William Montgomery (Pennsylvania soldier) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Major General
William Montgomery
Honorable
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Pennsylvania Assembly portrait, 1780
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania's 6th and at-large congressional district |
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| In office March 4, 1793 – March 3, 1795 |
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| Preceded by | Redistricted |
| Succeeded by | Samuel Maclay |
| Member of the Pennsylvania Senate | |
| In office February 1791 – January 20, 1794 |
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| Preceded by | Office established |
| Succeeded by | William Hepburn |
| Constituency | Huntingdon, Luzerne, Northumberland |
| Chair of the Appropriations Committee | |
| In office 1791–1793 |
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| Chief Judge, Court of Common Pleas and Quarter Sessions | |
| In office May 4, 1785 – November 22, 1790 |
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| Preceded by | Unknown |
| Succeeded by | Unknown |
| Constituency | Northumberland, Luzerne |
| Delegate to the Continental Congress from Pennsylvania |
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| In office 1785–resigned |
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| Preceded by | Unknown |
| Succeeded by | Charles Pettit |
| Constituency | Confederation Congress |
| Censor on the Council of Censors | |
| In office 1783–1790 |
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| Preceded by | Office established |
| Succeeded by | Office abolished |
| Constituency | Northumberland County |
| Member of the Pennsylvania Assembly | |
| In office February 1780 – November 1783 |
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| Preceded by | James McKnight |
| Succeeded by | James McClenaghan |
| Constituency | Northumberland County |
| Chair of the Armed Services Committee | |
| In office 1780–1783 |
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| Delegate to the Pennsylvania Provincial Convention | |
| In office July 15, 1776 – resigned |
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| Succeeded by | LTC Thomas Strawbridge |
| Constituency | Chester County |
| Delegate to the Pennsylvania Provincial Conference | |
| In office June 18, 1776 – June 25, 1776 |
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| Constituency | Chester County |
| Chair of Military Personnel Committee | |
| In office June 18, 1776 – June 25, 1776 |
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| Delegate to the Convention for the Province of Pennsylvania | |
| In office January 23, 1775 – January 28, 1775 |
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| Constituency | Chester County |
| Delegate to the Committee of Inspection | |
| In office December 20, 1774 – 1775 |
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| Constituency | Chester County |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 3, 1736 Mill Creek, Delaware Colony, British America |
| Died | May 1, 1816 (aged 79) Danville, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Political party | Patriot Constitutionalist Democratic-Republican Anti-Federalist Anti-Administration |
| Spouses |
Margaret Nevin
(m. 1756; Isabella Evans (m. 1772) Hannah Boyd (m. 1793) |
| Children | 10, including Daniel |
| Relatives | Montgomery Clan Richard Montgomery Montgomery Case J. Montgomery Rice C. Montgomery Marriott |
| Residence | General Montgomery House |
| Education | Faggs Classical School |
| Alma mater | William & Mary (dropout) |
| Signature |  |
| Military service | |
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| Years of service |
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| Battles/wars | American Revolutionary War
New York and New Jersey Campaign |
William Montgomery (born August 3, 1736 – died May 1, 1816) was an important figure in early American history. He was a patriot who supported the American Revolution, a brave soldier, a community builder, a public servant, and someone who fought against slavery.
As a revolutionary patriot, he helped Pennsylvania become independent from the British Empire. He also helped create the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and played a key role in saving the American Revolution during a tough time called the Ten Crucial Days. As a soldier, he served for 34 years, including 14 years as a major general leading military divisions.
As a public servant, he was elected or appointed to 16 different government jobs. These included serving in the Continental Congress, the Pennsylvania Congress, and the United States Congress. He even helped create the first six frigates for the United States Navy.
William Montgomery was also an abolitionist, meaning he worked to end slavery. He helped pass a law in 1775 to stop bringing enslaved people into Pennsylvania. In 1780, he supported the An Act for the Gradual Abolition of Slavery, which was the first law in any democracy to gradually end slavery. In 1794, he voted for the Slave Trade Act. He was one of only seven congressmen who voted against the Fugitive Slave Act in 1793.
As a pioneer, he founded a settlement called "Montgomery's Landing." This place later became Danville, Pennsylvania, named after his son, Daniel Montgomery.
