Christopher Payne

Life & Legacy

Christopher Harrison Payne (September 7, 1845 – December 5, 1925) was an African American religious, educational, and political leader of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Born in the American South during the time of slavery, Payne rose to a level of prominence achieved by few, regardless of race. His many accomplishments include being the first African American elected to the West Virginia Legislature. He served as U.S. consul to St. Thomas from 1903 to 1917.