Over the years I have shared many of the letters of Hugh Linton and Frances Linton Montgomery, my great-grandmother. In looking through my treasures I found the last letter written by Hugh, dated February 8, 1945. This was also the first and only letter handwritten – usually Hugh typed his correspondence, or, rather his secretary typed them. Hugh Walter Linton died 41 days later, March 21, 1945. My great-grandmother did not have long to live – she died August 2nd of the same year. The first letter I have between the two was dated 1934 – before the war that kept them apart. Frances Linton Montgomery lived in Washington County, Kentucky. Hugh Linton lived in Christian County, Kentucky, born in Logan County. I can imagine the pair sitting in my great-grandmother’s rocking chairs, poring over the information they had on the Linton family. My grandmother, Mary Alice Montgomery Carrico, was the daughter of Frances and Robert Lee Montgomery. She cared not a whit about genealogy. But her sister, Lillian Catherine Montgomery Goodrich, loved it as much as her mother. When Great Aunt Lillie lived in Washington County, I would visit her and she showed me all the genealogy, the family pictures in the black cases lined with red velvet, and the information her mother had written on scraps of paper. One must realize that Frances Linton Montgomery lived through two world wars and the depression. Nothing was wasted.

February 8, 1945

Dear Cousin Frances,

I have your letter and was glad to hear from all of you. I thought I had answered your last letter. I remember getting the young lady in my office to write in the spring or summer which I dictated to her. It is possible she sent it to the wrong address. I have been sick a good deal since.

In November I took flu, a very severe attack, and had several hard chills, so that I have been confined home all winter, and down town to office only a few times, for an hour or so, about every ten days. I was sick last spring and in hospital at Nashville for some treatment. Jim [I believe you got his name “John”] and Allie Mae, his wife, told me about their very pleasant visit to you all which they enjoyed. I am glad they got to know you.

This has been a bad winter and about one pretty day in ten. I believe if we had some warm sunshine it would help us all. I certainly wish we were so we could expect to drive up there again soon. I have not driven car since November. I hope you won’t think I intended to neglect writing you for I was sure I had written you last. We like to get your letters which are always filled with news. Lydabel and Frances are well, join me in sending love to you, Cousin Robert and all your children.

Sincerely, Your Cousin,

Hugh

The News Democrat, Russellville, Logan County, Kentucky

Thursday, March 22, 1945

H. W. Linton Dies at Home In Hopkinsville

H. W. Linton, youngest of the John Linton family of Logan County, died at his home in Hopkinsville Wednesday after an illness of more than a year. Funeral services were held today at the Methodist Church of which he was a long time member and steward.

Mr. Linton was a prominent lawyer and former vice-president of the Ky. Bar Association.

Born in 1882 in East Logan County, he was educated at Auburn Seminary and Bethel College. He studied law in Elkton under Perkins and Trimble and later went to Hopkinsville where he was associated with Hon. Seldon Trimble in the law practice.

In 1913 he was married to Miss Lida Belle Garnett of Hopkinsville, who survives him. Also surviving are three children: H. W. Linton of Phoenix, Arizona; Mrs. Roderick Cartier of Carmi, Ill.; and Miss Frances of Hopkinsville.

Mr. Linton is a brother of Judge J. T. Linton and J. Warder Linton of this city.

A number of local people are attending the funeral this afternoon.

The Lexington Herald, Lexington, Fayette County, Kentucky

Saturday, August 4, 1945

Mrs. R. L. Montgomery

Funeral services for Mrs. R. L. Montgomery, mother of Mrs. G. B. Goodrich of 185 Forest Park Road, will be held at 9 a.m. today at the Springfield Catholic Church.

Mrs. Montgomery died at Springfield Thursday following several weeks’ illness. Besides her husband and daughter, she is survived by two other daughters, Mrs. Alice Montgomery Carrico and Miss Margaret Montgomery of Springfield and two sons, Robert and Edward Montgomery, all of Springfield.