J. F. Montgomery Succumbs Here
Signer of Present State Constitution Dies Early This Morning at Age of 87.
FUNERAL THURSDAY MORNING
Hon. James Francis Montgomery, prominent retired lawyer, died at his home on Greensburg Street, after having been confined to his home, with the exception of a few brief outings, for more than a year. He had been in failing health for the past six years.
Mr. Montgomery was born in the Joppa community of Adair County April 6, 1849, being 87 years, 10 months and 19 days old at the time of his death. He was a son of Dr. William B. Montgomery and Louisa Page Montgomery, both of whom belonged to prominent pioneer families of this section. He received his early training in the Adair public schools, later attending a private school in Clinton County.
He studied law in a Lexington law school, graduating before he was twenty-one. A special act of the Kentucky Legislature had to be passed before he was admitted to the bar.
He began the practice of law in Jamestown, remaining there until 1882, when he moved to Columbia. During his residence in Russell County, Mr. Montgomery married Miss Elizabeth Moore, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Moore, well-known citizens of that county. They had six children, three of whom survive.
Mr. Montgomery served as County Attorney for one term during his residence in Russell County. This was the only time he ever sought public office, though he was one of the most prominent and active lawyers in this section of Kentucky for many years.
He was chosen a member of the Constitutional Convention in 1890, when the present Constitution of Kentucky was adopted and his name was first on the document as ratified.
Mr. Montgomery was a member of the Columbia Christian Church, though the infirmities of old age had made it impossible for him to take an active part in church affairs for some time. He was a community leader, always active in civic affairs and interested in the progress of Columbia and Adair County.
The deceased is survived by his three children, Gordon Montgomery, former County Attorney of Adair, Bruce Montgomery, executive vice president of the First National Bank & Trust Company, and Ray Montgomery, present County Attorney of Adair. The three children who preceded him in death are: Garnett Montgomery, who died in Texas in 1918; Mrs. B. E. Rowe, who died here in 1921, and George Montgomery, of Quanah, Texas, who passed away last year. His wife died in 1921.
The following grandchildren survive: Misses Allene, Nancy and Louella Montgomery, Mrs. Alfred Harper and James Montgomery, of Columbia; Miss Louise Rowe, of Frederick, Oklahoma; Mrs. Joseph Hill, Lebanon, and Mrs. L. Victor Henderson, Greensburg.
Funeral service will be held at the residence on Greensburg Street, Thursday morning, conducted by Rev. H. J. Conover.
