James H. Morrison
American politician (1908–2000)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
James Hobson Morrison (December 8, 1908 – July 20, 2000) was an American lawyer and politician who served twelve terms as a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives from Louisiana from 1943 to 1967.[1]
December 8, 1908
James H. Morrison | |
|---|---|
Jimmy Morrison in 1939 | |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Louisiana's 6th district | |
| In office January 3, 1943 – January 3, 1967 | |
| Preceded by | Jared Y. Sanders Jr. |
| Succeeded by | John Rarick |
| Personal details | |
| Born | James Hobson Morrison December 8, 1908 Hammond, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Died | July 20, 2000 (aged 91) Hammond, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Resting place | Episcopal Church Cemetery in Hammond, Louisiana |
| Party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Marjorie Abbey Morrison (married 1940–2000, his death) |
| Children | James Hobson Morrison, Jr. Benjamin Abbey Morrison |
| Tulane University School of Law | |
| Occupation | Attorney |
Early life and career
James H. Morrison was born in Hammond, Louisiana on December 8, 1908. He attended the public schools[2] and graduated from the Tulane University School of Law in New Orleans in 1934.[3] He passed the bar and began a private legal practice in Hammond. He supported better treatment for strawberry pickers and founded a labor newspaper.[4]
Gubernatorial campaigns
He ran unsuccessfully for governor in 1939 and again in 1944.[5]
Tenure in Congress
In 1942, he ran as a Democrat for a seat in the U.S. House, seeking to represent Louisiana's 6th congressional district. He won election and would serve in Congress for the next 24 years.[6][7]
He was initially assigned to serve on five committees, but after only a few days he stepped down from those committees because they dealt with issues less directly impactful to his district than the agricultural concerns he sought to represent.[8] He quickly gained a reputation as a populist and supporter of federal highway funding in his district.[9][10]
He was a delegate to the Democratic National Conventions in both 1956 and 1960.[11]
Based on certain criteria, Morrison developed a mostly liberal voting record during the course of his congressional career.[12]
Civil rights
In 1956, Morrison was a signatory of the Southern Manifesto. He voted against the Civil Rights Acts of 1957, 1960, and 1964.[13][14][15] However, in 1965, he voted for the Voting Rights Act, which many believe cost him his seat.[16]
Defeat and later career
In 1966, he was defeated in the Democratic primary election by Louisiana judge John R. Rarick.[17]
After leaving Congress, he returned to Hammond to take up his law practice.[18] He became a prolific fundraiser and supporter of Southeastern Louisiana University, to which he had also steered federal contracts during his time in office.[19][20]
Death
James Morrison died in Hammond on July 20, 2000, following a series of health problems, including two heart attacks and a stroke. His body is interred at Episcopal Church Cemetery in Hammond.
He was survived by his wife of 60 years, Marjorie Abbey Morrison and their two sons, James Jr. and Benjamin.[21][22]
