Larimer County, History of Colorado, BIOS: MONTGOMERY, Thomas J. (published 1918)
***********************************************************************
USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any
format for profit or presentation by other organization or persons.
Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain
the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative
of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof
of this consent.  The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb 
Archives to store the file permanently for free access.
***********************************************************************
File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by
Maggie Stewart-Zimmerman
http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00015.html#0003643
September 9, 1999
***********************************************************************

"History of Colorado", edited by Wilbur Fisk Stone, published by The S. J. 
Clarke Publishing Co. (1918)  Vol. II

p. 171-172



THOMAS J. MONTGOMERY.

	Thomas J. Montgomery, engaged in the real estate, loan and 
insurance business at Fort Collins and actuated in all that he does by 
a spirit of enterprise that never stops short of the successful 
accomplishment of his purpose, comes to Colorado as a native son of 
Illinois, for his birth occurred in Macoupin county of the latter state 
on the 20th of September, 1849. His parents were John and Mercy 
(Loveland) Montgomery, natives of Illinois and Connecticut 
respectively. The father took up the occupation of farming in Madison 
county, Illinois, where he was born, but when he attained his majority 
he removed to Macoupin county, where he purchased land and developed 
and improved a farm, continuing its cultivation throughout his 
remaining days. He also received a section of land from his father and 
was one of the most prominent and extensive agriculturists of Macoupin 
county. He died in December, 1891, having for more than a quarter of a 
century survived his wife, who passed away in February, 1864.

	Thomas J. Montgomery, spending his youthful days under the 
parental roof, was early trained to the work of the fields during 
vacation periods. His education was acquired in the public schools of 
his native county and he early began working on the farm with his 
father.

	In the spring of 1866 he removed to the west with an uncle, 
locating first at Golden, Colorado. There he engaged in clerking in the 
store of Mr. W. A. H. Loveland, with whom he remained until 1867, where 
he also maintained a telegraph office in his store. In the spring of 
1867 he was called to Fort Sedgwick, Colorado, as an operator for the 
Western Union Telegraph Company. He was later transferred from Fort 
Sedgwick to Mud Springs in the western part of Nebraska, and he 
continued there until fall, when the telegraph station was abandoned at 
that point and he was again called to Fort Sedgwick, being placed in 
charge of the office known as the old California Crossing, about fifty 
miles from Julesburg. Three months later he secured a position as night 
operator at what was known as Alkali Station but is now Paxton, 
Nebraska. In the spring of 1868 he was transferred to Cheyenne, then 
the terminus of the Union Pacific Railroad, and remained there in the 
employ of that corporation until the winter of 1870, when he returned 
to Illinois. He then remained at home for a time or until 1877. During 
these years he worked for awhile as telegraph operator for the old 
North Missouri Railroad Company, now known as the Wabash Line. In 1877 
he again became a resident of Colorado, going to Longmont, Boulder 
county, where he was assistant agent for what is now the Colorado & 
Southern Railroad. He occupied that position until October, when he was 
sent to Fort Collins, then the terminus of the Colorado Central. He 
opened the office at Port Collins and continued to act as station agent 
and telegraph operator until July, 1881, when he resigned in order to 
turn his attention to the grain, feed, coal and farm implement 
business, entering into partnership with A. J. Ames and David Patton 
under the firm style of Ames, Patton & Montgomery. At the fall election 
of 1881 Mr. Montgomery was chosen county clerk and recorder of Larimer 
county, at which time he disposed of his interest in the business to 
his partners and on the 1st of January, 1882, assumed the duties of his 
new position. He continued in that office until January, 1886, having 
in the meantime been reelected. With his retirement from the position 
he turned his attention to the live stock business, in which he engaged 
for four years, and on selling his stock ranch he again took up his 
abode in Fort Collins, where he embarked in the real estate, loan and 
insurance business, in which he has since been engaged.

	In February, 1874, Mr. Montgomery was married to Miss Addie 
Eberman and to them were born two sons but the elder, Thomas, died in 
June, 1880, at the age of six years. The younger, Hugh L. Montgomery, 
is now assistant to the general manager of the American Gas & Electric 
Company of New York city. The wife and mother passed away in October, 
1892, and in January, 1899, Mr. Montgomery was again married, his 
second union being with Helen E. Lunn, who was called to her final rest 
in November, 1904.

	Mr. Montgomery has always voted with the democratic party and in 
1902 he served in the special session of the legislature of the 
thirteenth general assembly. He is well known as a loyal representative 
of the Masonic craft, belonging to the lodge, chapter, commandery and 
Eastern Star, and in his life he exemplifies the beneficent spirit of 
the order. He has long made his home in the west and has ever been 
interested in its upbuilding and development, much of which he has 
witnessed. Colorado has indeed found in him a loyal supporter and one 
who has put forth every effort in its behalf.