Long, Jacob Elmer

31 July 1880–29 Apr. 1955

Jacob Elmer Long, lieutenant governor, legislator, and attorney, was born in Yanceyville, the son of Jacob A. and Esta Teague Long. He received his early schooling at Graham College (1888–90) and Elon College (1891–95) and his secondary education at Horner Military School (1896–98). Long attended The University of North Carolina between 1900 and 1903, studying law in 1902–3. As a student in Chapel Hill, he was active in social and professional organizations and served as president of the Order of the Sphinx.

Long established his law practice in Durham but had an office in Alamance County as well. During the years 1912–16 he was private secretary to Congressman Charles M. Stedman. From 1912 to 1917 he was chairman of the Democratic executive committee for his district and represented Alamance County in the General Assembly in the sessions of 1911 and 1913. He served in the state senate in 1917 and 1921 and was lieutenant governor from 1925 to 1929. During the administration of Governor W. Kerr Scott, he was legislative counselor, serving as liaison officer between the governor and the legislature.

In 1909 Long married Lessie Ermine Peay. They had no children. A Methodist, he was buried in Maplewood Cemetery, Durham.