"Uncle Fan" Montgomery Dies at His Home at Cone Citizens of the entire Plaines county were made sad Monday when the word wafted forth that "Uncle Fan" Montgomery died. The death angel came at the noon hour, relieving Uncle Fan of intensive suffering which had gripped his body for many days.
W.F. Montgomery was born in Tuskeegee, Alabama, February 14, 1841, moving with his parents to Harrison county, Texas, when he was two years of age. When ten years old he moved to Wood county, Texas (now Rains County) where he resided until he moved to Crosby county about 22 years ago. He served as sheriff of Rains county for two terms and was known far and wide for his fearless and just enforcement of law and order.
On November 4th, 1856, he married to Miss Katheryne Rains, a daughter of Judge Emory Rains, prominent pioneer citizen of that county. To this union six children were born, five of whom live to mourn his departure: W.W. Montgomery of Electra, Texas; P.R., F.C., and J.W. Montgomery of Point, Texas, and Mrs. Julia Arrington of Point, Texas.
On May 3rd, 1903, he was married to Mrs. Mary Bell, sister of citizens C.N., John and Lige English. This good woman survives to mourn with his children the death of this good husband and father. Uncle Fan served throughout the Civil War in the 3rd Texas Calvary in General Rosser's Brigade. Only one living soldier of this brigade is now living. Uncle Fan distinguished himself in the war as a valiant fighter for what he deemed a "just cause". In fact, Uncle Fan Montgomery made a "real hand" at whatever he undertook.
He was one of the very best men who ever resided in Crosby county. He came here in pioneer days when it took a "real man" to stick it out. He worked unceasingly and tirelessly toward the development of this great Plains county, contributing more than his part at every opportunity in advancing religion, education, and modern civilization. To him and other stawart pioneers, we owe a momentous debt of gratitude for the able and efficient manner employed in building here one of the greatest counties in existence.
Uncle Fan served as county tax assessor for two terms, being faithful to the trust and efficient. Everybody that knew Uncle Fan loved him. He was ever in a good humor, looking on the bright side of life and met his fellows with a smile and a funny story. He enjoyed living and did his best to make others happy. He was a friend to everybody, always anxious to serve his fellows, his county, state, or nation with the best there was in him. He was indeed a GOOD man and what more can be said of anyone? Funeral services were held at the Cone Baptist Church Tuesday afternoon, the Methodist Church being too small to accomdate the great crowd of friends who gathered to pay last respects to one, the admired. The funeral procession to the Cone Cemetery was perhaps the longest in history of that community. Rev. M.S. Leveridge and J.M. Harder officiated at the service, paying glowing tributes to the life of the deceased. The Masonic lodge took charge from the church and honored their distinguished brother with an impressive ceremony. Active pallbearers were: A.B. Robertson, J. Edd McLaughlin, F.L. Robbins, M. Wideman, W.C. Henry and P.B. Ralls; honorary pallbearers were: G.J. Ragle, C.W. Sargent, J.H. Noble, F.M. Reed, M.T. Travis andf John D. Thomason.
The Banner man feels a keen loss in the death of Uncle Fan. He was our friend, always had nice things to say about us and we greatly enjoyed many long talks with him in our office and on the street. We believe we have a better insight to "pleasantness" by having been associated with him. His conversation radiated with mirth and raught us most that "gloom" is imaginary and thast it's just as easy to see the silver lining as it is dark clouds. He was that kind of a fellow and we are glad to have known him. We sympathize with the wife and children in their loss.
©The Rains County Leader, June 11, 1926
transcribed by Elaine Bay
 |
Crosby County TXGenWeb Project
|
This site may be freely linked to but not duplicated in any fashion without my consent.
The information on these pages is meant for personal genealogical research only and is not for commercial use of ANY type.
