Uncrowned Community Builders

Earle C. Payne was a member of an early Buffalo Black family. His mother, Grace L. Thompson was the daughter of Nimrod Thompson, who came to Buffalo around 1850. Her mother was Elizabeth Meyers. Grace's occupation was listed as matron/school. Given the time period, it's likely that she worked in the Vine Street Colored School. Grace died on August 2, 1945 at the age of 87 years, 2 mos and 1 day. His father, Thomas W. Payne came to Buffalo from Richmond, Virginia and worked as an office clerk. The elder Payne died on February 14, 1945 at the age of 87 years 2 mos, 1 day.

Earle was born in April 1892 and appears to be the only son of the Payne's. He had two sisters - Clara Payne and Madeline Payne Middleton.

Earle was drafted into the Army in 1917 as a Private but was never called up for active duty. He was discharged in 1919.

He was the first African American graduate from the University at Buffalo School of Dentistry in 1918 according to the University website. He was one of the founders of Omega Phi Sigma Fraternity while in Dental School. He practiced at Broadway and Michigan Streets before moving to Jamaica, Long Island. Dr. Payne died in 1972. He was married to Rose, but it appears that the couple had no children. Earle is buried in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Buffalo, New York.