Robert Montgomery (civil servant) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sir Robert Montgomery
Chief Commissioner of Oudh
In office 3 April 1858 – 15 February 1859
Lieutenant Governor of Punjab
In office 25 February 1859 – 10 January 1865
Governor General	The Earl Canning The Earl of Elgin Sir John Lawrence, Bt
Preceded by	Sir John Lawrence, Bt
Succeeded by	Sir Donald McLeod
Personal details
Born	(1809-12-02)2 December 1809 Moville, Ireland
Died	28 December 1887(1887-12-28) (aged 78) London, England
Nationality	British
Spouses	Frances Thomason ​ ​ (m. 1842)​
Alma mater	Addiscombe Military Seminary
Occupation	Civil servant

Sir Robert Montgomery (2 December 1809 – 28 December 1887) was an important British official. He worked as a civil servant in India when it was ruled by Britain.

He held two very important jobs. From 1858 to 1859, he was the Chief Commissioner of a region called Oudh. After that, he became the Lieutenant Governor of Punjab from 1859 to 1865.

Who Was Sir Robert Montgomery?

His Early Life and Education

Robert Montgomery was born on December 2, 1809. His family lived at New Park in Moville, a small town in Ireland.

He went to several schools, including Foyle College in Derry. From 1823 to 1825, he studied at Addiscombe Military Seminary in England. This school trained people for jobs in the British government in India.

Starting His Career in India

In 1826, Robert Montgomery began working for the East India Company. This company was very powerful and helped rule parts of India for Britain. His first important job was as a commissioner in a city called Kanpur.

Working in Punjab

In 1849, Montgomery became a Commissioner in Lahore. The next year, he joined the Board of Administration for Punjab. This board was in charge of governing the region. Two of his colleagues on the board, Henry Lawrence and John Lawrence, had also gone to Foyle College.

In 1853, the Board of Administration was changed. John Lawrence became the Chief Commissioner, and Montgomery was made his Deputy. He also became the Judicial Commissioner. For the next four years, he was the main judge for appeals in Punjab. He also managed the police, roads, and local money, and was in charge of education.

Dealing with the Indian Rebellion

In May 1857, a big uprising called the Indian Rebellion of 1857 began. Robert Montgomery was in Lahore at the time. He quickly ordered the local soldiers to give up their weapons. This action stopped them from joining the rebellion. Because of this quick thinking, he was given a special award called a knighthood.

After this, from April 1858 to February 1859, he served as the Chief Commissioner of Oudh.

Becoming Lieutenant Governor

In 1859, Montgomery returned to Punjab to take over from John Lawrence as Lieutenant Governor. This was a very high position. On March 1, 1862, he opened the first part of the Punjab Railway. This new railway connected Lahore with Amritsar and was a big event.

His time as Lieutenant Governor ended in 1865. His son-in-law, Donald Friell McLeod, took over his role.

Later Life and Passing

Sir Robert Montgomery passed away on December 28, 1887, in London. He was 79 years old. He was buried in his family's vault in St Columb's Cathedral in Derry, Ireland. There is also a special memorial for him in St Paul's Cathedral in London.

His Family Connections

Sir Robert Montgomery married Frances Thomason in India. She was the sister of another important official, James Thomason. Sadly, she passed away in 1842.

His second son was Henry Hutchinson Montgomery. Henry later became a bishop. Henry Hutchinson Montgomery was also the father of a very famous military leader, Bernard Montgomery, who was known as The 1st Viscount Montgomery of Alamein. Henry inherited the family home in Ireland after his father died.

Places Named After Him

• The city of Sahiwal, in Pakistan, was founded in 1865. It was originally named "Montgomery" after Sir Robert Montgomery.
• A district in Punjab was also named Montgomery.