Contents
William Montgomery's Early Life
William Montgomery came from a long line of people connected to Roger de Montgomery from Normandy. His grandparents, Major John and Margaret Montgomery, moved from Ireland to the Delaware Colony in 1722. They bought a lot of land there.
William's parents, Alexander and Mary Montgomery, also moved to Delaware in 1730. They inherited a large farm (plantation) and a gristmill (a mill for grinding grain) of 400 acres. William Montgomery was born on August 3, 1736. He was the third of six children. He spent his childhood helping on the farm and at the gristmill.
In 1747, when William was 11, both his parents died. It's not known how they died. William and his five younger siblings were raised by their aunt and uncles. During his teenage years, William learned important skills like surveying (measuring land), milling, trade, and managing businesses. He studied with Samuel Blair and was guided by Dr. David Stewart. He also attended the College of William & Mary but did not finish his studies.
In 1756, William married Margaret Nevin. They settled on 822 acres of land he inherited in Londonderry Township. Over 14 years, they had six children, including Daniel Montgomery. Their farm became very successful, mainly growing wheat. Margaret passed away in 1770. William then married Isabella Evans in 1772, and they had four children.
In 1773, William started buying land in Northumberland County. On November 26, 1774, he bought 180 acres along Mahoning Creek and the Susquehanna River. This area was first called "Montgomery's Landing" and later became Danville, Pennsylvania, named after his son, Daniel.
In 1757, William joined the Associators, a local militia group. This was after the Pennsylvania Militia Act of 1755, which required men to arm themselves and train for protection during the French and Indian War. He served with them for 17 years.
William Montgomery: A Patriot for Independence
Why the Colonies Fought for Freedom
By 1774, there was a lot of tension between the Thirteen Colonies and the British rulers. For 14 years, colonists had been unhappy with British laws and taxes. Groups like the Sons of Liberty had formed, and events like the Boston Massacre and the Boston Tea Party had happened.
William Montgomery was 38 years old, a father of six, and a successful farmer. He had been serving in the local militia (Associators) for 17 years. He was also a political activist. His letters to John Dickinson helped inspire important writings like Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania, which came before Thomas Paine's famous Common Sense.
William's older brother, Captain John Montgomery, was also a patriot. He was involved in the fight for independence in Province of North Carolina. He fought in the Battle of Alamance and the Battle of Guilford Court House, where he was wounded and captured but managed to escape. William's distant cousin was Richard Montgomery, a well-known revolutionary general.
William Montgomery's Political Roles
William Montgomery played many roles in the fight for independence:
- On December 20, 1774, he was chosen for the Chester County Committee of Inspection. This group made sure people followed the trade boycott against British goods.
- In January 1775, he became a delegate for Chester County to the Convention for the Province of Pennsylvania. Here, they passed 27 resolutions to try and "restore harmony with Great Britain" while also getting ready for war.
- Just 86 days later, the "shot heard round the world" started the American Revolutionary War.
- On June 30, 1775, the Pennsylvania Committee of Safety was formed. William was made a colonel in charge of the 4th Elk Battalion, which had 450 soldiers.
- In February 1776, he helped protect the county's gunpowder supply.
- On June 18, 1776, William was a delegate to the Pennsylvania Provincial Conference. This meeting officially declared Pennsylvania's independence from the British Empire. It also created the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and prepared the Pennsylvania militia for war. This meeting helped pave the way for the United States Declaration of Independence nine days later. If the British had caught him, he would have been executed for treason.
- William was supposed to be a delegate for the Pennsylvania Provincial Convention to create the state's constitution. However, his battalion was sent to New Jersey, so he couldn't attend. His daughter-in-law's father, Thomas Strawbridge, went in his place.
William Montgomery's Military Service
After winning in Boston, General Washington expected the British to attack New York City. He moved his army to defend the area. On June 3, 1776, the Continental Congress allowed Washington to create a "Flying Camp" of reserve militia.
Montgomery's battalion became the 1st Pennsylvania Regiment and was sent to New Jersey. They arrived in Perth Amboy in mid-July. They patrolled the area, watching for British ships. Soon, they saw the massive British Navy arrive off Staten Island. It was the largest invasion fleet in history until D-Day in World War II.
