AHC: President with shorter surname than Polk

Here's a potential, made up one: A Chinese family, the Li's move to California in the mid-1800s. They have a son born there, let's call him John, to integrate him more with American culture. He could be a Civil War veteran and go into politics soon after. By the late 1880s-1890s (depending on his birth year) he could be elected to the Presidency, after serving as California Governor. He would be the youngest at the time, (roughly the age that Teddy Roosevelt was) and the first non-white President. A two letter last name, young, and non-white. He could help get some equal rights since he is used to being a minority, though I doubt that the freed slaves would get many rights, probably just more equal rights for Asian immigrants. Hell, he could get a state named after him. Liia.
 
Here's a potential, made up one: A Chinese family, the Li's move to California in the mid-1800s. They have a son born there, let's call him John, to integrate him more with American culture. He could be a Civil War veteran and go into politics soon after. By the late 1880s-1890s (depending on his birth year) he could be elected to the Presidency, after serving as California Governor. He would be the youngest at the time, (roughly the age that Teddy Roosevelt was) and the first non-white President. A two letter last name, young, and non-white. He could help get some equal rights since he is used to being a minority, though I doubt that the freed slaves would get many rights, probably just more equal rights for Asian immigrants. Hell, he could get a state named after him. Liia.

But the Romanization at that time would be "Lee", and I believe Hu would be "Hoo" back then.
 
But the Romanization at that time would be "Lee", and I believe Hu would be "Hoo" back then.

That's still shorter than Polk, and you get a President Lee other than Robert. Plus, having a a first non-White President in 1890s is wayyy better than in 2008.

EDIT: You would need to have Asians get voting rights back then though rather than mid 1900s. That wouldn't be to impossible though, would it?
 
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