Jerry and Linda Butler

John Montgomery is the first Montgomery to settle in Perry Co. TN and is listed in the 1820, 1840 and 1850 census records. Apparently, he settled on the east side of the Tennessee River and continued to live in Perry County after Decatur County was create in 1846. We have not been able to locate any descendants of John so we don't know how he fits with our family.

The earliest Montgomery settlers in the area with descendants that we can trace are David, Hugh and William Montgomery. These three are listed in the 1830 census as the only Montgomery's in what was then Perry County. Decatur County was formed from part of Perry County in 1846.

Hugh and William are believed to be David's sons. David, Hugh, William and David's daughter, Mary all appear as head of household in the 1850 census. David was 79 years old in 1850 indicating that he was born in 1771 in what was then the Tennessee Territory. David died some time after the 1850 census. David is believed to be the progenitor of the many Montgomery's born in Decatur Co. TN.

The 1830 census shows:
1 male 15 to 20
2 males 20 to 30
1 male 50 to 60 - David
2 females 10 to 15
2 females 15 to 20
1 female 40 to 50
no slaves

The 1840 census shows:
1 male under 5
2 males 5 to 10
1 male 60 to 70 - David
2 females under 5
2 females 5 to 10
1 female 15 to 20
no slaves