MEREDITH FOX MONTAGUE.
The name and family of Montague was prominent and distinguished
in Normandy as early as 1024, as is evidenced by the mountains, castles,
fortresses, and towns bearing their name.
Drogo de Montague was born in 1040, and became the trusted companion,
follower, and intimate friend of Robert, Earl of Moriton, the
favorite brother of William, Duke of Normandy, accompanying his
expedition against England. After the conquest, William rewarded
him with large grants of land, thus establishing the family in England.
Drogo de Montague bore the kite shaped shield of the Norman invaders;
its color is cerulian blue, and upon it is the full length Griffin segreant
(rampant with wings spread), and painted a bright golden hue. This
was the original Montague coat of arms in England.
The subject of this sketch is descended from Peter Montague of that
family, who came from Boveney, Parish of Burnham, Buckinghamshire,
England, in 1621. He settled in Virginia, and entered lands in the
counties of New Norfolk, Nansemond, Middlesex and Essex. Peter Montague
became rich, a large land holder, and a man of prominence in the
colony. He was a member of the Assembly (House of Burgesses) 16511658
from Lancaster county, Virginia.
He left two sons, William and Peter Montague who lived on their
handsome estates in Middlesex, known as "Montague Island," two
hundred years ago. From them are descended a countless progeny,
generally independent planters, remarkable for their amiability of disposition,
high sense of honor, strict integrity, and generous hospitality,
and it may be added, as a distinguished member of the family was wont
to say, "also for their strict virtue and personal beauty of the females."
These general characteristics are still preserved in the family to a considerable
extent.
Meredith Fox, son of John H. and Melinda Montague, was born in
Richmond City, on August 3, 1856. He was educated in Richmond,
and at the Episcopal High School, near Alexandria, Virginia. At the
age of eighteen years he entered business, and has continued in mercantile
life ever since, now Secretary of Virginia Paper Company, of which
his father is President. He married in Richmond, on January 3, 1884,
Miss Emily Triplett, of Richmond, and their children are four. Nannie
Jenifer Triplett, William Triplett, Meredith, and Linda Meredith.
John H. Montague, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in
Buckingham county, Virginia, living now in Richmond, son of Henry
B. Montague of Richmond, who was son of Henry, who was son of
Robert Montague. The mother of Mr. Montague is Melinda, daughter
of Dr. Meredith Fox, of "Green Springs," Louisa county, Virginia, who
was a son of John Fox.
