John Henry Stelle

John Stelle
Stelle circa his governorship
National Commander of the American Legion
In office
1945–1946
Preceded byEdward N. Scheiberling
Succeeded byPaul H. Griffith
29th Governor of Illinois
In office
October 6, 1940 – January 13, 1941
LieutenantVacant
Preceded byHenry Horner
Succeeded byDwight H. Green
34th Lieutenant Governor of Illinois
In office
January 4, 1937 – October 6, 1940
GovernorHenry Horner
Preceded byThomas Donovan
Succeeded byHugh W. Cross
48th Treasurer of Illinois
In office
1935 – 1937
Preceded byJohn C. Martin
Succeeded byJohn C. Martin
Personal details
Born(1891-08-10)August 10, 1891
McLeansboro, Illinois, U.S.
DiedJuly 5, 1962(1962-07-05) (aged 70)
St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
Education
Military service
AllegianceUnited States
Branch/serviceUnited States Army
UnitIllinois National Guard
Battles/warsWorld War I

John Henry Stelle (August 10, 1891 – July 5, 1962) was an American politician who served as the national commander of The American Legion from 1945 to 1946. He previously served as the 29th governor of Illinois (1940–1941), the 34th lieutenant governor of Illinois (1937–1940), and the Treasurer of Illinois (1935–1937). He was also the chairman of the American Legion Executive Committee that, in six short months, drafted what would become known as the G.I. Bill of Rights and be known during the remainder of his life and in the years since as "The Father of the G.I. Bill".