On This Day In Black History Dec 6 - Joseph Rainey
Joseph Hayne Rainey (June 21, 1832 – August 1, 1887) was an American politician. He was the first black person to serve in the United States House of Representatives and the second black person (after Hiram Revels) to serve in the United States Congress. His service included time as presiding officer of the House of Representatives.
Born into a family of farmers and planters, Rainey was a member of the Republican Party.
Early life and education
Joseph Hayne Rainey was born in 1832 in Georgetown, South Carolina. His mother Grace was of Indigenous and French descent. His father, Edward Rainey had been allowed by his master to work independently to earn money and develop a successful business as a barber.
READ MORE: On This Day In Black History Dec 6 - Joseph Rainey https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Raine...
Born into a family of farmers and planters, Rainey was a member of the Republican Party.
Early life and education
Joseph Hayne Rainey was born in 1832 in Georgetown, South Carolina. His mother Grace was of Indigenous and French descent. His father, Edward Rainey had been allowed by his master to work independently to earn money and develop a successful business as a barber.
READ MORE: On This Day In Black History Dec 6 - Joseph Rainey https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Raine...
He paid a portion of his income to his master as required by law. Edward saved a substantial sum, and by the 1840s, he purchased his freedom and that of his wife and two sons.