JAMES HUGH MONTAGUE, a son of Mr. Alexander Montague, was born on 7th December 1850. at Coma, where his father was then conducting a general store, adjoining the Market Square. His earliest education was gained at Taylor's School, a two-roomed building situated at the back of where the bar of the Prince of Wales Hotel now is. Subsequently he went to St. Mary's Seminary, Sydney. Later he attended Lyndhurst College, and then, entering St. John's College, graduated B.A. at the Sydney University in 1870, obtaining his M.A. degree in 1874. His education being completed Mr. Montague returned to Coma and took over the management of his father's pastoral properties. For many years he resided at and worked Green Hills Station (now Carlaminda), but this passing out of the family's hands, he came to Coma in 1898, and established an auctioneers, stock and station and land agency business, for which his long knowledge of the district and pastoral matters generally peculiarly qualified him.

Mr. Montague made was a Magistrate in 1877. After he adopted the town of Coma as his permanent residence he interested himself very largely in all public matters.

He was for a number of years an Alderman of the Municipality, and occupied the Mayoral Chair on three occasions. He was for a long term an appointed member of the Licensing Board, was Guardian of Minors, and Visiting justice to the Goal. He was on various occasions Returning Officer for the State Elections, and was for over 20 years the occupant of the judge's box at the various horse racing meetings held at Cooma.

In 1882 Mr. Montague was married to Miss Ryan, daughter of Mr. Peter Ryan, Cappagh, Queen's County, Ireland. There were three sons and three daughters, issue of the marriage: The eldest son was amongst those lost at the war, the youngest, Lieut. J. A. Montague, prior to enlisting, being employed in a bank. Upon his return he became associated with his brother William, with their father, in his business, which they today carry on.

Two of the daughters married Messrs. McHugh, of Sussex Street, and one married Col. Fallon, who represented Australia at the Wembley Exhibition.