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Events on December 12 in history

Joseph Rainey
1870Dec, 12

Joseph H. Rainey of South Carolina becomes the second black U.S. congressman, the first being Hiram Revels.

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 slavery in South Carolina, he and his family were freed in the 1840s when his father purchased their freedom. Both Revels and Rainey were members of the Republican Party.

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Events on 1870

  • 15Jan

    Thomas Nast

    A political cartoon for the first time symbolizes the Democratic Party with a donkey ("A Live Jackass Kicking a Dead Lion" by Thomas Nast for Harper's Weekly).
  • 30Mar

    Reconstruction Era

    Texas is readmitted to the Union following Reconstruction.
  • 12May

    Royal Assent

    The Manitoba Act is given the Royal Assent, paving the way for Manitoba to become a province of Canada on July 15.
  • 18Jul

    Papal infallibility

    The First Vatican Council decrees the dogma of papal infallibility.
  • 19Sep

    Siege of Paris (1870-71)

    Franco-Prussian War: The Siege of Paris begins, which will result on January 28, 1871 in the surrender of Paris and a decisive Prussian victory.