Otero County, History of Colorado, BIOS: ECTON, Gay W. (published 1918)
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"History of Colorado", edited by Wilbur Fisk Stone, published by The S. J. 
Clarke Publishing Co. (1918)  Vol. II


p. 387-388



GAY W. ECTON.

	One of the efficient officers of Otero county is Gay W. Ecton, 
who holds the position of sheriff. In the discharge of his duties he 
has always shown fidelity and faithfulness and while holding office has 
rid the county of most of its undesirable characters. He was born in 
Winchester, Clark county, Kentucky, May 1, 1870, his parents, being 
James and Susan (Poindexter) Ecton. The family removed from that state 
to Missouri. where the father successfully followed general 
agricultural pursuits. Both he and his wife have passed away. In their 
family were ten children, of whom our subject is the ninth in order of 
birth.

	Gay W. Ecton was educated In rural schools, attending the same 
during the winter months, while in the summer he assisted his father in 
the cultivation of the home farm. The larger part of his education, 
however, was received in the school of experience. He remained on the 
farm until he was sixteen years of age, at which time the property was 
sold because of the death of the mother, and he then worked out by the 
month, so continuing for above five years. At the age of twenty-one he 
began farming independently in Kansas but subsequently came to 
Colorado, where he continued along the same line and also gave his 
attention to stock raising. He has been so engaged in Otero county ever 
since and has been successful in his farming enterprises. Following 
progressive methods and instituting the latest improvements and 
facilities, he has made his property one of the most valuable of the 
district, now deriving therefrom a most gratifying income.

	On the 17th of March, 1897, Mr. Ecton was united in marriage to 
Miss Keziah Frost and to them have been born the following children: 
Vernon G., Claude, Katherine, Phillip, Paul and Robert. The family 
takes a prominent part in the social life of the community and the 
hospitality of the best homes is accorded them.

	Mr. Ecton is a democrat and steadfastly upholds the principles of 
that party. He was elected a delegate to the county convention and his 
influence in local councils of his party is well established. 
Interested in the progress of his community, he is ever ready to 
support measures and movements for the moral, material and intellectual 
development of his county and state and is numbered among the public-
spirited citizens of La Junta. He is chairman of the local draft board 
and fraternally is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of 
Elks and the Modern Woodmen of America, while his religious faith is 
that of the Protestant church. There is great credit due him for what 
he has achieved, as the prosperity which has come to him is the result 
of his own labors.