PAYNE, Robert Marion, farmer, teacher, merchant and hotel proprietor; born near Jasper, Tenn., April 3, 1848; Irish-English and Dutch descent; son of Lewis and Mary (Bean) PAYNE; father’s occupation, farmer; paternal grandparents Robert and Sarah (McMahan) PAYNE, maternal grandparents Obediah and Barbara (Heifner) BEAN; educated in the country schools, Lookout Mt. Educational Institute, Burritt College, and University of the South, graduated from the latter in 1873; while a boy at home in 1862-64 he frequently acted as spy and informer for Confederate Scouts, and at one time was arrested and put in guard house by Federals at Bridgeport, Ala.; in 1873 he was elected President of People’s College, Pikeville, Tenn., taught until March, 1879, when he entered the mercantile business at South Pittsburg, Tenn., at which place he operated the Battle Creek coal mines and was for several years owner and manager of South Pittsburg (Tenn.) Brick and Terra Cotta Co.; former member of the City Council of South Pittsburg, Tenn., and resident of City School Board, Superintendent of Public Instruction for Marion Co., Tenn.; moved to Monteagle in 1895, and has since that time been engaged in the hotel business; for ten years past a large part of his time has been given to the improvement and development of Wonder Cave, of which he is owner and manager; married Emma E. ORME, Dec. 23, 1875; member Masonic Lodge; M. E. Church, South.