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'''A Harold Montgomery, Sr.''' (April 19, 1911 &ndash; December 17, 1995), was an [[agriculture|agricultural]] [[business]]man and a [[Louisiana]] state senator who is remembered as an outspoken [[conservative]] within his state's dominant [[Democratic Party]]. He represented District 36—Bossier and Webster parishes and, later, part of Bienville Parish—in three nonconsecutive terms in the Senate, 1960 to 1968 and 1972 to 1976.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://senate.la.gov/Documents/Membership/1880membership.pdf|title=Senate Directory, 1880 - Present|publisher=Louisiana State Senate|accessdatse=July 14, 2020}}</ref>

'''A Harold Montgomery Sr.''' (April 19, 1911 &ndash; December 17, 1995), was an [[agriculture|agricultural]] [[business]]man and a [[Louisiana]] state senator who is remembered as an outspoken [[conservative]] within his state's dominant [[Democratic Party]]. He represented District 36—Bossier and Webster parishes and, later, part of Bienville Parish—in three nonconsecutive terms in the Senate, 1960 to 1968 and 1972 to 1976.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://senate.la.gov/Documents/Membership/1880membership.pdf|title=Senate Directory, 1880 - Present|publisher=Louisiana State Senate|accessdatse=July 14, 2020}}</ref>

==Background==

==Background==

As with the "S" in [[Harry Truman|Harry S. Truman]], the "A" in A Harold Montgomery stood for nothing. Montgomery was born in Humble near [[Houston, Texas|Houston]] in Harris County, [[Texas]], to Alley C. and Martha Belle Montgomery. He was one of eight children who moved in 1921 with their parents to tiny Linton in Bossier Parish. The Montgomerys then relocated to the parish seat in Benton  so that the children could receive a better education. He graduated from Benton High School, and with the help of a loan from an older sister, he attended the [[University of Arkansas]] at Fayetteville, at which he received Bachelor of Science and [[Master of Science]] degrees in agriculture. His graduate studies were at the [[University of Colorado]] at Boulder.<ref name=obit>Obituary of Harold Montgomery, Sr., ''The Shreveport Times,'' December 18, 1995.</ref>​

As with the "S" in [[Harry Truman|Harry S. Truman]], the "A" in A Harold Montgomery stood for nothing. Montgomery was born in Humble near [[Houston, Texas|Houston]] in Harris County, [[Texas]], to Alley C. and Martha Belle Montgomery. He was one of eight children who moved in 1921 with their parents to tiny Linton in Bossier Parish. The Montgomerys then relocated to the parish seat in Benton  so that the children could receive a better education. He graduated from Benton High School, and with the help of a loan from an older sister, he attended the [[University of Arkansas]] at Fayetteville, at which he received Bachelor of Science and [[Master of Science]] degrees in agriculture. His graduate studies were at the [[University of Colorado]] at Boulder.<ref name=obit>Obituary of Harold Montgomery, Sr., ''The Shreveport Times,'' December 18, 1995.</ref>​

Montgomery taught agriculture at Haughton High School in Haughton in south Bossier Parish east of [[Shreveport]]. At that time he met Azalee Wilson (1902-1985), the postmistress at Haughton. After three years in Haughton, Montgomery moved to [[Ruston, Louisiana|Ruston]] in Lincoln Parish, where he taught vocational agriculture at Ruston High School. He received many honors for his teaching abilities and his love and dedication for his students. He was also known to paddle recalcitrant boys.<ref name=obit/> In 1955, Montgomery attended the White House Conference on Education.<ref>''Minden Herald'' and ''Webster Review," December 8, 1955.</ref>​

Montgomery taught agriculture at Haughton High School in Haughton in south Bossier Parish east of [[Shreveport]]. At that time he met Azalee Wilson (1902–1985), the postmistress at Haughton. After three years in Haughton, Montgomery moved to [[Ruston, Louisiana|Ruston]] in Lincoln Parish, where he taught vocational agriculture at Ruston High School. He received many honors for his teaching abilities and his love and dedication for his students. He was also known to paddle recalcitrant boys.<ref name=obit/> In 1955, Montgomery attended the White House Conference on Education.<ref>''Minden Herald'' and ''Webster Review," December 8, 1955.</ref>​

