The first Montgomery settlers in this area were David and Hugh Montgomery. Both are listed in the 1830 census and the only Montgomery's in what was then Perry County (Decatur County then being part of Perry County).
I believe Hugh was David's son. In 1830, David was 59 years old. He was born in 1771 in what was then Tennessee Territory. I do not know when David died, but he was still living in 1850 being 79 years old and the head of a household. Those mentioned being in his family were:
Harriet - 48 years old - born in South Carolina
J. G. - 20 years old - born in North Carolina
Susan - 15 years old - born in Tennessee
Nancy - 13 years old - born in Tennessee
Hannah - 6 years old - born in Tennessee
J. G. Montgomery is Josiah Grantvil Montgomery, better know as Grant. At this point, there are several questions I cannot answer. In the 1830 census, David is listed as living in Tennessee, yet J. G. was born in 1830 in North Carolina. Some older people have told me that Grant was not David's son except by holding (adoption).
Note:
DNA comparison of Montgomery family members has confirmed that Josiah Grantvil Montgomery was indeed the adopted son of David Montgomery.
Grant married Parthena Temple between 1850 and 1854. Parthena was better know as Thena. She was an orphan, having one sister, Kissire Temple. In 1850, Parthena was living in the house of E. C. Britt. Kissire was living with Shadric Eason. They are the only Temple's listed in the Decatur County census in 1850.
Grant and Thena had 5 children:
Robert J. Montgomery - born 1854, died 1900 - (our great grandfather)
Addie Montgomery Tucker - mother of Jess and Ed Tucker
Harve Montgomery - grandfather of R. C. Montgomery
Laffayette (Fate) Montgomery - Moved to Weakley Co. and raised a family. Had twins Named Carley and Calley.
Martha J. Montgomery - died in 1863 being 2 yr. 11 mos. 29 days. Her marker is the only marker in the Montgomery Cemetery just off 114 highway near Red Walnut.
Grant served in the Union Army during the Civil War. On his return, it was reported that a man had mistreated his family. Grant immediately rode to the man's house where he was burning a brush pile. Grant shot him and he fell into the fire.
Robert Montgomery (better known as Little Bob) married Martha Walker Feb. 28, 1878 by W. H. Morgan. They had 11 children.
Nora Montgomery – married Walter Brasher
Fate Montgomery – married Mertie Brasher, Jennie Adair
Arthur Montgomery – married Allie Bingham, Allie Redden
Mally Montgomery – married Fonny Holland
Mexie Montgomery – married Robert Cecil Brasher
Ack Montgomery – unmarried
Curry Montgomery – married Roxie Horton
Mertie Montgomery – married Ike Phillips
Hester Montgomery – married Ben Brasher
Oscar Montgomery – married Eudie Lancaster, Lona Mayo
Lura Montgomery – unmarried
Robert died in 1900. He and Martha were married about 22 years. They had 11 children.
There is an interesting story about the Temple's. There were three girls and one boy. I do not know the boy's name but Parthena and Kissire's sister's name was Mary Anne. She married a Williams near Jackson. They had a son named Timothy.
The father left the 3 girls with different families while he and the son went west. He was to return for the 3 girls. He nor his son was ever heard from again.
This was given to me, Paul Montgomery, by Mrs. Myrtle Hardin.
- compiled by Paul Montgomery