William Reading Montgomery facts for kids

William Reading Montgomery (born July 10, 1801 – died May 31, 1871) was an important officer in the United States Army. He fought in two big wars: the Second Seminole War and the Mexican–American War. During the American Civil War, he became a brigadier general for the Union Army.

Montgomery was recognized for his brave actions in battle. He earned a special "brevet" rank as a major for his courage at the Battle of Palo Alto and the Battle of Resaca de la Palma, where he was injured. He also received a brevet rank of lieutenant colonel for his bravery at the Battle of Molino del Rey, where he was wounded again.

Later, Montgomery was promoted to the full rank of major. However, he was removed from the U.S. Army in 1855. This happened because of some land deals he made near Fort Riley, Kansas. Some historians believe his removal might have been linked to his support for "Free State" views in Kansas, meaning he was against slavery.

When the American Civil War began, Montgomery helped organize and briefly led the 1st Regiment New Jersey Volunteer Infantry. His regiment was held back during the First Battle of Bull Run. Soon after, he was made a brigadier general. He spent the rest of his service in important administrative roles. He retired from the army in 1864, possibly due to poor health.

Early Life and Military Start

William Reading Montgomery was born in Monmouth County, New Jersey, on July 10, 1801. He studied at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York. He graduated in 1825.

After graduating, Montgomery became a second lieutenant. He served at various military posts across the country. He helped move the Choctaw Native Americans from Mississippi to their new lands in Oklahoma.

He was promoted to first lieutenant in 1833. He continued to serve on the frontier and helped with recruiting new soldiers. In 1838, he became a captain in the 8th United States Infantry Regiment. He also served along the Canada–United States border during a time of unrest.

From 1840 to 1842, Captain Montgomery fought in the Second Seminole War in Florida. After this war, he was stationed in Texas.

Fighting in the Mexican–American War

Montgomery played a key role in the Mexican–American War from 1846 to 1848. He was a captain in the 8th U.S. Infantry Regiment.

He fought bravely in the Battle of Palo Alto on May 8, 1846. The very next day, he was wounded at the Battle of Resaca de la Palma. For his courage in these battles, he was given the special rank of brevet major.

After recovering, Montgomery returned to Mexico in 1847. He took part in many more important battles. These included the Battle of Cerro Gordo, the Battle of Churubusco, and the Battle of Molino del Rey. At Molino del Rey, he was wounded again during a fierce attack. Because of his bravery there, he earned the brevet rank of lieutenant colonel.

Despite his injuries, he continued to fight. He was part of the Battle of Chapultepec and the final Battle for Mexico City. This led to the capture of Mexico City in September 1847.

Life After the Mexican–American War

After the war, Montgomery was assigned to different military bases. He helped establish Fort Gates in Texas in 1849. He also spent time recruiting new soldiers. In 1852, he was officially promoted to major.

He continued to serve on the frontier, including at Fort Riley, Kansas. While at Fort Riley, Montgomery had strong "Free State" views. This meant he was against slavery. His opinions caused problems with people who supported slavery in the area.

In 1855, Montgomery was dismissed from the U.S. Army. This was due to some land deals he made near Fort Riley. He was accused of using military land for a town where he had a personal interest. Some historians believe his anti-slavery views might have played a part in his dismissal.

Service in the American Civil War

When the American Civil War began, William Montgomery returned to service. He helped create the 1st Regiment New Jersey Volunteer Infantry. He briefly served as its colonel.

His regiment was kept in reserve during the First Battle of Bull Run. Some reports say his regiment helped cover the Union Army's retreat. Other accounts say they guarded areas around Arlington Heights and Fairfax Court House. In June 1861, Montgomery was injured when his horse fell.

Soon after the Battle of First Bull Run, Montgomery was appointed a brigadier general. This rank began on May 17, 1861. From then on, he mostly held administrative jobs. He was the military governor of Alexandria, Virginia, and was in command at Annapolis, Maryland, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

He spent some time waiting for new orders. He also served on a military commission in Memphis, Tennessee. Montgomery resigned from the Union Army on April 4, 1864. It is thought he resigned because of poor health.

Later Life and Death

After leaving the Union Army, Montgomery moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He briefly worked in the wood molding business. Later, he retired to his home in Bristol, Pennsylvania.

William Reading Montgomery passed away in Bristol, Pennsylvania, on May 31, 1871. He was 69 years old. He is buried at the Church of St. James the Greater Cemetery in Bristol.