Career
Payne, who became sheriff in 1914, was still serving at the time of his death at the age of fifty-six. On his death, The Natchitoches Times wrote: "He was recognized as an officer fearless and efficient, who knew not the meaning of defeat.. The entire state has cause to feel that it has suffered tremendous loss." The newspaper continued: "Law-enforcement authorities of Louisiana are mourning the death of one of their outstanding members.
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His efforts meant much to the welfare of the people. His repeated re-election testified to the esteem in which he was held by his constituents. He was constantly striving to protect property and lives of the citizens from the lawless element and was always vigorous in his efforts to bring criminals to justice.."
Payne was the eldest son of William Edward Payne (1830-1884), a native of Dublin, Ireland, and William Payne"s second wife, the former Marie Elisa Blanchard (1846-1915).
He was born and reared at the plantation known as Evergreen Lodge on Cane River Lake a mile north of Natchitoches, the parish seat of Natchitoches Parish, founded in 1714 as the first permanent settlement in the future United States. state of Louisiana.
Payne was married three times. After Rose"s death, Payne married the former Nettie Gillen, a native of Campti in Natchitoches Parish.
They had a daughter, Mary Joy Payne. After Nettie"s death, Payne wed the former Ola Goodrich, a native of Center in East Texas, who survived him.
And the original Paynes, who came to the United States from France, were mostly Catholic.
Sheriff Payne died at his home in Natchitoches of cardiovascular disease and the lingering effects of influenza contracted five months earlier. After her husband"s death, Evelena or "Mission Lena", as she became known, continued to publish the newspaper. Sheriff Payne had a brother, Edward O. Payne of Natchitoches.
Payne is interred at the historic American Cemetery in Natchitoches.
