John William Payne

Who was John William Payne?

John William Payne, also known as J. W. Payne, was a long-term sheriff of Natchitoches Parish in northwestern Louisiana. Payne, who became sheriff in 1914, was still serving at the time of his death at the age of fifty-six. On his death, the Natchitoches Times newspaper wrote: "He was recognized as an officer fearless and efficient, who knew not the meaning of defeat. . . . The entire state has cause to feel that it has suffered tremendous loss."

The Natchitoches Times continued: "Law-enforcement authorities of Louisiana are mourning the death of one of their outstanding members. . . . His efforts meant much to the welfare of the people. His repeated re-election testified to the esteem in which he was held by his constituents. He was constantly striving to protect property and lives of the citizens from the lawless element and was always vigorous in his efforts to bring criminals to justice. . ."