April 15, 1861: President Abraham Lincoln called for 75,000 militiamen for three months service in the wake of the Confederate bombardment of Fort Sumter as the Civil War began.
New Jersey’s quota was four regiments.
For a township with a population of about less than one thousand residents between 1860 and 1870, Montague would see many of its men volunteer, or get drafted, for military service. See link for draft compiled by the Sons of Sussex researchers, John and Lisa Rights.
Four years later, minus one day, would see Lincoln assassinated.
One man, who was a pall-bearer at his funeral, Lt. Gov. William Bross of Illinois - originally was from Montague.
