Trying to sort out two conflicting accounts of the Col William Payne who "struck" George Washington with his cane in year 1755. Perhaps father and son have been confused. Recap: A Col William Payne had difficulties with George Washington in year 1754 or 1755. This is also documented in Diary of George Washington per his own pen. He had to be an adult of at least 21 years age, giving his birth prior to 1734. The article suggest b.1725. Washington and Payne made amends, became good friends to extent William Payne was one of Pres George Washington's pallbear. Pres. George Washington died in 1799. This William Payne was admitted to Alexander Lodge on February 20, 1784. If this is all correct, we can "assume" this Col William Payne was born before 1734 and alive after 1799. (Also read somewhere where this Wm Payne was short in stature) Account #1 Excerpt taken from - 1ALEXANDRIA LODGE NO. 39 ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA 1783-1788"THE first movement towards the organization of a Masonic Lodge in Alexandria, Virginia was in the year 1782. COL. WILLIAM PAYNE, John Payne, William Payne, Sr., and Sir Robert Payne were brothers, and came from England, Yorkshire County, to Virginia, on the 18th of April, 1619, in the same ship with Sir George Yardley, the first colonial Governor of Virginia."One of these brothers settled in what is now Lancaster County, Va., another in the vicinity of Jamestown, and the third in what is now the city of Alexandria. Col. William Payne, of Alexandria, was a lineal descendant of the latter, and was born about the year 1725. He was one of a committee of safety, appointed at a meeting held in the Court-House, Alexandria, July 13, 1774, when General WASHINGTON was in the chair, and Robert Hanson Harrison was SecretaryAt an election for vestrymen of Fairfax Parish, Alexandria, March 28, 1765, William Payne received 304 votes, and GEORGE Washington 274.Cal. Payne served in the Continental Army.The following account, often published, appeared in the Alexandria Gazette, August 25, 1874:"In 1754, when WASHINGTON, in command of the Virginia Rangers, was waiting at Alexandria the arrival of Braddock's forces, an exciting election contest occurred between Mr. Fairfax and Mr. Payne for the House of Burgesses. WASHINGTON supported Fairfax with much zeal, and high words passing between him and Payne in the market-square at Alexandria, Payne struck WASHINGTON a blow which brought him to the earth. The troops rushed from their barracks, and would have made short work of Payne had not WASHINGTON pacified them, assuring them that he knew the proper course to take in the premises. Duels were not then under the ban of public opinion. Page 19 19"All supposed that a fight was imminent. Next morning, however, WASHINGTON sent for Payne, and when the latter entered the room he saw on the table, not pistols, but a decanter of wine and two glasses. 'Mr. Payne,' said WASHINGTON, 'to err is human. I was wrong yesterday, but if you have had sufficient satisfaction, let us be friends.' Weems relates that from that day WASHINGTON was Payne's idea of true man-hood. The magnanimity of WASHINGTON will be better appreciated when it is recollected that at that time there was a cloud upon his military prowess, as he had been a few months before compelled by the French to capitulate at Fort Necessity, and had as yet done nothing to redeem his fame."Col. Payne was admitted a member of this Lodge, February 20, 1784, and was one of WASHINGTON'S pall-bearers. He died sometime in 1800. (“The Lodge of Washington” by Franklin L. Brockett, page 102-104) ****************************************************************************** ******* Account #2 Col William Payne who had difficulties with George Washington in 1755, states he died Jul 12 1782. (1) William Payne There was a William Payne who knocked down President George Washington, however later became his best friend. This William Payne appears to be son of Edward Payne in previous discussion. He died 1782. He is styled as sometimes "Jr" and also "Colonel" through the years. Account to follow. William Payne m. Alica Jones William Payne (we feel this is William Payne Jr also named in other documents) Jul 31 1724 Westmoreland Co VA, d. Jul 12 1782 Fairfax Co VA Sheriff of Fairfax Co VA from 1761. Lived on Ravensworth estate in Fairfax Co near Accotink Run, also owned 10000 acres of land in KY given as a reward for his contribution to the Revolution. Fall 1775 political campaign for the House of Burgesses he led the candidacy of William Ellzey, George Washington was supporter of friend George William Fairfax. In a public debate over their heroes, Washington became irate and issued strong words which William took offense to, Payne raised his "hickory" and brought him down. George Washington's Lieutenants were about to avenge the attack when George recovered and called them off. George reflected in his room that night that he was the aggressor and was responsible for the attack, and decided to meet with Payne and apologize. William took it as a challenge and expected dueling pistols. Washinton met him with the greeting, "Mr Payne to err is nature to rectify error is glory." From that day on they were great friends and supporters m. Susannah Clark Feb 3 1747/48 Prince William Co VA b. Dec 17 1721 VA, d. Feb 22 1771 Fairfax Co VA Susannah m.1st Nathaniel Brown b. Loudon Co VA, d. Loudon Co William Payne's will: 1782, 27 May: William PAYNE wrote his will. (2) Names his children and his half-brother and half-sister. Refers to his mill-seat on Accotink Run and disposes of his grant of 10,000 acres "in the back inhabitance," which meant his patents of land in KY, not yet a state. He disposes of his lease on the "Ravensworth" tract, on parts of which he and his sons resided. (3) Names sons William PAYNE, Devaul PAYNE, and Benjamin Clarke PAYNE. Names daughters Alicia COCKE, Mary BALLEY, Penelope PAYNE and Ann WEST. Names Milly PAYNE (a half-sister). Executors sons Benjamin, William, Devaul. Witnesses, Sampson COCKRILL, William TASKER, Thomas FITZHUGH, John PAYNE. (7) Mentions his will [NOTE: mill?] which was given him by his father some 20 years earlier. (2,7) 1782, 20 Aug: His will was proved, Fairfax Co., VA. (3) 6 Aug 1782. (2) 1782: The inventory of his estate shows many items in Loudoun Co., VA. (8) A tablet erected by the Mount Vernon Chapter of the D.A.R. of Alexandria, VA, to the memory of the Honorary Pall Bearers of George WASHINGTON includes the name of Col. William Payne

The Col. William Payne (and also a "real" military Colonel}who was pall bearer at GW's funeral was the son of Wlliam Payne {who was never in the military but was given the honorary title of Colonel and awarded 50,000 acres in Kentucky for his efforts in supporting the War of the Revolution} who was among other things, Vestry of Truro Parish, Sheriff of Faifax County and Chief Justice of Fairfax County and had the described encounter with GW. For more details I would refer you to "The Paynes of Virginia". If you can't find it, I will be happy to send you a family tree with the correct vital statistics. Wm Payne, the elder, was my 6th Ggrandfather. Jim Simon -----Original Message----- From: Annerupert@aol.com [mailto:Annerupert@aol.com] Sent: Thursday, April 27, 2006 9:40 AM To: VAFAIRFA-L@rootsweb.com Subject: [VAFairfax] Wm Payne who struck Pres George Washington Trying to sort out two conflicting accounts of the Col William Payne who "struck" George Washington with his cane in year 1755. Perhaps father and son have been confused. Recap: A Col William Payne had difficulties with George Washington in year 1754 or 1755. This is also documented in Diary of George Washington per his own pen. He had to be an adult of at least 21 years age, giving his birth prior to 1734. The article suggest b.1725. Washington and Payne made amends, became good friends to extent William Payne was one of Pres George Washington's pallbear. Pres. George Washington died in 1799. This William Payne was admitted to Alexander Lodge on February 20, 1784. If this is all correct, we can "assume" this Col William Payne was born before 1734 and alive after 1799. (Also read somewhere where this Wm Payne was short in stature) Account #1 Excerpt taken from - 1ALEXANDRIA LODGE NO. 39 ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA 1783-1788"THE first movement towards the organization of a Masonic Lodge in Alexandria, Virginia was in the year 1782. COL. WILLIAM PAYNE, John Payne, William Payne, Sr., and Sir Robert Payne were brothers, and came from England, Yorkshire County, to Virginia, on the 18th of April, 1619, in the same ship with Sir George Yardley, the first colonial Governor of Virginia."One of these brothers settled in what is now Lancaster County, Va., another in the vicinity of Jamestown, and the third in what is now the city of Alexandria. Col. William Payne, of Alexandria, was a lineal descendant of the latter, and was born about the year 1725. He was one of a committee of safety, appointed at a meeting held in the Court-House, Alexandria, July 13, 1774, when General WASHINGTON was in the chair, and Robert Hanson Harrison was SecretaryAt an election for vestrymen of Fairfax Parish, Alexandria, March 28, 1765, William Payne received 304 votes, and GEORGE Washington 274.Cal. Payne served in the Continental Army.The following account, often published, appeared in the Alexandria Gazette, August 25, 1874:"In 1754, when WASHINGTON, in command of the Virginia Rangers, was waiting at Alexandria