One of the hale-fellows-well-met, of Jamestown, is A.R. Montgomery, the elevator man. He has been one of the most prominent citizens for fifteen consecutive years, with the exception of one year spent in Clyde, where he owned and operated the livery stable now owned by E. Peck. His first nine years in Jamestown were associated with his brother James, in the mercantile business now owned by McGaugh Brothers. In 1879, he bought the Pence & White stock of furniture and after a successful period of one year, sold to R.Y. Tidball. During this interval he went to Clyde.

In 1898, he built the large elevator where he now holds forth, and is one of the most entensive grain dealers in the county. Besides his grain interests he retails large quantities of coal, and buys and ships horses. His elevator has a capacity for twelve thousand bushels. In 1901, he handled about two hundred and fifty thousand bushels of wheat. He at all times pays the highest market price for grain and has made a success of this enterprise. Mr. Montgomery has handled horses and mules for ten years, averaging about one hundred head annually. He keeps a buyer out from August until May.

Mr. Montgomery is a native of Adams county, Ohio, born in 1858. His father is A.H. Montgomery, one of the reliable farmers of the Macyville locality, and an old settler of Cloud county. (see sketch.)

Mr. Montgomery was married in 1880, to Carrie Evans, of Ottumwa, Jefferson county, Iowa. She was a daughter of the late Dr. Evans. To this union have been born, six children, viz.: Mamie, the eldest daughter, has been a successful Cloud county teacher three years. She is a graduate of the Jamestown high school. Ethel, employed as a clerk by McGaugh Brothers, is also a graduate of the Jamestown high school. Richard, aged sixteen years is still in school and assists his father during vacation. Carrie, aged thirteen, a graduate of the Jamestown high school of June, 1902. and Lawrence, aged eight. The happiness of the family circle was shadowed by the death of a beautiful little daughter - Merril, aged six years-in the autumn of 1902.

The Montgomerys have a pleasant home, the Owens residence property, which they purchased in 1901. Mr. Montgomery is a Republican first, last and all the time. Is public spirited, has been mayor of his town, a member of the council for several years and an efficient member of the school board. He has been associated with the Masonic order for fourteen years, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows for nine years, is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and Eastern Star.