Cumberland County, Maine - William H. Payne
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Biography
William H. Payne
Biographical Review
Cumberland County, Maine
Boston
Biographical Review Publishing Company
1896
Page 387-388


William H. Payne, one of the leading and well-to-do farmers of North Yarmouth,
Me., was born in Gorham, an inland town of Cumberland County, April 7, 1822, son
of Richard and Eunice (Blake) Payne. Mr. Payne's grandfather, Captain John
Payne, was born on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and became a well known ship-master
of his day. He early settled upon a farm in Gorham, but continued for the most
part engaged in nautical pursuits, and was lost at sea in middle life. He
married Anna Pike, who was a native of Cape Cod, and who lived to reach the age
of seventy-seven years. She reared a family of seven children; namely, John,
Abner, Elisha, Thomas, Leonard, Richard, and Mary.

Richard Payne was born in Gorham, May 18, 1788, and was the youngest son of his
parents. When a young man he learned the cooper's trade, which he followed as an
occupation. Later he succeeded to the ownership of the home property by
purchasing the interests of the other heirs. He was, a practical and successful
farmer and a worthy citizen. He resided in Gorham until his death, which took
place May 29, 1859. He was a Whig in politics. His wife, Eunice Blake, who was
born in Gorham, September 8, 1787, became the mother of eight children, as
follows: Solomon; Elmira; Martha; Freeman; Charles; William H., the subject of
this sketch; John; and Abner. Of these the only ones now living are: William H.,
of North Yarmouth; and Abner, who resides in Portland. Mrs. Eunice B. Payne
passed her last years at the home of her son in North Yarmouth, where she died
January 28, 1870. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

William H. Payne attended the district schools of his native town, and was
reared to farm life. He resided with his parents until reaching the age of
eighteen, when he bought his time, and went to Saccarappa, now Westbrook, Me.,
where he found employment in the cotton-mills, and remained there for two years.
On account of his father's failing health he then returned to the homestead for
the purpose of taking charge of the farm, and later he purchased the property.
He resided there until 1865, when he sold the farm; and, after engaging in
mercantile pursuits at Gorham Corners for one year, he in 1866 moved to his
present farm in North Yarmouth. He has about fifty acres of well-improved land
devoted to general farming with gratifying success. He has made various
improvements upon the buildings, which present a neat and substantial
appearance. In his political views he is a Prohibitionist. He has taken an
active part in town affairs, having served with ability as a member of the Board
of Selectmen and in other offices.

On November 17, 1845, Mr. Payne was united in marriage to Mary E. P. Moulton.
She was born in Standish, Me., January 28, 1828, daughter of Eben and Martha
(Philbrook) Moulton, both of whom were natives of that town. Eben Moulton was a
tanner and currier, and followed his trade successfully for many years. He has
now reached an advanced age, and is residing with his son Charles in Wilmington,
Ill. His wife, Mrs. Payne's mother, lived to reach the age of seventy-one years.
Of their five children three are now living, namely: Mrs. Payne, who is the
eldest; Mrs. Maria Fitz, of Oakland, Cal.; and Charles Moulton, who resides in
Illinois. The departed are: Amanda S., who became Mrs. Andrews; and Horatio F.
Moulton, who was for some years a conductor on the Chicago & Alton Railroad.

Mr. and Mrs. Payne have had six children, but two of whom survive, namely: Emma
F., who was born September 30, 1851, married Charles Longshore, and resides in
Iowa; and Lincoln A., who was born March 16, 1870, and now resides in Lunenburg,
Vt., where he is freight clerk for the Maine Central Railroad Company. He
married Abbie Lane, of Strafford, Vt. The other children were: Llewellyn V., who
was born July 3, 1847, and died at the age of three years and nineteen days;
Ellen M., who was born June 21, 1850, and died August 30, 1854; Llewellyn W.,
who was born January 31, 1855, and died June 24, 1864; and Mary E., who was born
October 17, 1865, and died December 3 of that year.

Mr. and Mrs. Payne are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and Mrs. Payne
has long been prominent in church and Sunday school matters. He is well and
favorably known among the leading residents of North Yarmouth, being a man of
high moral principles and one who keeps himself in touch with the progress of
the times. On November 17, 1895, Mr. and Mrs. Payne celebrated their golden
wedding at their pleasant home in North Yarmouth.