Biography of John A. Payton, 1902, Baker Co. Oregon: Surnames: Payton, Pitney.

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Transcribed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
W. David Samuelsen - November 2001
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 An Illustrated History of Baker, Grant, Malheur and Harney Counties, pub.
1902 by Western Historical Pub. Co. of Chicago. page 248

PROF. JOHN A. PAYTON

The birth of our subject occurred in Missouri on January 27, 1850, being the
son of William F. and Mary Payton, who crossed the dreary plains with their
young son to where Baker City now stands, in the early days of 1863. They
located on Powder river about seven miles from the site of Baker City and
there in assisting to till his father's farm and acquiring the primary
education training possible to be had in the public schools of that day, our
subject passed the years of his minority until he matriculated in the
Agricultural College at Corvallis, in which institution he received his
education. Immediately succeeding this he engaged in teaching and followed it
for many years in this and adjacent sections, having the distinction of
holding one position for nine consecutive years. In 1880 the people
recognizing his ability and faithfulness, rewarded the same by electing him to
the position of superintendent of the schools of the county. With such
faithfulness and efficiency did he discharge the duties there incumbent upon
him that he was re-elected and at the close of his second term he was called
for a third time to assume the duties of that office. Then he retired to
private life again, and in 1896 was called by the franchises of his fellows to
the position of county assessor, and after the expiration of his first term of
service he was elected as his own successor. In the spring of 1901 he was
appointed to fill the unexpired portion off the term of county superintendent,
made vacant by the death of W. R. Privett, and in this capacity we find him at
the present time. Prof. Payton has also accumulated a fine portion of the
wealth of this world, having an estate of one thousand acres in the valley,
well improved and stocked. He is also a prominent member of the I.O.O.F., has
served as delegate to the grand lodge and as district deputy, and is a member
of the Encampment and of the W. of W.

The marriage of Mr. Payton and Miss Rosa Pitney, a native of the plains,
having been born at Soda Springs while her parents were en route to this
country, was solemnized in Lane county, in February, 1873, and to them have
been born the following children: William; Raleigh; Otis and Osie, twins;
Alma; Elizabeth, deceased. Prof. Payton is one of the most highly respected
and esteemed men of the county, having ever demeaned himself in such a
commendable manner and with the manifestation of such integrity and stanch
principles of moral worth that he has won the confidence of all who have the
pleasure of his acquaintance.