Photograph of Helen (Payne) Ellis and William Ellis

This is the only known photograph of William and Helen, the parents of Charles and Oren Payne. Helen was the daughter of Orrin and Fanny Payne and William was the son of Benjamin and Eliza Ellis. The photograph was taken around 1870.

Explaining the name difference in the children is a small puzzle. On his marriage certificate, Charles Payne lists his parents and Helen and William Payne. His Obituary and other records indicate that he was born in Fredonia, New York. Family lore also indicates that Charles' father was a doctor who sold herbal medicines. 

In searching through census records, a William and Helen Payne could not be located in Fredonia but a Helen Payne, daughter of Orrin Payne could be found. Helen married William Ellis, a carriage painter. Orrin Payne, Helen's father, was a Methodist Minister and practitioner of Eclectic Medicine. In 1870, William and Helen Ellis are listed in the census in Fredonia, New York with two children, Oren and Charles. Ten years later, the census indicates that the two boys are living with their grandparents, Orrin and Fannie Payne. Helen and William Ellis have no other entries in the census after 1870. 

Census clipping showing the Ellis Family in Fredonia.

Census clipping showing the Ellis children living with their grandparents.

After 1880, the Ellis boys are not listed with the family in the census but ages, the matching of first names and additional information linking Oren and Charles Payne to Helen Payne's family indicates that their names were changed from Ellis to Payne after 1880. It is likely that something tragic may have happened to Helen and William Ellis, leaving their children orphaned. Orrin and Fannie Payne then took the children in and eventually adopted them as their own.