Clement C. Payne, one of the oldest residents of this town, died at his home on the South Grasse River Road Thursday morning at 3:30., his death following an illness of about ten days of pneumonia. The funeral was held at the home Saturday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock, Rev. D.W. Bunville, pastor of the Methodist Church at Racket River, of which Mr. Payne was a member, officiating and the remains were placed in the vault in Calvary cemetery in this village until spring when the burial will be made at Racket River.

Mr. Payne was born at the old homestead below Racket River in January 1835, being one of eight children of the late Barnabas Payne, one of the early settlers of the town. His early life was spent at his home and when a young man he went west to Waupaca, WI, where he remained two years. While in the west he married Miss Amanda Welch, of Waupaca and later they returned to Massena which was afterward their home. Mrs. Payne died February 4, 1919.

Mr. Payne was a citizen who was held in high esteem by everyone who knew him. In his dealings with others his word was as good as his bond and he was known for his sterling qualities and worth. He spent two years in this village about twenty-five years ago at which time he held the office of overseer of the poor and was also street commissioner. He has been tenderly cared for by his daughter and her family in his declining years.

He is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Kingsley, a number of grandchildren, also two sisters, Mrs. Scarboro of Waupaca, WI and Mrs. Mary Ayers of Racket River. One daughter, Mrs. C.A. Gilman, died several years ago. His daughter and her family have cared for him for a number of years, before and since the death of his wife.

Massena Observer
Thursday, February 19, 1920