Louis F. Payn

Louis Frisbie Payn (January 27, 1835 – March 19, 1923) was an American manufacturer and politician from New York. A Republican, he was most prominent for serving as United States Marshal for the Southern District of New York from 1887 to 1881 and Superintendent of the New York State Insurance Department from 1897 to 1900.

A native of Ghent, New York, Payn was educated in the schools of Columbia County and went into the papermaking business in Chatham. Payn's venture proved successful and he became wealthy as he expanded his holdings into oil production, mining, real estate, and insurance.

A Republican, Payn gained a reputation as a behind the scenes insider who wielded substantial influence in the New York Republican Party's inner circles. A delegate to numerous state and national conventions, Payn became an ally of state party boss Roscoe Conkling and Conkling's successor Thomas C. Platt. He served as Marshal for New York's Southern District from 1887 to 1881. A longtime friend of Frank S. Black, Payn played a leading role in Black's election to the United States House of Representatives in 1894 and Governor of New York in 1896. In 1897, Black appointed Payn Superintendent of the New York State Insurance Department. Good government advocates who advocated civil service reform protested the selection because they regarded Payn as a corrupt associate of Platt. When Theodore Roosevelt succeeded Black as governor, he refused to reappoint Payn, which triggered a feud with Platt. The issue was resolved when Roosevelt appointed a different candidate who was acceptable to Platt.

After leaving the superintendent's position, Payn returned to his business interests. In retirement, he turned to philanthropy and made numerous donations to benefit Chatham and the surrounding area. Payn died in Chatham on March 19, 1923. He was buried at Chatham Rural Cemetery in Chatham.

Early life Payn was born in Ghent, New York on January 27, 1835, the son of Judge Elijah Payn and Rachel Dunspaugh. His father was a lawyer in the village of Chatham. Louis Payn was educated in the schools of Columbia County and spent several months working in his father's law office. He was also president of the Chatham Land Company, and a director of the Chatham Mutual Fire Insurance Company. Payn was also involved in civic and charitable causes, including service as president of the Columbia County Agricultural Society.

At the 1880 Republican National Convention, Payn was one of the 306 delegates who followed Conkling for 36 ballots in supporting Ulysses S. Grant's unsuccessful bid for a third term as president. The protracted nomination fight was won by Garfield, who went on to win the general election and take office in March 1881.

Payn supported Senators Conkling and Platt when they resigned in 1881 to protest Garfield's decisions with respect to federal patronage appointments in New York.

State Insurance Superintendent Payn was a close friend of Frank S. Black. In 1894, Payn helped Black win election to Congress. He served as Superintendent until 1900.

The Payn appointment was controversial because of his ties to Platt, but Black insisted on it. When Theodore Roosevelt succeeded Black as governor, he refused to re-nominate Payn, which sparked a feud with Platt. He was buried at Chatham Rural Cemetery.

Family In 1857, Payn married Margaret Stafford, a niece of General William J. Worth. Following Marion Heath Payn's death in 1924, the Louis F. Payn Foundation began construction of a retirement residence for senior citizens from the Chatham area. The foundation and the Payn home have continued to operate in Chatham since 1929. This scholarship, which is awarded annually, is intended to benefit graduating seniors at Chatham High School.