Jerry and Linda Butler

Oscar W. Montgomery was called to go to WW I. En route to report for military service, he received news of the war ending. He had reached Lexington, TN at which point he turned around and returned home.

Oscar, son of the late Bob and Martha Montgomery, and Euda, daughter of the late Bob and Adeline McClure Lancaster, were married on Feb 1, 1919 in Decatur County, by V. A. Lancaster. Their first home was the Ike White place.

To this union seven children were born: Two died at birth. Mary Lynn, along with mother and daddy, moved to the Red Walnut Community where they farmed - raising corn, cotton and some cattle. W. R., Nealous and Melba were born to this union. Two children attended Red Walnut country school. Teacher was Mr. Steve Eason. Mr. Guy Butler boarded in Oscar and Euda's home and taught at Red Walnut.

In 1929 Oscar and Euda bought some land and the Smith home place. (The owner was killed in a mill accident.) They farmed, raised cotton, corn, hay, hogs and some cattle.

On Feb. 18, 1930, Harold was born. Others that were old enough attended school at Union Hall. Mr. Jesse, his wife Lillie Tucker, Guy Kennedy, Marie Harrell, Weldon Welch, Grady Averette, Nellie Tuten and others taught school.

On Nov. 1, 1931, Euda died. Oscar kept all five children together. He continued to farm. Many can relate to the years of the 30's. In the late 30's, Oscar married Lona Mayo - daughter Betty Ann was born.

August 6, 1942, Oscar and Harvey Johnson were elected Decatur County Commissioners. Later, Oscar operated a country grocery store on Hwy. 114.

Mary married Carl Butler, Jr. on Nov. 28, 1943. Carl was inducted into Army Air Force, June 13, 1944 - 1946 in Goose Bay Labrador. He was employed 31 years with Kaddis Mfg. Corp. before retiring. They have three children: Jerry, Larry and Betty, and two grandchildren.

W. R. was inducted into the Navy, 1944-1946, in the South Pacific. After discharge, he married Lucy Johnson - five children: Peggy, Linda, Vincent, Kathy and Alan; and eight grandchildren. He was a farmer and mill operator. W. R. died June 6, 1987.

Nealous entered the Army and served his country, 1944 to 1946, serving several months in Europe. After discharge, he married Geneva Keeton - five children were born: Jimmy, Bobby, Gary, Donnie and Pamela, and seven grandchildren. Nealous, Gary and Donnie have been active in timber and sawmill business.

Melba married Frank Martin - one son Keith and three grandchildren. Frank served in the US Navy on the USS Prairie, then was stationed at San Diego CA, 1948-1953. After his discharge, he became active in timber and sawmill operations.

Harold volunteered for the Air Force and served four years (European Theater) 1951-1955. He married Geneva Flatt - three children: Ann, Kay and Johnny; and five grandchildren. After retiring from the state, he does cedar furniture, etc.

Betty married Jack Jordan - five children: Sharon, Elaine, Jackie, Melonie, and Timmy; and nine grandchildren. He went into the Air Force for several months. Jack and Betty live in Sevierville, TN. They are employed with the Sevier County Nursing Home.

Due to bad health, Oscar died Jan. 28, 1968

Lona was active in her church after retiring from Salant. She kept busy with her hobbies until her death on March 29, 1973.

[The 1920 census shows Stanley L. Smith living in District 1, Decatur Co. TN. Stanley (3 Jul 1890 - 21 May 1924) is buried at Decaturville City Cemetery. He seems to likely be the owner of the Smith home place that died in the mill accident. David Donahue noted that he is probably son of Laura J. Stout Smith and L. T. Smith whose markers are to the north and husband of Clara V. Smith whose marker is to the south. Clara V. Smith is Clara Vise, daughter of James Little Vise. Stanley and Clara Smith had one son James Leonard Smith. In the 1930 census, Clara V. and James L. Smith are living in the James L. Vise household.]

• source: Decatur County History and Families, 1920 census, 1930 census, Sarah Vise.