Matthew Wesley Clair Sr.

Matthew Wesley Clair (October 21, 1865 – June 28, 1943) was an American minister, and newspaper editor. He was one of the first African-American bishops in the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Biography

Clair was born on October 21, 1865, in Union, West Virginia. He was a son of Anthony and Ollie (née Green) Clair, both were former slaves. In 1880, Clair joined the Methodist Church.

In March 1890, he edited the newspaper the Methodist Banner. After Fannie's death in 1925, he married Eva F. Wilson a year later.

Death In June 1943, Clair travelled to Washington, D.C., to preside over the funeral of his brother. It was there that he died on June 28, 1943.