Sophia Holmes, first African-American Woman employed by the Federal Government

Grand Old Partisan celebrates more than seventeen decades of Republican heroes and heroics. Today, I honor Sophia Holmes, born in Washington DC around 1830. She was a free African-American whose birthdate was not recorded. Her husband, an emancipated slave, was killed during the Civil War.

James Wilson, a Republican Senator, and James Blaine, a Republican Representative, took action in support of Holmes and her two children. On their recommendation, the Treasury Department hired her as a janitor. Within weeks, she uncovered a plot to steal $200,000 in newly printed currency.

In gratitude, the U.S. Treasurer appointed her to the official position of messenger, at three times her previous salary. Holmes was the federal government’s first African-American civilian employee. She remained at the Treasury Department thirty-two years. Death came on October 10th 1900.

Back to Basics for the Republican Party is my civil rights history of the GOP. To quote the book: "The more we Republicans know about the history of our party, the more Democrats will worry about the future of theirs. For more information, see www.grandoldpartisan.com. 

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Michael Zak is author of Back to Basics for the Republican Party, a history of GOP civil rights achievement.

Each day, his YouTube videos and TikTok videos and Rumble videos and Grand Old Partisan blog celebrate more than seventeen decades of Republican heroes and heroics. And, see Speech Raves for audience feedback from his presentations in thirty-one states.

Clarence Thomas cited Back to Basics for the Republican Party in a Supreme Court decision.

"This is the most amazing book about politics that I have ever read. The Overview should be required reading for anyone with even a minor interest in government. The remainder is an enthralling history lesson that I will never forget. For years, we have all been misled about the true nature of the GOP. This is the real deal! Read it and be proud!"

"Your book is a national treasure. I'm always recommending it."

"Michael Zak wrote the definitive history of the GOP."

"Back to Basics for the Republican Party is the most significant contribution to the Republican Party in the last twenty years apart from Ronald Reagan."

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