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The Clarion Democrat
Thursday, 3 December, 1903

           This community received a distinct shock last Friday, 
         November 27th, 1903, when the news was circulated just 
         after dinner that Mr. THOMAS J. PAYNE had died very 
         suddenly that day from an attack of apoplexy or heart 
         trouble of some kind. It had been noted that in the 
         recent past MR. PAYNE has been failing somewhat in 
         appearance and in the ruggedness of his health, but 
         nothing serious was apprehended as his indisposition 
         was regarded as only temporary. He was so well known 
         and so highly regarded that his sudden death startled 
         the community.
	 
	   MR. THOMAS J. PAYNE was born in Norwich, Chenango Co., 
	 N.Y., in 1836, being 67 years of age at his death. He 
	 was educated in his home schools and learned the car-
	 riage making trade, at which he worked until the war 
	 broke out, when he was employed by the government in 
	 building bridges as the superintendent of a corps of 
	 fifty men. In 1864 he entered the lumber business at 
	 Warren, Pa., but after three years removed to Tylers-
	 burg, this county, following the same business and 
	 adding merchandising. In 1872 he became interested in 
	 oil having interests in this and the Bradford fields.
	 
	   MR. PAYNE was twice married, his first wife Miss L. 
	 L. LEWIS, whom he married in 1858, died in 1885. In
	 August 1886 he was united in marriage with Miss M. E. 
	 HICKS, of Paint township, who survives him.
	 
           MR. PAINE  purchased the Arthurs Coal & Lumber Co. 
         property in 1887, and moved to and took charge of the 
         same which he conducted to a successful issue. In recent 
         years Mr. and Mrs. PAYNE moved to Clarion, erecting a 
         substantial and most comfortable home for themselves and 
         here they have been honored and esteemed citizens. MR. 
         PAYNE was identified with the active business interests 
         in the town and took great interest in them. For years 
         he was connected with the Second National Bank and filled 
         the positions of director, Vice President and President. 
         He was an earnest Christian man and sincerely endeavored 
         to demonstrate the principles of his Savior in his everyday 
         life. He stood very high in the masonic fraternity being 
         a 32nd Degree Mason, and was a member of Clarion Lodge 
         which laid his remains to rest with the observance of 
         their beautiful ritual service. The religious services 
         were conducted by Revs. B.F. Delo, Dr. S. Hamilton Day, 
         and Wm. F. Fleming. In the loss that has fallen upon her 
         the widow has the profound sympathy of all.
         
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