Curtis Boozman

Curtis Earl Boozman, Sr. (July 24, 1898 – April 22, 1979), was a Democrat who served two nonconsecutive terms in the Louisiana House of Representatives from Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana. His first term from 1952 to 1956 corresponded with the administration of Governor Robert F. Kennon; his second, from 1960 to 1964, with the second term of Governor Jimmie Davis. In the second term, he served alongside the young newcomer, Paul L. Foshee.^[1]

Boozman served in the United States Army during World War I;^[2] his son, Curtis, Jr. (1925-1993), was a United States Navy sailor in World War II. He was married to Marion C. Boozman (1899-1989). His daughter-in-law, the former Mary Ellen Smith, was born in 1929.^[3]

In 1954, Boozman, along with Representative Monnie T. Cheves and State Senator Sylvan Friedman, pushed for passage of legislation to permit Northwestern State University in Natchitoches to confer the master of education degree. The measure, known as House Bill 343, was signed into law by Governor Kennon. Originally known as "Normal", Northwestern was for many years the only state-supported teacher education institution in the state.^[4]

In September 1960, Representative Boozman was among the many political dignitaries who traveled to Winnfield for the burial of former Governor Earl Kemp Long.^[5]

Boozman owned a Creole cottage built about 1900 and located at 212 Rue Second Street in Natchitoches. The building is now called the American Inn.^[6]

Boozman, his wife, and son are interred at American Cemetery in Natchitoches.^[3]

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