Martha Frances Montague was born in Lebanon, Oregon in 1888, a second-generation descendant of Oregon pioneers. She received her early education inteh Albany schools and graduated from Albany College in the class of 1910. In her student days she was a member of the Albany College women's debate team for two years, and in her senior year, editor of the student paper.

She received her master's degree from the University of Oregon. Much of her thesis, "The Woman Suffrage Movement in Oregon," was included in Clark's History of the Willamette Valley.

Montague was one of the few Albany College alumni who lived through the various phases of the College's development. She attended courses on its original campus, and then in 1943 joined the faculty at its new Lewis & Clark College on Palatine Hill in Portland. Montague served as assistant librarian from 1943-1958, college archivist from 1958-1968, and as associate professor of history. She was also the author of a book length history of Albany / Lewis & Clark College titled, Lewis & Clark College, 1867-1967, published by Binfords & Mort in 1967. Montague died on October 14, 1977.