My Genealogy Hound

ISAAC MONTGOMERY. In every department of activity, Steeleville has its leading emporium, and unquestionably the mercantile establishment owned and managed by Mr. Montgomery should be ranked with the best of its kind. Since coming to this place in 1887, he has identified himself closely with the business interests of the town and county, and is universally recognized as a man of superior executive ability and excellent judgment.

A native of Indiana, Mr. Montgomery was born in Gibson County, February 26, 1823, and is a son of Thomas and Catherine (Teel) Montgomery. The maternal ancestors were originally from Tennessee. The grandfather came from Perthshire, Scotland, and settled in Culpeper Court House, Va. He took part with the Colonies in the Revolutionary War. The father of our subject was with General Harrison in the War of 1812, in the west against the Indians. He was born in Culpeper Court House, Va., removing thence to the north, and in an early day settled in Indiana, where he continued to reside until death. Having located in that state during the pioneer days, the family experienced all the hardships and privations incident to life upon the frontier, and the children enjoyed limited advantages, their time being devoted to the labor of clearing and cultivating the land.

Amid such surroundings, it is needless to say that the subject of this sketch had few opportunities to attend school, nor did he enjoy the many other advantages which the girls and boys of this generation consider a necessity. With the exception of three months’ attendance at school, his time was devoted to farm work, and he early acquired familiarity with agricultural pursuits. His father dying when he was a youth of eighteen, he and his brothers afterward took charge of the farm, which they operated for a number of years.

In 1845, Mr. Montgomery disposed of his interests in Gibson County and removed to Franklin County, Ill., and purchasing land near Benton, engaged in farming there for a period of thirty-five years. During that time he accumulated a comfortable fortune, and also became well known as a man of integrity, energy and progressive spirit. As above stated, he came to Steeleville in 1887, and embarked in the mercantile business, in which he has since been actively engaged. Though now somewhat advanced in years, his mental faculties are as keen as when in life’s prime, and his health is unimpaired.

The first marriage of Mr. Montgomery occurred in 1845, and united him with Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Jackson Armstrong, of Gibson County, Ind. Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery became the parents of twelve children, six of whom died in infancy. W. P. married Miss Eva Naylor, and is a postal clerk of the Illinois Central Railroad; Louisa, the widow of John McCasland, resides in Ashland, Kan.; Henry married Bessie Orsborne, and resides in No Man’s Land; Mary is the wife of Simeon Allmon, and resides at Benton, Ill.; and John is now a student in Ewing College. October 23, 1887, Mrs. Elizabeth Montgomery passed away.

August 21, 1888, Mr. Montgomery married Mrs. Annie (Brashear) Courtney, the daughter of John W. and Mary G. (Spencer) Brashear, of Pennsylvania, In their religious connections, Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. In national affairs he is a Republican, but in local matters he is conservative, voting for the candidate whom he deems best qualified for the position, irrespective of political ties. During the late war he enlisted, in October, 1862, as a member of Company F, Fifteenth Illinois Cavalry, and was in active service for three years, being mustered out at Helena, Ark., in 1865. Alike in times of peace and war, he has been faithful to his duties as a citizen, and has contributed to the advancement of all public-spirited measures.