Representative Frank Smith Payne View All Years

HONORABLE FRANK S. PAYNE

MR. SPEAKER: Your committee appointed to prepare memorial resolution commemorating the life, character and public services of the Honorable Frank S. Payne, former member of the House of Representatives from Appanoose county, Iowa, beg to submit the following memorial:

Hon. Frank S. Payne, son of the late Chas. W. Payne, was born on a farm near Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, August 16, 1869. After graduating from high school at Bushnell, Illinois, at the age of 16 years, he entered Iowa Wesleyan College at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, where he graduated in 1892. He also graduated from Northwestern University Law School in 1894 and was admitted to the bar in Iowa and Illinois. He located for practice in Centerville, Iowa, in the same year.

Mr. Payne took great interest in public affairs, serving two terms in the Iowa legislature, just twenty years after his father had filled the same office. He was a member of the Presbyterian church, Masonic Lodge, Elks, Kiwanis Club, Country Club, Des Moines Club, Association of Commerce, City Council, always taking the leading part in any useful undertaking for his town, state and country. He was always willing to give a helping hand to the distressed and needy and gave council liberally to many unfortunate people.

He was urged to be a candidate for Congress by many friends. These were refused for he did not cherish honor as much as service. He was chosen as one of the fifty most influential men in Iowa. His most noteworthy business connection has been with the development of the Iowa Southern Utilities Company. He became attorney for the small company, operating the gas plant in Centerville, Iowa, early in his legal career. In 1902, he was elected president of the Citizens Electric Light & Gas Company, which was then directed by the Campbell interests. That year the company purchased the horse car line and built the electric railway in Centerville. Electric cars were put in operation in November, 1902.

From president of the small Electric Light & Gas Company, in 1902, then was added the City Street Car System of Centerville, and electric cars replaced the old horse car line.

In 1905 the company became the Centerville Light & Tractor Company, with Mr. Payne continuing as its president.

In 1909, Mr. Payne, together with Mr. D. C. Bradley of Centerville, Iowa, began a great expansion movement. First was the building of the Mystic Interurban Line. In 1914, they bought the old rail line to Albia and electrified it, and built a transmission. He was largely instrumental in 1924 in effecting consolidation of three banks which now exist as the Centerville National, of which he was president throughout that period. He also was an active factor in organizing and developing the Pure Ice Company, and the Centerville Clay Products Company, of which he was president. He also served as attorney for the C. B. & Q. Railway.

In 1916, Mr. Payne sold his interests to D. G. Fisher Company of Davenport, and had no further official relation with the company, only in the advisory capacity. In 1923, he again became vice president and general counsel and continued in this capacity until his death. The company expanded until now it serves twenty counties and one hundred and forty-five towns, and is recognized as one of the leading utilities companies of Iowa. This stands as a monument of the vision and courage of Frank S. Payne in building for his city and nation, one of the great industries so much needed in our modern civilization.

Mr. Payne was married to Miss Grace Dixon in 1896. He leaves to mourn him, Mrs. Payne; an older brother, Clyde W. Payne of Chicago, Illinois, and a sister, Mrs. Arthur Beck of Ottumwa, Iowa. Another sister, Mrs. Blanche Dutton, passed away some years ago. Mr. Payne was a man who, despite all his business responsibilities, took a great delight in his home and relations.

He enjoyed the family gatherings, the younger folks of his own relationship and of the families of friends. This truly great life shall not be forgotten by his relatives, friends and associates.

Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved by the House of Representatives of the Forty-fifth General Assembly of Iowa in Extraordinary Session, That in the death of Frank S. Payne, the people of Appanoose county, and the people of the entire state of Iowa have sustained a great loss. Everywhere he was known as a man honored and trusted, a man of sterling quality and irreproachable character.

Be It Further Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be printed in the Journal of the House and a copy hereof be transmitted to the widow.

FOREST DAVIS,

DEWEY E. GOODE,

M. C. FALVEY,

Committee.