Who was the longest serving governor of Illinois?
Since becoming a state in 1818, 42 people have served as governor of Illinois; before statehood, it had only one territorial governor, Ninian Edwards. The longest-serving governor was James R. Thompson, who was elected four times to a term lasting 14 years, from 1977 to 1991.
Who was the Governor of Illinois in 1809?
From March to June 1809, Territorial Secretary Nathaniel Pope served as acting governor until Edwards arrived in Illinois. Illinois was admitted to the Union on December 3, 1818, consisting of the southern portion of Illinois Territory; the remainder was assigned to Michigan Territory.
When did the state of Illinois become a state?
Illinois was admitted to the Union on December 3, 1818, consisting of the southern portion of Illinois Territory; the remainder was assigned to Michigan Territory. The first Illinois Constitution, ratified in 1818, provided that a governor be elected every four years for a term starting on the first Monday in the December following an election.
What did John Wood do as governor of Illinois?
As governor, Coles recruited Wood’s help to fight a movement from 1822 to 1824 by the Illinois General Assembly, dominated by immigrants from Southern states, to amend the constitution to make Illinois a slave state. A referendum on August 3, 1824, for a constitutional convention for that purpose failed statewide by a ratio of 57 to 43 percent.
Who was the Governor of Illinois in 1826?
Edward Coles, Democratic-, Republican — — 1822-1826 [Wife: Sally Logan Roberts Coles – married in 1833 after Edward’s term as governor] Governor Edward Coles was the second governor of Illinois and an early abolitionist. Born in Albemarle County, Virginia, in 1786, his father was John Coles, a Revolutionary War colonel.
Who is the head of government in Illinois?
The governor is the head of the executive branch of Illinois’s state government and is charged with enforcing state laws.