Sereno E. Payne

Sereno Elisha Payne (June 26, 1843 – December 10, 1914) was a United States representative from New York and the first House majority leader, holding the office from 1899 to 1911. He was a Republican congressman from 1883 to 1887 and then from 1889 to his death in 1914. He was chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee for 12 years starting in 1899. The Payne–Aldrich Tariff is perhaps the most significant legislation he introduced during that period. He was known as a staunch protectionist.

Early life Sereno Elisha Payne was born on June 26, 1843, in Hamilton, New York, to William Wallace Payne. The family moved to Auburn, New York. He attended the Auburn Academy and then graduated from the University of Rochester in 1864. He studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1866. His wife died in 1911. He lived in Auburn throughout his life.

Awards Colgate University and the University of Rochester awarded Payne with honorary LLD degrees.