Robert Montgomery was born in Fishkill, New York, in 1807. His father was a merchant and his mother was a schoolteacher. Robert was an adventurous child who often went exploring and found himself in trouble because of his lack of knowledge of the area. He was also an avid reader and would spend hours at the public library, devouring books.
Robert was admitted to Union College in 1825 and graduated with honors in 1829. While at Union, he also played football and was on the school’s debate team. After college, Robert worked briefly as a surveyor, but soon realized his true vocational interest was teaching. In 1832, he became a teacher and principal at a private school in Fishkill.
During his tenure as principal, he was an innovator and implemented countless new teaching methods. He also established a school newspaper, which he wrote and published articles for. Many of these innovations became the norm in modern educational institutions.
Robert eventually moved to New York City and worked as a lawyer and newspaper editor. He wrote extensively in support of abolition and the Union, which gained him a significant amount of attention. He even ran for Congress in 1845 but was unsuccessful.
In 1851, Robert accepted a professorship at Yale Law School. While at Yale, he penned more abolition material and continued to write for newspapers and magazines. He was elected as Mayor of New Haven in 1862 and held the position for three terms. During his period as Mayor, Robert established multiple projects to help the city’s poor.
Unfortunately, Robert’s health began to deteriorate in the late 1860s and, in 1868, he was forced to retire. Robert Montgomery ultimately died in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1873.
Despite the brevity of his life, the influence of Robert Montgomery is still felt today. He was one of the most innovative educators of the 19th century and his political views greatly impacted the nation’s shift towards equality. His work as Mayor of New Haven was landmark and can still be seen in the thriving city. It is without a doubt that Robert Montgomery left an indelible imprint on history.
