The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-08-03
]. H. MONTGOMERY
 DIES SUDDENLY
 AT COURTHOUSE Postmaster Is Stricken With Heart Failure While
 Attending Meeting
FEDERAL FLAG FLIES
 AT HALF MAST TODAY
Was Seated in Chair After Having Made Short Talk and Suddenly Sank To Floor, Dying
 Immediately

Joseph H. Montgomery died suddenly yesterday Without the slightest warn ing of the approach of death the post master of Birmingham was stricken by the grim reaper yesterday after noon at 12;50 o'clock His death oc- cured at the courthouse at meeting of the republicans of the county. who were arranging a call for the county convention. Death was due to an or ganic heart trouble aganst whose ray ages Judge Montgomery had been re- peatedly warned by attending physi- clans.
 While seated, with legs crossed, watching with the keenest interest the political straws at the meeting. Judge Montgomery gurgled softly, slid from his chair and before frightened friends could place him upon a table of repose he passed away Not a word was spoken by the stricken man
 The scene of the tragic end of Judge Montgomery was the second division room. of the criminal court. It was hot and stuffy and the atmospheric condi- tions were very unpleasant At the HlOSl IuInlu part Ol the Udy, Just .PlS- ceeding a rain which brought relief to the sweltering masses outside, the com mitteemen convened persuant to call issued some days ago. The committee had just passed upon a measure cal culated to bring peace among the war ring republicans when J. K Thomas arose and pointed out that his beat was entitled to four committeeman.
 Made Short Speech
 Judge Montgomery, floor leader for the majority, arose and in a speech of about two minutes told the chairman that the point of MT Thomas should be granted He made a motion to that effect. The Birmingham postmaster sat down at that moment, and the proposition was before the house when G. c. Willis and J. T. Kennemar startled the gathering with the cry that Judge Montgomery was dying.
 Immediately a turmoil ensued which brought to the fore pr. Lewis of Bes- semer who was there as a committee man, and Dr. U. G. Mason, the colored physician. Friends grasped the dying man and attempted to fan fresh air for him. He died almost immediately.
 News of the tragic end of Judge Montgomery flew over the courthouse and down upon the streets. It was only few minutes before the ambu- lances had reached the courthouse and friends carried the lfeless body to the awaiting death carriage. The remains were taken to the parlors of the Johns company, where they will be prepared for burial.
 Survived By Widow
 Judge Montgomery is survived by a widow, who was Miss Lena Holderfield, formely a teacher of art at the Bir- mingham seminary. They were mar ried in 1907 and resided at 14oS Eff teenth avenue, south.
 The narrowing news of her husband S demise was transmitted to Mrs. Mont gomery immediately after the judge expired. Friends gathered immediately at the home and rendered such serv- ices as were timely to the bereaved widow.
 It was announced from the residence last night that the funeral arrangements had not been completed pending the ar rival of two sisters of Mrs Montgomery who will be in Birmingham not later than today noon. Judge Montgomery IS survived also by brother, Hugh Mont gomery, of Spartenburg, N. c. He has two sisters-in-law. They are Mrs. Reu- ben Kolb, Jr., of Montgomery, and Mrs. Dr. Frazier of Mobile All are expected to reach Birmingham today, except Mrs Kolb, who arrived last night.
 The friends of the late Judge Mont gomery were familiar with the fact that he was suffering from a valvular heart trouble, the effects of which were plalh- ly evident when he became excited. lie had been under the treatment Of physl- clans for many months and as generally understood he has been warned to cease his political activities through the Tear that while participating in arguments ne would become excited and his end would come He was enamoured, however. with the political game and played it to the very last round. He died in the stirrups. He bore in his coat pocket when death came medicines for the affliction that claimed him yesterday afternoon. Visi- tors to his office have often noted the regularity with which he followed men- cine directions.
 The committee meeting yesterday was void of excitement as every feature seemed to be serene. However close vote of fifteen to sixteen had just been taken, which, while of peaceful char