Uncrowned Community Builders

Madeline Payne Glasby Middleton was a member of an old established Buffalo family. She was born circa April 1887. Her father, Thomas W. Payne was a native of Richmond, Virginia and worked as an office clerk according to the 1920 census. Her mother Grace L. Thompson Payne was born in New York State. Mrs. Payne was identified as a matron working in a school at the time of the census. Her parents, Nimrod and Elizabeth Thompson settled in Buffalo circa 1850 or earlier.

Madeline had two siblings, Clara Payne and Dr. Earle C. Payne, DDS. Both of her siblings were accomplished as the first in their field of expertise. Clara was the first Black social worker and Earle was the first Black to graduate from University at Buffalo School of Dentistry.

Madeline was married for a short period to Robert E. Glasby. A daughter, Lanora Glasby Robinson was born in 1906 from that union. The 1914 City Directory lists Madeline as living in the rear of 198 Laurel Street, the home of her parents. She was also listed as employed by Flint & Kent, an upscale women's store of the time. Madeline subsequently married Edward Middleton, a native of Kentucky who was one of several boarders in the Payne home for a period of time.

She was 94 years old at the time of her death and is buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery.