The North Carolina Mason

January/February 2016 The North Carolina Mason Page 9 outbreak of smallpox. Army reached the gates of may have proven wiser, in no condition to con- operation. It was decided to as- soldiers, sailors, and loyal gates and streets lead- Quebec. Buildings were small cannons were placed throughout the town. Yet, on Sunday, De- cember 31, 1775, 22 days after his promotion to major general, Montgomery and Arnold led a predawn attack in a driving snowstorm. eir initial entry met with success. Upon encountering a second barricade across a street, Gen- eral Montgomery called to his men, "Come on, my good soldiers, your gen- eral calls upon you to come on." Within an instant, the blast from a small cannon extinguished the life of this gallant of- ficer. Several of his staff officers were killed and wounded as well. Close by, Colonel Arnold was wounded and taken off the field by his men. After the death of Montgom- ery and the wound- ing of Arnold, the battle evolved into a pell-mell, house- to-house, street-to- street fight. e remaining Americans who were not killed, captured, or wounded fled the city. When Montgomery fell, a young Ameri- can captain by the name of Aaron Burr tried, unsuccessfully, to recover his body. It was not until the following morning, New Year's Day 1776, that the snow covered remains of Mont- gomery were identified. British Commander Sir Guy Carlton, who had known Montgomery, ordered that he be afforded a military funeral inside the walls of Quebec. A British captain wrote, "ey say he was a gentleman and an agreeable compan- ion." Captured American Private Henry said at his general's funeral, "Montgomery was be- loved, because of his manliness of soul, heroic bravery, and quality of manners. He had the voluntary love, esteem, and confidence of the whole Army." e American invasion of Canada ended in failure. When news of Montgomery's death reached the capital, it was recorded that "the City of Philadelphia was in tears, every person seemed to have lost his nearest friend." Gen- eral Washington wrote "…In the death of this gentleman, America has sustained a heavy loss, having approved himself a steady friend to her rights and of ability to render her the most es- sential service." Even in England, Montgom- ery's death was noted by liberal, pro-American members of Parliament, as well as the press, who lionized his memory. It would be eight years before indepen- dence came; however, Janet Montgomery would never forget "my general, my soldier." After the war, she would continue to live on their estate overlooking the Hudson River. She proved to be a wise and successful busi- nesswoman, investing well in wine produc- tion, as well as the silk industry. Many suitors unsuccessfully pursued her hand in marriage. No one could replace Richard, she wrote, "He was indeed an angel sent us for a moment." Ever mindful of her husband's resting place, Janet endeavored to have his mortal remains returned to the United States. Her continual efforts were thwarted when the War of 1812 erupted. However, ever perse- vering, Mrs. Montgomery finally met with success 43 years later when her husband's body was disinterred and identified in 1818. Montgomery's coffin lay in state in the New York capital in Albany and was then trans- ported to New York City for interment. On July 8, 1818, with Vice President John C. Calhoun officiating, more than 5,000 citi- zens attended the funeral ceremonies for one of America's first generals. His grave, in St. Paul's church yard, New York City, is bejeweled by a monument approved by the Continental Congress (it being the first na- tional monument approved). In 1824, his beloved Janet would be laid to rest alongside "her general." How well thought of and respected was Brother Richard Montgomery? Sixteen states have named counties in his honor (Virginia first/Mississippi 16 th ). at number is only surpassed by those named in honor of Broth- er Benjamin Franklin (23), Brother Francis Marion, Brother Nathanael Greene, Brother Lafayette, and Madison (17). North Carolina's Montgomery County was formed from An- son County in 1779. e portion of the coun- ty west of the Pee De River became Stanly County in 1841. Brother Richard Montgomery was a mem- ber of Regimental Unity 18 of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. Grand Historian Steven Campbell is a mem- ber of Blackmer 127 and Wilkerson College 760. Montgomery in the Attack on Quebec, December 31, 1775 1786, Yale University Art Gallery respect; a person of superior standing" – Webster's King Lodge reaches out to Outreach KING — King 722 has sponsored the King Christ- mas parade for the last three years. The money they make from the project is spent on charitable com- munity projects. $1,000 this year went to King Out- reach Ministry to help with their Christmas programs. Christmas Parade Chairman Doug Wall is seen here presenting the check to King Outreach Ministry Assis- tant Director David White. On hand for the presenta- tion were Lodge Treasurer Larry Bridges, his grandson Mason York, Lodge Secretary Larry Oakley, and vol- unteer workers at the ministry. — Larry Oakley Family affair in Dunn DUNN — Palmyra 147 held Past Masters' Night on October 21. The past masters, aided by the regu- lar officers and visitors, conferred the Master Mason's Degree on three candidates, all members of the same family — a father and his two sons. Owen Henry Wil- lis Jr., the father, was raised first so that he could raise his two sons, Christopher Lynn Willis and Matthew Stephenson Willis. Seen here, from left, are Palmyra Master Kevin Matthews, Christopher Lynn Willis, Owen Henry Willis Jr., and Matthew Stephenson Wil- lis. Past Grand Masters Dalton W. Mayo and Gene Tart Jernigan were in attendance. — Jonathan Johnson

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