Gus Payne, 40, Dies of Pneumonia; Three Daughters Sick With Flu, March 13, 1920

From the front page of the Hickory Daily Record, Saturday evening, March 13, 1920

Gustus W. Payne Succumbs to Illness

Major Gustus William Julius Payne, veteran of the Spanish war, manager and buyer for the Shuford Hardware Company, and one of the most popular young business men in Hickory, died last night at 9:30 at his home on Tenth Avenue following an attack of pneumonia a week ago last Thursday. He was born June 11, 1879, and would have been 41 years of age on his next birthday. As a mark of respect the company with which he had been associated for more than 20 years remained closed today.

Major Payne was known to his friends as “Gus” Payne. He entered business here 20 years ago and remained with the Shuford Hardware Company during all that time, rising from clerk to manager to buyer. His worth was appreciated by every member of the firm and next to his family, his loss will be felt by the store and trade. He was a good business man, faithful to his duties and obliging at all times. Mr. Payne had made an impression on the Hickory public that always will be cherished.

Major Payne is survived by his widow and four children—Charlotte, Virginia, Margaret and Evelyn—and the three older girls are ill with influenza. His wife was Miss Essie Wilson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Emanuel Wilson, who live near Newton, and she was married to Major Payne 14 years ago. Major Payne is survived also by his mother, Mrs. A.J. Payne and two sisters and three brothers—Mrs. H.L. Clement of Hickory, Mrs. E.A. Huffman of Asheville, Walter L. Payne of Hickory, T.D. Payne of Charlotte, and Ronda D. Payne of Asheville, all of whom are here for the funeral.

Major Payne was a veteran of the Spanish War and saw service in Cuba as a member of the Statesville company. He joined Co. A. first regiment, and was promoted to Captain, retiring in 1912 with the rank of major. He was also a member of the Junior Order and Odd Fellows, of the First Methodist church and for many years was secretary of the Wesley Bible class of the Sunday school. He was active in the class and here many men came to know him well He was fine personality and he was beloved by hundred.

The funeral will be held from the residence at 4 o’clock this afternoon and will be conducted by Rev. W.O. Goode, his pastor. Interment will be in Oakwood cemetery. The pall bearers had not been named this morning, but the honorary pall bearers will be members of the Wesley Bible class of the Methodist Sunday school.