William R. Payne was a resident of Mansfield on August 7, 1862 when he enlisted as a Private in Co. D of the 21st Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Infantry; he was mustered out on June 16, 1865.

The descriptive muster roll of the 21st Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Infantry lists his age as 20 and his occupation as clerk.  He is described as 5’ 6” tall with a fair complexion and brown eyes and brown hair.  His marital status is single.

He was born about 1842 in Buffalo, New York.  His parents may be Josiah and Maria (Ramsdale) Payne. In the 1870 U.S. census in Mansfield, William Payne is a 28 year old born in New York in the household of Maria Payne. There is a William R. Payne living in Jefferson Township, Indiana in the 1880 U.S. census that may be him. He is 38 years old, born in New York and married to Ada E. _______, 21, born in Michigan. They have a one month old unnamed female.

The date of death and burial place of William R. Payne are unknown.