The Skaggs-Files

BIRTH: Crooks Family Genealogy has birth on November 15.
BIOGRAPHY: 1900 census - with wife living as a farmer with father.
Rockville Tribune, December 8, 1909: "WABASH VALLEY - Mrs. John PHIPPS shipped a fine Pekin drake to Fred O. PEYTON, of Milligan, Monday."
WWI Draft Registration: Medium height, medium build, black eyes, auburn hair; farmer in Rockville.
1920 Indiana Prairie Farmer Index lists him as resident in county in 1880.
1920 census - living in Union Township and working as a farmer. 1930 census: Farmer on own farm.
Was elected Parke County Assessor as a Democratic on Nov. 8, 1938.
From obituary: After the marriage of the son to Laura Collings, the homes of father and son have been very closely connected. He had a keen interest in the activities of the community and in the welfare and success of his two grandchildren and their companions. He joined Otterbein United Brethern Church in June of 1922. Some of his happiest times were when he was taking the children to Sunday School. [Granddaugther Vera Payton Cooper recalls how he would pick up her and brother Keith and several other cousins on Sunday mornings to bring a car load of grandchildren to church.]
DEATH: Terre Haute Tribune death notice (9//48) - WELL KNOWN PARKE MAN DIES SUNDAY Fred O. Payton, 69 years old, died at 1:30 o'clock Sunday afternoon at his home, southeast of Rockville. He is survived by the widow, Katherine; a son, Hubert Payton of Rockville; a stepmother, Mrs. Sarah E. Payton of Rockville; a half brother, Raymond Payton of Rockville; a half sister, Mrs. Iva Berry of Rockville; two sisters, Mrs. J.R. Burks of Gary, and Mrs. Charles Guilliams of Crawfordsville; two grandchildren and two great grandchildren. The body was taken to the McMullen Funeral Home. Services will be held at 1:30 o'clock Wednesday afternoon at Otterbein Church, and burial will be in Mount Moriah Cemetery.
DEATH: From obit in Rockville paper: "And as he came to the close of the day, a new light was filling his soul which shineth more and more unto the perfect day."
Obituary in Crawfordsville Journal Review 7-Sep-1948 (p.7, col. 7).