While he was teaching in Ruston, Montgomery became aware that the area needed a feed store to supply his farmer friends. He used his savings to rent a building on West Mississippi Avenue in Ruston that became "Montgomery's Feed and Seed".<ref name=obit/>​

While he was teaching in Ruston, Montgomery became aware that the area needed a feed store to supply his farmer friends. He used his savings to rent a building on West Mississippi Avenue in Ruston that became "Montgomery's Feed and Seed".<ref name=obit/>​

==Ranch Azalee==

==Ranch Azalee==

Through good management and, in Montgomery's belief, divine guidance, his business flourished, and he was financially able to marry Azalee on [[Valentine's Day]], 1945, after an 11-year courtship. The couple had one child, A Harold Montgomery, Jr., known as "Hal" (September 17, 1946 &ndash; September 8, 2015).<ref name=halmobit/> Montgomery thereafter purchased their dream place, a [[farm]] south of the village of Doyline in Webster Parish. He named the habitation and land "Ranch Azalee" after his wife. The Montgomerys occupied the estate in May 1953.<ref name=obit/>​

Through good management and, in Montgomery's belief, divine guidance, his business flourished, and he was financially able to marry Azalee on [[Valentine's Day]], 1945, after an 11-year courtship. The couple had one child, A Harold Montgomery Jr., known as "Hal" (September 17, 1946 &ndash; September 8, 2015).<ref name=halmobit/> Montgomery thereafter purchased their dream place, a [[farm]] south of the village of Doyline in Webster Parish. He named the habitation and land "Ranch Azalee" after his wife. The Montgomerys occupied the estate in May 1953.<ref name=obit/>​

Ranch Azalee was formerly known as the Bryan House, having originally begun c. 1804 by James Jackson Bryan. It was built in the late Federal/Greek revival style of architecture with an open dogtrot core. After Montgomery's death, Ranch Azalee was added in 1999 to the National Register of Historic Places.<ref>Louisiana historical marker, Ranch Azalee, Harold Montgomery Road, Webster Parish, Louisiana.</ref>​ B

Ranch Azalee was formerly known as the Bryan House, having originally begun c. 1804 by James Jackson Bryan. It was built in the late Federal/Greek revival style of architecture with an open dogtrot core. After Montgomery's death, Ranch Azalee was added in 1999 to the National Register of Historic Places.<ref>Louisiana historical marker, Ranch Azalee, Harold Montgomery Road, Webster Parish, Louisiana.</ref>​ B

===The battle of the Montgomerys, 1967===

===The battle of the Montgomerys, 1967===

McKeithen was a prohibitive favorite for re-nomination in 1967 and ran unopposed in the general election held on February 6, 1968. The governor supported 31-year-old Springhill attorney, [[Jack Montgomery (Louisiana politician)|John Willard "Jack" Montgomery, Sr.]], in the senatorial primary against Harold Montgomery. Despite the same surname, the two were not related. The "battles of the Montgomerys" (There was a rematch in 1971.) were the most heated state senate races in the district in many years.​

McKeithen was a prohibitive favorite for re-nomination in 1967 and ran unopposed in the general election held on February 6, 1968. The governor supported 31-year-old Springhill attorney, [[Jack Montgomery (Louisiana politician)|John Willard "Jack" Montgomery Sr.]], in the senatorial primary against Harold Montgomery. Despite the same surname, the two were not related. The "battles of the Montgomerys" (There was a rematch in 1971.) were the most heated state senate races in the district in many years.​

