Jerry and Linda Butler

Robert Eason is believed to be the son of Mary Montgomery and an Eason man. Mary and the Eason man were never married. Following Mary's death, Robert lived with Montgomery relatives for several years and worked floating flat boats to New Orleans. He was also a partner with his brother Joe Calvin Montgomery in land holdings in Decatur Co. TN. Robert used the Montgomery surname as late as 1870 but his Civil War enlistment used the Eason surname.

J. B. Bell's research indicates that Stephen Eason and Elizabeth Bennett are the parents of Robert Eason. This may be the case but I have been unable to find any collaborating evidence. I am tentatively connecting Robert Eason as the son of Mary Montgomery while I continue my research.

In the 1870 census, Rob't Montgomery, age 26, is living in the Bird Newman household "working on flat boats". In the 1880 census, Robert Eason, cousin, age 28 is living in the Hugh F. Montgomery household. The ages on these two Roberts don't match Robert Montgomery exactly but they are believed to be the same person. In the 1880 census, Robert Eason is living in the household of his cousin, Hugh F. Montgomery. The age for Robert is shown as 28 which doesn't match Robert William Eason. We are continuing research to determine if these two Robert Easons are the same person.

On November 10, 1883, J. C. Montgomery and Robert W. Eason purchased three tracts of land totalling 201.5 acres from W. W. Butler and wife E. J. Butler; C. C. Butler and wife M. E. Butler for $600. The land was located on Lime Kiln Branch and Rushings Creek in Decatur Co. TN. One of the tracts containing 52.5 acres was later sold to M. A. White on November 29, 1889 for $157.

• volume 11, Decatur County Deed Books

Robert walked into Henderson, Tennessee some miles from his home to join the Confederate Army as a private. He served throughout the conflict and was in the battle of Shilo[h]. After the war he became engaged in floating timber to New Orleans. Later he made connections with a spaniard by name of Armadillo who purchased finished oak barrel stays[sic] and hickory rings for export to Spain. At one time Robert became quite wealthy and regularly carried a fleet of 'flatboats' to New Orleans where he not only sold his lumber products, but disposed of his 'flat boats' at a profit to the citizens of New Orleans as lumber to built their homes. He made his way back to Tennessee after each trip on foot on the 'Natchez Trace.'

• Isaac Eason, Sr., Two and one-half Centuries of American Descendants, J. B. Bell, 1984

Widow Name: Eason, Emeline Kizzie
Husband: Eason, Robert W.
Pension #: W9342 County: Decatur
UTM Microfilm Box #: UTM1183
State Microfilm Box #: w50

Name: Eason, R.W.
Pension #: S11791 County: Decatur Unit: 52nd Inf.
UTM Microfilm Box #: UTM1285
State Microfilm Box #: s82