If your name is: Berberich, Bonavina, Bruzell, Dohmann, Erdman, Feest, Finnegan, Gatusky, Gerstle, Gildea, Glaser, Legge, McCole, McGrath, McLaughlin, Meehan, O'Connell, Peake, Riley, Schlude, Sheridan, Schreiber, Sunday, Williams, Wishbow, Young, or Zinn we may be related!

Note: two brothers, John and Patrick Montague married two sisters Elizabeth (Lizzie) and Catherine Meehan.The branches of this family have spread from the coal fields of Wilkes Barre, PA to other parts of PA throughout New Jersey, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland and Virginia and likely some other places we have yet to find.

Section 1. John and Lizzie Starting a Family

John Montague was born October 11, 1861 in Townland Disart, County Derry, Ireland. His baptismal Sponsors were Daniel McGready and Catherine McTeague. We don't know when John immigrated to the USA. We also don't know when or if he became a citizen of the United States. Here is what his family looked like in Ireland:

John’s father, Hugh, married a second time after John’s mother, Mary Mellon Montague’s, died young. Here is what that family looks like:

John married Elizabeth (Lizzie) Meehan, sister to Catherine Meehan, (Patrick Montague’s wife) on April 29, 1891 in Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plains, Pa. Here is an article from The Wilkes-Barre Record dated April 30, 1891:

Wedded At Plains

Last evening at 6 o'clock, at Plains, occurred the marriage of John Montague and Miss Lizzie Meeghan, both of Miner's Mills, at the Church of the Sacred Heart. The ceremony was performed by Kev. Fr. Broderick. G. V. Curry acted is best man, while Miss Maggie Gallagher was bridesmaid. A large number of the relatives and friends of the contracting parties assembled in the church, testifying to the high esteem in which the young couple Is held.Mr. Montague is one of the most popular young men in Miners Mills and his bride one of its most estimable young ladies. After a pleasant drive to Pittston the wedding party returned to the home of the brides parents, where a tastefully arranged wedding supper was unejoyed. These young people will start out their wedded life with the warmest congratulations and good wishes of a host of friends.

Lizzie and Catherine's father's name was Conrad and her Mother's name was Mary Munday. Both parents were born in Ireland. Lizzie and Catherine were born in Schuylkill County Pa. near Tamaqua. Lizzie’s father died in June of 1897. Here is his obituary from The Wilkes-Barre Record dated June 19, 1897:

Cornelius Meehan, an old resident of this Place, died on Wednesday evening at 7 o'clock The deceased is survived by two sons and three daughters-Patrick. Thomas, Miss Maggie Meehan, Mrs Patrick Montague and Mrs. John Montague. The funeral will take place this morning at 9 o'clock, with requiem high mass at Sacred Heart Church at Plains.

While we know little about John Montague, here is an interesting article showing his outgoingness and camaraderie from the Wilkes-Barre Times Leader dated July 3, 1893:

MINER'S MILLS.

At the caning to which mine foreman. McCutcheon was subjected on Friday evening there were present Messiers M. J Kane, P. J. Clune, John, Joseph and Patrick Montague, James Lavan, Stephen Ridley, Thomas and James Toole, Daniel Dillon and Moses Lane. M. J. Kane made the presentation address and Mr. McCutcheon responded in a happy manner. Messrs. P. J. Clune, John Montague and James Lavan made short addressee, and during the evening there was a pleasant time enjoyed.

Lizzie and John had three first generation children:

1. Mary Celestine born July 9, 1892

2. Helen (Nellie) born July 1893

3. Margaret born July 8, 1898

Mary, Helen (Nellie) and Margaret (Peggy) were always dressed perfectly with large hats, pearls, long gloves and beautiful dresses. Their dress was described as “very elite.”

Read More about Immigrant John