Lena Springs

Lena Springs
Portrait of Springs
Personal details
Born
Lena May Jones

(1883-03-22)March 22, 1883
Pulaski, Tennessee, U.S.
DiedMay 18, 1942(1942-05-18) (aged 59)
Manhattan, New York, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
Spouse
Leroy Springs
โ€‹
โ€‹
(m. 1913; died 1931)โ€‹
Education
Occupation
  • Politician
  • professor
Known forBeing the first woman placed in nomination for vice president of the United States
SignatureCursive signature in ink

Lena May Jones Wade Springs (March 22, 1883 - May 17, 1942) was the first woman placed in nomination for vice president of the United States at a political convention. She was nominated at the 1924 Democratic National Convention.

A native of Pulaski, Tennessee, she attended public schools, followed by Sullins College and post-graduate work at Virginia College in Roanoke. She became chair of the English Department at Queens College in Charlotte, and married Col. Leroy Springs in 1913, a second marriage for both.

An enthusiastic supporter of women's rights, she became a Democratic National Committeewoman in 1922, and served as chair of the Credentials Committee in 1924. While her being supported for the vice presidential nomination was in essence a gesture, she received some votes in the election process, variously given as several,[1] over 50,[2] and 44.[3]

She died on May 18, 1942, and is buried in Pulaski, Tennessee.

References

  1. ^ Firsts for Women in U.S. Politics, Center for American Women and Politics "Facts - Elections - Resources - Useful Links | Center for American Women and Politics". Archived from the original on 2014-12-16. Retrieved 2015-03-14.
  2. ^ Lena Springs
  3. ^ Our Campaigns - Candidate - Lena Jones Wade (Mrs. Leroy) Springs