John Spencer Payne, the sixth child of Jesse PAYNE (1791-1866) and Sarah LAIR (1796-1884) was born in Bennington township, Licking County, Ohio 10 Jan 1828. He lived his entire life in the Licking County area. He was a tall, slender, easy-going man.  He became a carpenter and built caskets for Emerson Funeral Home in Johnstown, Ohio for many years. He was listed as the carpenter who built several churches in Licking County.

Anna Maria Harris was the sixth and youngest child of her family. Her parents had emigrated to Ohio during the 1820's from a Holland Dutch area of Pennsylvania. Both her parents died before she was ten years old. She lived with relatives during her formative years.

John and Anna were married on January 1, 1852. After the wedding, relatives and other guests held an all-day celebration.  This wedding celebration marked the beginning of a tradition, a tradition of Payne family members gathering each January 1st.  This yearly gathering continued for over eighty years until it was curtailed at the beginning of WW II.

John S. and Anna Maria made a strange looking couple. He was tall and lanky. She was short and stout. He was easy going. She was dynamic and a "take charge" type of person. Together they raised a family of two boys and three girls who were all achievers. Two of the girls and one of the boys became the first family members to pursue post-high school education. All became influential citizens in their respective communities.

Anna was very family oriented. She was a weaver and quilter. Some of her quilts remain in the family today. Also, she gave each of her children a one dollar gold piece on his/her eighth birthday. At least one of these gold pieces is still in the family.

Anna died 9 April 1898 and is buried in the Payne plot in the Green Hill Cemetery, Johnstown, Licking County, Ohio.  After Anna's death John lived with his daughter, Nora Payne Sinkey. He died on 13 Sept 1903 and was buried beside his Anna Maria.

1. Thomas Melville Payne        b. 22 Feb 1853 d.  2 Nov 1916
m. Luetta Bet BAKER 13 Feb 1878 b. 10 Nov 1853 d.  1 Dec 1932

2. James Harris Payne           b.  8 Dec 1855 d. 29 May 1885
m. Rosa A. MERRILL 24 Dec 1882  b.  7 May 1860 d. 21 May 1944

3. Persis Genora Payne          b. 27 May 1859 d. 15 Aug 1914
m. Charles SINKEY 5 Feb 1882    b. 20 Jly 1858 d. 28 Aug 1917

4. Sarah Adell Payne            b. 16 Apr 1862 d. 21 Jan 1903
m. Thomas J. LYTLE 13 May 1880  b. 21 Dec 1862 d. 12 Dec 1925

5. Daisy Myrtle Payne           b.  1 Jan 1867 d. 13 May 1954
m. Conde DAVISON 23 Dec 1837    b. 16 Mar 1865 d. 13 Jly 1934

6. Mattie Orlena Payne          b. 22 Oct 1869 d. 23 Sep 1872

Harris Hunters