Len Small facts for kids

Lennington "Len" Small (born June 16, 1862 – died May 17, 1936) was an American politician. He served as the 26th Governor of Illinois from 1921 to 1929. Before becoming governor, he was a member of the Illinois state senate and also served as the Illinois Treasurer multiple times.

Quick facts for kids Len Small
26th Governor of Illinois
In office January 10, 1921 – January 14, 1929
Lieutenant	Fred E. Sterling
Preceded by	Frank Orren Lowden
Succeeded by	Louis Lincoln Emmerson
33rd and 39th Treasurer of Illinois
In office 1917–1919
Governor	Frank Orren Lowden
Preceded by	Fred E. Sterling
Succeeded by	Andrew Russel
In office 1905–1907
Governor	Charles S. Deneen
Preceded by	Fred A. Busse
Succeeded by	John F. Smulski
Member of the Illinois Senate from the 20th district
In office 1902 (1902)–1904 (1904)
Preceded by	re-districted
Succeeded by	Edward C. Curtis
Member of the Illinois Senate from the 16th district
In office 1900 (1900)–1902 (1902)
Preceded by	Isaac Miller Hamilton
Succeeded by	re-districted
Personal details
Born	(1862-06-16)June 16, 1862 Kankakee County, Illinois, U.S.
Died	May 17, 1936(1936-05-17) (aged 73) Kankakee, Illinois, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Ida Moore
Alma mater	Valparaiso University

Early Life and Family

Len Small was born in Kankakee County, Illinois. He went to school at Northern Indiana Normal School, which is now called Valparaiso University. After finishing school, he worked as a teacher.

Small also became involved in business. He invested in real estate and eventually owned a farm, a bank, and a daily newspaper in Kankakee.

In 1883, Len Small married Ida Moore. They had three children together. Sadly, Ida Moore Small passed away in 1922 at the age of 60.

Political Career Highlights

Len Small's journey in politics began in 1896. He was first elected as the Clerk of the Kankakee County Circuit Court.

In 1900, Small was elected to the Illinois Senate. He represented the 20th district, which included Grundy, Iroquois, and Kankakee counties. He served in the Illinois Senate from 1901 to 1905.

Small also served as the Illinois Treasurer from 1905 to 1907. He held this position again from 1917 to 1919. From 1908 to 1912, he worked as the assistant U.S. Treasurer in Chicago. He was also a delegate for Illinois at the Republican National Convention in 1908, 1912, and 1932.

Serving as Governor

Len Small was elected Governor of Illinois in 1920. He was reelected for a second term in 1924. During his time as governor, there were some serious questions raised about his financial dealings from when he was state treasurer. Despite these challenges, he continued to serve his full term.

His political challenges grew, and he was defeated in the 1928 Republican primary election by Louis Lincoln Emmerson. After this, Small tried to run for governor again in 1932 and 1936, but he was not successful.

Later Life and Passing

Len Small passed away on May 17, 1936. He is buried at Mound Grove Cemetery in Kankakee, Illinois.

Images for kids

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  Small's grave at Mound Grove Cemetery