Saturday, February 28, 2004 - Page updated at 12:00 AM
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John Thomas Gayton
The son of former slaves, John Thomas Gayton came to Seattle as a servant in 1889. After a series of jobs (he was the first black steward at the Rainier Club), he was hired as a messenger for the U.S. District Court in 1904, later being promoted to bailiff. In 1933, he was appointed federal court librarian, a position he held until retirement in 1953.
He and his wife, Magnolia (Scott) Gayton, were active in the community, a tradition carried on by their descendants. Among their prominent grandchildren: lawyer Gary Gayton; lawyer and writer Tom Gayton; former commissioner of the state Employment Security Department Carver Gayton; businessman John C. Gayton; and educator and television commentator Donald Phelps.
— Jesse Tarbert
Copyright © 2004 The Seattle Times Company
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