J. M. Payne was born January 7, 1854, in Johnson county, Arkansas. At the age of nine years moved with his parents to Greene county, Missouri. There he grew up to manhood. September 7, 1876, he was united in marriage with Miss Nancy E. Barclay, of Pleasant Hope, Polk county, Missouri. To them have been born eight children, J. M. Payne. five boys and three girls, the order of their birth as follows: Pearl E., Elijah D., Arctus Otto, Tabitha K., Daniel J., Edward F., Oliver M. H., Elizabeth R. Eld. Payne professed faith in Christ October 29, 1876. Joined the church at Rock Prairie. Soon impressed to the work of the gospel ministry. After seven years struggling against the Spirit, he resolved to do the will of God and commence preaching. He was a licentiate about 15 months. His ordination was called for by the church at Rock Prairie, and July 3, 1887, was set apart to the full work of the ministry. He accepted a call to the pastorate of Red Bird church. Crawford county, Arkansas, to which place he moved. This was his first pastorate. After preaching for this and other churches, he was appointed missionary of Clear Creek association. Coming again to Missouri, his labor in the ministry has been in Dallas and Polk counties. Since this was written Eld. Payne has moved to the Indian Territory. His present address is Pierce City, Missouri, (1897). |
