John T. Gayton, one of Seattle’s earliest black residents, a community leader, and patriarch of one of the city’s most outstanding black families, came to Seattle in 1889. He was born in Benton, Mississippi to former slaves. With little formal education, he moved to Yazoo City, Mississippi, and made the fortuitous decision to work for a physician, Dr. Henry Yandell, as servant and coachman. It brought him to Seattle when Dr. Yandell joined the movement to the new state of Washington. Soon after his arrival in Seattle, he tried his hand as a painter, painting contractor, barber, and bellboy. He worked as a waiter at the Arctic Club and later at the Rainier Club, where he was promoted to head waiter. In 1901 he became the first black steward at the Rainier Club, overseeing the servants and the preparation of food. Before long, he was called upon to cater large parties and banquets. He also catered every day for a downtow...