Manuel Lopes (barber) facts for kids

Manuel Lopes was a very important person in the early history of Seattle. He was the first known Black resident of the city. He was also Seattle's very first barber, cutting hair for many people.

Early Life and Journey

Manuel Lopes was born around 1812 on Fogo Island in the Cape Verde Islands. These islands are off the coast of West Africa. When he was young, he came to the United States on a whaling ship. Whaling ships from places like Massachusetts often hired crews from the Cape Verde islands.

He first lived in Maine, then moved to New Bedford, Massachusetts. This city was a big whaling port at the time. In 1841, Manuel married Susannah Jones in New Bedford. They had a son named William H. Lopes.

Life in Seattle

Manuel Lopes arrived in Seattle in 1858. This was about seven years after the city was first founded. Sadly, his wife passed away shortly after he left Massachusetts.

Lopes quickly became an important part of the new city. He was the first Black resident of Seattle. He also opened the city's first barber shop. Manuel Lopes was a successful businessman. He owned property and ran a restaurant on Commercial Street. This street is now known as First Avenue South. He lived and worked in the same building.

Community Role

Manuel Lopes was also a talented musician. He was known for marching up and down Seattle's main street. He would beat a rhythm on his snare drum to let people know it was mealtime at his restaurant.

He also led parades for important celebrations. For example, he would lead the parades for Independence Day in the United States. He was a well-known and respected figure in the community.

Later Years

In the early 1870s, Manuel Lopes moved to Port Gamble, Washington. He was looking for work because Seattle was going through a tough economic time. Later in his life, he became ill with a condition called dropsy. This is a medical condition where the body swells up with fluid. He was admitted to Providence Hospital in 1885 for treatment.

Manuel Lopes passed away at Providence Hospital in Seattle. He died on December 23, 1895, after a long illness.