Danville intelligencer. [volume] (Danville, Pa.) 1859-1907, 1905-10-27
THE FOUNDER
Of DANVILLD

Through the courtesy OF I. x. Grier.
ESQ.,. we have been permitted to ex.
anime lot of interesting documents
relating to his great grand father.
General william Montgomery. which
show that the founder of Danville was
not only active in local affairs but
that he was also prominent in public
life, filling high positions Of trust and
responsibility and in strictly literal
sense helping to mould the destinies
Of the nation.
1t would be hard headed m after of
fact person, indeed, who could gaze
without emotion upon the time stain
ed documents with their ancient ohiro-
graphy penned not in the last century.
so strangely allude to the savages here
about and hint at the welfare of en-
terprises which long ago cease to ex-
| ist.
General William Montgomery Was
one of the Commissioners appointed
by the Supreme Executive Council Of
Pennsylvania, in 1887. "for executing
the Act of Assembly entitled an Act
for Ascertaining and Confirming to
Certain Persons Called Connections
Claimants the Lands by them Claim.
ed in the County of Luzerne." His
commission given in Council under
the hand of the Hon. Charles Biddle.
Vice President. is quaint document,
given Sin the Name and by the Auth
ority of the Freemen of the Common
wealth of Pennsylvania" and stating
that "reposing especial trust and con-
fidence in his prudence, integrity and
Abilities the Supreme Executive
Council had appointed William Mont
gomery, sc.
Further attesting General Montgom.
ery's high standing. socially and pol
iticalIy, among the old documents is
an invitation extended to him to dine
with the Great Washington. 1t reads
as follows:
"The President of the United States
requests the pleasure of W. Montgom-
ery's company to dine on Thursday
next at 4 O'Clock 6 Jan'y, 1894.
An answer is requested"
There is nothing on record to show
what General Montgomery's answer
was in the premises. but it is pleas
ant to fancy that the man who built
and occupied the interesting old dwell
ling at Mill and Bloom streets, now
regarded with so much pride as land
mark, found it convenient to accept
the invitation and that thus the faith
er of Danville did actually dine with
the Father of his Country.
There is also a letter from Benjamin
Franklin bearing date of May 81.
1886, addressed to William Montgom-
cry when the latter was President Of
the Courts of Common Pleas, Quarter
Sessions and Orphans COURT of the
County of Northumberland. The let
ter deals with the troubles in the Wy
fidenoe reposed in william Montgom
ery's wisdom and integrity by such an
eminent Statesman as franklin. In
part Franklin writes as follows:
"The Council has received your let
ter by General Bull containing the ac-
count of fresh disturbances at Wyom-
ing. We are sensible of your atten-
tion to the public welfare manifested
in these dispatches and desire that
you would continue to send Ms what
further information you may from
time to time obtain, using in the mean
while what influence you have to
quiet the minds of the unhappy settl-
ers there, by assuring them that there
is the best disposition in the govern
ment to treat them equitably and with
kindness and to take them under It's
protection OH their demonstrating by
Jheir peaceable and orderly behavior
that their sentiments expressed in
their late petition are sincere and that
they are truly disposed to become good
citizens.
1 am with much esteem, sir, your
mo st humble servant. b. Franklin.
Pres'd't."
There is among the letters one from
William Montgomery to his wife writ
ten at Wyoming while a Commission
er at that place on April 81. 1888.
which is quite characteristic in its
way, and showing that in addition to
his other virtues William Montgomery
was a dutiful and a loving husband
and father. Following the letter Ia In
part.
My Dear: wroteI you yesterday,
but having an opportunity now which
| think will be quicker l gladly en-
brace it in order to relieve your mind.
but too easily imprest with apprehen-
sions for my safety; that am here
safe and we'll, that there is no appre-
hension of the least danger from the
savages. The people here are very
quiet and / hope that we will finish
our negotiations successfully. believe
they will cede their claims to the
Pennsylvanians on certain terms which
the Pennsylvanians are willing to
grant. Thus there is probability OF
peace here as we'll as elsewhere. A
circumstance which will be to our ad-
vantage as we'll as comfort, as it will
promote the trade and intercourse OF
our branch: il will open the way to
employment in my new business and
tend to the more genteel support and
education of rising family. For this
purpose can oheerfully undergo all
the fatigues; nor will ! consider it
other than pleasure il it contribute
to the enjoy ment of anything whereby
1 can crafty so amiable a person "a
your self, which to do is and l hope
will continue to be the pride and glory
of your Affect HID,
} VIM. MONTGOMERY.
Revival rleeting.