Obituary of William Monroe PAYNE, Williamson & Franklin County, Illinois This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Susan Merrell ************************************************************************ USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. ************************************************************************ Obituary clipping found among my grandmother and great grandmothers belongings. Obit of Billy Payne Dated in by hand in ink as Oct 9, 1949. Newspaper unknown. "Uncle Billy" Payne, Benton Died Sunday Uncle Billy Payne is dead. The 93 year old man, who's real name was William Monroe Payne, died yesterday at the home of his granddaughters in Benton, where he had made his home since the death of his wife in 1931. He was believed to be Benton's oldest resident. He was the oldest of eight generations of Payne's that have lived and prospered in Franklin County more than 100 years. Uncle Billy was born on a farm in the northeastern part of the county on March 10, 1856. A prominent farmer before his retirement several years ago, the aged man was noted for his quiet, reserved manner. He believed in industry, honesty and frugality. He was, an old friend of the family recalled on his passing, a "hard-working, quiet Christian gentleman." Payne's father, Jesse G. Payne, one of the county's pioneer settlers was killed in the Battle of Stone River near Murphysboro, Tenn., in the Civil War, Dec 31, 1862. Payne's father was a lieutenant in the 110th Illinois regiment, which was composed largely of Franklin countians. Uncle Billy was married Feb 1, 1882 to the former Elizabeth Whittington, daughter of one of the county's oldest families. They had six children, five of who survive and make their homes in this county. They are: Jesse and Willis Payne, Ewing farmers; Mrs. Bertha Britton and Mrs. Clyde Plumlee, Benton. The two granddaughters with whom Mr. Payne made his home are Misses Minnie and Leota Payne, 420 East Webster Street, Benton. The aged man is survived also by 15 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and two great great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at the Freeman funeral home in Benton at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon. The Rev. Earl Barclay, pastor of the First Christian church of Benton, of which Payne was a member, will be in charge. Burial will be in the Masonic and Odd Fellows cemetery at Benton. The body is lying in state at the Freeman funeral home.