Jack Montgomery's campaign produced a [[newspaper]] advertisement listing those Springhill dignitaries behind the young candidate's campaign: John Lemmon Cathcart (1895-1969), former principal of both [[Minden (Louisiana) High School|Minden High School]] and [[E. S. Richardson|E.S. Richardson Elementary School]] in Minden, Springhill High School principal Ed Olive, and [[D. C. Wimberly]], a decorated [[World War II]]POW and an elementary school principal in Springhill. Others supporting Jack Montgomery were then Springhill Mayor James Allen and Springhill newspaper [[publisher]] [[Danny D. Scott]].<ref>''Minden Press-Herald,'' December 14, 1967, p. 2.</ref> Jack Montgomery questioned why state highway funding for Bossier and, particularly, Webster Parish lagged behind other parishes in the region. In a newspaper advertisement, he cited a study which ranked Bossier in 14th place and Webster in 20th place among the twenty-three parishes of north Louisiana in the amount of highway appropriations.<ref>''Minden Press-Herald,'' December 15, 1967, p. 16.</ref> Some educators rallied behind Harold in an advertisement claiming to "Keep Good Government," including former Webster Parish school supervisor Ruby M. Craton (1900–1984) of Minden.<ref>''Minden Press-Herald'' (advertisement), December 8, 1967.</ref>​

Jack Montgomery's campaign produced a [[newspaper]] advertisement listing those Springhill dignitaries behind the young candidate's campaign: John Lemmon Cathcart (1895–1969), former principal of both [[Minden (Louisiana) High School|Minden High School]] and [[E. S. Richardson|E.S. Richardson Elementary School]] in Minden, Springhill High School principal Ed Olive, and [[D. C. Wimberly]], a decorated [[World War II]]POW and an elementary school principal in Springhill. Others supporting Jack Montgomery were then Springhill Mayor James Allen and Springhill newspaper [[publisher]] [[Danny D. Scott]].<ref>''Minden Press-Herald,'' December 14, 1967, p. 2.</ref> Jack Montgomery questioned why state highway funding for Bossier and, particularly, Webster Parish lagged behind other parishes in the region. In a newspaper advertisement, he cited a study which ranked Bossier in 14th place and Webster in 20th place among the twenty-three parishes of north Louisiana in the amount of highway appropriations.<ref>''Minden Press-Herald,'' December 15, 1967, p. 16.</ref> Some educators rallied behind Harold in an advertisement claiming to "Keep Good Government," including former Webster Parish school supervisor Ruby M. Craton (1900–1984) of Minden.<ref>''Minden Press-Herald'' (advertisement), December 8, 1967.</ref>​

In his own advertising, Harold Montgomery touted his 100 percent Senate attendance record, the best score since such records began to be kept in 1958 by the non-partisan Public Affairs Research Council. Montgomery was one of five state senators who claimed a 100 percent "good government" rating from the [[Chamber of Commerce]].<ref>''Minden Press-Herald'' (advertisement), October 13, 1967, p. 6.</ref>​

In his own advertising, Harold Montgomery touted his 100 percent Senate attendance record, the best score since such records began to be kept in 1958 by the non-partisan Public Affairs Research Council. Montgomery was one of five state senators who claimed a 100 percent "good government" rating from the [[Chamber of Commerce]].<ref>''Minden Press-Herald'' (advertisement), October 13, 1967, p. 6.</ref>​

Harold Montgomery allied himself with newly elected Governor [[Edwin Edwards]], who had been Montgomery's state Senate colleague in 1964 and 1965. Edwards had personally befriended Harold Montgomery, and Montgomery was hence eager to get along with the new governor, considering his earlier differences with McKeithen. Edwards was a pallbearer at Montgomery's funeral; Montgomery died in the final months of Edwards' fourth gubernatorial term.​<ref name=obit/>

Harold Montgomery allied himself with newly elected Governor [[Edwin Edwards]], who had been Montgomery's state Senate colleague in 1964 and 1965. Edwards had personally befriended Harold Montgomery, and Montgomery was hence eager to get along with the new governor, considering his earlier differences with McKeithen. Edwards was a pallbearer at Montgomery's funeral; Montgomery died in the final months of Edwards' fourth gubernatorial term.​<ref name=obit/>

Hal Montgomery said that his father did not approve of Edwards' flamboyant lifestyle but thought that Edwards was "a great governor who did as much for the state as any other who ever held the office." In the late 1970s, Louisiana was leading the nation in industrial recruitment. In the 1980s, as the jobs picture improved nationwide, the state economy took a downturn in Louisiana. Some noted that industrial recruitment was most successful when directed by Lieutenant Governor [[Jimmy Fitzmorris|James Edward Fitzmorris, Jr.]], whose two terms coincided with Edwards' first terms as governor. Still, Fitzmorris had handled industrial recruitment in the administration of the first Louisiana Republican governor  [[David C. Treen]].​

