But few, if any, stand higher in the estimation of his neighbors and friends than the subject of this sketch. His name is a synonym for all that is true and honorable in a man, and fellow citizen. Mr. Payton was born in Missouri in 1850. Coming here at the age of 13 with his parents, he lived with them on at farm in the Powder River Valley until 1870 attending the public schools in the interim. He then attended the Agricultural College at Corvallis for three years and then taught school In Lane and Benton counties until 1877. Returning to Baker county, he taught here, and in 1880 was elected County School Superintendent serving six years. He then again began teaching, which he followed until elected County Assessor in 1806. He is also largely interested in stockraising, owning eight hundred acres near Wingville. Mr. Payton is married to Miss Rosa Pitney, of Lane county, and has four children.
