Illinois Governor. Educated at the University of Chicago, he graduated from Chicago-Kent College of Law in 1898, was admitted to bar and established a legal career in Chicago, Illinois. He secured an appointment as a Cook County probate judge in 1915 and was in for eighteen years. In 1933, he was elected as a Democrat the state’s first Jewish Governor of Illinois, serving until 1940. During his two terms, the 18th Amendment was sanctioned, ending prohibition, a two percent sales tax rate was endorsed and a state tax on real estate and personal property. Also, a permanent voters’ registration system was enacted that required voters’ signatures to match records kept on file by election officials. After leaving office he died shortly after from a stroke.

Illinois Governor. Educated at the University of Chicago, he graduated from Chicago-Kent College of Law in 1898, was admitted to bar and established a legal career in Chicago, Illinois. He secured an appointment as a Cook County probate judge in 1915 and was in for eighteen years. In 1933, he was elected as a Democrat the state’s first Jewish Governor of Illinois, serving until 1940. During his two terms, the 18th Amendment was sanctioned, ending prohibition, a two percent sales tax rate was endorsed and a state tax on real estate and personal property. Also, a permanent voters’ registration system was enacted that required voters’ signatures to match records kept on file by election officials. After leaving office he died shortly after from a stroke.

Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith