Luther E. Hall 1912-16
Born: August 30, 1869 in Bastrop, Louisiana Political Affiliation: Democrat Religious Affiliation: Methodist Education: Tulane University, Washington and Lee College (Virginia) Career Prior to Term: State Senator and State Judge How He Became Governor: Elected in 1912 Career after Term: Assistant State Attorney General Died: November 6, 1921 in New Orleans Luther Hall ran for Governor with the encouragement and support of John M. Parker and his Good Government League reformers. That support vanished after the election as Hall's weak reform measures were defeated by legislators beholden to the New Orleans Choctaw Club machine led by Mayor Martin Behrman. Progressive legislation to reform election procedure, refund state debt and increase state revenue all failed. Hall's call for a state constitutional convention to unravel confusion about bonded debt was rejected by voters. Legislation to change New Orleans to a commission form of government passed, but machine politicians dominated the new system. About the only successful legislation backed by Hall was a weak workmen's compensation law. Hall's heart was set on a position in the State Supreme Court. He had been a Democratic candidate for Associate Justice when Parker persuaded him to run for Governor. During his campaign to win nomination to the court in 1921, Hall died of a heart attack in New Orleans. Back |