Ed Payne, prominent and well known Webster county farmer, died suddenly of heart failure while at work in the field on his farm in Catherton Township Wednesday afternoon about four o’clock. Mr. Payne was at work driving a riding plow and apparently was in his usual good health. Employees on the farm noticed the team standing at one corner of the field with Mr. Payne in the seat but in a leaning position. Upon investigation it was found that life was extinct and that he had fallen forward and the body had caught in the machinery and to all appearances he had died instantly.
Source:
Bladen Enterprise
Friday, May 11, 1917
Page 1, Column 4
F.E. Payne was born in Frederick County, Virginia, September 23, 1850 and was aged 66 years, 8 months and 16 days. He received a common school education in his native state, and at the age of twenty-two years he began life for himself as a farmer, following that occupation with success in Virginia until 1877, when he came to Nebraska, homesteading on 320 acres in Catherton township, where he continued to reside until the time of his death. He took an active part in local and state politics, and in 1914 was chairman of the Democratic County Central Committee. Mr. Payne was always ready and willing to take an interest in all matters pertaining to the welfare and advancement of the state, county and community, and during the past winter he devoted much time to the Federal Road Act. He was a man possessing all the qualities of a gentleman, kind and loving father, and husband, a good neighbor and an upright christian man, having been a member of the Baptist church for many years. In July, 1881 he was united in marriage to Mrs. Vernie Clutter, to this union was born one daughter, Wilella, now Mrs. C M Wilson. Mrs. Payne preceded him to the great beyond in the year of 1885(sic). He is survived by one daughter, four grandchildren, one brother and three sisters. Funeral services were conducted at the New Virginia church Sunday afternoon at 2:00 o’clock by Rev R B E Hill of McCool, and was largely attended by neighbors and friends of deceased, and the remains were laid to rest in the new Virginia cemetery.
Source:
Bladen Enterprise
Friday, May 18, 1917
Page 1, Column 4
