Obituaries
MRS. CORNELIA PAYNE
16 February 1916 "Owen County Journal" News
MRS. CORNELIA PAYNE, 80 years old, widow of John Finley Payne and formerly a resident of Spencer, died Tuesday of last week at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Gurd Surber, at Francesville, Ind. The body was brought to Hudson Hill cemetery, north of Spencer, for interment. The funeral sermon was preached by Rev. Gray of the Spencer Presbyterian church. Mrs. Payne was the step-mother of Florence Lawson of Spencer, and since Mr. Payne died, nine years ago, she has made her home here with Mrs. Lawson a part of the time. Cornelia (Van Meter) Payne was born in Fayette county, Ind. June 1st 1835, departed this life Feb. 8, 1916. Our friend grew up on a farm near Connersville, Ind. About the year 1865 she was married to JOHN F. PAYNE, who preceded her in death nine years. To this union were born three daughters, Minnie, the wife of T.H. Baker of Olney, ILL., Emma, who died many years ago, Jessie the wife of Gurd Surber of Francesville, Ind.
Posted by Kathy Bargerhuff
JULIA (BEEM) PAYNE
Owen County Democrat newspaper, dated April 12, 1917
Julia Beem Payne, daughter of William and Amma Payne, was born July 8, 1840, and died March 25, 1917, aged 76 years, eight months, 23 days. April 12, 1860, she was married to William H. Dean. To this union were born seven children---three sons and four daughters. Of these Arvillo F., Emma C. and Amma V. have preceded her in death. She leaves to mourn her death a husband and four children, James W., Albert C., Mrs W.G. Cassel and Mrs. Bert Ray, and also leaves twenty-two grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Her parents were pioneers of this neighborhood, having settled on what is known as the T.H. Hensley farm in the year 1826, and here they raised a family of eight children--one son and seven daughters---six of whom have preceded her in death. One sister Mrs. John Smith, survives. Aunt Julia, as she was generally called, sought and found her Savior in her young and tender years. After her conversion she joined the M. E. church at Old Salem. She was a consistent and faithful worker for the cause of her Master until she was called to her reward. She never allowed things of a wordly nature to keep her from attending church. She took great pleasure in doing all in her power for the church and for the good of others. She was a kind and loving companion and a devoted mother. She took great pride in trying to make her home a pleasant and happy home. It was my pleasure to visit in this home often, and I always found her cheerful. She often spoke of her faith in her Savior, and in her last days she was comforted by that great comforter. It can truly be said of her that she has fought a good fight and has finished her course, and there is laid up for her a crown of righteousness. We miss thee from our home, dear mother; We miss thee from thy place; A shadow o'er our life is crept; We miss the sunshine of thy face; We miss thy kind and willing hand, Thy fond and earnest care; Our home is dark without thee-- We miss thee everywhere. J.S.S.
Submitted by Mike Dean