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John A. Montgomery served in the Confederate Army during
the Civil War and sustained at least one injury in service to the South.
In 1867, he moved to LaFayette County, Mississippi and resided there until
his untimely death in 1901. It is believed John Montgomery was married
and had at least one son.
Special Deputy U. S. Marshal Montgomery was held in high esteem by
neighbors and friends and known for his sense of humor and ability to
tell an interesting yarn. He is believed to have been in his mid to
late 50s at the time he was murdered at the Mathis home near Delay,
Mississippi on November 16,1901. Ironically, Will Mathis, who was convicted
and executed for Montgomery's murder, was said to be friends with the
deceased, and Montgomery was reportedly scheduled to testify on Mathis'
behalf in an upcoming counterfeiting case. On the last night of his
life, John A. Montgomery and Field Deputy Hugh Montgomery went to the
Mathis home to arrest Will Mathis on a charge of illicit distilling.
John Montgomery's charred and dismembered remains were discovered less
than twenty four hours later.
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