Son of Elisha Payne.

Charles Clark Payne was a man of great decision of character, tenacity of purpose, and good executive ability. An eminently public spirited citizen, he took a deep interest in the advancement of Hamilton, his life-long home. To him the town is chiefly indebted for the Union School, which has been an important factor in its life. He was chairman of its Board of Trustees at the time of its organization and for some time after. He brought about the building of the former Baptist parsonage on Payne street, and of the old Baptist conference room. He was a member of the building committee of the Baptist Church and was chairman of the committee for building the present parsonage (1888). For many years he was a member of the Board of Trustees of Madison (now Colgate) University and of the Education Society; and was an efficient member of the executive committees of these bodies. At the time of his death he was one of the vice-presidents of the Education Society of the State of New York.

Deacon and Mrs. Payne were very hospitable. Their home was open to every student at Madison University, and there was no house in Hamilton which could more truly be called the students' home. There was no house for years where Faculty, students and citizens more frequently met in social intercourse.

Mr. Payne united with the church in 1830 and soon became a leader. He was made Deacon about 1840, serving in that capacity until his death--nearly half a century. For many years he led a large Bible class. In the revivals which formed marked epochs in the religious history of the community, he was always an active worker.

"The Payne's of Hamilton" A Genealogy and Biographical Record by Augusta Francelia Payne White, Tobias A. Wright Publisher, Dated 1912