Extracted from The Butler Herald (Butler, GA)
Reynolds Local Items.
Andrew J. Payne died at his home on the morning of April 23rd at 8 o'clock after a lingering illness of several weeks. Mr. Payne was one of our most beloved and influential citizens, and it will grieve and shock his hundreds of friends throughout the state to hear of his sad death. He was a man of fine and noble character, generous and sympathetic. He leaves a wife and several children and other relatives to mourn their loss. Their many friends extend the deepest sympathy to the bereaved ones.
Extracted from The Butler Herald (Butler, GA)
Card of Thanks.
Words cannot express our thanks and appreciation to all the good people in and around Reynolds during Mr. Payne's long illness, and especially do we wish to thank Dr. Mangham for his good and prompt service rendered us. Also we wish Brother Scoville to accept our greatest thanks. May God's richest blessings rest on each of you.
Mrs. A.J. Payne and Family.
Extracted from The Butler Herald (Butler, GA)
CAPTAIN ENGLISH'S WEEKLY LETTER (excerpt)
We are pained to learn of the death of Mr. A. J. Payne of Reynolds. Mr. Payne was a kind, generous and honest man, an indulgent husband and father with an unblemished name, a man who held his word as sacred at his oath, and a man who was loved and honored by everyone for his rectitude and warm, genial nature. Mr. Payne was the embodiment of all that was good and pure, a life worthy of youthful emulation – the greatest legacy he could bequeath to either his family or posterity. The only evidence of a man's sincerity is that he gives himself for a principle. Words, money, all things else are comparatively easy to give away, but when a man makes a gift of his daily life and practice, it is plain that the truth, whatever it may be, has taken possession of him. So it was with Mr. Payne.
Extracted from The Butler Herald (Butler, GA)
A Tribute Worthily Bestowed.
In behalf of the colored people of Taylor and surrounding counties, I wish to write a few lines in respect to the memory of one of the best friends of our race had in this section. I refer to Mr. A. J. Payne. Mr. Payne not only numbered his white friends by the hundreds but in our race he was known far and near as one always ready to help those who were worthy and in need.
He was a true friend to the colored people. In our efforts to build up our schools and churches we could always depend upon his sympathy and financial support. We never appealed to him in vain. Many a colored man feels, as I do, most keenly the loss of a true friend.
It was my privilege to know him well, having had various business dealings with him. I always found him pleasant and generous, never harsh or grinding upon my people, and even now yet I have some unfinished business for him which he committed to me before he became ill, and it is my full intention to do my best to carry out his instructions as though he were yet living.
These few lines are written that our white neighbors may know that we, as well as they, appreciated most highly the worth of character in this noble man, and we rejoice to know that he left a dying testimony that he was at peace with his Maker, and exhorted his friends and family to meet him in the better world.
Respectfully signed,
Extracted from The Butler Herald (Butler, GA)
Taylor County Mourns the Death of a Valuable Citizen
Mr. A. J. Payne, one of Reynolds and Taylor County's best known and influential citizens died at his home in Reynolds last Thursday morning at 9 o'clock. Mr. Payne had been ill for quite a while and while he was not expected to finally recover, yet his death came unexpectedly.
Mr. Payne had been a resident of the county for a long while and for several years devoted his time to agriculture, but of late years he was engaged in sale stable business, and while his business was extensive, yet he was noted for fair dealing. His life was honorable and upright as a citizen and more especially illustrated in his home life as a father and husband. In the last two relationships – of father and husband – his fond indulgence and devotion were beautifully illustrated.
The Masonic Lodge of Reynolds presided over by Rev. J. T. Adams escorted the remains from the late residence of Mr. Payne to the Methodist church of Reynolds where the funeral services were conducted by Rev. V. P. Scoville who feeling and impressively spoke of the noble traits of character of this noble citizen and of his hope in Christ Jesus. Words of praise and emulation were also spoken by Mr. J. V. Klosser and Revs. J. T. Adams and Z. T. Weaver. The singing and music on this occasion were very appropriate. The remains of Mr. Payne were interred in the Bethlehem cemetery in the lower edge of this county by Masonic honors witnessed by a large concourse of friends and relatives.
Mr. Payne was 53 years of age [and] had been married twice, the first time to Miss Susie Fountain, the second time to Miss Elba Saunders of Reynolds, who with eight children still survive to mourn their loss.
Extracted from The Butler Herald (Butler, GA)
Notice of Sale of Personal Property
We expect to close at once the business of A. J. Payne who died on the twenty third day of April. We desire that all outstanding indebtedness of A. J. Payne be reported to us at once in properly sworn to accounts. All who are indebted to A. J. Payne on open accounts must close out the same at once with notes or cash. This applies to all.
Notice is given that all of the mules, horses, buggies, wagons, harness, goats and sheep will be sold at once. Also one automobile. If you want a bargain it will pay to see us.
MRS. ELBA PAYNE,
Extracted from The Butler Herald (Butler, GA)
Andrew J. Payne
Was born in the year 1859 and died April 23rd 1913 at his home in Reynolds, Ga., aged fifty-three years. In 1886 he married Miss Susie Rebecca Fountain, of Butler, Ga., by whom he had five children, namely: A. J. Payne, Jr., E. E. Payne, Mrs. W. W. Branch, D. W. Payne, of Reynolds, and Mrs. J. Bernard King, of Orlando, Fla. Mr. Payne was left a widower; he married the second time in 1901 to Miss Elba Pearl Sanders, of Reynolds, Ga., who survives him, with three young children – Susie Rebecca, Margaret and William Payne.
The writer first became acquainted with the deceased about 16 years ago. For the past 12 months he was thrown in his company almost daily; a strong friendship sprung up between them, which soon ripened into undying faith and affections. Mr. Payne was most unassuming in manner, having the highest sense of honor, coupled with a loving, gentle and sympathetic disposition; always ready to help those in distress and to offer cheer and encouragement to the despondent. His life was a blessing to many. He was an ideal husband and father, a model citizen, always under all circumstances, doing to others as would be done by. Taylor County in the passing of Mr. Payne has suffered an irreparable loss. Our hearts go out in sympathy to the heartbroken wife and stricken children. May the merciful Saviour who called their loved one home, cheer, comfort and sustain them in these sad hours, and when at last they have all answered to His summons may they be reunited [paper torn] broken family in that [paper torn] made with hands eternal [paper torn] Heavens.
G. [paper torn]
Tuesday, April 29, 1913
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Tuesday, April 29, 1913
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Tuesday, April 29, 1913
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Tuesday, April 29, 1913
(Rev.) L. W. Boyt.
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Tuesday, April 29, 1913
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Tuesday, May 6, 1913
A. J. PAYNE, JR.,
Executors
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Tuesday, May 20, 1913