Helen I. Montague
Aug. 11, 1849-Sept. 22, 1929

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Monday, September 23, 1929, page 1, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

DEATH CLOSES LONG LIFE OF A PIONEER, MRS. H.I. MONTAGUE
Wife of Early Hardware Merchant and Mother of C.M. Montague Dies

Mrs. Helen I. Montague, mother of Charles M. Montague and a resident of Niles for the eighty years of her life passed away at her home at 317 North Fourth street Sunday afternoon after an illness lasting since May. Mrs. Montague's death removes another name from the thinning ranks of Niles pioneers and writes finis to the close of a life that has been actively connected with church, civic and social activities during the span of years that has brought many a marked changed in this community.

Mrs. Helen I (Johnson) Montague was born in Niles on August 11, 1849. Her father Alfred W. Johnson was one of the pioneer builders and contractors in Niles, locating here in the early '40s. In 1873 she was marred to John A. Montague, who had located in Niles as a hardware merchant and implement dealer at the close of the Civil war. One son, Charles M. Montague, survives his mother. Mr. Montague, survives his mother. Mr. Montague, since the death of his father in 1903, has continued the operation of the hardware store founded by his father in the late '60s first under the name of Kirk & Montague and under (Continued on Page Two) . . .the style of John A. Montague.

One sister Mrs. Orson McKay of Chicago and one brother, Charles A. Johnson also of Chicago survive Mrs. Montague. Alfred H. Johnson, purchasing agent of the National Standard company in Niles is a nephew and Mrs. Benjamin F. Bonslett of Chicago is a niece.

Funeral services will be held at the home at 317 N. Fourth street on Tuesday afternoon at 2 p.m. The Rev. W. Keith Chidester, rector of Trinity Episcopal church will conduct the services. Burial will be in the Montague family plot in Silver Brook cemetery.

Mrs. Montague was a member of the Niles chapter Order of Eastern Star and was the last charter member of the Ladies Reading club. She had been an active member of the Trinity Episcopal church and of the women's guilds of that church.

Mrs. Montague was in the Iroquois theater in Chicago in 1904 when the fire broke out [illegible] the theater and when several hundred people perished in the flames. Mrs. Montague was severely burned and for many weeks her condition was considered grave.

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Tuesday, September 24, 1929, page 4, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

Niles News In Brief: FUNERAL MRS. MONTAGUE

Funeral services for Mrs. Helen I. Montague were held this afternoon in the home at 317 North Fourth street. The Rev. W. Keith Chidester read the ritualistic service of the Episcopal church, Mrs. Montague having been a life-long member of Trinity Episcopal church. The following were pallbearers: Harry l. Fox, Arthur G. Stone, Harold D. Laberteaux, B.F. Bird, Joseph Troost and S.B. White. Burial was made in the family lot in Silver Brook cemetery. Among the relatives from out of the city here for the services were Mr. and Mrs. Orsen McKay, Mr. and Mrs. M. Benjamin Bonslett and Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Johnson of Chicago.

Jessie A. Montague
Oct. 16, 1875-April 25, 1955

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Tuesday, April 26, 1955, page 2, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

Mrs. Jessie A. Mnotague[sic], wife of the late C.M. Montague, Niles pioneer hardware merchant, was found dead in her home at 323 North Fourth Street late this morning.

Death was caused by a coronary condition and probably occurred Monday mroning[sic], Dr. Russell Vastine Jr., Berrien County coroner, said after an examination of the body. No investigation will be held, he said.

Friends living nearby called police when they were unable to enter the house. Police broke into the house and found the woman dead.

A neighbor woman said she had talked with Mrs. Montague at 8 a.m. Monday and believed this was the last time anyone had talked to her. Mrs. Montague had not been in good health for some time, she said.

The only known survivor is a niece, Mrs. Leona Beall of Shrewsbury, Mass., who was reported en route here after receiving word of her aunt's death. Mrs. Montague's' husband died in 1949.

Removal was made to the Pifer Funeral Home. Arrangements are incomplete.

