Alton Lennon

Alton Asa Lennon
United States Senator from North Carolina
In office July 10, 1953 – November 28, 1954
Appointed by	William B. Umstead
Preceded by	Willis Smith
Succeeded by	William Kerr Scott
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from North Carolina's 7th district
In office January 3, 1957 – January 3, 1973
Preceded by	Frank Ertel Carlyle
Succeeded by	Charlie Rose
Member of the North Carolina Senate
In office 1947–1951
Personal details
Born	August 17, 1906 Wilmington, North Carolina
Died	December 28, 1986 (aged 80) Wilmington, North Carolina
Spouse(s)	Karine Welch

Alton Asa Lennon (August 17, 1906 – December 28, 1986) of Wilmington, New Hanover County, N.C., was a Democratic U.S. senator from the state of North Carolina between 1953 and 1954, and later, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives representing North Carolina's 7th congressional district from 1957 to 1973.

Lennon was a Senator and a Representative from North Carolina; born in Wilmington, New Hanover County, N.C., August 17, 1906; son of Rosser Yates Lennon and Minnie (High) Lennon; attended the public schools; graduated from Wake Forest College in 1929; studied law; admitted to the bar in 1929 and began practice in Wilmington, N.C.; married, October 12, 1933, to Karine Welch; served as judge, New Hanover County Recorder’s Court 1934–1942; member, State senate 1947–1951; appointed on July 10, 1953, as a Democrat to the United States Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Willis Smith and served from July 10, 1953, to November 28, 1954; was an unsuccessful candidate for the nomination in 1954 to fill the vacancy; resumed law practice; elected as a Democrat to the 85th Congress; reelected to the seven succeeding Congresses (January 3, 1957 – January 3, 1973); was not a candidate for reelection in 1972; was a resident of Wilmington, N.C., until his death there December 28, 1986; interment in Oakdale Cemetery. Baptist. Member, Moose; Odd Fellows.

In 1976, the Federal Building and Courthouse at Wilmington was named in his honor.

References

Alton Lennon at Find a Grave