The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 66, July 1962 - April, 1963 Page: 371

Diamond's Account of the Great Hanging

"MONTAGUE GROVE"
It is not generally known by the newer portion of our citizens, that
Sherman possesses a spot sacred to the commemoration of the early
struggles of Texas. But such is the case. About two miles South of the
square on the high prairie just to the right of the Mantua Road stands
a grove of trees, covering several acres and plainly to be seen from
the northern end of the city. This grove was the scene of a fierce
Indian fight in the days of the Republic, some thirty years ago. The
Indians true to their instincts, had raided down upon the frontier-
then several counties east of here, and had stolen all the horses they
could drive off. There was no "Government policy" to interfere and
a party of settlers headed by Daniel Montague, followed on their trail
and overtook them about dusk one evening at said grove where Indians
were camped, waiting until dark. They came down upon the unsus-
pecting Indians in style that only frontiersmen can, killed quite a
number of them, recaptured their stock and learned the Indians a
lesson that they remembered for years. Since then the place has been
known as "Montague Grove," in honor of the leader of the whites,
who before & afterwards by his heroism and bravery won many an
honored place among Texas patriots. He was for many years a resi-
dent of the County which was named for him, but at the close of the
late war he removed to Mexico, where we believe he has since died.
Rev. John W. Hamill was a shining light in the ministry-a gen-
tleman of fine talents and of the highest integrity. He was for
many years a missionary and Government agent among the In-
dians, and who accomplished much toward civilizing the untutored
tribes and reconcile[d] them to a friendly relationship with the
whites.
Rev. Thos. Barrett, the acknowledged head of the Christian
Church denomination in Northwestern Texas, is a gentleman of
rare intellectual endowments and highly distinguished for the
religious culture of his mind.
Dr. Long is widely known as a physician of high standing in
his profession.
The Jones' are men who rank among the most substantive
citizens of Cooke County. Hughes' popularity has been tested by
his election to the position of County Clerk in his County. Doss,
George W. Diamond, then living at Whitesboro, Grayson County, completed the
final draft of his account of the Great Hanging before the dramatic return and the
actual death of Daniel Montague in 1876, or sometime between February 1, 1874,
and December so, 1876, at the latest.

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