Hal Montgomery said that his father did not approve of Edwards' flamboyant lifestyle but thought that Edwards was "a great governor who did as much for the state as any other who ever held the office." In the late 1970s, Louisiana was leading the nation in industrial recruitment. In the 1980s, as the jobs picture improved nationwide, the state economy took a downturn in Louisiana. Some noted that industrial recruitment was most successful when directed by Lieutenant Governor [[Jimmy Fitzmorris|James Edward Fitzmorris Jr.]], whose two terms coincided with Edwards' first terms as governor. Still, Fitzmorris had handled industrial recruitment in the administration of the first Louisiana Republican governor  [[David C. Treen]].​

Hal Montgomery also said that while his father and Jack Montgomery were "not friends" when the 1967 campaign began, they were "not enemies" after Harold Montgomery's return to the state senate.​

Hal Montgomery also said that while his father and Jack Montgomery were "not friends" when the 1967 campaign began, they were "not enemies" after Harold Montgomery's return to the state senate.​

===The Religious Right===

===The Religious Right===

Harold Montgomery for a time supported the Reverend  Billy James Hargis' Christian Crusade radio and college ministry, which operated during the 1960s and 1970s from [[Tulsa]], [[Oklahoma]]. Hargis often cited Montgomery by name on his [[radio]] broadcasts. A forerunner of what became known as the "Religious Right," Hargis and Montgomery also shared a hostility to communism. Hargis ran into morals allegations, which dampened his ministry in 1976. Hargis's son, Billy James Hargis, Jr., (1954-2013), conducted a reduced version of his father's ministry in Houston, Texas.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/houstonchronicle/obituary.aspx?pid=167026139​|title=Billy Hargis (Jr.) obituary|publisher=''The Houston Chronicle''|date=September 19, 2013|accessdate=July 14, 2020}}</ref>

Harold Montgomery for a time supported the Reverend  Billy James Hargis' Christian Crusade radio and college ministry, which operated during the 1960s and 1970s from [[Tulsa]], [[Oklahoma]]. Hargis often cited Montgomery by name on his [[radio]] broadcasts. A forerunner of what became known as the "Religious Right," Hargis and Montgomery also shared a hostility to communism. Hargis ran into morals allegations, which dampened his ministry in 1976. Hargis's son, Billy James Hargis Jr., (1954–2013), conducted a reduced version of his father's ministry in Houston, Texas.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/houstonchronicle/obituary.aspx?pid=167026139​|title=Billy Hargis (Jr.) obituary|publisher=''The Houston Chronicle''|date=September 19, 2013|accessdate=July 14, 2020}}</ref>

Hargis and Montgomery were critical of [[Martin Luther King]]'s leftist ties within the [[civil rights movement]].​

Hargis and Montgomery were critical of [[Martin Luther King]]'s leftist ties within the [[civil rights movement]].​

In 1974, Montgomery was an elected delegate to the first of three mid-term conventions of the [[Democratic National Committee]], held in [[Kansas City]], [[Missouri]].<ref>''Minden Press-Herald,'' August 19, 1974, p. 1.</ref> Such meetings were also held in 1978 and 1982 but thereafter discontinued.​

In 1974, Montgomery was an elected delegate to the first of three mid-term conventions of the [[Democratic National Committee]], held in [[Kansas City]], [[Missouri]].<ref>''Minden Press-Herald,'' August 19, 1974, p. 1.</ref> Such meetings were also held in 1978 and 1982 but thereafter discontinued.​

Montgomery did not seek a fifth term in the first primary held under the new Louisiana Constitution on November 1, 1975. His senate seat in 1976 was taken by a fellow Democrat considered more liberal and populist than Montgomery, Foster L. Campbell, Jr., of Bossier Parish. Like Montgomery, Campbell is a former educator. He held the seat with little difficulty for seven terms (1976-2002), when he resigned  to become one of the five members of the elected Public Service Commission. Campbell unsuccessfully sought the governorship in the primary held on October 20, 2007, and the [[United States Senate]] in 2016, when he was defeated in a runoff by Democrat-turned-Republican [[John Neely Kennedy]].

