Leo Elthon

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

Early years

Elthon attended the Augsburg Seminary, the Iowa State Teacher College and the Hamilton University of Business. He then began a career in the teaching profession, first as a teacher and then in administration.

Political career

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

Personal

Leo Elthon died in April 1967 in his home town of Fertile and was buried in the local cemetery. With his wife Synneva Hjelmeland he had four children.