Michael Payne was born in Liverpool, Lancashire, England on the 18th July 1864, the son of Francis and Mary Payne. He lived at 54 Duke Street, Liverpool, Lancashire.
He was a professional seaman in the Mercantile Marine and engaged as a fireman in the Engineering Department on board the
Lusitania at Liverpool on 12th April 1915. He reported for duty at 8 a.m. on 17th April for the liner’s final sailing down the River Mersey. As a fireman, his monthly rate of pay was £6-10s-0d., (£6.50). His previous ship had been the S.S.
Lapland.
His body was never recovered and identified and as a result, he is commemorated on the Mercantile Marine Memorial at Tower Hill, London. He was aged 50 years, although when he engaged, he gave his age as 42!
1871 Census of England and Wales, 1881 Census of England and Wales, Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Cunard Records, PRO BT 100/345, PRO BT 334.