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Compiled by John H. Wheeler Published in 1903 by B. F. Bowen Biography Page 141 - 142 |
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HENRY J. PAYNE
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America is pre-eminently a land of self-made men, for here abound opportunities for achieving success such as no other country affords. The man of energy and correct training may here readily rise to positions of usefulness, if not distinction, provided he is well grounded in the principles of rectitude and integrity. Not only is this the case at the present time, but to some extent conditions have long existed whereby the individual, with proper conception of the dignity of his mission, might rise superior to his environment and win for himself positions of honor and trust in the community. The story of the life of the subject of this review, Henry J. Payne, affords a striking example of what a man endowed with good common sense, supplemented by sound mental discipline, may accomplish in a country like this, where opportunity is frequently knocking at a man's door. Henry J. Payne is a native of Canada, born in the county of Peterboro, Ontario, September 24, 1855. His parents were Edward and Sarah Ann (Hughes) Payne, both natives of England. They remained residents of Peterboro county up to the time of their death, which occurred many years ago. Until he arrived at the age of eighteen years the subject hereof remained a resident of his native county. There he was reared and educated, receiving a good common school education. In 1873 he moved to Essex county, Ontario, and there devoted himself to farming for a period of ten years, being gratifyingly successful. In 1882, in the county of Essex, Ontario, Henry J. Payne was united in marriage to Miss Adelia B. Fraby, a native of Canada, born in Waterloo county, Ontario. Her parents were Frederick and Henrietta Fraby, natives of Canada. The mother died in Essex county in 1884. To Mr. and Mrs. Henry J. Payne seven children have been born, viz. William G., Henrietta, Roy V., Alma A., R. Stanley, Frederick D., and Bertha A. The older children are well educated and the younger members of the family are still attending school. All are intelligent and well bred and give ample promise of becoming worthy, useful citizens. About a year after their marriage, in 1883, Henry J. Payne and his wife and one child, William G., transferred their residence to the state of Michigan, locating in Wexford county. Here he purchased eighty acres, to which he has added forty acres more, by purchase. and of the one hundred and twenty acres one hundred are cleared and well improved. Sixty of the improved one hundred acres have been improved by Mr. Payne's own labor. On this tidy little farm the family occupies a neat, comfortable and well-furnished home. The barn, stable and out-buildings are substantial and commodious indeed and in its every feature the place discloses the thrift, industry and good taste of the owner. In the affairs of the township every since his location
therein, Henry J. Payne has taken an active interest. It is his opinion that
good citizenship exacts from every man a portion of his time, no matter how
valuable, which should be devoted to the public good and this without any hope
of reward or return except such |