Raymond Francis Montgomery

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Lawyer
• Residence: 1930, New Orleans, Orleans, Louisiana, USA
• Residence: 1 Apr 1940, New Orleans, Orleans, Louisiana, USA
• Residence: 1942, New Orleans, Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Tulane University
• Residence: 1949, New Orleans, Orleans, Louisiana, USA
• Residence: 1982, New Orleans, Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Notes:

He finished Sacred Heart Elementary School on Canal St., Jesuit High School and Tulane Law School. He finished Law School in 1946.

He was a Staff Sergeant in the Army Air Force during WW II. While on duty in England he was accidently shot through the right lung by a flyer cleaning a colt .45. Raymond was given up as a hopeless case and a captured German lung specialist was assigned to the case. Because of this Doctor Raymond"s life was saved.

He was a member of the La. Bar Association and the Federal Bar Association. From 1972 to 1982 he was Deputy Clerk for the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals, N.O.,La. From 1982 until his death he was the attorney for the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in Gretna, La.

He died while on vacation in Biloxi, Miss. of an Anuerism in the heart.

Buried:
Greenwood Cemetery

Raymond married Mary Louise Sheldon in Jun 1946 in New Orleans, Orleans, Louisiana, USA. Mary was born on 17 Jan 1923 in New Orleans, Jefferson, Louisiana, USA; died on 30 Jun 2002 in Charlotte, Mecklenburg, North Carolina, USA; was buried in 2002 in New Orleans, Orleans, Louisiana, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Living
2. Living
3. Living
4. Living

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Lawyer
• Residence: 1880, New Orleans, Orleans, Louisiana, USA
• Residence: 1900, New Orleans, Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Ward 3
• Residence: 1910, New Orleans, Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Ward 3
• Residence: 1920, New Orleans, Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Ward 3
• Residence: 1930, New Orleans, Orleans, Louisiana, USA
• Residence: 1 Apr 1940, New Orleans, Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Notes:

He was born on Dec.3,1869, at the end of the Civil War, of Irish-American parents. His parents lived in the 3rd Ward of New Orleans, where George was raised.He received his early education in the public schools and graduated from the Old Boys High School. While he was in High School his father died (1884) when Geore was only 15 years old.

After completing High School he had to go to work to help support his mother and two younger brothers. He went to work in the law office of Benjamin Ory from1886 ( age17 ) to 1890, and for Felix J. Dreyfous from 1890 to 1902. While working in these offices he also studied law and attended Tulane University (1892-1896) where he graduated in law in 1896 (age 29).

In 1902 he began the practice of law on his own . A few years later he took on associates and accountants and headed his own firm till his death. He became the attorney for the old Cosmopolitan Bank and the Dixie Homestead Association in 1902. He was the representative for the First Congressional District on the State Board of Education under Governor Jared Y. Sanders from 1908 through 1912. He servered as the attorney for the Orleans Parish Recorder of Mortages from 1908 through 1920. He was Vice-President of the N.O Courthouse Commission, President of the Notaries Association of N.O., Executive Committee Member,Vice-President and Charter member of the N.O. Bar Association and Chairman of its Committee on Relations with the Courts of N.O.

In 1909 (age 41) he befriended a young Jewish Orphan who worked in Montgomery's office. This orphan was to become Judge Louis Yarrut who wrote about Montgomery," Upon my discharge from the orphanage, I was placed as an office boy with a young Irish lawyer, a devout Cathloic, who, in true Irish kindness and charity, took me under his wing, encouraged me to return to high school and then to study law at Tulane University, during all of which time he paid me for a full day's work, though I worked hardly a half day. I refer to my late friend, George Montgomery, prominent lawyer and puolic official- a gentlemen of the 'Old School' who was respected and loved by all who knew him."

He was active in his church, civic organizations and politics in New Orleans and the State. As a young attorney, in 1927, he became leader of the third ward in N.O. and later Chairman of the Old Regulars Ward Leaders Caucus. On Feb. 4 1944, as Chairman og the Old Regulars Caucus he met with Leuis L. Morgan, candiate for Governor of Louisiana. The sterling quality of the Old Regulars, as Democrates, was illustrated in December 1942, when Governor Sam Houston Jones of La. , elected on the reform ticket, publicly declared that Southerners should leave the Democratic party. Mr. Montgomery immediately replied with a magnificent decleration of loyalty of the Choctaws to the Democratic Party which eventually lead to Governor Jones not being relected.

