Leo Elthon

Leo Elthon (born June 9, 1898 in Fertile , Worth County , Iowa , † April 16, 1967 ibid) was an American politician ( Republican Party ) and from 1954 to 1955 the 32nd governor of the state of Iowa.

Early years

Elthon attended Augsburg Seminary , Iowa State Teacher College and Hamilton College . He then began a career in school service, first as a teacher and then in administration.

Political career

Between 1932 and 1953 Elthon was a member of the Senate of Iowa and from 1953 to 1957 he was lieutenant governor of his state. After the sudden accidental death of Governor William S. Beardsley on November 21, 1954, Elthon had to end the remaining term of governor until January 13, 1955 as his deputy. In this short time he was unable to set his own political accents. After he had handed over the office of governor in January 1955 to Leo Hoegh , he was again lieutenant governor. He held this office until 1957. Between 1958 and 1963 Elthon was mayor of Fertile. At the end of his political career, he was again a member of the Iowa Senate from 1963 to 1965.

Personal

Leo Elthon died in April 1967 in his hometown Fertile and was buried in the local cemetery. He had four children with his wife Synneva Hjelmeland.

literature

• Robert Sobel and John Raimo (Eds.): Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789–1978. Volume 2, Meckler Books, Westport, 1978. 4 volumes.

Web links

• Leo Elthon in the National Governors Association (English)
• Leo Elthon in the database of Find a Grave (English)