In 1871 , while convalescent from a severe attack of congestion of the lungs , he wrote the '' Genealogy of General Richard Montgomery '' . Failing to regain his normal health , on the advice of his physician , he decided to spend the winter at the south , and , October , 1871 , sailed from New York for Frederickstadt , Island of St. Croix . A six months ’ sojourn there saved his life and made him physically stronger than he had ever been before . On October 31 , 1871 , the Enterprise Insurance Company failed , owing to heavy losses in the Great Chicago Fire , and on his return to Philadelphia , Montgomery was , in 1872 , appointed general agent of the National Board of Underwriters , and the same year moved with his family to New York . This position he filled six years , and on his retirement , 1878 , was the subject of complimentary testimonials to his good work in leading insurance journals , as well as of resolutions adopted by the National Board . In 1878 he accepted the position of manager of the department of perpetual insurance , in the Insurance Company of North America , Philadelphia . In 1880 , he was elected vice-president of the American Fire Insurance Company , in the same city , and , 1882 , became its president , which office he filled until his death
Great Chicago Fire
Great Chicago Fire
Thomas Harrison Montgomery