Casper And Alma Parker Payne
Pictured in about 1980 are Casper (Cass/Cap) and Alma Payne. They resided in the head of the
Skelton Hollow on Skelton Lane in the extreme northwest corner of Smith County in the Pleasant
Shade Community. Their house is also pictured below.
They were one of the few black families that lived in the Pleasant Shade area during the 1950s and 60s.
I always thought a lot of Mr. Cass and worked with him on occasion in the tobacco fields. When
in the fields and the rumble of thunderstorms could be heard, he would say, "Old Master is
making the log wagons roll"! Cass' byword, when surprised or confused, was, "Well, I'll saay!!".
Cass was the son of Robert and Jennie Payne. Robert is also pictured below.
Casper And Alma Parker Payne Homeplace
Robert Payne
Pictured is Robert Payne in about 1925. He was born in about 1863 and was married to Jennie
Payne. They were the parents of a number of children including Casper, pictured above. They
lived in the Pleasant Shade Community of Smith County. "Uncle" Robert was a friend of my
grandfather, John Dickerson, and the picture was made in John's yard at Pleasant Shade.
