The Spotted Negro Boy

from

The Cabinet of Curiosities

Circa 1851

George Alexander Gratton, the Spotted Negro Boy, whose portrait embellishes our present number, was well known to the inhabitants of the metropolis and its vicinity, about twelve years ago, at which time he was exhibited at the fairs, by Richardson, a famous purveyor of objects of entertainment at those places of popular festivity.

Both the parents of George Alexander were black, and natives of Africa.  He was born in the island of St. Vincent, on the plantation of Mr. Alexander, of which one  Gratton was overseer, about the month of June, 1801; and the curiosity of his appearance was such, that he was shewn, in the capital of his native island, at the price of a dollar each person.  It is added, the superstitions prejudices of the  negroes placed his life in some danger, and that he was, on that account, shipped for England.  Probably the prospect of a profitable disposal of him, in this country, was an equally powerful motive for his removal.

The child was only fifteen months old, when, in September, 1809, being brought to Bristol, in the ship called the Friends of Emma, Mr. Richardson, the proprietor, as before intimated, of a travelling theatre, was applies to, and an engagement entered upon, by which he was consigned to Mr. Richardson's care for three years.

His skin and hair were every where party-coloured, transparent brown and white.  On the crown of his head, several triangles, one within the other, were formed by alternations of the colours of his hair.  In figure and countenance he might truly be called a beautiful child.  His limbs were well proportioned, his features regular and pleasing, his eyes bright and intelligent, and the whole expression of his face both mild and lively.  His voice was soft and melodious; and, as his mind began to develop itself, much quickness and penetration were betrayed.
 

When nearly five years of age, he was unfortunately attacked with a swelling in the jaw, and died on the 3d of February, 1813.  Mr. Richardson, who had always treated him with a parental kindness while alive, was sincerely afflicted at his death.  Soon after he had been placed with him, he had caused him to be baptized at the parish church of Newington, in the county of Surrey, and, on his death, he was buried at Great Marlow, in Buckinghamshire, in a brick vault, which Mr. Richardson caused to be purposely constructed.  Mr. Richardson, fearful that the body might be stolen, had previously kept it unburied for the space of three months. 
 

In the vestry of the church of Great Marlow hangs a fine painting of this extraordinary natural phenomenon, executed from the life, by Coventry; and presented to the corporation of Buckingham by Mr. Richardson' who finally closed his displays of affectionate regard for a child, which was not originally ore recommended to his attention by his curiosity, than he was afterward endeared to him by disposition and manners, by erecting a monument to his memory at Great Marlow, and placing upon it the following inscription and epitaph:-

 

TO THE MEMORY OF GEORGE ALEXANDER GRATTON, THE SPOTTED NEGRO BOY, From the Carribee Islands, in the West Indies, died February 3d, 1813, aged four years and three quarters. This Tomb, erected by his only Friend and Guardian, Mr. John Richardson, of London.   Should this plain simple tomb attract thine eyes,   Stranger, as thoughtfully thou passest by, Know that there lies beneath this humble stone, A child of colour, haply not thine own. His parents born of Afric's sun-burnt race, Tho' black and white were blended in his face, To Britain brought, which made his parents free, And shew'd the world great Natur's prodigy. Depriv'd of kindred that to him were dear, He found a friendly Guardian's fost'ring care, But, scarce had bloom'd, the fragrant flower fades, And the lov'd infant finds an early grave,   To bury him his lov'd companions came, And drop't choice flowers, and lis'd his early fame; And some that lov'd him most, as if unblest, Bedwe'd with tears the whice wreath on his breast. But he is gone, and dwells in the abode, Where some of every clime must joy in God!

Portrait of George Alexander Gratton, c.1811

George Alexander's surname, Gratton, was the name of the owner of the plantation where he was born. It was common practice for slaves to be named by and after their owners, rather than their parents - another way in which their identities were shaped by others.

From - All Saints' Church, Marlow