Lena Jones Wade Springs was the first woman placed in nomination for the office of Vice President of the United States, 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 chairman 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 chairman 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
- Lena Springs Nominated for Vice-President, 1924, http://www.rootsweb.com/~sclancas/records/bios/lenasprings.htm
- ^ Firsts for Women in U.S. Politics, Center for American Women and Politics http://www.cawp.rutgers.edu/Facts/firsts.html
- ^ Lena Springs
- ^ Our Campaigns - Candidate - Lena Jones Wade (Mrs. Leroy) Springs
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