William B. Montgomery

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Husband William B. Montgomery ¹

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           Born: 31 Aug 1843 1
     Christened: 
           Died: Abt 1909 - Island of Sumatra
         Buried: 

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         Father: Matthew Davidson Montgomery (1814-1899) 1
         Mother: Elizabeth Hanes (cal 1820-1856) 1

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Wife

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Children

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General Notes: Husband - William B. Montgomery

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He had a highly successful career in the development of oil properties. His early experience in that line was gained in the Bradford (Pa.) oil fields, and after profitable ventures in Venango County, PA, West Virginia and Robinson, IL, he went to Sumatra in 1890 as an oil expert, associated with the Holland Dutch Company. He was there six years before he returned home for a visit, his services being so highly valued that his remuneration was increased from time to time to hold him. Having returned to the United States on a vacation trip, he was here at the time of his mother's death in 1897, and went back to Sumatra shortly afterward, expecting to remain there indefinitely. But he had about concluded to reestablish his residence in his own country when he died. His family were mostly all here, and those who survive are now living at Robinson, IL, where there is a prolific oil field. Mr. Montgomery had done some notable work in making the great stores of oil on the island of Sumatra available to commerce. He built a railroad from the oil fields to the coast, installed a refinery, and brought the production up to its greatest volume. Until the railroad was constructed large quantities of the oil produced had been wasted. He was given a free hand in the management of all the operations, and not only made the most of the enterprise so far as business was concerned, but improved the surroundings and living conditions of the workers, making thousands of friends among the natives through his benevolent interest in their welfare. A town sprang up around the refinery, and through his efforts was made very attractive. Oranges and other fruits were planted, and many other details of comfort and order considered which contributed to the physical and moral well-being of the community and added to his reputation as a solicitous superintendent. [CAB, 734]

1 Charles A. Babcock, Venango County, Pennsylvania, Her Pioneers and People (Chicago, IL: J. H. Beers & Co., 1919), Pg 733.