From NKAA, Notable Kentucky African Americans Database (PIONEERS & PATRIOTS: Anderson County Military Servicemen, Revolutionary War - WWI)

Payne, Joseph

(born: c. 1847) Joseph Payne was born a slave in Anderson County about 1847. He remained a slave into adulthood; President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation only freed slaves in states openly hostile toward the Union. Later in the war, however, the government called for the enlistment of colored regiments, and all who answered the call were granted immediate freedom.

Payne therefore made his way to Lebanon to enlist and on March 17, 1865 was enrolled as a private in Company I of the 6th Regiment of the U.S. Colored Cavalry. At that time he testified that he was born in Anderson County, KY about 1847.

Although the 6th regiment had been actively engaged prior to Joe's enlistment, his service was dominated by inactivity. The regiment was detailed at various posts throughout Kentucky, seeing duty at Camp Nelson, Camp Wild Cat, Danville, New Haven, Catlettsburg, Covington, and Louisville. In December the 6th was transferred to duty in Arkansas, posted at Helena and DuVall's.