Payne, Sereno Elisha (1843–1914)

US representative. A graduate of the University of Rochester, he had a law practice in Auburn, New York (1866–1914) before going to Congress (Republican, New York; 1883–85, 1887–1914). Focusing on protective tariffs, he became chairman of the Ways and Means Committee in 1899. A loyal lieutenant to Speaker Joseph Cannon, he cosponsored the unpopular Payne-Aldrich Tariff of 1906. He successfully argued for fair rates in the House but the Senate tacked on high fees. He was born in Hamilton, New York.