Person:Montgomery Hager (1)

Married first, Arminta Garretson, then second Jane Breedlove. Statement from J.R. "Sammy" Hall, Logan County, W.Va. 26 Nov. 1903: "During the Civil War, Montgomery Hager lived at Six Mile Creek, and was known as a stalwart defender of Lincoln and the Union and to this day most of his Hager descendants are still strong Republicans. Montgomery and a friend, Mr. Vance, were in the mountains between Six Mile Creek and Hewett Creek during which time they encountered a certain Mr. Nelson, an equally stalwart Democrat, and advocate of the Confederacy. To my recollection, Hager and Vance were unarmed. Nelson approached the men, perhaps some words were exchanged, and Nelson pulled a gun where upon Hager turned about to flee certain death, only to have the fired bullet lodge into his buttock. Meanwhile Mr. Vance had veered off in another direction with perhaps a bullet already having been lodged in him as well. In his haste Vance either fell or had tried to conceal himself from harm, with Montgomery Hager still within ear shot hearing the pitiful pleadings of Vance, yet no mercy was given by Nelson. In the most unfeeling manner, Nelson without pity dispatched Vance to the creator of our often sad universe. Nelson later left this part of the state upon hearing that a warrant had been issued for his arrest on charges of murder. With civil conditions regarding law and order being in almost complete disarray, Nelson never had to face criminal charges for murder on this side of the Pearly Gates. His final spiritual disposition is known only to the Great Judge of all the Universe." Montgomery's obituary read: "Sep 16, 1926 - Funeral services for Uncle Mont Hager were conducted Sunday at 11 a.m. at his home on Six Mile near Ramage, by Rev. Joe Workman, of Van. Between 750 and 1000 people are said to have been present. It will be remembered that Uncle Mont died about this time last year (1925) somewhere in the years of 80. Dinner on the ground followed the close of the service."

1. ↑ Mary E. Johnson and Joe Geiger Jr., "West Virginia's Militia and Home Guard in the Civil War," West Virginia History 58 (1999-2000): 69-167
   123.
2. ↑ Mary E. Johnson and Joe Geiger Jr., "West Virginia's Militia and Home Guard in the Civil War," West Virginia History 58 (1999-2000): 69-167
   123.
3.   GenCircles.com: "Joel Hagers Research June 2006", Joel Hager online (http:/www.gencircles.com/users/hagerj/16)..
4. ↑ Enrolled at Brownstown, 10 Dec 1863. On 7 Mar 1864 was also given the authority and instructions to raise a company of Independent Scouts for Boone County.