Montgomery did not seek a fifth term in the first primary held under the new Louisiana Constitution on November 1, 1975. His senate seat in 1976 was taken by a fellow Democrat considered more liberal and populist than Montgomery, Foster L. Campbell Jr., of Bossier Parish. Like Montgomery, Campbell is a former educator. He held the seat with little difficulty for seven terms (1976–2002), when he resigned  to become one of the five members of the elected Public Service Commission. Campbell unsuccessfully sought the governorship in the primary held on October 20, 2007, and the [[United States Senate]] in 2016, when he was defeated in a runoff by Democrat-turned-Republican [[John Neely Kennedy]].

==Legacy==

==Legacy==

Montgomery died of heart failure while in an advanced stage of [[Alzheimer's disease]]. Azalee, who was nine years his senior, had died ten years earlier. At the time of his death, Montgomery had been retired from the state senate for nearly twenty years; yet Edwin Edwards was still the governor.

Montgomery died of heart failure while in an advanced stage of [[Alzheimer's disease]]. Azalee, who was nine years his senior, had died ten years earlier. At the time of his death, Montgomery had been retired from the state senate for nearly twenty years; yet Edwin Edwards was still the governor.

Harold and Azalee Montgomery and their son are interred at the Haughton Cemetery (established 1945) in Bossier Parish.<ref name=halmobit/>​ Harold Montgomery was survived by his son, Hal, Jr., and daughter-in-law, Linda Burge Montgomery, two granddaughters, Leigh Ann Montgomery Bates of Doyline and Tara Montgomery Madison of Baton Rouge, and three sisters, Audrey Rodes of Benton, Jean Morgan of [[Lake Charles]], and Bobbie Steele of [[Memphis]], [[Tennessee]], and numerous nephews and nieces.<ref>Billy Hathorn, "Same Surnames, Different Perspectives: Harold and Jack Montgomery in the Louisiana State Senate, 1960 to 1976," ''[[North Louisiana History]]'' Vol 51 (Winter/Spring 2020, pp. 27-61.</ref>​

Harold and Azalee Montgomery and their son are interred at the Haughton Cemetery (established 1945) in Bossier Parish.<ref name=halmobit/>​ Harold Montgomery was survived by his son, Hal Jr., and daughter-in-law, Linda Burge Montgomery, two granddaughters, Leigh Ann Montgomery Bates of Doyline and Tara Montgomery Madison of Baton Rouge, and three sisters, Audrey Rodes of Benton, Jean Morgan of [[Lake Charles]], and Bobbie Steele of [[Memphis]], [[Tennessee]], and numerous nephews and nieces.<ref>Billy Hathorn, "Same Surnames, Different Perspectives: Harold and Jack Montgomery in the Louisiana State Senate, 1960 to 1976," ''[[North Louisiana History]]'' Vol 51 (Winter/Spring 2020, pp. 27-61.</ref>​

In addition to Governor Edwards, pallbearers included then Republican U.S. Representative James Otis "Jim" McCrery, III, who then represented Louisiana's 4th congressional district, former state legislative colleague [[Parey Branton]], a Democrat from Shongaloo in Webster Parish, [[dairy]]man Roy Donald "Don" Hinton (1912–2011) of Minden,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/shreveporttimes/obituary.aspx?n=r-d-hinton-don&pid=150300909|title=R. Don Hinton|publisher=''Shreveport Times'', April 18, 2011|accessdate=April 19, 2011}}</ref> and attorney and then Webster Parish Library Board president Henry Grady Hobbs (1923-2012) of Minden,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/shreveporttimes/obituary.aspx?n=henry-hobbs&pid=162069317#fbLoggedOut|title=Henry Hobbs obituary|publisher=''Shreveport Times'', January 2, 2013|accessdate=January 3, 2013}}</ref> who lost the 1960 and 1967 state House elections to Branton, and a Minden [[banker]], Ralph Williams.​<ref name=obit/>

