Janet Livingston Montgomery

1743-1828

Janet Livingston, born on August 27, 1743, spent her girlhood at Clermont, the family home on the bank of the Hudson River in New York. She married General Richard Montgomery on July 24, 1773, and resided with him on Livingston Street in Rhinebeck, New York, for a little more than two years before he accepted a commission as General in the Continental Army. General Montgomery lost his life on December 31, 1775, while leading his men in the battle of Quebec.

After Richard Montgomery's death, Janet became a prosperous landowner, building an estate with bountiful orchards and farmlands, and a home named Chateau de Montgomery. Known as a business woman, she capably managed her land interests and established a successful commercial nursery adjacent to her estate. Entertaining family and friends was one of Janet's favorite pastimes. Planting flowers, fruits, and trees at her country home at Annandale-on-Hudson, New York, also brought her much pleasure. In a 1809 letter to her brother Edward Livingston, she wrote "If I have a pleasure it is in cultivating my plants ... the garden is a sheet of blossoms and flowers."

Chateau de Montgomery remained in the Livingston family until 1988 when it was purchased by the Historic Hudson Valley. The name was changed to Montgomery Place by her brother, Edward Livingston. Montgomery Place has recently been named a National Historic Landmark by the Department of the Interior. Janet Montgomery lived a full and rich life and died at the age of 85 at her home.

Janet Montgomery Chapter can be proud to bear her name.

References:
Babbitt, Katherine M., Janet Montgomery: Hudson River Squire, Monroe, New York, Library Research Associates, 1975.
Haley, Jacquetta M., Pleasure Grounds, Tarrytown, New York, Sleepy Hollow Press Division of Historic Hudson Valley, 1988.
Montgomery Place, Historic Hudson Valley (Pamphlet), 1991.

Research was done by chapter members Margaret Renfors and Dale Boggs