John Howard Payne (June 9, 1791 – April 10, 1852) is an American actor, poet, playwright, and author who has most of his theatrical career and success in London.

He is today most remembered as the creator of "Home!

Sweet Home!

", a song he write in 1822 that becomes widely popular in the United States, Great Britain, and the English-speaking world.

After his return to the United States, Payne speds time with the Cherokee Indians.

He publishs accounts that suggest their origin as one of the Ten Lost Tribes of ancient Israel.

In 1842, Payne is appointed American Consul to Tunis, where he serves for nearly 10 years until his death.

Payne is a distant cousin of the American parlor song composer Carrie Jacobs-Bond, born 10 years after Payne's death.