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Capt. J. Payne Johnston, foremost citizen of Amory, Miss., passed into eternal rest at his home on July 17, 1916. He was bron in Troup County, Ga., September 13, 1841, and in June 1861, he enlisted as a private in Company D, 35th Georgia Regiment. For his gallantry in the Seven Days' Battles around Richmond he was made sergeant major in 1862. After the fight at Petersburg, in 1864, he was made captain and was in command of his company when mustered out at Appomattox. In 1867 Captain Johnston located near Pontotoc, Miss., and engaged in farming and teaching. He was elected tax assessor or Pontotoc County in 185 and served two terms; he also served two terms as sheriff, beginning in 1879. In 1886 he was engaged to secure the right of way for the K., C., M. & B. Railroad, then in contemplation, and was thus connected for nine years, serving as land and industrial agent for the company. He assisted in laying off the town of Amory and was a real power in the foundation of that little city in which he lived, loved so well, and worked for until his death. He was made its mayor in 1897, and for twelve years he served and much to place Amory among the best towns in Northeast Mississippi.

In 1868 Captain Johnston was married to Miss Elmira L. Simmons, who survives him with one daughter. At an early age he united with the Methodist Church and was a faithful member during his long and useful life. He was also a loyal member of the Masonic fraternity. He met the full requirements of life and died lamented by all who knew him.