Ketchel B. Payne
Ketchel B. Payne, farmer, P. O. Parkman, Geauga County, was born in New York, August 18, 1812, son of Solomon J. and Lucretia (Bierce) Payne, natives of Connecticut, who came to Ohio in 1816 and located in this county and township. They were the parents of six children. Solomon J. Payne died at the age of forty-six years; his widow at the age of fifty-eight. Afforded but little opportunity to attend school, the education of our subject has been largely obtained in his intercourse with the world, and through business and social relations. He was married, April 18, 1844, to Mary Jane Chaflfee, born in Vermont, February 7, 1826. They have four children living: Robert K., Benjamin F., Melinda E., wife of Robert Everett, and Solomon. Our subject has always been a farmer, and his ax has helped cut down the forests and to prepare the way for the many pleasant homes that now adorn the county. He has filled the offices of Treasurer and Constable; for many years he has been a consistent member of the Congregational Church.
From History of Portage County, Ohio, Warner, Beers & Co., Chicago, 1885