the arrival of Braddock's forces, an exciting election contest occurred between Mr. Fairfax and Mr. Payne for the House of Burgesses. WASHINGTON supported Fairfax with much zeal, and high words passing between him and Payne in the market-square at Alexandria, Payne struck WASHINGTON a blow which brought him to the earth. The troops rushed from their barracks, and would have made short work of Payne had not WASHINGTON pacified them, assuring them that he knew the proper course to take in the premises. Duels were not then under the ban of public opinion. Page 19 19"All supposed that a fight was imminent. Next morning, however, WASHINGTON sent for Payne, and when the latter entered the room he saw on the table, not pistols, but a decanter of wine and two glasses. 'Mr. Payne,' said WASHINGTON, 'to err is human. I was wrong yesterday, but if you have had sufficient satisfaction, let us be friends.' Weems relates that from that day WASHINGTON was Payne's idea of true man-hood. The magnanimity of WASHINGTON will be better appreciated when it is recollected that at that time there was a cloud upon his military prowess, as he had been a few months before compelled by the French to capitulate at Fort Necessity, and had as yet done nothing to redeem his fame."Col. Payne was admitted a member of this Lodge, February 20, 1784, and was one of WASHINGTON'S pall-bearers. He died sometime in 1800. ("The Lodge of Washington" by Franklin L. Brockett, page 102-104) **************************************************************************** ** ******* Account #2 Col William Payne who had difficulties with George Washington in 1755, states he died Jul 12 1782. (1) William Payne There was a William Payne who knocked down President George Washington, however later became his best friend. This William Payne appears to be son of Edward Payne in previous discussion. He died 1782. He is styled as sometimes "Jr" and also "Colonel" through the years. Account to follow. William Payne m. Alica Jones William Payne (we feel this is William Payne Jr also named in other documents) Jul 31 1724 Westmoreland Co VA, d. Jul 12 1782 Fairfax Co VA Sheriff of Fairfax Co VA from 1761. Lived on Ravensworth estate in Fairfax Co near Accotink Run, also owned 10000 acres of land in KY given as a reward for his contribution to the Revolution. Fall 1775 political campaign for the House of Burgesses he led the candidacy of William Ellzey, George Washington was supporter of friend George William Fairfax. In a public debate over their heroes, Washington became irate and issued strong words which William took offense to, Payne raised his "hickory" and brought him down. George Washington's Lieutenants were about to avenge the attack when George recovered and called them off. George reflected in his room that night that he was the aggressor and was responsible for the attack, and decided to meet with Payne and apologize. William took it as a challenge and expected dueling pistols. Washinton met him with the greeting, "Mr Payne to err is nature to rectify error is glory." From that day on they were great friends and supporters m. Susannah Clark Feb 3 1747/48 Prince William Co VA b. Dec 17 1721 VA, d. Feb 22 1771 Fairfax Co VA Susannah m.1st Nathaniel Brown b. Loudon Co VA, d. Loudon Co William Payne's will: 1782, 27 May: William PAYNE wrote his will. (2) Names his children and his half-brother and half-sister. Refers to his mill-seat on Accotink Run and disposes of his grant of 10,000 acres "in the back inhabitance," which meant his patents of land in KY, not yet a state. He disposes of his lease on the "Ravensworth" tract, on parts of which he and his sons resided. (3) Names sons William PAYNE, Devaul PAYNE, and Benjamin Clarke PAYNE. Names daughters Alicia COCKE, Mary BALLEY, Penelope PAYNE and Ann WEST. Names Milly PAYNE (a half-sister). Executors sons Benjamin, William, Devaul. Witnesses, Sampson COCKRILL, William TASKER, Thomas FITZHUGH, John PAYNE. (7) Mentions his will [NOTE: mill?] which was given him by his father some 20 years earlier. (2,7) 1782, 20 Aug: His will was proved, Fairfax Co., VA. (3) 6 Aug 1782. (2) 1782: The inventory of his estate shows many items in Loudoun Co., VA. (8) A tablet erected by the Mount Vernon Chapter of the D.A.R. of Alexandria, VA, to the memory of the Honorary Pall Bearers of George WASHINGTON includes the name of Col. William Payne ==== VAFAIRFA Mailing List ==== E-mail List Mom at mailto:daisysroots@yahoo.com http://www.rootsweb.com/~vafairfa/ ============================== New! Family Tree Maker 2005. Build your tree and search for your ancestors at the same time. Share your tree with family and friends. Learn more: http://landing.ancestry.com/familytreemaker/2005/tour.aspx?sourceid=14599&ta rgetid=5429