Henry Horner facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Henry Horner
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Horner in 1937
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| 28th Governor of Illinois | |
| In office January 9, 1933 – October 6, 1940 |
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| Lieutenant | Thomas Donovan John H. Stelle |
| Preceded by | Louis L. Emmerson |
| Succeeded by | John H. Stelle |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Henry Levy
November 30, 1878 Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Died | October 6, 1940 (aged 61) Winnetka, Illinois, U.S. |
| Resting place | Zion Gardens Cemetery Chicago, Illinois |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | University of Chicago |
Henry Horner (born November 30, 1878 – died October 6, 1940) was an important American politician. He served as the 28th Governor of Illinois. He was governor from January 1933 until he passed away in October 1940. Henry Horner made history as the first Jewish governor of Illinois.
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Early Life and Education
Henry Horner was born Henry Levy in Chicago. His parents were Solomon Abraham Levy and Dilah Horner. After his parents divorced in 1883, he took his mother's last name, Horner.
He studied at the University of Chicago. Later, he went to IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law. He earned his law degree in 1898. Before becoming governor, Horner worked as a lawyer. He also served as a judge in probate court from 1915 to 1931.
Serving as Governor
Henry Horner was first elected governor in 1932. He led Illinois during the very tough years of the Great Depression. This was a time when many people lost their jobs and money.
Dealing with Money Problems
During his first time as governor, Illinois faced a big money problem. Governor Horner had to ask the state's lawmakers, called the General Assembly, for new ways to collect money. In 1933, he signed the state's first permanent sales tax law. This meant people paid a small extra amount when they bought things. The first sales tax rate was 2.0%. In 1935, he signed another bill to increase the sales tax rate to 3.0%.
Standing Up for What's Right
Governor Horner was known for being honest and careful with the state's money. He also cared a lot about people who were struggling or living in state institutions. He worked hard to stop corruption and make sure that state jobs were given to people who actually worked.
This sometimes caused disagreements with powerful political groups in Chicago. One group was led by Patrick Nash and Mayor Edward Joseph Kelly. They supported another candidate to run against Horner in the 1936 primary election. But Horner won with a lot of support from voters outside of Chicago.
Re-election and Challenges
Horner won re-election in November 1936. He then wanted to challenge the political machine run by Kelly and Nash. He supported Scott W. Lucas for the Senate in 1938. Lucas replaced William H. Dieterich, who was retiring.
Later Years and Legacy
Just before the November 1936 election, Governor Horner had a stroke. He spent five months getting better in Florida. He returned to Illinois, but it was too late to lead the campaign he wanted against Mayor Kelly's re-election.
Horner's health continued to be difficult. He became very ill in the summer of 1940. He stayed in Winnetka and Highland Park, Illinois from June 1940 until he passed away in early October. After his death, Lt. Governor John H. Stelle became governor.
Lasting Impact
Henry Horner is buried at Zion Gardens Cemetery in Chicago. A Jewish summer camp in Ingleside is named Camp Henry Horner in his honor.
Horner never married and spent his life collecting items related to Abraham Lincoln. He gave his collection to the people of Illinois. Today, the Horner Collection is kept and partly shown at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, Illinois.
Horner Park in Chicago is a large park. It covers about 55 acres. The Governor Horner State Memorial is located inside Horner Park. The Chicago Housing Authority also built a public housing project called the Henry Horner Homes in Chicago in 1957, named after Governor Horner.
