San Joaquin County Biographies


This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm



 
JOHN S. MONTGOMERY.
 
        A modest, sincere and very public-spirited citizen, is John S. 
Montgomery, the ex-mayor and ex-chairman of the board of trustees of Lodi, Cal. 
A man of retiring disposition, he is nevertheless a forceful personality, and in 
his quiet and unassuming manner is a leader in the affairs of his city. He was 
born in Greenfield, Dade County, Mo., on January 6, 1881. His education was 
obtained in the grammar and high schools of his native city, and following his 
graduation he taught in the public schools of Greenfield. He arrived in Lodi on 
January 15, 1903, and found employment with Beckman, Welch & Thompson, and 
through his capabilities and strict attention to business he was made a member 
of the board of directors of that company. He was in their employ for fifteen 
years, and when he resigned occupied the important position of credit man. In 
July of 1918 he opened an insurance and brokerage office at 11 West Pine Street, 
which has proved to be a wise move. He owns and operates a ninety-two-acre 
vineyard south of Lodi. Mr. Montgomery is secretary and treasurer of the City 
Improvement Company and a member of the board of directors of the Citizens 
National Bank of Lodi. During April of 1918 he was elected as a member of the 
board of city trustees, and two years later he was elected chairman of the 
board. Many improvements have been made since he has been a member of the board. 
Ten miles of streets have been paved; a $200,000 bond issue has been carried for 
city improvements such as water, sewer, electric lights and fire protection: 
many modern buildings have been erected; and the city has shown a remarkable 
advancement within the last four years. He is a charter member of the Rotary 
Club and past president of the Business Men's Association. In his fraternal 
relations he is a member of the Lodi Odd Fellows, No. 259, and of the Masons 
Lodge, No. 256, the Stockton Commandery; of Knights Templar, and the San 
Francisco Consistory and Shrine.
        The marriage of Mr. Montgomery united him with Miss Elizabeth Bowling, a 
native of Missouri, and they are the parents of two children, Ruth and Clifton. 
Mr. Montgomery is liberal and enterprising, and is ever ready to assist worthy 
measures and movements for the betterment of his locality. He well deserves the 
esteem in which he is held in the community.
 
History of San Joaquin County, California � Los Angeles, Historic Record Co., 
1923
p     599
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler.