The first known appearance of Richard Montague on the records of New England is 1646. He then had a wife, Abigail (Downing). Whether he married in England or in the New World is unknown.
Richard is noted as being the first Montague to emigrate to America. He moved to Boston in 1646 from Wells, ME and was affiliated with the First Church of Boston. In 1651, he moved to Wethersfield, Conn.; then in 1659 to Hadley, Mass. The move from Wethersfield to Hadley was caused by a division of the church in Hartford. Fifty-nine of the citizens of Hartford, CT and Wethersfield, CT signed an agreement to go to Hadley on 18 April 1659.
Richard settled on a lot of eight acres, upon the east side of the long wide street. He followed his occupation of farmer having at the same time a trade as baker.
Amidst seeming peace and security, he was always prepared for an attack of Indians. His rifle not only accompanied him to the field during his weekly toil, but also to meetings on the Sabbath.
In 1661, he was chosen hay-ward or field driver, and again in 1662. In March 1663 it was voted that "Richard Montague shall receive four shillings for every grave he makes for a grown person and two shillings for the grave of a child under 10 years of age." He was twice a selectman; in 1667 and again in 1671. In March 1681 he was made clerk of writs. He owned a flour mill and bakery.
Steven Gardner Gray
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