Iowa Recorder Greene, Butler, Iowa Mar 14, 1906 CLAIMED BY DEATH Mr. Thomas Montgomery Passes Away at His Home in This City Thomas Montgomery died at his home in Greene, Iowa, March 9th, 1906, aged 63 years, 10 months, and 10 days. With gentle hand and friendly guidance the Angel of Death has again come among us and lead away one who was loved and respected by all to his long home. Thomas Montgomery was born April 27th, 1842, at Enniskillen, Ireland, where he lived until he was twenty years of age, coming to America in 1862 and locating at Seneca Falls, N.Y. On January 1st, 1863, he was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Irwin of that city and August 1st, 1864, death robbed him of his helpmate, after less than two years happiness. At Westfield, Wisconsin, August 4th, 1867, he was married to Miss Jane Montgomery, who survives him. To this happy union four children were born, three of whom are still living: Mrs. John Boggs, Mrs.R.H.Volland, and Miss Bertha Montgomery. Besides his immediate family he leaves one brother, Robert Montgomery of this city, besides several cousins in various points in Ireland and America. The deceased has always lived in the enjoyment of good health, although he has passed through several severe illnesses. His final trouble seemed to begin about two years ago, when he was attacked by an extremely painful sickness, and has not been in his usual good health since, and, although not confined to his bed, he has been ailing all winter. About a month ago he went down to Iowa City to see a physician, hoping to gain some knowledge of his disease, and, if necessary, to undergo an operation. After a careful consideration of his case he was told that they could do nothing for him, his malady being pronounced cancer to the liver, and was sent home to die. Although confidently assured that he might live one month, and possibly three, it was only just one short week after his return until he was called upon to answer the summons, "come up higher." Mr. Montgomery united with the Episcopal church at Seneca Falls in 1863, and remained a faithful member of that denomination until a couple of years ago when he joined the Presbyterian church of this city, and was a member of the board of trustees at the time of his death. He was a kind and loving husband and father, a good friend and neighbor, one who attended strictly to his own personal affairs, with enmity toward none and charity for all. And they who mourn likewise rejoice for they know the life he led was no truce with God, but a sacred communion, in which there was no room for doubts or fears, and that his spirit was ever ready for the Master's call. The funeral services were held in the Presbyterian church on Monday afternoon, being conducted by Rev. S.D. McFadden of Des Moines, a former pastor and close friend of the deceased. The church was filled with old friends and neighbors, who came to pay their last tribute of respect. The Masonic, Easter Star and Odd Fellows orders, all of which Mr. Montgomery was a member, attended in body, the Masons taking charge of the services at the close of the sermon. The floral offerings were many and beautiful showing, in a measure, the love and sympathy of the many friends of the family. After most impressive ceremonies at the grave all that was mortal of Thomas Montgomery was laid to rest in Rose Hill cemetery. The following gentlemen aced as pall bearers: R. Miner, A.Y. Trimble, E.A. Curtis, H.M. Sprout, M. Woodling and L.J. Stober. Those from out of town who were in attendance at the funeral were: Mrs. R.M. Volland, of Iowa City; Arthur and Robert Montgomery, Estherville, and James Montgomery, Wilmont, Minn Cathy Joynt Labath The Irish in Iowa http://www.celticcousins.net/irishiniowa/index.htm