He was a leader in the Democratic Party. He joined the Old Regular Party ( local City party) in 1890 and became President of the Choctaw Club of New Orleans in the same year. He broke with the Old Regular Party in 1947 when he would not back Jimmy Morrison, a gambler turned politician. Montgomery was going to retire from active politics but felt it was his duty to work for Judge Kennon's election after Montgomery broke with the Old Regulars in 1947. In 1948 he backed Delesseps Morrison for Mayor of New Orleans, who wone. On Oct. 9, 1951, he accepted Chairmanship of the Delta Democratic Association Caucus for Judge Robert F. Kennon's candidaticy for Governor. Montgomery said," I have concluded that I would be derelict in my duty to the people of New Orleans, if I did not assist in the election of the only man in the Gobernatorial race that can administer the affairs of the State Government in a way that will give our beloved state its rightful place amoungst the States of this Nation.

He was elected State Tax Collector for the Parish of Orleans on April 7,1925 and sworn in office on April 30 by Governor Henry L. Fuqua was elected every 4 years thereafter till his death in 1952 ( 27 years). The following is a list of the dates he was elected and the Goveronrs who swore him in and under whom he served.
April 30, 1925 Gov. Henry L. Fuqua
April 23, 1930 Gov. Huey P. Long
April 23, 1934 Gov.Oscar K. Allen
April 23, 1938 Gov. Jimmy H. Davis
April 30, 1942 Gov. Sam H. Jones
May 30, 1946 Gov. Jimmy H. Davis
April 5, 1950 Mayor DeLesseps Morrison,gave Oath,
Servered under Gov. Earl K. Long

Aug. 8, 1952 Died in Office

He was friend of all from judge to the average man on the street and well liked and admired. He was an honest man and served his city and state well.

The following is a quote from the New Orleans Item, Aug. 5, 1952: "...In political matters and business and professional affairs. Mr.
Montgomery always was looked upon as a man of integrity by supporters and opponents alike."

He liked children and was looking forward to his first great-grandchild to carry his name when he died. He loved dogs also. His favorite sweets were crystalized candies and fruit. Baseball was his favorite sport, but he did enjoy football. Pelican Stadium was a favorite place for him to see his hometwon team - The New Orleans Pelicans. Upon the death of his wife, he never remarried and devoted more time to his practice, politics and civic endeavors. He lived for many years in the same house at 3026 Canal Street, convenient to his work. His unmarried son, Charles lived with him until his death. His first cousin, Gertrude Fitzgerald, moved in with them after his wife's death and was housekeeper until he died. He also played the zither, loved to read, and he was mainly interested in people. He died from multiple organ failure and pneumonia.

He was known as George Montgomery,Sr. however, the birth certificate of his oldest son George,Jr. showes his father's name was George W.
Montgomery. The wife of Milton, son no.2, "Hattie", Henrietta Rasch told me the "W" was for Washington. George,Sr. didn't like the name so he dropped it. The only record found to date (Apr. 5,1991) showing the "W" is that birth certificate of George, Jr.

He was buried from Sacred Heart Of Jesus Church on Canal Street at 10:30am Recquiem Mass. Active Pallbeares were Peter Donovan, Charles Collins, Dr.Thedore Kirn, Judge Leuis H. Yarrut, Francis P. Burnes and James E. Donovan. There were 28 Honorary Pallberarers including Governor Kemmon, Lt. Gonernor Fontenot, Mayor Morrison, 2 Justices, 6 Judges and 17 very high ranking and distinguished State, Parish and City Officials.