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Tuesday, April 26, 1955, page 2, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday in Trinity Episcopal Church here for Mrs. Jessie A. Montague, 79, of 323 North Fourth Street, who died Monday after suffering a coronary attack. The Rev. John G. Carlton, rector, will officiate and burial will be in Silverbrook Cemetery.

Mrs. Montague, wife of the late C.M. Montague, Niles pioneer hardware merchant, was born Oct. 16, 1875, in Holyoke, Mass., and come to Niles in 1905 from Detroit. She was a member of Trinity Church and St. Agnes Guild of the church.

Her only survivor is a niece, Mrs. Leona Beall of Shrewsbury, Mass. Friends may call at the Pifer Funeral Home.

Charles Marion Montague
March 23, 1876-Sept. 9, 1949

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Saturday, September 10, 1949, page 2, col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library

C.M. Montague, 73, Dies Friday
Lifelong Nilesite Was Merchant Until 1932

Charles Marion Montague, 73, a hardware merchant in Niles for many years before his retirement in 1932, died at his home at 323 North Fourth street at 4:30 p.m. Friday after an illness of several years.

A lifelong resident of Niles, he was the son of Capt. and Mrs. John A. Montague, the former having established a hardware store here in 1867 after serving in the Civil war. Associated with his father for a number of years, he continued the business after his father's death until retirement in 1932.

Born in Niles March 23, 1876, the deceased attended Niles high school and graduated from the business administration department of Notre Dame university. He was a former alderman from Niles' first ward and was active for many years in community affairs.

In 1905, he was married to the former Jessie A. Worth in Chicago, who survives, as do two cousins, Alfred H. Johnson, of Barron lake, and Mrs. Mary Ross, of Pasadena, Calif.

He was a 32nd degree Mason, having been a member of the DeWitt Clinton consistory, and he also belonged to the Saladin temple, Order of the Mystic Shrine, the St. Joseph Valley Lodge No. 4, F. and A.M., and to the Niles Lodge of Elks.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:30 pm. Monday at Kiger's funeral home by the Rev. Perry D. Jones, rector of the Episcopal church. Committal services will be conducted at Silverbrook cemetery by the Masonic blue lodge, of which he was a life member.

Helen Mary Montague 
March 10, 1875-Feb. 27, 1903

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Saturday, February 28, 1903, page 2, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

SLEEPING IN PEACE
Sorrow Attendant Upon Visitation of “Angel of Death”
DEAR ONES ARE GONE

Mrs. Helen Montague Called Beyond While Still in the June of Life's Summer

MRS. HELEN MONTAGUE

Helen Mary Quimby, wife of Charles M. Montague, and daughter of the late Captain and Mrs. Quimby, passed away at her home on North Fourth street, Feb. 27, 1903. She was born at Fort Davis, Texas, March 10, 1875.

One year after the death of her father, in 1883, the family came to Niles, where they have since resided.

Mrs. Montague united with the Presbyterian church in 1896. She graduated from the Niles High school with the class of 1895 and in 1897 from the Michigan Seminary at Kalamazoo. She was married Sept. 20, 1899, to Charles M. Montague.

At the time of her death, she was president of the Seepewa Reading club. In this, as in every other work of her life, her bright intellect served her purpose well. Her force of character, her faculty of accomplishing any task assigned or chosen, her fine artistic capabilities were an inspiration for those who knew her best. Words are bu useless portrayals of a life which seemingly was all too short; yet stands well posed in the balance with those of many years. She cannot be forgotten. The influence of her happy, genial spirit will ever linger in the hearts and homes of hosts of friends.

Besides her husband, she leaves a brother and two sisters, Charles and Alice Quimby of this city and Mrs. Harry W. Cook of New York City.

The funeral services will be held from the late residence, Monday, March 2, at 2 p.m., Rev. J.G. Lowrie officiating. Interment will be at Silver Brook cemetery.

Niles Republican (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Thursday, March 5, 1903, page 1, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

HAND OF DEATH
Brings Sorrow into Three Homes in Niles

MONTAGUE

Entered into rest on February 27th, Helen Mary Quimby Montague. She was born at Fort Davis, Texas, March 10, 1875; graduated from Niles High School in 1865[sic] and from the Kalamazoo seminary in 1897. She was married to Charles Marion Montague Dept. 20, 189999, and is survived by her husband, two sister, Miss Alice Quimby, of Niles and Mrs. Harry Cook, of New York city, and a brother, Charles Quimby of Niles. She was a devoted member of the Presbyterian church and the beloved president of the Seepewa Club. The funeral services will be held at the home of Mrs. John A. Montague at 2 o'clock on Monday afternoon, Rev. Dr. Lowrie officiating.

To those who read “between the lines', this announcement tells the sad story of a home made desolate by the loss of a tender, inning presence and the hearts which ache with longing, through feeling that she has found “peace, perfect peace.”

Gifted with unusual artistic talent, yet simple and unpretentious, all who knew her will felt the influence of her earnest and practical religion, her absolute truthfulness, her devotion to the Presbyterian church, her Christian charity as shown in ministering with her own hands to the poor and afflicted and her brightness in social life, where she fulfilled the requirements with the conscientiousness which was her distinguishing characteristic:

“God's peace be with thee pure and spotless soul!

Few pass away so free from earthly stain,

His spirit whisper (while the death bells told)

“Courage, sad hearts! We shall all meet again,””

Niles Republican (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Thursday, Mar 5, 1903, page 5, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

News of the Week: Saturday: The funeral services for the late Mrs. Helen Quimby Montague and the late Miss Jennie Charles were held this afternoon, one at 2 o'clock the other at 3:30, and their remains now rest in the silent tomb at peaceful Silver Brook cemetery.

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.

Jennie O. Langston (McBain)
Sept. 10, 1886-June 12, 1930

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Friday, June 13, 1930, page 1, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library.

MRS. HARDY LANGSTON PASSES AWAY AFTER TWO YEAR ILLNESS

Mrs. Jennie McBain Langston, wife of Hardy Langston, Sr., and mother of five children, the youngest of whom is less than three years of age, died last evening at 8:45 in the home of her mother, Mrs. Fannie McBain, widow of Charles McBain, 8 N. St. Joseph Ave. Mrs. Langston had been in ill health for more than two years and during the time she had an operation. About two weeks ago when she became seriously ill she was removed from her home at 18 N. St. Joseph avenue to her mother's home.

Mrs. Langston was born in Niles on September 10, 1886 and was an only child of her parents. She attended the Niles public school grades and high school. She was married 20 years ago to Mr. Langston, who survives. Besides her husband and mother she is survived by her children. Hardy, Jr., a member of the '30 class of the Niles high school. Mrs. Donna Walls, wife of J.J. Walls, Keith, Barbara and Jacqueline, all at home except Mrs. Walls who is a resident of Buchanan. Mrs. Langston's father died in 1923. Mrs. Langston had spent her entire life in Niles and by birth and marriage was connected with two pioneer families of Niles and vicinity. The bereaved family have the sympathy of a wide acquaintance. Mrs. Langston was a member of Trinity Episcopal church and of Niles Chapter Order of the Eastern Star.

The funeral services will be held on Saturday afternoon at 3:30 in the home of Mrs. McBain. Burial will be made in Silver Brook cemetery.

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Saturday, June 14, 1930, page 4, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library.

Niles News in Brief: HERE FOR FUNERAL

Among those from out of the city who are here to attend the funeral services for Mrs. Hardy Langston this afternoon are W.H. Orr of Atchison, Kans., an uncle of the deceased, Mr. and Mrs. Bert Andrews of Jackson and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Archer of Benton Harbor. Mrs. Andrews and Mrs. Archer are sisters of Mrs. Langston. Mrs. Susan Krell who had been visiting in Jackson came home last evening with Mr. and Mrs. Andrews to attend the funeral services. The services will be held at 3:30 in the home of Mrs. Langston's mother, Mrs. Charles McBain, 8 N. St. Joseph avenue. The Rev. W. Keith Chidester will officiate. Burial will be made in Silver Brook cemetery.