Lena Springs

Who was Lena Springs?

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, over 50, and 44.

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