My Genealogy Hound

Jesse R. Payne, when a small boy, emigrated with his parents, Joseph C. and Anna (Johnson) Payne, from his native county, Washington, in Tennessee, to Missouri, and located on a farm on what was known as Sentinel Prairie. His parents were married in 1819 in Hawkins County, Tenn. (the mother’s native county), but made their home in Washington County, where the father was born, until coming to Missouri. The father was a successful farmer, having started in life with no means, but at the time of his death, October 11, 1858, at the age of sixty years six months and two days, he was one of the substantial citizens of the county. He was a life-long Democrat. The mother died April 13, 1878, at the age of seventy-five years eleven months and sixteen days, having been an earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years. Both parents were of English descent, and the paternal grandfather, Jesse Payne, served in the Revolutionary War. Six of their eleven children are now living, Jesse R. being the only son. He was born on the 24th of August, 1839, and remained at home until his father’s death, when he turned his attention to farming and stock raising and dealing, and now owns 800 acres of land, some of the finest in Polk County. On the 14th of June, 1874, he wedded Miss Sarah E. Bewley, a daughter of William and Martha Ann (Davis) Bewley. She was born June 30, 1855, and by Mr. Payne is the mother of the following family: William Elbert, Ann E., Nancy C, John H., Martha Pearl and James L. The family attend the Missionary Baptist Church, of which the father and mother are members, and the former has been a life-long Democrat. He and his brother, John H., were partners in business from boy hood until the latter’s death on the 2d of June, 1882. They began at the foot of the ladder, and became very successful financiers. Mr. Payne’s brothers and sisters are as follows: Polly A., who died in July, 1884; Elizabeth, who is a resident of Polk County; James F., who died October 18, 1866; Sarah, wife of Isaac Wainscot, of Bates County, Mo.; Alsey, wife of Barnett S. Wainscot, also of Bates County; Elbert E., who died September 25, 1853; John H. N., who was born on the 24th of August, 1834, and died June 2, 1882; Elender J., wife of Y. M. Pitts, of Hickory County, Mo.; William A. J., who died in infancy; and Lucinda, wife of T. W. Simpson, of California.