Richard C. Payment was born in Detroit, Michigan, June 10, 1842. His mother, Catherine (Ades) Payment, was born May 27, 1820. His father, Michael G. Payment, who was born in Canada, January 20, 1814, was early thrown upon his own resonrces, with a limited education. From the age of fourteen to the age of twenty-four, he held a position as clerk in a dry-goods store, receiving one dollar a month. In 1827 he went to Detroit, and found occupation in the dry-goods house of Buchard & Co., situated on the corner of Woodward and Jefferson avenues. Here he made himself so useful to his employers that, in one year, they gave him an interest in the business; and, at an early date, dispatched him with a cargo of goods to Lake Superior. On the voyage, he encountered very tempestuous weather; and, to save the vessel, was obliged to throw a great portion of the cargo overboard, thus sacrificing the hard earnings of years.

Not at all discouraged, he returned to Detroit, and started with another cargo, for Mackinaw, on Lake Huron. He exchanged his goods with the Indians, at different points on the coast, for furs and other commodities. He then settled, about the year 1844, on Sugar Island, and commenced the life of a farmer. He also established a general store, at a place known then and now as Payment's Landing. These enterprises he carried on for twenty-five years, with moderate success. He then disposed of his interests in that region of country, and returned to Detroit in 1874. He has since retired from business, and removed to Bay City, where he now resides. Owing to his father's life among the Indians. R. C. Payment had few educational advantages. When fifteen years of age, he attended, for three years, Notre Dame University, Indiana. Returning to the family home at Sugar Island, he took charge of his father's business, which he managed successfully until 1870. He then went to Sault Ste. Marie, where he remained three years, engaged in the drug business. After selling out his interest, he removed to Hancock, on Lake Superior, and engaged in the same occupation. One year later, he removed to Detroit, and, in connection with Mr. Dennis Robert Bogue, who belonged to an old French-Canadian family, opened a drug store under the firm name of Bogue & Co. Mr. Payment is now conducting this business successfully. From 1864 to 1877, he held the position of County Treasurer at Sugar Island; and, in 1872, was Postmaster of Sault Ste. Marie. His experience in traveling, during his life among the Indians, is of much interest.

He was obliged to undergo many hardships in fighting with the savages, and met with severe commercial losses. Mr. Payment is a Roman Catholic, and is a member of St. Ann's Church. He has always felt an interest in the Republican party, but has taken no active part in politics. In his business relations, he maintains a high reputation for integrity, and is respected by all who know him. He is genial and generous, ever ready to give assistance to those in need.

American Biographical History of Eminent and Self-Made Men with Portrait Illustrations on Steel, Vol I-II 1878