The service was handled by three "colored gentlemen," as distinguished in manners as in appearance, who were known far and wide by name and who dominated all about them, including John and his patrons.
No such place ever existed before, or will ever exist again.

It was the personality of John Chamberlin, pervasive yet invisible, exhaling a silent, welcoming radiance.

General Grant once said to me, "During my eight years in the White House, John Chamberlin once in a while--once in a great while--came over.

He did not ask for anything.

He just told me what to do, and I did it." I mentioned this to President Arthur.