Representative Frances Payne Bolton

Frances Payne Bolton served as a Representative from Ohio in the United States Congress from 1939 to 1969. A member of the Republican Party, Frances Payne Bolton contributed to the legislative process during 15 terms in office.

Frances Payne Bolton’s service in Congress occurred during a significant period in American history. As a member of the House of Representatives, Frances Payne Bolton participated in the democratic process and represented the interests of constituents.

Frances Payne Bolton (née Bingham; March 29, 1885 – March 9, 1977) was an American politician from the Republican Party. She served in the United States House of Representatives, and was the first woman elected to Congress from Ohio. In the late 1930s, Bolton took an isolationist position on foreign policy, opposing the Selective Service Act in 1940 which introduced the draft, and opposing Lend-Lease in 1941. During the war she called for desegregation of the military nursing units, which were all-white and all-female. In 1947 she sponsored a long-range bill for nursing education, but it did not pass. When the draft was resumed after the war, Bolton strongly advocated the conscription of women. Pointing to their prominent role during the war, she said it was vitally important that women continue to play these roles. She saw no threat to marriage, and argued that women in military service would develop their character and skills, thus enhancing their role in the family. As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Bolton supported the United Nations, especially UNICEF, and supported the independence of African colonies.