History and genealogy of Peter Montague, of Nansemond and ...

102 DESCENDANTS OF PETER MONTAGUE.
CHILDREN.
244. Laura L., b. 1801 ; m. John Beazley.
245. Eliza, b. Dec. 1, 1808; m. Edwin Broaddus.
246. Howard Williams, b. Oct., 1810.
247. CatJierine, b. 181 1; m. Mr. John Jesse.
248. Penelope, b. 1813; m. Wm. Tribble ; d. S. P.
249. Louisauna, b. 1815 ; m. James Games.
250. Philip H. L., b. Jan. 16, 1818.
251. Ma?y, b. June, 1820; ;;/. James McClanahan.
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William Latane Montague, son of Col. Philip [24], b. Nov. 27,
engaged, this text was applied with much force, " You hath he quickened who were dead in
trespasses and sin." Yet this did not satisfy, and when I came in the house I opened the
Bible and while reading, my mind became quite tranquil, there was a thrill of joy seemed to
run through my whole soul, and strange to tell I immediately believed in the Lord Jesus
Christ, and two days after, on Feb. 14th, 1805, I was baptized. For several months my mind
was troubled about preaching. I could get no rest, and finally I became persuaded, if I did
not preach the Lord would kill me and I thought it would be by lightning. I began to preach
the latter part of the same year [1805]. I was then living in Middlesex on a plantation left
me by my father. A cousin of mine by the same name as myself commenced preaching a
little before me and we frequently held meetings together. [He alludes to Rev. Philip T.
Montague, [112],—Compiler.] In the year 1811 1 had a call to the care of the church in Essex
called Piscataway which I accepted, in which bounds I have lived ever since. I have gone
through much labor, and traveled a good deal. I traveled four or five years as a missionary
to the state of Maryland, during these years I traveled about 4000 miles a year. I have bap-
tized since my ordination 1303 persons. 1 have the care of two churches. To one of them I
preach three Sundays in the month, to wit, Mount Zion, Howertons and Tappahannock; to'i
the other, which is forty miles from me, I preach one Sunday and the Saturday preceeding.
Yet, my dear brother, although I have been so active, I feel unworthy of the name of preacher
I am a poor sinner, yet believing in Him who came to save sinners. I am now 54 years of
age, I have had ten children, two are dead [the compiler has no record of the two who died].
My wife and oldest daughter are Baptists, and as the greater part of the rest are nearly
grown, they lay with much weight on my mind. 1 should be much gratified to receive a
letter from you. Do write to me. Wishing you grace, mercy and peace, both you and yours
I remain in love, yours in the dear Redeemer. Philip Montague."
From the words at the beginning of the letter "and I expect cousin" it is evident that
they had heard of each other through their church association, and that neither knew what
degree of kinship existed between them. They were fourth cousins, because their fathers
Col. Philip [24] and Thomas [3175] were third cousins. The fathers of the last, Thomas Jr.
[12] and William [3172] were second cousins; the fathers of these, Peter [9] and William
[3170] were first cousins, and the fathers of these last, Peter [4] and William [6] were
brothers.
t Williams. The name is derived from the baptismal name of William. The name of
Edward Williams who came to Va. in ship " William and John," age 26 years, is on the
muster roll of 1624, at James City. David Williams among the dead. The same list has
Roland Williams, age 20, in the "Jonathan," 1623, living at Robert Thrashers, Elizabeth
City. Also Roger Williams on the plant, of Capt. Sam'l Mathews, came in the " Southampton,"
1622, age 20. At Jordans Jorney, Charles City, 1623, is the name of Henry Williams
who came in the " Treasurer " in 1613, and his wife, Susan Williams, who came in the "William
and Thomas," in 1618. Also Pierce Williams, age 23, in the "Southampton," 1623,
located at the plant, of Abram Peirseys. The will of Howard Williams is not found on
Middlesex records.