Edward Augustine Savoy facts for kids
Edward "Eddie" Augustine Savoy (born May 2, 1855 – died August 24, 1943) had an amazing career. He worked for the United States government for 64 years! He started as a young page in the State Department in 1871. He worked for 21 different Secretaries of State. He also served under 14 presidents, from Ulysses S. Grant to Franklin D. Roosevelt. When he retired in 1933, he was the Chief Messenger.
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Eddie Savoy's Early Life and Family
Edward Augustine Savoy was born free in Washington, D.C. in 1855. His parents were Edward Louis Savoy and Elizabeth E. Van Rhoda Butler Savoy.
His father, Edward Louis Savoy, was born enslaved. He worked many jobs, including as a caterer in Washington. He catered events at the White House and the Corcoran Art Gallery. Edward Louis Savoy also helped soldiers returning from the Civil War. He even asked Congress to give African Americans the right to vote.
His mother, Elizabeth E. Van Rhoda Butler Savoy, was a maid and later a teacher. She taught in the segregated schools of Washington, D.C. She was very active in the movement against slavery. She helped people escape slavery using the Underground Railroad. She guided them to freedom in Canada. Eddie's parents worked for Secretary of State Hamilton Fish. Secretary Fish later hired Eddie when he was just 14 years old.
Edward Augustine Savoy went to public schools in Washington, D.C.
Eddie Savoy's Long Career in Government
"Eddie," as he was known, started his public service career in 1869. He began as a page and then became a messenger. He worked for 22 different Secretaries of State.
In 1901, he started working in the diplomatic waiting rooms. His job was to guide diplomats in and out of the Secretary of State's office. He often had to prevent arguments between ambassadors. He also handed out passports to diplomats leaving the country. For example, he gave passports to the Spanish ambassador when war was declared in 1898. He also gave one to the British envoy and the Austrian diplomat during World War I.
Eddie was also present for many important international treaties. He often presented the special pens and seals used in these events. He and another messenger, William Gwin, were there for the Hay-Pauncefote Treaty signing in 1901. This treaty helped make the Panama Canal possible. In 1905, Eddie witnessed the final steps of the Treaty of Portsmouth. This treaty ended the war between Russia and Japan.
In 1931, Eddie had already worked for 59 years. He was past the usual retirement age. But a Congressman named Hamilton Fish II introduced a bill to let him keep working. Secretary Stimson also made special arrangements. So, Eddie stayed at his job for two more years.
After 64 years of service, Eddie retired on March 12, 1933. President Franklin D. Roosevelt personally sent a car to bring Eddie to the White House. The President wanted to congratulate him on his amazing career.
Remembering Eddie Savoy
Edward "Eddie" Augustine Savoy passed away on August 24, 1943, at age 88. Many newspapers across the country shared the news.
Eddie Savoy is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in Washington, D.C.
In 1944, a ship was named in his honor. It was called the SS Edward A Savoy. This ship was one of 18 US Liberty Ships built during World War II. These ships were named after important African Americans. The ship was christened in Baltimore, Maryland, on July 16, 1944.
More Information
- Savoy, Lauret E. OpEd: "Early African-American workers in DC were more than silent witnesses". Christian Science Monitor. Sept. 13, 2013
- Historic Films Archive. HD Collection - Washington DC: Eddie Savoy (TC: 01.00.31)
