Balie Peyton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Balie Peyton
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Tennessee's 6th district |
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| In office March 4, 1833 – March 3, 1837 |
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| Preceded by | James K. Polk |
| Succeeded by | William B. Campbell |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 26, 1803 Gallatin, Tennessee |
| Died | August 18, 1878 (aged 74) Gallatin, Tennessee |
| Political party | Jacksonian Anti-Jacksonian |
| Spouse | Anne Alexander Smith Peyton |
| Children | Balie Peyton, Jr.
Emily Peyton "Nan" Peyton |
Balie Peyton (born November 26, 1803 – died August 18, 1878) was an American lawyer and politician. He served in the United States House of Representatives, representing Tennessee's 6th congressional district.
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About Balie Peyton
Balie Peyton was born near Gallatin, Tennessee, in 1803. He studied law and became a lawyer in Gallatin in 1824. He married Anne Alexander Smith.
Peyton's Political Career
Balie Peyton was elected to the United States Congress in 1833. He was part of the Jacksonian political group. He was re-elected in 1835, serving until 1837. During this time, he supported Hugh Lawson White.
In 1841, Peyton moved to New Orleans. There, he became the U.S. Attorney for the District of Louisiana. He held this important legal job for four years, from 1841 to 1845.
Beyond Congress
Peyton was also known for breeding fast racehorses on his farm. He helped organize a famous horse race called the Peyton Stake in 1843. This race had the biggest prize money ever offered in America or Europe at that time.
During the Mexican–American War, Peyton worked as an aide-de-camp for General William J. Worth. This meant he helped the general with important tasks.
Later, President Zachary Taylor chose Peyton to be an Envoy to Chile. This was a diplomatic role, representing the United States in another country. He served in Chile from 1849 to 1853.
After his time in Chile, Peyton moved to California. He worked as a Prosecuting Attorney in San Francisco from 1853 to 1859.
Returning to Tennessee
Balie Peyton returned to his farm near Gallatin in 1859. He continued to practice law there. In 1860, he was a presidential elector for the Constitutional Union Party.
He was a member of the Tennessee Senate from 1869 to 1871.
Later Life and Death
Peyton continued his law practice before he passed away. He died on his farm near Gallatin on August 18, 1878. He was 74 years old. He was buried in his family's burying ground on his estate. Balie Peyton was the brother of another U.S. Representative, Joseph Hopkins Peyton.
