The bee., 1884-06-21
A COLORED GIANT.
A TALK WITH ALDERMAN sEATON, OF
ALEX XANDRIA.


gigantic colored man, who attracted much at
tentiou about two years ago when he marched
as one of the guard of honor beside the hearse
containing the remains of Charles Sumner on
its passage through New York. is now spec
ial Deputy Sheriff in this city, and has been
placed in charge of the Equitable Life Insur-
largest private structure devoted to office uses
in America. Those who have been there with
in 1.-The last two months cannot have failed to
notice Seaton. He is six feet six inches high,
spendidly proportioned, straight as an arrow,
and about thirty-five years old. He is dress
ed in bright blue cloth, with gilt buttons
a knotted cane four feet one inch in length
and two inches in diameter across the head.
"My parents" said ha to a "Graphic" reporter
this nOring, were set free by General Wash
ington while he was President. My mother
was very young at the time, but she has often
told me about il. Inever was slave"
turning to some one who wanted to go to ex-
judge Fullerton's office. Their were four ele-
vators in view, but the man cited along the
under side of the blue sleeve and ponderous
little (?l finger that were extended over his
head. and passed out from under them with
an expression of thanks.
inl na
people pass in and out of this building during
the day." continued the sable giant, with
hardly trace oftne accent peculiar TO his race.
MY father was feet ) inches high, but my
mother was not remarkably large. There were
ten of US children, seven We're girls, and aver
aged about feet IL inches. My brothers were
both small, each being about feet 2 inches
high. l was the youngest. l weigh 276
pounds
SeatOn learned the trade of a carpenter, and
when he was eighteen years old had occasion
with five others to hold up one side of q roof
which he says weighed over ton. The other
side restsd on the ground.
A brace gave way and his companions leap
ed back in fright. Seaton had been standing
imprudenty under the roof about midway be-
tween the ends, and could not escape. Down
came the heavy mass, slowly doubling up his
strong arms until he got an opportunity TO
place his head against a rafter. Here the
:oung giant held it until his reessuring cries
brought his fellow-workmen to his assistance.
During the war he served as carpenter on
the Peninsula and at Alexandria. AT the
latter place lie was enrolled for The defense
against the raids of General Mosby. Once,
while at Manassas, he obtained furlough,
and on his return missed q train and was u
day late. General Whittle ordered me up
before his tent" he said, chuckling all through
way of punishment, made me whistle from
eleven O'Clock until four Mr.. Seaton is
quite artistic in this Kind of performance.
Subsequently General Whillle made him
brigade commissary sergeant. He held that
position until the close of the war. Then he
became messenger i'll the Commissary De
partment, where his litheness and address
in carrying notes and taking verbal mes
sages from one department TO another won
him general favor. Next he went to the Cap
ito as watchman. and was afterwards APP
pointed as the first and only member of the
! CAPITOL Police. This position was worth about
$1,000 year, and the force is largely composed
Seaton says, of borken down army officers
and other gentlemen, whose necessities com
PEELED TO accept such positions. Ii is quite
force
But our colored friends honors i'll life have
mainly been won in the political field. On the
9th of last October he resigned his position
the only Negro member OF the Board of
Alderman Of Alexandria, where he has always
resided, and where lie has much popularity. He
says he has always b cen able To poll a strong
Irish vote. He was elecied three times to the
Board of Aldermen, and was, until last Octo-
DER. Chairman OI lile FlSntn COnSTSSSlO Ollal
District Republican Committee. He was once
rendered the nomination for Mayor of AeXan-
driu, once, alsu, the nomination for Congress
man from the Eighth District. Abouta year
ago Judge Keith appointed him administrator
of the estate ofJohn Fox whit Gentlemen
of Alexandria. Besides his att, Is at the
funeral of Charles Sumner. he Wa appointed
Id stand as one of the guards of honor beside
the remains of Chief-Jusulce Chase in the
United Stales Supreme Court room in wash
ington,
Seaton says that about two years ago while
hunting near Hunting Creek, i'll Virginia, he
saw young man struggling in the water and
he went to his rescue. The man clasped him
around the neck SO that he could not swim.
and Seaton had to lift him on his
shoulders and walk ashore with him through
eight feet of water.-New York Daily Graphic.
Among the many strangers that
are now so-journing i'll our city,