Jesse M. H. Graham

Jesse M. H. Graham (February 8, 1864 – July 25, 1930) was a teacher, newspaper editor, postal worker, and state representative in Tennessee. A Republican, he was elected to represent Montgomery County, Tennessee in 1896 and was the only African American member of the legislature at the time. He was ousted over a residency requirement (he had lived in Louisville until October 1895). A note at the Tennessee State Library and Archives states, "According to several newspaper reports, the General Assembly soon [after] passed a bill blocking the election of black candidates."