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Rh Cleveland Gazette. In 1882, associated with E. A. Knox, J. A. Strickland and R. Day Jr., he edited the Pittsburgh Commoner. Since 1884 he has been associate editor of the Broad-Axe.

Christopher H. Payne was born near the Red Sulphur Springs, Monroe County, Virginia, since West Virginia, September 7, 1848.

His father was free born and mother was set free by her owner. The subject of this sketch was their only child. He was left fatherless when about three years old.

His mother, having received the rudiments of an English education from her master, became the anxious teacher of her little son. He learned rapidly and had read through the New Testament when he was but ten years old.

While quite young, he married Miss Ann Hargo, a lady who has clung to him in adversity as well as honored him in prosperity.

They have born to them two girls and four boys, all of whom they are striving to educate.

They own a comfortable home in Hinton, W. V.

Mr. Payne's first lessons in school were learned in a night school in Charleston, W. V.

From this place, he returned to his home where he engaged in farming. He often plowed with his arithmetic between the plow handles and would commit a rule to memory while his horse was resting. He would sometimes walk two or three miles at night, to get some one to solve a problem for him.

In a short time; he began to teach in the public schools of Mercer, Monroe and Summers counties.