Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-07-07
OLD BARBER WAS DISAPPOINTED
Did Not Present to King Edward the
Hair Cut Off in 1860,

The postponement of the coronation OF
King Edward disappointed many interest
ing visitors to Great Britain from remote
parts of the world, as well as the people OF
the sovereign country, but one more sc
than Lewis Butler, colored barber who
lives in this city.
Butler is more than four score years old
but strong and active, and with an honest
simple manner that begets confidence In his
story. When he read of the magnificent
arrangements that were under way for the
coronation of the new king of Great
Britain. he remembered that, years ago
when the Prince of Wales was on a visit
to the United States, he cut his hair and
shampooed him.
Butler resolved to be present at the cor
onation. He is single man and it did not
take him long to make the necessary ar
rangements. He left Washington June IL,
and sailed for England on the liner St.
Louis. Butler carried with him an inter-
estlng trophy IN the shape of a tiny lock of
hair which he cut from the princes head.
That was over two score years ago. But
Ter was born in Prince Georges county,
Md. He served as steward on the steamer
Baltimore two years during the civil war.
For many years he was steamboat barber
on vessels plying between this city and
Aqua creek, Va.
1t was in 1860 that this aged colored man
cropped the locks of the present British
potentate. The Prince of Wales had visited
Richmond, but on account of the possibility
of hostilties, which were then threatening
between the north and south, had cut short
MS visit IN the south. Word was sent to
this city that the prince would leave Rich
mond and arrive at Aqua creek by way of
Fredericksburg.
The Powhattan commissioned to
hri nC r,ri,, fr,,
capital. The vessel was decorated profuse-
ly for the occasion. committee of dis
tinguished citizens and statesmen were
there to meet him when he boarded the
vessel
Butler had been informed that the prince
would need his services and the chair and
SHOP were also decorated in honor Of the
tonsorial event. The prince was on the
boat several hours before he desired to be
treated.
"A invite you into my shop, Mr. Prince
of Wales" Butler said with courtly diyni-
ty, but with some degree Of agitation born
OF fright at meeting such a distinguished
parsonage.
The prince, then young man, bowed at
the colored barber and, entering the shop
In the cabin, removed his collar and crayat
and stretched himself in the chair Ed
ward had his hair cut and his head sham
pooed, and Butler has today preserved in a
phfal lock Of the hair which he secured
on that interesting trip.
suppose that my hair will be of a diff
ferent color when We meet again." the heir
apparent remarked jocularly to the barber
as he gave him tip and thanked him for
the attention he had received
Il knew if he lived he would some day be
King OF England. and l resolved to be a t
the coro nation," Butler said to an Evening
star reporter this afternoon
AT tn. time l thought it might not he
many years and l saved money for the
trip; l waited long time and finally went
TO Engian only to be disappointed.
Know that the king would have been glad
10 see ME had he been in good health
Butler reached London Just about the
time King Edward was considered in a
serious condition. He did not go to Buck
ingham Palace, but he did call on Ambassa-
aor Choate and explained the mission of
MS visit Not one of the special renrs-
sentatlVes of the United States govern
ment was more highly pleased at being in
London than this little old colored harber
VINO many years ago dalIied with the looks
OF the present head of the British emnire
Butter left England on the steamship St
Louis. He reached Washington Satnr5 o,
night. SATURDAY
Il didn't see the coronation" he sold
put had good time, and / still haw.
the lock OF hair that cut from the kings
mead SO many years ago."