Representative Thomas Montgomery Bell

Thomas Montgomery Bell served as a Representative from Georgia in the United States Congress from 1905 to 1931. A member of the Democratic Party, Thomas Montgomery Bell contributed to the legislative process during 13 terms in office.

Thomas Montgomery Bell’s service in Congress occurred during a significant period in American history. As a member of the House of Representatives, Thomas Montgomery Bell participated in the democratic process and represented the interests of constituents.

Thomas Montgomery Bell (March 17, 1861 – March 18, 1941) was an American politician who served as House majority whip from 1913 to 1915. Bell was born in Nacoochee Valley, near Cleveland, Georgia. He graduated from Moore’s Business University at Atlanta, then taught public school in Cleveland from 1878 to 1879. He then worked as a traveling salesman for several years. He served as clerk of the superior court of Hall County, Georgia from 1898 to 1904, then was elected as a congress member in the Democratic Party of the United States, serving from March 4, 1905, to March 3, 1931. He served as majority whip from 1913 to 1915. In 1922, he was a prominent voice of racist opposition to anti-lynching legislation, arguing that political equality for African Americans is “something that would never be tolerated and should never be advocated by anyone.” After an unsuccessful renomination in 1930, he returned to the private sector and died in Gainesville, Georgia.