James W. Payne was born about 1839 in South Carolina, the son of William and Matilda Payne. About 1845 the family moved to Murray County, Georgia, using the post office at Rock Creek.

The 1850 Census listed the family as William Payne, age 40; Matilda Payne, age 39; James W. Payne, age 20; Thomas J. Payne, age 18; Mary E. Payne, age 14; John W. Payne, age 11; Sarah S. Payne, age 7; and Malinda Payne, age 4. Malinda was the only member of the family born in Georgia. Others were all born in South Carolina.

The 1860 Census listed James as J. W. Payne, age 29; wife, Caroline Payne, age 20; and Williard H. Payne, age 10 months. Caroline and the son were born in Georgia.

Military service records indicate that, on March 10, 1862, James Payne, of Murray County, Georgia, enlisted as a Private in Company A, 39th Georgia Volunteer Infantry Regiment. This unit, formed in Murray County, was sometimes called the "Cohutta Rangers."

Payne's unit was in fighting at Tazewell, Tennessee, August 6, 1862; Richmond, Kentucky, August 29-3-, 1862; Perryville and Lexington, Kentucky, October 8, 1862; and Williamsburg, Kentucky, October 1862.

On February 15, 1863, James W. Payne died of disease.

Murray County Families