My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in The History of Benton County, Missouri published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1889.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

* * * *

John W. Payton, sheriff of Benton County, Mo., was born in the “Blue Grass State,” Nicholas County, April 18, 1834, his parents being Joseph M. and Lucinda (Caldwell) Payton, who were also Kentuckians, the father having been born in Carlisle in 1801. In 1838 they moved to Indiana, and were among the pioneers of Boone County, the father becoming a well-to-do tiller of the soil in that region, and there died in 1852. His widow still survives him, and resides on the old homestead with one of her sons. John W. Payton grew to manhood in Boone County, and remained on the home farm until he arrived at manhood, being married there on the 11th of August, 1853, to Caroline Stone, a native of Kentucky, born in Nicholas County and reared in Boone County, Ind. After their marriage they moved to Warren County, Ind., and settled on a farm, where they resided up to 1867, then sold out and moved to Missouri, making a settlement in the northern part of Benton County, the farm which he cleared at that time being still in his possession. Mr. Payton is a Republican in politics, and has ever held to the principles and supported the men and measures of that party. In the fall of 1886 he was elected by his party as sheriff of Benton County, and was re-elected in 1888, the duties of which position he has filled in a very creditable manner. He has always taken an active interest in politics, and has served as a delegate to numerous county and state conventions. His family is as follows: Anna M., wife of Everett Golden; Mary E., wife of John Kennedy; Callie L. and Minnie B. Mrs. Payton is a member of the Christian Church.

* * * *

This family biography is one of 86 biographies included in The History of Benton County, Missouri published in 1889.  For the complete description, click here: Benton County, Missouri History, Genealogy, and Maps

View additional Benton County, Missouri family biographies here: Benton County, Missouri Biographies

Use the links at the top right of this page to search or browse thousands of other family biographies.