James Montgomery – Fighting in Bleeding Kansas
James Montgomery stands as a pivotal figure in the tumultuous era of Bleeding Kansas and the subsequent American Civil War. A staunch abolitionist, a daring "Jayhawker," and ultimately a Union colonel, his life was defined by his unwavering commitment to the cause of freedom and his willingness to confront the institution of slavery head-on. His actions in the Kansas Territory helped to shape the future of the state and contributed significantly to the broader national conflict.
Born on December 22, 1814, in Austinburg, Ohio, to James and Mary Baldwin Montgomery, James Montgomery’s early life provided little indication of the turbulent path he would later tread. The family relocated to Kentucky in 1837, where the young James pursued a career in education, teaching school and establishing himself within the community. He experienced both love and loss during this time, briefly marrying before the untimely death of his first wife. He remarried soon after, and with his new wife, embarked on a westward journey, settling in Missouri in 1852, awaiting the opening of the Kansas Territory. This move would place him squarely in the heart of the burgeoning conflict over slavery’s expansion.
In 1854, James Montgomery and his wife established their home approximately five miles west of present-day Mound City, Kansas. This seemingly innocuous act of settling down would soon thrust him into the violent struggle that earned the territory the grim moniker of "Bleeding Kansas." The Kansas-Missouri Border War was already raging, fueled by the deeply entrenched ideological divide between pro-slavery and Free-State factions.
The concept of "popular sovereignty," which allowed residents of each territory to decide on the issue of slavery through a vote, proved to be a disastrous experiment. It triggered a mass influx of both pro-slavery "Border Ruffians" from Missouri and abolitionist settlers determined to keep Kansas free. This influx led to widespread voter fraud, intimidation, and ultimately, open warfare.
Montgomery quickly emerged as a leader among the local Free-State men. His commitment to abolitionism and his strong personality naturally placed him at the forefront of the resistance against the pro-slavery forces. The conflict was intensely personal and brutally violent. In 1855, just a year after settling in Linn County, Montgomery’s cabin was burned to the ground by Missouri guerrillas, a stark reminder of the dangers he and his fellow Free-Staters faced.
Undeterred, Montgomery responded to this act of aggression by constructing a new home that was designed as a fortress, a testament to the escalating violence and the need for self-defense. This fortified dwelling became known as "Fort Montgomery," a symbol of resistance and a refuge for those who opposed slavery. The name "Fort Montgomery" itself evokes the sense of a stronghold against the tide of pro-slavery aggression.
The year 1857 marked a turning point in Montgomery’s involvement in the conflict. He organized and commanded a group called the "Self-Protective Company," a paramilitary organization dedicated to defending Free-State settlers and actively discouraging pro-slavery individuals from remaining in the area. The company issued orders to pro-slavery settlers, effectively demanding that they leave, further escalating tensions and solidifying Montgomery’s reputation as a radical abolitionist.
The actions of Montgomery and his "Self-Protective Company" drew the attention of the pro-slavery governor, who dispatched troops to Southeastern Kansas in an attempt to quell the disturbances. However, this intervention had the unintended consequence of emboldening pro-slavery advocates, who intensified their harassment of Free-Staters. The violence spiraled out of control, with raids, skirmishes, and acts of terror becoming commonplace.
During this turbulent period, James Montgomery frequently collaborated with another iconic figure in the fight against slavery: John Brown. Brown, a fervent abolitionist known for his radical views and willingness to use violence to achieve his goals, saw Kansas as a battleground in the larger war against slavery. He and Montgomery shared a common objective: to make Kansas a free state, and they worked together to achieve this goal, despite their differing approaches.
Montgomery’s commitment to the Free-State cause extended beyond military action. In 1859, he ran for representative in the Kansas Territorial Legislature, seeking to influence the political landscape and advocate for the rights of Free-State settlers. However, he was defeated by W. R. Wagstaff, a setback that underscored the challenges faced by the abolitionist movement in gaining political power.
With the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, Montgomery’s experience in Bleeding Kansas made him a valuable asset to the Union Army. On July 24, 1861, he was mustered into service as a colonel of the Third Kansas Infantry. His leadership skills and his understanding of guerrilla warfare proved invaluable in the early stages of the war.
By June 1863, Montgomery commanded his brigade in operations along the east coast, employing tactics that were reminiscent of his earlier "Jayhawking" raids in Kansas. These operations involved swift, decisive strikes against Confederate targets, disrupting supply lines and undermining enemy morale.
His regiment distinguished itself at the Battle of Olustee, Florida, on February 20, 1864. Despite facing a larger Confederate force, Montgomery’s troops fought bravely, earning recognition for their resilience and determination. The battle, though a Union defeat, highlighted Montgomery’s leadership and the fighting spirit of his men.
In 1864, James Montgomery resigned from his commission and returned to Linn County, Kansas. The reasons for his resignation are not entirely clear, but it is likely that he was weary of the war and eager to return to his family and community. He lived peacefully with his wife and seven children, working as a farmer until his death on December 6, 1871. He is buried in the National Cemetery in Mound City, Kansas, a final resting place for a man who dedicated his life to the fight for freedom.
Despite his controversial methods and the violence that surrounded his actions, James Montgomery remains a significant figure in American history. His unwavering commitment to abolitionism and his willingness to confront the institution of slavery head-on played a crucial role in shaping the future of Kansas and contributing to the Union victory in the Civil War. He is remembered as a fearless leader, a dedicated abolitionist, and a key figure in the tumultuous era of Bleeding Kansas. The legacy of James Montgomery is a complex one, but his dedication to the cause of freedom cannot be denied.