Born on the 18th April 1859 in Hutchesontown Glasgow, Matthew Walker Montgomery son of Daniel Montgomery and Mary Sommerville Walker. Brought up on the south bank of the River Clyde the family lives at 41 Adelphi Street. Educated at St.Enoch’s parish school
Initially Matthew started work at Montgomery and Son, Cork manufacturers and merchants they were based at 10 East Street on the Norths side of the River opposite the family home.
In 1871 Matthew married Helen Mason, he had 3 sons and a daughter. Helen passed away in 1926.
In 1902 Matthew was elected representative of the Gorbals, he became a magistrate in 1906, In 1923 he succeeded the Late Thomas Paxton as Glasgow Lord Provost, he served the city for 3 years until 1926. While he was Lord Provost of the city Bowling Greens were established all over the city to enable the citizens of Glasgow the enjoyment of his favourite pastime.
Matthew was given a knighthood in 1926, He was given an honorary doctorate of law by Glasgow University.
Sir Matthew was taken to a nursing home suffering from pneumonia 2 weeks before he passed, he was expected to return home but suffered a sudden seizure and passed away on the 8th August 1933. He is buried in the Glasgow Necropolis, his headstone was restored in 2019.
Sir Matthew Walker Montgomery was a Past Master of The Glasgow Star Lodge No.219 from 1911-1913, Past Master of The Trades House Lodge of Glasgow No.1241 from 1924-1925
