Quick Facts
Biography
Allen J. Payton (March 7, 1861–March 1, 1917) was an American farmer and politician. He represented Spencer County in the Indiana General Assembly.
Early life and education
Allen J. Payton was born in Indiana March 7, 1861.
Career and life
Payton worked as a farmer. He operated a farm in Luce Township, Indiana in 1880. On June 3, 1881, he married Anna Stevenson. The couple would go on to have five children.
Life in politics
Payton ran for the Indiana General Assembly, to represent Spencer County, in the 1888 election, running against Benjamin B. Brown. Payton won the election after an investigation into voter fraud.
Later life
Around 1900, Payton served on a committee to place historical markers at select sites in Spencer County where Abraham Lincoln or his family resided or spent time.
By 1910, Payton was serving on the board of the Independent Telephone Association. Payton died in Evansville, Indiana on March 1, 1917.
Legacy
A collection of Payton's letters are held in the collection of the Indiana State Library.