John A. Montague
Dec. 28, 1841-Jan. 30, 1903
Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Friday, January 30, 1903, page 2, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library
CAPT. MONTAGUE WAS WIDELY KNOWN
Sudden and Unexpected Demise of Mrs. Walter A. Noble This Morning
John A. Montague passed away last evening at 7:30 o'clock at his home on North Fourth street, after an extended illness, he having been confined to the house for a period of upwards of three months. When it became known a week ago that he was dangerously ill, those who knew him in his former rugged strength and vigor were not only anxious, but apprehensive, for they were sure it was no trifling matter. It was soon learned that Mr. Montague was sinking gradually, despite all efforts to counteract his disease, and the worst fears were realized last evening when he sank peacefully into the dreamless sleep.
Sketch of his Life
John A. Montague was born in Conneautville, Crawford county, Pas., Dec. 25, 1841. While a young man he held a position in the postal department at Washington, and at the breaking out of the civil war, he enlisted and went into the fight as 1st. Lieutenant of the 137th Pennsylvania Regular Volunteers. His ability, courage and intrepidity on the field soon won recognition and he was promoted to the captaincy of the 56th Pennsylvania Regular Volunteers, which office he filled in a most creditable manner.
In 1867 the deceased came to Niles, and since that time had been continuously engaged in the hardware business. His mercantile career was characterized by earnest, intense and untiring work. He was distinguished for ability and character.
Such men are not found in every hamlet, nor yet in every city. Indeed, too few of them are found among the millions. He was notably a man of character, and when we say this we do not mean merely that he was honest in his dealings; that he got what he to honestly. Most men do that. We mean that he had characteristics; that his was a personality standing out in bold relief, and not to be lost to view as a unit in the mass.
John A. Montague had no religion if by religion we mean adherence to any church or cult, but he was deeply religious in the deeper and broader sense. His religion was to do his duty as he saw it and let the consequences take care of themselves. Above all things he believed in one world at a time:
That the way from world to world
Lies o'er the finished business of a world'
Duties undone and functions unperformed
Fasten regrets u[upon the memory,
Soul wearying burdens. No place is so fit.
Nor time so opportune, nor need so great
To do earth's duties upon the earth.
So believing he lived his life and met death fearlessly. From the time that he took to his bed he believed that the end was near, but he was ready.
Fraternally the deceased was identified with St. Joseph Valley Lodge, No. 4, F.&A.M.; St. Joseph Valley chapter, No. 2, R.A.M.; Niles Commandery No. 12, Knights Templar and K.O.T.M., No. 90.
The deceased is survived by a widow; one son, Charles M. Montague; one brother, W.H. Montague, of Conneautville, Pas., and two sisters, Mrs. J. Balard, of Cambridge Springs, Pa., and Mrs. T.D. Irwin, of Conneautville, Pa.
Funeral Announcement
The funeral will take place from the home on Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, under the auspices of the Blue Lodge of Masons, Rev. C.J. DeCoux officiating. Interment at Silver Brook.
Niles Republican (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Thursday, February 5, 1903, page 5, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library
The funeral of the late Capt. John A. Montague was held at his residence on Fourth street yesterday at 2:30 p.m. The Rev. J.C. DeCoux was the officiating minister and a prayer was offered by the Rev. Dr. J.G. Lowrie. Two sets of bearers bore the remains, one consisting of Masons and the other of Mr. Montague's four employes. The service at the grave was conducted by the Masons, James M. Babcock, as acting Worshipful Master, read the ritual. W.H. Montague, of Conneautville, Pa., a brother of the deceased, and Mr. and Mrs. Bolard, of Cambridge Springs, attended the funeral.