(From "History of Dade County and Her People" from the date of the Earliest Settlements to the present time, published at Greenfield, Missouri, The Pioneer Historical Co., Nov. 1, 1917.)
Charles W. Montgomery is a respected scion of a prolific branch, having been born in Dade county, ten miles northeast of Greenfield, August 25th, 1850, son of Emsley C. and Julia Ann (Taylor) Montgomery. His father is a native of Christian county, Ky., while his mother first saw the light of day in Ray county, Mo., Emsley C. Montgomery was born in 1825 and came to Dade county with his father when 15 years of age, or in the year 1840 when his parents took up 280 acres of government land in Sac township, upon which they lived during the remainder of their lives. Emsley C. is still (1917) living on a fine farm of 100 acres adjoining the old homestead. Josiah B. Montgomery, a younger brother of Charles W. now owns and lives on the old place. Emsley C. Montgomery is now in his 92nd year, hale and hearty while his wife, who is still living, has seen the snows of 85 winters.
Charles W. Montgomery remained at home and worked for his father until May 8th, 1870 when he was married to Mary Ellen Ellis, a daughter of Spencer Ellis, an early settler of the county who went with the rush to California in 1849 and died there. Her mother, Mary (Hudson) Ellis remained in Dade county and reared the family among them being Judge Thornton T. Ellis who met accidental death while Associate Judge for the Eastern district.
At the time of his marriage, and immediately thereafter, Charles W. Montgomery engaged in farming upon his own account, leased, bought and sold numerous farms, in which occupation he continued until 1886 when in company with Thornton T. Ellis, and his brother, Thomas B. Montgomery they opened up a general store at Seybert which they conducted under the firm name of C. W. Montgomery & Co., for a few months when he bought out his partners and conducted the business in his own name for three years. He then purchased the Seybert flouring mill for $12,500 on the installment plan, paying the interest and $1,000 on the principal each year. These payments were made monthly and he never missed a payment. During this time he rented his store building, sold the goods in bulk and bought 320 acres of fine land adjoining the mill property. He subsequently sold the mill for $10,000 reserving some land, houses and property valued at $2,500. This added to his farm made his entire holding amount to 430 acres with numerous buildings and other improvements.
In the fall of 1894 he was elected Clerk of the County Court of Dade County on the Republican ticket and served eight years during which time his oldest son, Aaron H. Montgomery had served for four years as his deputy. Both of them resigined in 1906.
In 1910 C. W. Montgomery was elected Probate Judge of the county and re-elected again in 1914, making a remarkable record for public service. He owned severa tracts of land and several houses in the city. He was also largely interested in mining enterprises in the Joplin district as well as in Dade county. He has been a member of the M.E. Church since 1879, serving on the Board of Trustees almost continuously. In politics, he has long been recognized as a leader, not only in local circles but in the high councils of the Republican party.
The brothers of Charles W. Montgomery were extensive farmers and stock raisers residing in the northern part of Dade county, Missouri. Their farms are all well improved and kep in a high state of cultivation.
Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Montgomery were parents of 14 children, five of whom died in infancy. Their oldest daughter Lillie, died leaving three children who were raised by the grand-parents.

Charles W. Montgomery died at the age of 83-3-7 of cerebral hemorrhage. He was a former probate judge and married to Ellen Montgomery when he died.