In addition to Governor Edwards, pallbearers included then Republican U.S. Representative James Otis "Jim" McCrery, III, who then represented Louisiana's 4th congressional district, former state legislative colleague [[Parey Branton]], a Democrat from Shongaloo in Webster Parish, [[dairy]]man Roy Donald "Don" Hinton (1912–2011) of Minden,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/shreveporttimes/obituary.aspx?n=r-d-hinton-don&pid=150300909|title=R. Don Hinton|publisher=''Shreveport Times'', April 18, 2011|accessdate=April 19, 2011}}</ref> and attorney and then Webster Parish Library Board president Henry Grady Hobbs (1923–2012) of Minden,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/shreveporttimes/obituary.aspx?n=henry-hobbs&pid=162069317#fbLoggedOut|title=Henry Hobbs obituary|publisher=''Shreveport Times'', January 2, 2013|accessdate=January 3, 2013}}</ref> who lost the 1960 and 1967 state House elections to Branton, and a Minden [[banker]], Ralph Williams.​<ref name=obit/>

The Montgomery obituary defines his legacy as one of "love, honor, integrity, and love to God and country. The state and nation share in this legacy. Harold Montgomery was a true southern gentleman and statesman. ... He loved his God and his family with a deep and profound love. In addition to his love for his family, he loved his state. This love inspired him to ask the people of his district to elect him to be their state senator. They did so, and he served in this capacity for twelve years ... with honor and distinction."​

The Montgomery obituary defines his legacy as one of "love, honor, integrity, and love to God and country. The state and nation share in this legacy. Harold Montgomery was a true southern gentleman and statesman. ... He loved his God and his family with a deep and profound love. In addition to his love for his family, he loved his state. This love inspired him to ask the people of his district to elect him to be their state senator. They did so, and he served in this capacity for twelve years ... with honor and distinction."​

While the senior Montgomery was still living, the Webster Parish Police Jury (equivalent of county commission in other states) named the "Harold Montgomery Road" in Doyline in his honor.​

While the senior Montgomery was still living, the Webster Parish Police Jury (equivalent of county commission in other states) named the "Harold Montgomery Road" in Doyline in his honor.​

Hal Montgomery, Jr., was a cattleman, businessman, and outdoorsman who owned and managed nearly two thousand acres of cattle lands in Doyline and Homer in Claiborne Parish. In 1982, Montgomery, Jr., and Harold Holley, opened Hol-Mont Distributing and Sales in Minden, which was sold in 1996. In 1980, Montgomery, Jr., and Harold Roberts established  Central Herrin Storage and Transfer, Inc. Until his death, Montgomery had been the company president since 1997.<ref name=halmobit/> On November 19, 1983, Hal Montgomery ran unsuccessfully as a Democrat for the District 12 seat on the Webster Parish Police Jury.<ref>Marilyn Miller, "Veteran Police Jurors Upset," ''Minden Press-Herald,''  November 21, 1983, p. 1.</ref> At the time of his death from liver [[cancer]] in 2015, nine days before his 69th birthday,<ref name=halmobit/> Hal Montgomery was listed by the Louisiana Secretary of State's office as a registered Republican voter.

Hal Montgomery Jr., was a cattleman, businessman, and outdoorsman who owned and managed nearly two thousand acres of cattle lands in Doyline and Homer in Claiborne Parish. In 1982, Montgomery Jr., and Harold Holley, opened Hol-Mont Distributing and Sales in Minden, which was sold in 1996. In 1980, Montgomery Jr., and Harold Roberts established  Central Herrin Storage and Transfer, Inc. Until his death, Montgomery had been the company president since 1997.<ref name=halmobit/> On November 19, 1983, Hal Montgomery ran unsuccessfully as a Democrat for the District 12 seat on the Webster Parish Police Jury.<ref>Marilyn Miller, "Veteran Police Jurors Upset," ''Minden Press-Herald,''  November 21, 1983, p. 1.</ref> At the time of his death from liver [[cancer]] in 2015, nine days before his 69th birthday,<ref name=halmobit/> Hal Montgomery was listed by the Louisiana Secretary of State's office as a registered Republican voter.

(Harold Montgomery was not related to former state Representative Billy Montgomery, a Democrat-turned-Republican from Bossier City and Haughton.​

(Harold Montgomery was not related to former state Representative Billy Montgomery, a Democrat-turned-Republican from Bossier City and Haughton.​