In the book's own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
Born 1870
From History of Boone County, Iowa (1914)
FRED M. PAYNE.
Fred M. Payne is engaged in the livery business at Boone, a member of the firm of Payne Brothers. He was born in this county December 17, 1870, and is a son of Samuel and Elizabeth ( Hoyt ) Payne, the former a native of Indiana and the latter of Ohio. They came to Boone in 1850, casting in their lot with pioneer residents of this part of the state. In 1900 the father built the finest livery barn of Boone and his sons became associated with him in the ownership and conduct of the business. He died in October, 191 3, and in his death the community lost a representative and valued citizen. To him and his wife were born six children: Delia, now deceased: Fred M.; Frank, a stockman living in South Dakota; Horace C, who is in partnership with his brother Fred; Grace; and Howard, who is associated in business with his brother Frank.
Fred M. Payne has spent his entire life in this county and is widely known. In the pursuit of his education he passed through consecutive grades in the public schools until he became a high-school student. He was afterward engaged in mercantile lines with his father and eventually became a partner of his father and brother in the livery business, with which he is now connected. They have a splendidly equipped barn, own a number of horses of good stock and a full line of modern vehicles. Their patronage is extensive because their business methods are honorable and because they ever earnestly desire to please their patrons.
Mr. Payne was united in marriage to Miss Lytha Hauser, a native of Boone, on the loth of May. 1895. Theirs is a hospitable home, whose good cheer is enjoyed by their many friends. "Sir. Payne gives his political allegiance to the democratic party, but does not seek nor desire office, preferring always to concentrate his energies upon his business aiifairs, which are capable directed. He is energetic and enterprising and as the years go by he is becoming more and more firmly established as a substantial and representative citizen of Boone.
As printed in History of Boone County, Iowa (1914). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
The printed record stops around 1914. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.