Francis Joseph Montague

F. J. Montague Dies At Home Early Friday

Francis Joseph Montague, for almost a quarter of a century a resident of Lusk and vicinity, passed away at his home at 7:45 o'clock Friday morning, February 27th, following an illness which had kept him confined to his home for several weeks. He had reached the age of 45 years, 1 month and 27 days. His passing came as a sudden shock to a great many of his friends, who had not thought his condition serious, and has left the feeling of a great loss within the hearts of his many acquaintances. Myocarditis was given as the cause of demise.

Mr. Montague had been ailing for some time, but several weeks ago was forced to his bed. He improved sufficiently to be able to get around for a time and then came another set back. He continued to grow weaker and had not left his home for more than a week before his death.

Deceased was born in North Platte, Nebr., January 1, 1886, and was the only son of Joseph and Katharine Montague. When but a little lad, his family moved to Hastings, where they made their home, and where Mr. Montague received his education.

At the age of 21 years, the deceased came to Wyoming, locating in Lusk. Two years later, on February 28, 1909, he was united in marriage to Hope E. Demmon. They lived in this vicinity most of their married life. To them two children, a son, Francis T., and Katharine M., were born, both of whom besides Mrs. Montague survive.

Mr. Montague was a partner in the Bishop & Montague Billiard Parlor, having entered this business in the spring of 1930.

Mr. Montague was a man loved by all who knew him. His long residence in this vicinity permitted him to meet many people and all of them counted him as their friend. He was a loving husband and father and an enthusiastic home-builder. He was an active member of the local Lions club and also a member of the Niobrara County Fair Board. He was appointed to his second term with the latter organization the first of this year. His knowledge of horses and stock made him a valuable member of the rodeo association. He was a willing and energetic worker, before his health began failing, and was sincerely devoted to community progress.

Funeral services were held from St. George's Episcopal church here at 2:30 o'clock Sunday afternoon, Dr. Lilliefors, pastor, of Douglas, officiating. The remains were laid to rest in the Lusk cemetery, George Earl Peet having charge of funeral arrangements. The pall bearers were: Jack McFarlane, Paxton Irvine, Lem Carmen, J. M. Bishop, Wm. Tate and L. L. Archer.

The high esteem in which Mr. Montague was held was attested by the presence of hundreds who came to pay their last respects at the services, and by the garland of floral offerings. The church was filled to capacity and many awaited outside while the services were being performed. A long line of cars, filled with grieving friends, accompanied the remains to their last resting place.

Out-of-town relatives here to attend the funeral services were: Mrs. Pearl Gaylord, Merriman, Nebr.; Will Gauvereau, Sterling, Colo.; Mr. and Mrs. Marvin McKenna, Casper, Wyo.; Mr. and Mrs. Will Demmon, Casper; Mr. and Mrs. Harold Saffell, Carlisle, Wyo., and Mr. and Mrs. George Brooks, of Douglas.

Obituary
Francis Joseph Montague

The will of God has once more exercised within our midst, and at 7:45 o'clock Friday morning, February 27th, 1931, Francis Joseph Montague was called by our Heavenly Father.

Francis Joseph Montague was born at North Platte, Nebraska, January 1, 1886, the only child of Joseph Matthew and Katharine Agnes Montague. He passed away at the family home in Lusk, Wyoming, after a period of illness which covered several months, death being directly due to myocarditis, and affliction of the heart. At the time of demise, Mr. Montague was 45 years, 1 month and 27 days of age.

When but a tiny lad, his family moved to Hastings, Nebr., and it was there that he received his education, and grew to young manhood. When he reached the age of 21 years, the call of the plains lured him into Wyoming, and it was in the year 1907 that he came to Lusk, and with the exception of about four years, spent most of his time in this vicinity.

On February 28, 1909, Mr. Montague was united in marriage to Hope E. Demmon, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. O. J. Demmon, of Lusk, and to this union two children were born, both of whom, with the widow survive. The children are Francis T., 19, who is attending the Normal Training school at Chadron, Nebr., and Katharine M., 12, a student in the Junior High school of this city.

From early childhood, Mr. Montague was a lover of animals and the great out-doors, and most of his years were spent studying the wonders of nature, and with horses and cattle. For a number of years he was in the employ of George Voorhees, owner of the Mego ranch, and following this, worked for several of the large ranchers of this territory as round-up rider.

With the ranges becoming gradually smaller, the need of men in his chosen work lessened, and in the early part of 1923, Mr. Montague moved with his family to Lance Creek, where he entered the employ of the Illinois Pipe Line company as engineer, remaining there in that capacity until late in the summer of 1925, when he was transferred to Artesia, New Mexico, by this company, to accept similar duties in that field.

Although he liked his work and was loved and respected by his employers and fellow workmen, the call of the plains urge him to return to the state of his choice, and in the spring of 1929, removed to Wyoming, locating his family in Lusk. The remainder of that year he spent as engineer with the Illinois Pipe Line company at Mule Creek, after which he joined his family here, and where he has since resided.

In the early part of 1930 he entered the business field as a partner to J. M. Bishop, and was a member of the firm, Bishop & Montague, at the time of his death.

He was a member of the Lusk Lions club, and also a member of the Niobrara County Fair and Rodeo association, and in both organizations was an interested and earnest worker.

Mr. Montague was a man of splendid character and high ideals. In his home he was a devoted husband and father?loving and kind to his wife and children. With his associates he was always courageous, yet kind and considerate, and with every acquaintance he acquired a friend. Deepest regret attends his passing, and with those whose privilege it was to know him, his loss will be touchingly felt.

Funeral services were conducted from St. Georges' Episcopal church in Lusk, at 2:30 o'clock Sunday afternoon, March 1, 1931, Dr. Lilliefors of the Douglas Episcopal church, officiating. Interment was made in the Lusk cemetery, with George Earl Peet in charge of funeral directions.

The high esteem in which Mr. Montague was held was evidenced by the many persons who attended the services, paying their last respects to a beloved fellow citizen and true friend.

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