Minnesota teacher Rosanna Catherine Payne also served as a politician and businesswoman in her community. Photo Credit: Minnesota Legislature

Many excellent educators also serve their communities as able politicians. Rosanna Catherine Payne, a teacher, businesswoman, and politician from Minnesota, is one of these.

Rosanna was born on March 19, 1884, in Harris, Fish Lake Township, Minnesota, the daughter of pioneer parents. As a young girl, she attended public schools in Harris. Following her graduation from Caton Business College, she became involved in various business opportunities related to real estate, loans, and merchandizing. She also served as the postmistress for Ball Club, Minnesota. In addition, she earned a farm and taught school for two years in a country school in Itasca.

In 1926, Rosanna was elected on the Democratic ticket to represent District 52 in the Minnesota House of Representatives. She served in that body from 1927 to 1932. There she advanced legislation that pertained to education, conservation, and roads. She also served on the Minnesota Legislative Commission on the Economic Status of Women.

Rosanna Payne passed away on Oct. 31, 1954, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She was 70 years old. She is buried in Harris.