My Genealogy Hound

D. C. Montgomery is a man well remembered in Batesville, and one with whom many of the old landmarks of that city are associated. He was born in Guilford County, N. C., in 1810, and was reared and educated at that place. Upon reaching his maturity he learned the carpenter’s trade, and after becoming proficient in that, moved to the State of Illinois, where he followed his avocation of carpentering for some years. He next moved to Missouri, and there formed the acquaintance of Urban E. Fort, at one time a well-known and popular citizen of Independence County, and from him learned of the opportunities offered in Batesville. He came to that place in 1840, and, after a few years’ residence, was one of its most prosperous and enterprising young mechanics. It was here that he met his first wife, Miss Pheamster, by whom he had one child, who died in infancy, and was shortly afterwards followed by the mother. In 1859 he was married to Miss Mary A. Rutherford, a sister of ex-State Senator Rutherford, but had no children by this wife. In time, Mr. Montgomery became the leading carpenter and contractor in Batesville, and many of the old buildings were erected by him and his then young associates, George Case, Samuel B. Wycough and Thomas Wamac. At the close of the war, or about 1867, he moved to his late residence, some six miles from Batesville, where he led a quiet and easy existence up to the time of his death. He was one of the thirteen persons who formed the organization of the Presbyterian Church in Batesville, many years ago, all of whom have since died, and he was one of the leading spirits in all public enterprises. Mr. Montgomery was one of the few men who were not afraid to express their candid opinion on political or religious subjects, and in every case his views were correct and judgment good. He held a high place in the hearts of his fellow-citizens, and out of the entire community it would have been impossible to pick his enemy. During the war he was appointed postmaster at Batesville, and previous thereto was elected, through his own merits, to the legislature for five successive terms, and filled the position honorably. Mr. Montgomery helped to build the first house in Hughes’ addition to Batesville, and had no superiors in his trade. He left no children at his death, but his widow still survives him, and resides on the home farm, where she owns some 300 acres of land, with about 100 acres under cultivation, and which is creditably managed by her brother, James Rutherford. Many of the citizens of Batesville have passed away to their eternal sleep, but none have ever left a void in the hearts of their fellowmen as did Mr. Montgomery, who, although his form has departed forever from the gaze of loving friends, his name still lingers, and will last in their memory as long as life remains in the community.