James Montgomerie

Lieutenant-General James Montgomerie (26 February 1755 – 13 April 1829) was a Scottish soldier and politician who sat in Parliament for Ayrshire 1818–29. Family James Montgomerie was the fourth son of Alexander Montgomerie of Coilsfield (near Tarbolton) and Lillias Montgomerie, making him the youngest brother of Hugh Montgomerie, 12th Earl of Eglinton. Military career Appointed ensign in the 51st Foot in 1773, he joined the regiment at Minorca in 1774. The following year he transferred to the 19th Foot as adjutant, being promoted lieutenant in 1779. In 1780 he was promoted captain of a company in the 93rd Foot and sailed to the West Indies. His regiment returned to England soon after arrival, but Montgomerie remained in Jamaica as a staff officer until 1781. In 1783 he was one of the officers put on half pay as a captain in the 10th Foot, returning to active service with this regiment in Jamaica in 1786. From 1790 to 1793 he was in England on recruitment, and in 1794 was appointed an officer of the Home Staff with the rank of major.