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First African-American to serve in the House of Representatives...



Item # 697204

December 19, 1870

THE CIRCULAR, Oneida Community (New York), Dec. 19, 1870  Near the top of the back page is a brief yet very significant report. It reads: "Joseph H. Rainey, a colored man, has taken his seat in the House of Representatives as the member elect from the 4th District of South Carolina."
Joseph Rainey was the very first African American to serve in the House of Representatives.
This was an interesting newspaper from the famous Oneida Community in New York, an early "commune" in experimental living. Various religiously-themed content but a bit of reporting of news of the day as well.
Eight pages, 10 by 14 inches, great condition.

Category: Post-Civil War