David L. Payne
American politician / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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David Lewis Payne (December 30, 1836 – November 28, 1884) was an American soldier and pioneer. Payne is considered by some to be the "Father of Oklahoma" for his work in opening the state to settlement.
Quick Facts Born, Died ...
David L. Payne | |
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Born | (1836-12-30)December 30, 1836 Grant County, Indiana, U.S. |
Died | November 28, 1884(1884-11-28) (aged 47) Wellington, Kansas, U.S. |
Other names | "Father of Oklahoma" |
Occupation | American politician |
Spouse | Rachel Anna Haines (common law wife) |
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He organized, trained, and led the "Boomer Army" on its forays into the Unassigned Lands.[1] Payne's excursions into the Unassigned Lands, trips led by others, and lobbying of Congress by railroad interests eventually convinced the government to open the Unassigned Lands for settlement in 1889, about four years after Payne's death.[2] The formation of Indian Territory and Oklahoma Territory followed, and Oklahoma became a state in 1907.