Chester Clark and the Thomas Payne Family of West Chazy, NY

This photo taken about 1917:  (sitting) Chester Clark (1846 - 1934)  of West Chazy, NY; (standing left to right) Clark's daughter, Mallie Clark Payne, and her family; husband Thomas Payne and their children (left to right: Clark, Phyllis, Ward, Hillary) with one yet-to-be-identified individual in  the Canadian military uniform.

I'm thankful for the resilient individuals who I descend from. This photo was sent to me in November by a Payne 'second cousin' (thanks David Gollinger!). This is the first time I am SEEING my great-grandfather, Thomas Payne (1862 - 1926) and my great-great grandfather, Chester Clark (1846 - 1934); both hardworking men of West Chazy, Clinton, County, NY. I recognize my great-grandmother, Mallie (Clark) Payne (1873 - 1971) with whom I was acquainted - and that's my paternal grandfather, Ward Payne (1897 - 1959) behind her. Thomas and Mallie's daughter, Hillary (my father's aunt), is on the far right. I am fascinated by how much a few of the women in my family (including my daughter and myself) look like her!  (I will be attempting to identify the kilted man on the left who appears to be wearing the WWI uniform for the Canadian 42nd Battalion of Royal Highlanders. If he is not a family member, he is likely a family friend.)