Buried:
Metairie Cemetery

George married Alice Gertrude Donovan on 20 Sep 1899 in New Orleans, Orleans, Louisiana, USA. Alice was born on 15 Jul 1876 in New Orleans, Orleans, Louisiana, USA; died on 21 Feb 1929 in New Orleans, Orleans, Louisiana, USA; was buried on 23 Feb 1929 in New Orleans, Orleans, Louisiana, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1900, New Orleans, Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Ward 3
• Residence: 1910, New Orleans, Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Ward 3
• Residence: 1920, New Orleans, Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Ward 3

Notes:

The 1900 Census showes she was born in January 1877 and that she was 23 years old at that time. It also shows she was a Saleswoman and single.

They were married in St. Joseph's Church on Tulane Ave. by Rev. Fr. W.V.
Moore, CM. Witnesses at the ceremony were Viola Donovan (sister), James H. Donovan (Father) And James Montgomery (brother of Groom).

Buried:
Metairie Cemetery

Notes:

Married:
St Joseph Church

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1880, New Orleans, Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Notes:

His Baptismal name on Ellen's death certificate shows "A" but on his tomb "E" is shown. We do not know what either letter stand for.

The first child we know of was born in Dec. 1869 and if Charles had married one year prior to this birth he would have been 16 or17 years old and his wife 15 or 16 years old.

He was a young man of 32 years when he died. We were told by Gertrude Fitzgerald, niece of Ellen Fitzgerald, that he was a fireman. In the1880 Census, he and his family lived at 1301 Toulouse St., N.O.,La. and it shows that his occupation was Mechanic and that Bridget Fitzgerald, grandmother, lived with them. He left a wife and three small sons. It also shows his father was born in South Carolina and his mother was born in Ireland. ( We were told by Gertrude Fitzgerald, niece of Ellen Fitzgerald, that Charle
s father didn
t like the "manners, dress & hats in N.O. & US and left N.O. to go back to live in Ireland. Getrude, a first cousin of George, Sr., told us this in 1984 and she did not recall the date that Charle
s father went back to Ireland. We think something is wrong here and that more research is needed.) The 1880 Census shows his father was born in So.Carol. and his mother was born in Ireland. We know from his death certificate that he died on a N.O. street, Orleans, between Prier and Roman Streets. The cause of death was Ascites.
(Ascites=accumulation of fluids between the abdomen wall and the outer wall of the stomach. Could have been caused by many things-yellow fever or other type of fever- rupture-drinking excesive amounts of alcohol.)

He is buried in Lot #14, Cyrpt #34,Greenwood Cemetery. Cyrpt door conatins bronze lettering showing he was a member of the "Philadelphia Fire Company No.14" and that he was born "1 Jan,1852"and died "21 June 1884". These dates differ from the official records.

Buried:
Greenwood Cemetery

Charles married Ellen ( Hellen ) Fitzgerald on 19 Mar 1875 in New Orleans, Orleans, Louisiana, USA. Ellen was born on 10 Nov 1846 in New Orleans, Orleans, Louisiana, USA; was christened on 13 Nov 1846 in New Orleans, Orleans, Louisiana, USA; died on 17 Oct 1910 in New Orleans, Orleans, Louisiana, USA; was buried on 18 Oct 1910 in New Orleans, Orleans, Louisiana, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1850, New Orleans, Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Municipality 1 Ward 2
• Residence: 1880, New Orleans, Orleans, Louisiana, USA
• Residence: 1886, New Orleans, Orleans, Louisiana, USA
• Residence: 1900, New Orleans, Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Ward 3

Notes:

The oldest child that lived was born in Dec. 1869 and if she had married one year prior to this birth she would have been 15 or16 years old and her husband 16 or 17 years old.

According to the 1910 Census, she was 55 on her last birthday. This would mean she was born in 1854. On the 1900 Census she was 48 and born in September of 1851. The 1851 date seems more realistic. That date would make her 17-18 at her marriage and 18-19 when the first child was born. The 1854 date would mean she was married at 14-15 and been only15-16 when the oldest child that lived was born.

Her Certificate of Baptism shows she was born on 10 Nov 1846. This means she would have been 23 when the first son, George was born, 24 in the 1870 census and 28 at her marriage to Charles and 63, going on 64 at her death. If this is correct then Ellen would have been 5 years, 1 month and 21 days older then Charles.* She was Baptized on 13 Nov 1846 in St. Anthony's Chapel, N. O., La. by Fr. J. Lesne. Sponsors at her baptism were Patrick Power (maybe Bridget's brother) and Ellen Clinanu.

