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Mr. Payne was born on August 3, 1836, in Wisconsin, his parents being James and Frances Payne. He was reared in the east until some time in the fifties, when he crossed the plains to California. He wrought in that state for a time and then went to the Okanogan and Smilikameen districts, prospecting and mining until the spring of 1861. During this time he met Mr. A.R. Robinson, mention of whom is made in another portion of this book, and in partnership they wrought, and then came to Lewiston and bought a pack train, which they operated from the supply points of the Columbia to Oro Fino, Warren, Elk City, Florence and other mines of the Idaho country. Later this outfit was sold and they came to the Grande Ronde valley and took up farms adjoining and engaged in producing the fruits of the field and raising stock. This arrangement continued until 1871, then our subject went to Rocky Bar, in Idaho, and operated a butcher business for a time, then, in 1873, he went east, and in company with James Payne, his brother, he brought out some fine stock and engaged in raising stock until the time of his death.

Mr. Payne and Miss Louise Jaycox, daughter of David and Minerva, were married, and to their union was born one son, Edward. Mrs. Payne's parents were natives of New York. On April 18, 1875, Mr. Payne was called from the scenes of life here to the world beyond. He was highly esteemed by all who knew him, and he had wrought faithfully in all the life of the pioneer and frontiersman, displaying integrity, uprightness and sound principles.

Mr. Payne was born in Jefferson county, Wisconsin, on February 13, 1838, being the son of James and Frances (Abbie) Payne, farmers of that state. In 1855 the father died and the same year our subject accompanied a train across the plains to California, driving stock all the way. Two years he remained in the Golden state, Humboldt county, and then returned to Wisconsin and attended the Beaver Dam Academy, subsequent to which he taught school for one year. On August 11, 1861, Mr. Payne married Miss Lavina, daughter of David and Minerva Jaycox, and inheriting a one-half interest in the old home place of three hundred and twenty acres of good land he settled down to farming and raising stock until 1873, and then in company with his brother, mention of whom is made in this volume elsewhere, he came to this county, importing a find herd of Shorthorns. In company with his brother he engaged in raising stock and general farming near Cove. After the death of the brother our subject prosecuted the business alone, and in 1879 he started the first cheese factory and creamery in Union county. Until the time of his demise he continued to manage this institution. In addition to this occupation Mr. Payne was also interested in various enterprises, as mercantile business in cove for two years, handling agricultural implements, and also in insurance business for a time. He was an influential man and active and interested in the politics of the county, state and nation. In 1884 he was nominated for the legislature on the Republican ticket, but as the county was Democratic he was defeated. Mr. Payne was capable, intelligent and faithful, and when, on April 3, 1890, he was called to depart this scene he was universally mourned and lamented. He left a wife and three children: Pearly; Edna, wife of T.W. Conklin, of Mullan, Idaho; and Arthur. The widow of our subject and the widow of his brother live together and are passing the riper years of their life in quietness and faithful walk.