Paydown, Missouri
Paydown is an unincorporated community in northeastern Maries County, Missouri, United States. The community is located along Missouri Route N approximately 2.5 miles northeast of Bend and five miles southwest of Belle. The Gasconade River flows past one-half mile west of the community. History. Paydown got its start "circa" 1830 when a large gristmill was built there. According to tradition, the proprietor of the mill required all customers to "pay down" promptly, hence the name. A post office called Pay Down was in operation from 1856 until 1932.