William E. Montonna

Son of Keeper David H. Montonna.

Cape Vincent Eagle, February 27, 1941

William E. Montonna, 72, lighthouse keeper at Tibbett's Point for forty years, died in his home on Market street, this village Monday morning. Mr. Montonna was born January 30, 1869, at Somerset, a son of David H. and Mary Watts Montonna. When Mr. Montonna was about 15 years old he moved to this village with his family and had resided here since that time. At the age of 21, he secured a position as porter on the boat, "Langdon," of the Central Vermont Steamship lines. He remained in the employ of the company for seven years. He was second mate at the time he left. On April 1, 1896, when he was 28 years old, Mr. Montonna was the successful appointee through a civil service examination for the position of lighthouse keeper at Tibbett's Point. It was the first examination ever held for the position. During his years of service Mr. Montonna received seventeen letters of commendation from the heads of the lighthouse system in Washington DC. He held the efficiency button for ten years. He also won the efficiency pennant in 1922 when the award was first made. He held the pennant for two years. Mr. Montonna married Miss Alberta Van Vlack at Cape Vincent in 1893. Surviving, besides his widow, are three sons, Dr. Ralph E. Montonna, and David L. Montonna, both of St. Paul, Minn., and Oscar L. Montonna, superintedent of a fish hatchery at Hartsville, Mass., and a brother, Harry W. Montonna, of Three Mile Bay; also five grandchildren.