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.[1] 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."

Jesse M. H. Graham
Tennessee House of Representatives
In office 1897 – 1898 (never took office)
Personal details
Born	Jesse Monroe Houston Graham February 8, 1864 Nashville, Tennessee
Died	July 25, 1930 (aged 66) Washington, D.C.
Political party	Republican

See also

• African Americans in Tennessee
• African-American officeholders during and following the Reconstruction era

References

1. "African American Legislators". sharetngov.tnsosfiles.com.