Benjamin Paine, the grandfather of Judge Almond M. Paine, was a successful farmer in Glocester, R. I. By his marriage to Phebe Aldrich were born a numerous family of children. The birth of his son, Ransom Paine, occurred December 13th, 1787, and his death on the 15th of January, 1854, in Glocester, where he followed the trade of a wheelwright, and spent the latter years of his life as a farmer. He married Phebe, daughter of Thomas Smith, of the same town, who was born June 12th, 1794, and died March 12th, 1860. Their children are: Almond M., Mary Ann, wife of James M. Adams; Emily, married to Elijah Mann; Adaline M., who died in infancy, and James A.
The eldest son, and subject of this biography, was born September 15th, 1820, in Glocester, and received an academic education. At the early age of fifteen he engaged in teaching, and for nine successive years the winters found him at the teacher’s desk, while the healthful employments of the farm engaged his attention during the summer months. In 1846 he removed to Sterling, and four years later made East Killingly his home. Here he embarked in trade as a country merchant, and continued a successful business until his retirement, since which date his time has been largely devoted to the management of his private interests, and to the public service.
As a republican he for several years filled the office of Justice of the peace, and was repeatedly elected assessor of his town. In 1857 he was made judge of probate and served four years, having also, during a brief residence in Thompson, been chosen to the same office for a term of two years. He was appointed by President Lincoln postmaster of East Killingly, and held the commission during that administration. Judge Paine was in 1864 made a director of the First National Bank of Killingly, and later a corporator and trustee of the Windham County Savings Bank. His services are often sought as administrator and trustee, where integrity and judgment are primary qualities. Judge Paine was in 18477 married to Phebe Salsbury of Foster, Rhode Island, born April 28th, 1817, who died in 1878. Their children are: Eliza D., born May 31st, 1848, who died in 1879; and Emily M., whose birth occurred June 12th, 1854.
