. He was the son of John Montague and Hannah Smith. Richard Montague moved 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. The inventory of his estate was taken on 3 January 1752 at Wethersfield, Connecticut. Abigail died on 9 May 1753.

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. He was born in May 1690 in Hadley, Hampshire county, Massachusetts. He married Mary Hubbard on 15 December 1715. She was born on 11 January 1694 in Hatfield, Hampshire, Massachusetts. They settled in South Hadley in May 1719. At this time a few families from Hadley settled 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."

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."" Peter died in about 1749 in South Hadley. 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. He died in 1745 at the siege of Louisbourg in Canada where he served under the command of 'old' Seth Pomeroy of Northampton. He apparently had no children.

Anita's G-G-G-G-G-Grandfather. He was born on 17 November 1724 in South Hadley, Massachusetts. He married Sarah Graves of Sunderland, Massachusetts on 22 September 1748. She was born on 9 February 1726, the daughter of Jonathan Graves and Mary Janes. Much of the information on the family comes from the "History of Hadley, Massachusetts 1863."

Given the title of Captain, Moses commanded a company of Minutemen at the Lexington Alarm of 19 April 1775 in Colonel Ruggles Woodbridge's regiment. He entered service on 20 April 1775, serving for 15 2/3 days.

Moses apparently served alongside his cousin, Captain Caleb Montague, in the summer of 1777. This would have been during General Burgoyne's campaign that ended in his defeat at Saratoga. There are indications that Moses and Caleb fought at the Battle of Bennington in August 1777, described below.

Colonel Woodbridge’s regiment was at the Battle of Saratoga in 1777. John, Uriel, and William Montague were all privates in his regiment at the battle, John and William in Captain Samuel Cook’s company, and Uriel in Captain Moses Harvey’s company raised to reinforce the “Northern” army. Peter Montague was in Colonel Ezra May’s regiment, in Captain Oliver Lyman’s company. Moses was not listed as a participant in this battle at the official web site, though "Captain Moses Montague's Company" is repeatedly referenced.

Moses was commissioned on 28 May 1778 as Captain of the 2nd Company of Colonel Elisha Porter's 4th Hampshire county regiment of Massachusetts militia. I don't know why he was called up. There was a small battle at Fall River on 25 May 1778 in which the local militia repulsed a British amphibious raide. That may have spurred this call-up.

Captain Montague was commanding his company from Hampshire in the summer and autumn of 1779 on service at New London, Connecticut. His company was in Colonel Israel Chapen's regiment. In July 1779 the British had raided New Haven, and burnt the towns of Fairfield and Norwalk. Moses' force was probably moved south in response. More famously, on 6 September 1781 a British force under the command of the traitor Benedict Arnold raided New London, burning and looting the port.

He also served in the Second Hampshire County Regiment commanded by Colonel Israel Chapin from 13 October to 21 November 1779. In this regiment he saw service of 1 month and 16 days, at Claverack, including 6 days (120 miles) travel home. The regiment was raised to reinforce the Continental Army for 3 months. Note, I've also seen this referred to as "a northern expedition of the Second Hampshire Regiment to reinforce the Continental Army," but where and for what reason?

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

Anita's G-G-G-G-Grandfather and the eldest son of Moses Montague and Sarah Graves, he was born on 18 November 1751 in South Hadley, Hampshire county, Massachusetts. He married Mary Smith on 24 February 1778 in Hadley. She was born on 21 July 1754 in Hadley, the daughter of Deacon David Smith and Hannah Willard. After his marriage he moved his family to Westhampton, a village some miles to the west, on the other side of the Connecticut river. Hadley, South Hadley, Sunderland, Montague and Westhampton are all small towns in western Massachusetts, probably within a day’s ride of each other.

Didn't he serve during the Revolution?

The first Federal census of Westhampton, Hampshire county, Massachusetts in 1790 records a Peter Montague with two sons 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, Anita's forebear. I don't think Zenas has been well recorded because he left home early, moving on to Vermont, and died early in New York.

In the 1800 census of Westhampton is Peter Montague. In his household are 1 boy under 10, name unknown, and one 10 to 15 years old, David, and one man 45 and over. Peter was 49 at the time. Women in the house included 1 girl 10 to 15, 1 16 to 25 and woman 45 and over. Zenas, 22, had already left home and was living in Vermont.

In the 1820 census of Westhampton is Peter Montague. In Peter Jr.'s household were 1 boy 10 to 16, name unknwon, and a man 45 and over. Women included 1 girl 16 t0 26 and a woman 45 and over. His son, David, lived next door.

On 24 September 1822 Peter Montague died in Westhamnpton. There is a tombstone in the Westhampton grave yard with an inscription, "Mr. Peter Montague, d. 24 Sep 1822, age 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 b. 16 MAR 1781 Westhampton, Mass., d. MAY 1791
(22) Martha Montague, b. 23 MAR 1783 Westhampton, Mass
(22) Patty Montague (1783)
(22) Mary Montague, b. 22 OCT 1785 Westhampton, Mass
(22) David Montague (1786)
(22) Calvin Montague, b. 17 DEC 1790 Westhampton, Mass., d. 9 FEB 1873 Westhampton, Mass

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. He was born on 12 December 1778 in Westhampton, Hampshire county, Massachusetts - from "History and Genealogy of the Montague Family of America." That's nine and a half months after Peter Montague married Mary Smith on 24 February 1778.

