GEORGE W. MONTGOMERY.  It has been often said that invincible determination will accomplish any desired result, and already are the effects of its constant exercise visible in the life of this gentleman, who, although one of the youngest of the citizens represented in our ALBUM, has won a respected position for himself in the community by reason of his ndustry, perseverance and genial nature.  He possesses exceptional worth and talent, and is a fine type of the native-born citizen of Fulton County.  He stands on the threshold of life and has good reason to look forward to a bright and honored future.
     Apr. 26, 1869, was the date of the birth of Mr. Montgomery, and also of his brother, James, a review of whose life is given in connection with this personal sketch.  In Farmington Township, Fulton County, where our subject was born, he was also educated in the common schools and reared to a stalward manhood.  He passed the winter season in attendance at the district schools, while the summer was devoted to labor on t he farm.  At an early age he displayed ability in the use of tools and in the operation of machinery, and in the fall of 1889, engaged in work as a carpenter under M. C. Coyan, a contractor and builder of Corning, Ohio, and helped to erect the twelve miners' houses at Middle Grove, Ill.
     Feeling it the duty of every true citizen to keep himself well posted on the duties of American citizenship, our subject provides himself with such agencies of enlightenment as the press furnishes, in the way of periodicals, books and newspapers.  He takes great interest in national and local affairs, and aspires to do all he can to improve the social and material condition of the country at large and of his community in particular.  He gives his hearty support to the Republican party, and expects as soon as possible to aid it not only by his voice, but also by the ballot.
     JAMES MONTGOMERY, the twin brother of our subject, possesses more than ordinary ability, being one of the youngest men entitled to representation in a volume containing lives of the prominent citizens of Fulton County.  He and his brother, George, are the youngest in a family of eleven children, eight of whom grew to maturity, and are now living.  In this community, where he has thus far passed his life, he is well and favorably known, as a young man of worth and honor.  HE is a great reader and keeps himself thoroughly aquainted with all the important issues of the day.
     The brothers are especially skillful in the use of tools and machinery, and their home shows many evidences of their work and handicraft.  They added to the appearance of their residence by a handsome portico in front, and placed a cupola on the barn.  For the past four years they have assumed the responsibility of carrying on their father's farm and success has crowned their efforts.  The estate comprises one hundred and seventy-five acres, and here they are carrying on general farming with the skill of veterans and the thoroughness which only a careful study of their vocation can give.
     In his youth James Montgomery had such advantages as are to be obtained in the public schools of that vicinity, but being a thoughtful reader and close student of affairs, national and local, he is well posted for one of his years.  His influence stands for progress and protection of American industries and he will undoubtedly in future years fill many positions of responsibility and honor.
     Thomas Montgomery is the father of the gentleman whose biographies are given above and is a pioneer citizen of Farmington Township, Fulton County.  He is at present representing his township on the County Board of Supervisors, and has always labored for the development of the resources of that county.  He is held in the highest esteem, and serves as Elder in the Presbyterian Church at Farmington, where he and his family have held worthy membership many years.  He is especially interested in Sunday-school work, and for a number of years, has been the efficient Superintendent of the same.
     Thomas Montgomery comes of worthy Scotch Irish descent, and was born in Philadelphia.  Nov. 26, 1828, his parents, William and Rachael Montgomery, being natives of Ireland, whence they emigrated at an early date to America and located in Philadelphia.  Of their union five children were born, of whom Thomas was the second in order of birth and is now the eldest living.  The father, William Montgomery, was by occupation a weaver and cotton manufacturer, and made ginghams, flannels, cloak-patterns, etc.  Coming to Illinois in 1855, he located in Fulton County, where he died at the advanced age of almost eighty years.  The mother lived to be about the same age.  They gave their son, Thomas, a common school education and trained him for a life of usefulness.  His first occupation was that of a weaver, although he has devoted his time principally to farming.
     On Dec. 6, 1849, Thomas Montgomery and Miss Elizabeth Knouse were united in the holy bonds of wedlock.  Mrs. Montgomery is the daughter of William and Isabella (Holowell) Knouse and was born in Philadelphia Sept. 30,  1828.  Her mother was a Quaker and came from one of the earliest Pennsylvanian families, her father's ancestors originally came from Holland and were among that band of Dutch Reformed Presbyterians, that came to America at a very early day and settled in the William Penn colony.  Mrs. Montgomery is justly proud of her illustrious ancestors, who participated in the early history of our country and were patriotic and brave citizens.  She is the third of the five children that grew up to years of maturity and passed her early life in Philadelphia.  Her grandfather fought in the war of independence, and her father in the war of 1812.
     To Thomas Montgomery and his estimable wife were born eleven children, eight of whom are living namely: Rachel, Elizabeth, Robert J. B., William E., Cecilia, Thomas C., George M. and James M. Rachel married Elam Bartholomew, and resides in Rooks County, Kan.  Their children are named respectively: George E., Elmer T., Lizzie T., Jessie E., and Earl R.  Elizabeth married Millard McComb and resides in McLean County, III., they have one child, Nellie M.; Robert J. B., makes his home in Rooks County, Kan.  He married Addie McCormick, and they have two children, Lizzie and Fannie. William E., who is also a resident of Rooks County, Kan., is unmarried.  Cecilia lives in Armourdale, Kan., and married John Fenk.  They have one child, a son, Lloyd.  Thomas C., who is unmarried, resides in Lake, Ill. George and James are at home.
     Politically, Thomas Montgomery is a strong Republican, and uniformly supports the candidates brought forward by that party, in whose principles he believes.  He has exerted an influence unmeasured on the community where, since 1855, he has made his home.  He inherits the thrift of his Scotch ancestors, who settled in the North of Ireland, where his parents were born.  Their children have now grown to years of maturity and in other communities are rearing families and still further extending the upright principles implanted in their hearts.  Thus the example and influence of this worthy pioneer and his honored wife will continue long after their lives have been brought to a close.
 - Source: Portrait & Biographical Album of Fulton County, Illinois - Published Chicago, 1890  - Page 722