King Payne
Seminole chief
About King Payne
Lived 1800 – 1812. King Payne was a traditional leader or chief.
King Payne (died 1812) was probably a nephew of the Seminole high chief Cowkeeper, and succeeded him (in the matrilineal succession) as leading chief of the Seminoles upon his death in 1783. He led his people against the Spanish and Americans from Georgia and established a number of towns and villages, including Paynes Town in Paynes Prairie, both of which are named for him. Paynes Prairie is in present-day Alachua County, Florida, between Gainesville and Micanopy. U.S. Route 441 and Interstate 75 cut through the prairie.
On September 27, 1812, Payne and a group of Seminoles as well as black allies were attacked by a force led by Daniel Newnan during the Patriot War. Payne was shot and succumbed from his wounds days later. He was succeeded as leading chief by his brother Bolek, called Bowlegs by the Anglo-Americans.
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Important facts
People in King Payne's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Frequently asked questions
Who was King Payne?
Seminole chief
When was King Payne born?
King Payne was born in 1800.
When did King Payne die?
King Payne died on 28 September 1812.
What was King Payne's occupation?
King Payne was a traditional leader or chief.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). King Payne. https://biography.guide/king-payne/
MLA: "King Payne." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/king-payne/.
Chicago: "King Payne." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/king-payne/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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