While fighting off British scouting parties, the 1st Regiment heard about the American defeat in the Battle of Long Island. After peace talks failed, Montgomery sent four companies to Fort Lee and four to Fort Washington. When these forts were defeated, Montgomery and his remaining soldiers, along with General Washington, retreated to Pennsylvania. They were chased by General Cornwallis.
By December 1, 1776, Montgomery's regiment was in Philadelphia to stop Loyalist uprisings. His 14-year-old son, William Jr., joined him as a drummer. The American Revolution seemed almost lost. Most soldiers had been killed, captured, or had left. Washington's army was outnumbered three to one by the British and their German (Hessian) allies.
On the night of December 25–26, 1776, in a snowstorm, General Washington led his remaining men across the Delaware River in an operation called "Victory or Death." After their win at the Battle of Trenton, Montgomery's regiment joined 1,800 other militia members. They marched to Trenton, where Washington's army was fighting General Cornwallis at the Battle of Assunpink Creek.
Instead of retreating, Washington surprised Cornwallis by attacking his headquarters in the Battle of Princeton. Montgomery's regiment helped by creating a diversion. This made Cornwallis think Washington's army was still camped, while the Americans secretly moved their supplies and won another important victory.
William Montgomery: A Pioneer and Founder
In November 1773, William Montgomery started buying land in Northumberland County. On November 26, 1774, he bought 180 acres along Mahoning Creek and the Susquehanna River. This area was known as "Karkaase."
After his military service in the New York and New Jersey Campaign, William moved his family from Chester County to Northumberland. This new settlement was first called "Montgomery's Landing." It later became known as Danville, named after his son, Daniel Montgomery.
William developed his farm and then built the first gristmill (for grinding grain), sawmill (for cutting wood), and trading post in the area. In 1778, his family had to flee during an event called the Big Runaway to Fort Augusta but returned after the Battle of Wyoming. In 1792, William built the General William Montgomery House. In the same year, his son Daniel planned out the main streets of the town.
William Montgomery: A Dedicated Soldier
Military service was a big part of William Montgomery's life and his family's history. His ancestors, like Roger de Montgomery and Arnulf de Montgomery, were involved in military actions. His great-grandfather, Major John Montgomery, and two of his sons died at the Battle of the Boyne. William's grandfather, Captain John Montgomery, was badly wounded but survived and was known as "Boyne Water Major" for his bravery.
William's older brother, Captain John Montgomery, was also a revolutionary patriot. He fought in the War of the Regulation in North Carolina and was wounded in battle twice. He was even sentenced to execution but escaped. William's cousin was Richard Montgomery, a famous general for whom William wrote a poem.
William Montgomery's Years of Service
Besides his political work, William Montgomery served in the military for 34 years:
- (1757–1774) He joined the Associators in 1757, a local militia group. This was after the Pennsylvania Militia Act of 1755, which required men to train for protection during the French and Indian War. He served for 17 years and became a colonel.
- (1776–1777) He served in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, as described in the "Patriot" section above.
- (1793–1807) On April 17, 1793, Governor Thomas Mifflin made Montgomery a major general. He commanded the 7th Division of the Pennsylvania Militia for seven years. This division included soldiers from Northampton, Northumberland, and Luzerne counties. In 1800, he was re-appointed for another seven years, commanding the 9th Division.
William Montgomery's Family Military Legacy
The tradition of military service continued in the Montgomery family for generations. Three of William's sons served:
- William Montgomery Jr. joined his father's regiment at age 14 as a drummer during the New York and New Jersey Campaign. He later became a major in the War of 1812.
- John Montgomery served as a colonel under William's command in the 7th Division.
- On July 27, 1809, Daniel Montgomery became a major general and took over command of the 9th Division from his father.
William's great-great-grandson, James Montgomery Rice, fought in the American Civil War. He also helped create the United States National Guard and honored William's service through the Sons of the American Revolution. William's 4th great-grandson, Charles Montgomery Marriott, was awarded the Silver Star in World War II for saving his platoon, even though he lost both hands.
William Montgomery: A Public Servant
William Montgomery was continuously involved in public service from age 38 to 72. He was elected, appointed, or nominated to 16 different local, state, and federal government positions.
- Assessor (1774–1776): He was elected as an Assessor for Chester County.
- Delegate to Committee of Inspection (1774): He helped enforce the trade boycott against Britain.
- Delegate to Convention for the Province of Pennsylvania (1775): He voted to stop the future import of enslaved people into Pennsylvania.
- Delegate to Pennsylvania Provincial Conference (1776): This conference officially declared Pennsylvania's independence and prepared the state for war. He also chaired the Military Personnel Committee, planning how to raise and prepare soldiers.
- Delegate to Pennsylvania Provincial Convention (1776): He was nominated to help create the state constitution, but his military duties prevented him from attending.
- Member of Pennsylvania General Assembly (1780–1783): He served in the state legislature. He voted for the An Act for the Gradual Abolition of Slavery, the first law in a democracy to gradually end slavery. He also chaired the Armed Services Committee, working to support the army.
- Deputy Surveyor (1783–1807): This was his longest-held office, lasting 24 years. He surveyed about 1,600 land areas, covering around 500,000 acres.
- Trustee of Dickinson College (1783): He was appointed as a trustee for Dickinson College.
- Censor on the Council of Censors (1783–1790): This unique role, inspired by Ancient Rome, was only found in Pennsylvania. He worked to protect the Constitution of 1776.
- Delegate to Congress of the Confederation (1785): He was nominated but resigned to become a judge.
- President Judge (1785–1790): He served as the chief judge for several courts, including those handling land claims from the Pennamite–Yankee War.
- Associate Judge (1791–1804): He continued to serve as a judge in Northumberland County.
- Commissioner for Pennsylvania Canal (1791–1805): He helped oversee the development of the Pennsylvania Canal.
- Pennsylvania State Senator (1791–1794): He represented Huntingdon, Luzerne, and Northumberland Counties in the state senate. He chaired the Appropriations Committee.
- U.S. House of Representatives (1791–1793): He served in the 2nd United States Congress. He voted for the Militia Acts of 1792 and was one of only seven representatives to vote against the Fugitive Slave Act.
- U.S. House of Representatives (1793–1795): He served in the 3rd United States Congress. He voted for the Slave Trade Act of 1794 and the Naval Act of 1794, which created the first six frigates of the U.S. Navy.
- Presidential Elector (1804, 1808): He was chosen as an Elector for Pennsylvania in two presidential elections.
William Montgomery: An Abolitionist
William Montgomery was a strong opponent of slavery throughout his life.
- Against Slave Labor (1756–1816): He chose to use indentured servants (people who worked for a set time to pay off a debt) instead of enslaved people on his farms and businesses.
- Prohibiting Slave Import (1775): As a delegate to the Convention for the Province of Pennsylvania, he voted for a resolution to stop bringing enslaved people into Pennsylvania.
- Gradual Abolition Law (1780): As a Pennsylvania Congressman, he voted for An Act for the Gradual Abolition of Slavery. This was a groundbreaking law, the first in any democracy worldwide, to gradually end slavery.
- Against Fugitive Slave Act (1793): As a U.S. Congressman, he was one of only seven representatives who voted against the Fugitive Slave Act. This act made it easier for slave owners to reclaim enslaved people who had escaped.
- Supporting Slave Trade Act (1794): As a U.S. Congressman, he voted for the Slave Trade Act, which aimed to limit the international slave trade.
William Montgomery's Lasting Legacy
William Montgomery's actions had a lasting impact on American history:
- Historian James E. Gibson said that the delegates from Pennsylvania who declared independence "deserve equal honors" with the signers of the Declaration of Independence. This is because they took the same risks by declaring their freedom.
- The Prison Ship Martyrs' Monument honors soldiers, including Montgomery's men, who were captured at Fort Washington.
- The Ten Crucial Days (when Washington won key battles) are considered one of the most important military actions ever. Leaders like Frederick the Great and President Coolidge praised them as brilliant and impactful.
- The TV show Turn: Washington's Spies, in season 1, episode 5 "Epiphany", shows Montgomery's role in tricking the British before the Battle of Princeton.
- His home in Danville, the General William Montgomery House, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. It is now a museum run by the Montour County Historical Society.
- 151 years after William's regiment retreated across the Hudson River, his great-great-grandson, Montgomery Case, helped build the George Washington Bridge in the same location. This bridge was once the longest in the world and is now one of the busiest.
