Constitution

John Berrien Montgomery, naval officer, born in Allentown, New Jersey, November 17, 1794; died in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, March 25, 1873. He entered the navy as a midshipman in June, 1812, and participated in the attack on Kingston, Canada. and the capture of Little York, Fort George, and Newark. In August, 1813, he volunteered for service on Lake Erie, where he took part in Commander Oliver H. Perry's capture of the British fleet on 10 September, 1813.

Montgomery received a sword and the thanks of congress for his services in that action, and later was present during the blockade and attack on Mackinaw in August, 1814. He then was transferred to the "Ontario," under Commander Stephen Decatur, with whom he took part in the Algerine war of 1815. In February, 1818, he was promoted lieutenant. In 1833-'5 he was on recruiting service in Philadelphia and New York, after which he was executive officer of the " Constitution," when that vessel was sent to convey Edward Livingston from France to the United States.

He was promoted commander in 1839, and during the war with Mexico he permanently established the authority of the United States at various places along the coast of California, and also participated in the blockade of Mazatlan, Mexico, and the bombardment and capture of Guaymas on the Gulf of California. In April, 1849, he was made executive officer of the Washington navy-yard, where he remained until 1851. He was commissioned captain in January, 1853, and in April, 1857, placed in command of the "Roanoke," in which he sailed to Aspinwall, and returned to New York in August with 250 of William Walker's filibusters.

During the following two years he served on shore duty, and in 1859-'62 had command of the Pacific squadron, with the "Lancaster" as his flag-ship. On his return to New York he was placed on waiting orders until May, 1862, when he was given the command of various navy-yards. He was made commodore on the retired list in July, 1862, and rear-admiral, July 25, 1866.

See "A Genealogical History of the Family of Montgomery," compiled by Thomas Harrison Montgomery (printed privately, Philadelphia, 1863).