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.

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. Unfortunately, I've recently found the following in the records of the Congregational Church of Ruthland, Vermont,

Zenas Montague April 1801 Died

Zenas married Abigail Owen in about 1802. She was born in Windham, Connecticutt 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," or 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

Their first child, a daughter, Cynthia, was born on 22 September 1803 in Orwell.

Zenas settled for a time in Orwell, where his son David Owen Montague was born in 1805. Orwell is about 15 miles northwest of Rutland. Zenas was 27 years old at the time. By 1809 he had moved further north, settling in Bridport, Vermont, where his second son, Peter Ross Montague was born. Both of these towns are near Lake Champlain, which is to the west.

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, 4, 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, 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. There is no indication what the cause of his death may have been. Interestingly, a Zenas Montague Phelps was born in Westhampton, Massachusetts in 1811. Could the elder Mr. Phelps have been a friend of Peter's who named his son in honor of Peter's dead one?

By 1812 his widow, Abigail, 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. I assume David Owen came along as well. This completed a trek from northern Vermont, across the entire state of New York.

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, and another 60 to 70 years old, Ezra I suppose. Note that David Owen had already married in 1829 and was 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)
plus two daughters, names unknown.

Or Cynthia. She was born on 22 September 1803 in Orwell, Vermont. She married Roland [Rowland] Strong on 30 November 1826 in Westhampton, Massachusetts [?]. Rowland was born on 28 June 1801 in Westhampton, the son of Amasa Strong and Rhoda Bartlett. They had two sons, Zenas Montague Strong, born on 19 July 1828 in Westhampton, and Edward Strong. Cynthia died on 11 November 1861 in Ohio. Rowland died on 10 August 1865, also in Ohio. - from "Descendants of John Owen of Windsor, Connecticut" and "newenglandgenealogy.pcplayground.com."

Another reference, "The History of the descendants of Elder John Strong, of Northampton, Mass.," refers to her as the "adopted dau. of David Montague of Westhampton, Mass.)." That would be (22) David Montague (1786), Zenas' younger brother. Cynthia would have been 7 years old at her father's death and was apparently sent back to live with the family in Westhampton at that time, perhaps as a money saving measure.

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

Anita's G-G-Grandfather, the eldest son of Zenas Montague. All the descending lines of David's family end in females, the Montague name dying out. He was born in Orwell, Vermont on 31 July 1805. 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.

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. At this point David moved with his mother and younger brother to Middlebury, Genesee county, New York. At some point his mother married Ezra Bisby and the family moved yet again, in 1824, to Mina, Chatauqua county, in western New York.

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."

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.

At some time between 1841, when David's son Zenas Winthrop was born, and 1845, when his second son Adoniram was born, David moved his family to from Mina to Jackson county, Iowa. Jackson county is in eastern Iowa, on the Mississippi river.

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.

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 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.

She 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. Harriet and Caleb were living in Lyons, Clinton county, Iowa at the time of the 1880 census. Caleb died on 30 September 1900 in Los Angeles, California. Harriet followed him on 30 November 1911.

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 - 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. He married Ida Theressa Louisa Noble on 20 May 1863 in Wayne county, Michigan. This would have been near Detroit. I don't know why the marriage took place there nor how Zenas would have met the lady. Is it possible that Zenas did serve in the Army and met Ida while his unit was in Michigan? I think it more likely that this was a business trip. Perhaps Ida was the daughter of a client.

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 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."

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.

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.

At some point after 1900 Zenas made another move, but this one was a big one. He ended up in 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.

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' 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.

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)

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 married Moses Thompson of Middlebury, New York. She died in California on 14 February 1882.

The younger brother of David Owen Montague. He was born on 3 July 1809 in Bridport, Vermont [or Syracuse, New York?]. "History of Chautauqua County, New York" indicates this was Bradford, Vermont, but underscores that his parents were Zenas Montague and Abigail Owen. Bridport is about 10 miles north of Orwell. I like to think that Peter's name helps substantiates, in some small way, the link with his presumed grandfather, (21) Peter Montague, however I wonder where his middle name, Ross, came from? Much of the information that follows comes from the Chautauqua county, New York Bios Forum, "History of Chautauqua Co NY," 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], who settled on “the farm where Mr. Montague now resides.”

He was one of the earliest settlers to Mina. He came to this town in April 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."

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. They were married for 56 years and lived in Mina their entire lives. 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."

He passed peacefully away at his home in Mina on 18 October 1896 at the advanced age of 87 years 3 months, his wife preceding him by 5 years when she died on 19 September 1891. He was confined to his bed only 2 days.

The Mina Corners Cemetary has 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 1