Overview

Lennington "Len" Small (June 16, 1862 – May 17, 1936) was an American politician best known for serving two terms as the 26th Governor of Illinois from 1921 to 1929. A member of the Republican Party, Small held several statewide offices in the early decades of the 20th century and remains a controversial figure in Illinois political history.

Early life and education

Small was born in Kankakee County, Illinois, on June 16, 1862. He attended regional schools and pursued further study at Valparaiso University. He later entered public life in Illinois, where he built a political career that moved from local influence to statewide office.

Political career

Small's rise in Illinois politics involved a sequence of legislative and executive posts. Key offices he held include:

  • Member of the Illinois State Senate (16th District), 1901–1903
  • Illinois State Treasurer, first term 1905–1907
  • Illinois State Treasurer, second term 1917–1919
  • Governor of Illinois, 1921–1929 (two terms)

His governorship occurred during the post–World War I era, a time when Republican dominance at the state and national levels shaped policy and appointments. Small's administration made extensive use of patronage, a common practice of the period, which later became a focal point for criticism.

Indictment, trial and controversy

While in office Small was indicted on charges tied to alleged corruption related to state funds. He was prosecuted and ultimately acquitted. The handling of the trial produced additional controversy: following the acquittal, several jurors received state appointments, a development that critics cited as evidence of improper influence. Among Small's defense attorneys was former governor Joseph W. Fifer, who made emphatic statements during the proceedings that were interpreted by some observers as expansive views of executive prerogative, including a remark invoking the "divine right of kings" in the context of gubernatorial authority. These events contributed to a lasting debate over patronage, ethics, and the limits of political power in Illinois.

Legacy and historical assessment

Assessments of Small's career remain mixed. Supporters emphasized his political skill and the continuity he provided during a turbulent era; critics highlighted the patronage system that flourished under his administration and the ethical questions surrounding his indictment and acquittal. Historians and journalists often cite Small as an example of machine-era politics in the Midwest, a period when personal networks and appointments played central roles in governance.

Death

Len Small died of heart failure on May 17, 1936, in Springfield, Illinois, at the age of 73. His life and career continue to be studied as part of early 20th-century state politics and as a case study in the challenges of political reform and accountability.

Further reading and archival materials can be found through state historical collections and dedicated biographical resources on Illinois governors.