Born in Clarke Co, Virginia, on 14 Apr 1849, Mariah Louise, who
is often found with the names “Maria” and “Louisa,” was Robert and Lucy’s
fourth child. On 21 Dec 1875 in Berryville, VA, Mariah married Thomas Fenton
Payne. Thomas had been born 27 May 1849 in Loudoun Co,
VA, to James Sanford and Margaret Ann (Starkey) Payne.By 1850, James and
Margaret had moved to Clarke Co, where Thomas and Mariah presumably met.
The Paynes lived out their lives in Clarke Co. where Thomas farmed.
There they raised four kids, three daughters and a son: Ollie Thomas (23 Dec
1876–28 Apr 1963), Eveline Carter (31 Oct 1878–2 Feb 1958), Emma Forest (24 May
1882–6 Mar 1954), and Monte Griffith (22 Mar 1885–5 Jul 1945).
On 29 Dec 1914 in Clarke Co, Thomas passed away, as did his wife five
years later, on 23 May 1920. The couple were laid to rest in Providence Chapel
United Methodist Church Cemetery, Frogtown, Clarke Co, VA.
