James Montgomerie facts for kids

Quick facts for kids James Montgomerie
Born	6 February 1755
Died	13 April 1829 Bath, Somerset
Allegiance	United Kingdom
Service/branch	British Army
Years of service	1773 to 1829
Rank	British Army Lieutenant-General
Other work	M.P. for Ayrshire

James Montgomerie (born 1755, died 1829) was a Scottish soldier and politician. He was a high-ranking officer in the British Army. Later in his life, he also served as a Member of Parliament for Ayrshire.

His Family and Early Life

James Montgomerie was born in 1755. He was the fourth son of Alexander Montgomerie and Lillias Montgomerie. His family lived near a place called Coilsfield, close to Tarbolton in Scotland. James was also the younger brother of Hugh Montgomerie, 12th Earl of Eglinton.

A Soldier's Journey

James Montgomerie began his military career in 1773. He joined the 51st Foot regiment as an ensign, which is a junior officer rank. He then moved to Minorca in 1774.

In 1775, he transferred to the 19th Foot regiment. He became an adjutant, helping with the regiment's daily operations. By 1779, he was promoted to lieutenant.

He became a captain in the 93rd Foot in 1780. His regiment sailed to the West Indies. Even though his regiment soon returned to England, Montgomerie stayed in Jamaica. He worked there as a staff officer until 1781.

In 1783, he was put on half-pay, meaning he received half his salary. He returned to active duty in 1786 with the 10th Foot regiment in Jamaica. From 1790 to 1793, he was in England helping to recruit new soldiers. In 1794, he became a major on the Home Staff.

Montgomerie was promoted to lieutenant-colonel in 1795. He joined the 6th West India Regiment and sailed to Martinique. From 1796 to 1798, he was in charge of both military and civilian matters in Saint Kitts. He worked with the 31st Light Dragoons there.

In 1798, he moved to the 45th Foot regiment in Dominica. However, he had to return to England because he became ill. He was promoted to colonel in 1802. In 1804, he became a lieutenant-colonel of the 64th Foot. That same year, he was put in charge of Tobago.

From 1805 to 1808, he often served as the acting governor of Demerara. In 1808, he returned to Dominica as its governor. He came back to England in 1809 and was promoted to major-general.

In 1813, he became the colonel of the 74th Foot. He was promoted to lieutenant-general in 1814. In 1823, he took command of the 30th Foot regiment. He remained in this role until he passed away.

Serving in Parliament

James Montgomerie also had a career in politics. He was elected as a Member of Parliament (M.P.) for Ayrshire. This happened in the general election of 1818.

He was re-elected in the 1820 and 1826 elections. This means he served in Parliament from 1818 to 1829.

In Parliament, he spoke about important issues. For example, on March 29, 1822, he talked about Sheriffs Depute in Scotland.

James Montgomerie died in May 1829 in Bath, Somerset.