Franklin E. Payn

Franklin E. Payn, carrying on general agricultural pursuits on section 29, Danville township, is one of that class of citizens to whom the country must look now for the maintenance of its food supply in this period of world crisis. Energetic and persistent, he is using his land to the best advantage and is winning that success which is the legitimate reward of earnest and persistent labor. He was born in Laporte county, Indiana, on the 19th of June, 1840, and is a son of Alonzo D. and Mary Jane (McClintock) Payn. The father was a native of Genesee county, New York, and the mother of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They were married, however, in Indiana, where they resided until 1847, when they removed to Berlin, Green Lake county, Wisconsin, where they continued to make their home until called to their final rest. The death of Mr. Payn occurred on the 25th of August, 1895, when he was seventy-nine years of age, while his wife died February 15, 1865, when forty-nine years of age.

Franklin E. Payn is indebted to the district school system of Wisconsin for the educational advantages which he enjoyed. Starting out in the world, he felt it wise to establish a home of his own, and on the 19th of November, 1862, was united in marriage to Miss Mary Allard, a native of Madison county, New York, and a daughter of Gilbert and Laura (Randall) Allard, who removed from the Empire state to Wisconsin, settling in Madison county. Mrs. Allard is still living at the advanced age of ninety-seven years and makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. Payn.

Following his marriage, Mr. Payn began farming on his own account in Wisconsin, but in the fall of 1869 removed to Olmsted county, Minnesota, where he lived for three years. In 1872 he came to Iowa, settling in Mason City, but two years later removed to Worth county and took up his abode on his present home farm, where he has resided for the past forty-three years. He owns one of the best improved farms in Danville township, comprising a tract of land of three hundred and twenty acres, and the care and cultivation which he has bestowed upon it has made it one of the valuable farm properties of the community. Aside from his farming interests, Mr. Payn has extended his efforts into other fields. In 1917 he was one of the dominant factors in the organization of the Farmers' Savings Bank of Hanlontown and is serving on its board of directors. He displays keen judgment in all of his business affairs and his activity is prompted by a laudable ambition that produces results.

To Mr. and Mrs. Payn have been born four children, two sons and two daughters, namely: Alice, who is the wife of Lambert Phillips, of Mason City; Laura, who gave her hand in marriage to John Beyer and resides in Jackson, Minnesota; Guy F., who cultivates a part of his father's farm; and Burr A., who is also engaged in farming on the old homestead. In his political views Mr. Payn is a democrat and he has filled several local offices. He has served as constable and as township trustee and for several years was a member of the school board, the cause of education finding in him a stalwart champion. In fact, he is numbered among the foremost citizens of Danville township, enjoying the respect, confidence and goodwill of all who know him.

Source: History of Mitchell and Worth Counites, Iowa, 1918, Vol. II, Pages 644 & 645

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Transcription by Gordon Felland, 11/20/2006