Witnesses to the marriage License were William G .E. Rauel and John Doyle. Judge John Le Monnier, of The Third Justice of the Peace for the Parish of Orleans issued the License. They were married by Fr. Magin Palmer in the presence of Thomas Fitz Gerald, A. Ribe(t?) and (J?) Se(udra?)

The name Fitzgerald is spelled : Fitz Gerald, Fitz gerald and Fitzgerald on the Marriage Certificate and Fitz gerald on the Marriage License.

On both the 1900 and 1910 Censuses she was living at 223 South Duprie St. in a double house. Her oldest living son, George, and his wife, Alice Donnavan, lived in the other half of the house, 225 S. Duprie St. Both Censuses show Ellen had six children but only three living. According to family stories, they had a door cut in the wall so family members could go from one side to the other without going outside. The story also says there was a mutual dislikeing between Ellen and Alice, which was a constant source of arguments and trouble. [This sounds like the age old story of mother-in-law and daughter-in-law.] Some of this dislike may have been because Alice was educated and Ellen was not.

On the 1900 Census she is listed as"Hellen". On the 1880 and 1910 Censuses she is Ellen. She is also Ellen on all formal documents found thus far.

Her sister Catherine Coudron, widow, and a border named Henry Lanata, laborer, lived with her and two sons, James and Joseph according to the 1900 census. The 1910 census showes only her sister living with her.
Her parents were born in Ireland, per her death certificate and the 1900 and 1910 Census records.

She died to the age of 56 according to her death certificate. (We can only speculate that her birthday was on or after 18 Oct 1853 in order to be 56 at her death.) If the 1851 date is accepted as correct, then she was really 59 years and one month old at her death. This would also mean she was 4-5 months older then her husband, Charles and the age on the death certificate was incorrect.* We think she was really born in 1846 and thus 63 going on 64 years old at death.

The death certificate also shows her cause of death as Traumatic Pleurisy with double Pneumonia resulting from a fall in which she fractured the 7th & 8th ribs on her right side. She also suffered from chronic Intersitial Nephritis (a form of kidney desease caused by the Gout.) She was buried from P.J. Schoen Furneral Home, P.J. Schoen, Funeral Director. She die at 2250 Palmyra Ave., N.O.,La. Dr. W. B. Seebold signed her death certificate.

Her obituary appeared in The New Orleans Times Democrat,Part Second, Page 4, on Sunday October 23, 1910 and reads as follows:

"MONTGOMERY- On Monday Oct. 17, 1910, at 8:15 o'clock a. m., ELLEN FITZGERALD, beloved wife of the late Chas. A. Montgomery, a native of this city."

The following obituary was in The New Orleans Times Democrate on Tuesday, October 18, 1910, page 2, Part First:

"MONTGOMERY- On Monday, Oct., 17, 1910, at 8:15 o'clock a. m., ELLEN FITZGERALD, beloved wife of the late Chas. A. Montgomery, a native of this city.
The relatives, friends and acquaintances of the family are respectfully invited to attend the funeral, which will take place Tuesday, Oct. 18, at 4 o'clock p. m., from the residence of her son, George Montgomery, No.
225South Dupre Street, near Palmyra Street. Interment in Greenwood Cemetery."

She is buried in Plot 43, on Evergreen between Aloe & Orange, , Greenwood Cemetery, N. O.,La.

The only other information we have on her is that she was related to Gertrude Fitzgerald, first cousin of Geroge Montgomery, Sr. Gertrude acted as forster mother and househeeper for his sons, Milton, Charles, Alvin and Raymond.

Buried:
Greenwood Cemetery

Notes:

Married:
St Louis Cathedral

Notes:

* The family name of Charles, on his marriage certificate is Montgomery.
His father's name is MONTGAUMERY [sic].

We have no other information on William at this time. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Submitted by:
George J.R. Montgomery CMS# 1200

Part of GEDCOM file containing 1085 individuals and 393 marriages; added to CMSI database on 7/31/94.

William married Marie. Marie was born about 1830; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

We do not know her maiden name at this time or have any other data on her.