Montgomery, Joseph, 1733-1794

Joseph Montgomery (September 23, 1733– October 14, 1794) was an American Presbyterian minister and a delegate to the Continental Congress from Pennsylvania.

Born in Paxtang in the Colony of Pennsylvania, Montgomery pursued classical studies, graduating from the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University) in 1755. After a brief time as a school master, he began the study of theology. In 1760 he earned an A.M. degree from the College of Philadelphia (now part of the University of Pennsylvania) and began a ministerial career, serving at several churches in Pennsylvania. In 1769 he was made pastor of a congregation in New Castle, Delaware, and continued there until 1777, when he joined the 1st Maryland Regiment of the Continental Army as a chaplain. He served with Colonel William Smallwood's unit for two years and was in major actions at Brandywine, Germantown, and Monmouth, as well as the winter at Valley Forge.

When Dauphin County was organised in 1785, Montgomery became a judge in its court of common pleas, as well as the recorder of deeds and register of wills. He held these positions until his death in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Montgomery is buried in Harrisburg's Paxton Presbyterian Churchyard.