JOE SWEENEY (Joel Walker Sweeney)
was the “father of the banjo” and one of the earliest black-face performers.
Mr. Sweeney and two brothers traveled in a wagon through the South in the early 30’s, and certainly as early as 1838 when he was with a circus that played in Lynchburg, Va.
He played many subsequent engagements with circuses, notably with the John Robinson Show.
About 1843 he went to England, where he traveled with Cook’s Circus.
April 19, 1844, with Brower, Pelham and Emmett, he formed again the Virginia Minstrels; they played in Dublin two weeks, and several other cities, after which the quartette broke up; Pelham and Sweeney then performed in the principal cities of the United Kingdom, Sweeney returning to the United States about 1845.
He subsequently organized Joe Sweeney’s Opera Troupe and traveled chiefly through the South at intermittent periods up to within about a year or two of his death.
In April, 1852, he played an engagement with Charley White’s Minstrels in New York. Up to the time of Joe Sweeney, the banjo, so-called, was made from a gourd and had four strings only; he took an old cheese box, cut it in half, covered it with a skin and added another string; the fine instruments we see to-day are the evolution of the crude affair just described; this was about 1830.
Joe Sweeney was born at Appomattox, Va., 1813; where he died October 27, 1860.
Geo. Holland, father of the late Geo. Holland, and of E. M. and Jos. Holland, and who was known as one of the great comedians of the old stock days, made his appearance with Wood and Christy’s Minstrels in New York City, December 21, 1857, playing female parts in black-face, and remained with the company six months.
The famous “little church around the corner” gained its name and fame through the death of this great old actor.
George Holland was born near London, England, December 6, 1791; he died in New York City, December 20, 1870.
Edwin Forrest, America’s first great actor, at the Globe Theatre, Cincinnati, Ohio, July 17, 1823, played Cuff, a Kentucky negro, in the “Tailor in Distress.”
In this play Mr. Forrest imitated the black man in dress, accent, gait, dialect and manner; and was said to be the first actor to do so.
Edwin Forrest was born in Philadelphia, March 9, 1806; he died there December 12, 1872.
“Ole Bull” Myers (J. Richard Myers) was one of the earliest and best violinists in minstrelsy.
He entered the profession in 1835, and was with numerous black-face companies, notably the Virginia Serenaders in 1843; this organization, a photograph of which will be found [elsewhere], played an engagement at the Chatham Theatre, New York, January 24, 1844.
“Ole Bull” Myers was born in Baltimore, Md., May 9, 1909; he died in Philadelphia, September 10, 1874.
P. T. Barnum, the great circus man, in the fall of 1836 while traveling with a small show of his own, had the misfortune to lose the services of Jim Sandford, one of his principal “cards,” who was doing “nigger” business; but rather than disappoint his audience, Barnum “blacked up” and sang “Such a Gittin Up Stairs,” and other songs that were popular that day.
P. T. Barnum was born in Bethel, Conn., July 5, 1810; he died at Bridgeport, Conn., April 7, 1891.
Tom Christian, one of the first, also one of the best to do Tyrolean warbling in minstrelsy, joined E. P. Christy’s Minstrels in New York in 1847, and continued as a member of that organization until it disbanded in 1854; subsequently he joined Sanford’s Minstrels in Philadelphia, and Raynor’s “Christy” which toured the country until they sailed for England in June, 1857, when Christian went with them; he remained with the organization which afterwards was known as Moore, Crocker and Ritter’s Minstrels, until his death.
Tom Christian died in London, England, January 29, 1867; aged 59 years.
Dr. G. R. Spalding, whose “Floating Palace” and steamers “Banjo” and “Gazelle” and “James Raymond” gave minstrel performances on the rivers for many years, commencing about 1855, was a native of Coeymans, N. Y.; he died in New Orleans, La., April 6, 1886, aged 68 years.
Sam Johnson (Isaac Ray) was one of the earliest minstrel performers; as early as the Summer of 1844 he appeared in Hoboken, N. J., at Otto Cottage as one of the Operatic Brothers and Sisters.
He died at River View, Ky., about November 1, 1876, aged 62 years.
Jim Sandford (Blandford) was one of the earliest jig dancers of minstrelsy. He appeared with small companies as early as 1843; and for several years traveled with the great John Diamond. He was noted for his fastidiousness in dress.
He was born in Baltimore, Md.; he died in Philadelphia, September 2, 1855; aged 41 years.
John Washington Smith was one of the earliest and best negro delineators ante-dating minstrelsy proper, although he was later associated with several prominent organizations.
His earliest recorded appearance was with the Lion Circus in Cincinnati, December, 1838.
The following year he played in New York, and a year later went to Europe, where he performed with “Pickaninny” Coleman. Returning to America, he played at the Bowery Amphitheatre, April 25, 1842.
In 1849 he wrote and first sung the song that was afterwards in the repertoire of many famous minstrels—“Old Bob Ridley;” this occurred in New Orleans, La.
In the Fall of 1855 he was with the original San Francisco Minstrels in the California metropolis. He subsequently went to Australia and other foreign countries, where for many years he piloted various minstrel organizations.
John Washington Smith was born in the United States about 1815; he died in S. Yarra, Australia, August 31, 1877.
Francis Germon was one of the early comedians and tambourinists in minstrelsy.
December 25, 1839, at Taunton, Mass., in a concert there he was singing the old song of “Sittin’ on a Rail.”
About 1844 he joined the Ethiopian Serenaders, and continued as a member of that party several years.
September 15, 1845, Mr. Germon and the company, as shown on another page, began an engagement at Palmo’s Opera House, New York.
Francis Germon died in Philadelphia, it is said, in the 50’s.
Ned Harper was one of the early black-face performers who ante-dated minstrelsy proper.
He was the author of “Jim Along Josey,” and the first to sing it in his drama, the “Free Nigger of New York,” about 1838.
February 22, 1837, at the Lion Theatre, Boston, he played Gumbo Cuff in “O’ Hush.”
He died in England about fifty years ago.
“Bill” Ceda (Wm. Price), up to the time of his death was the oldest living minstrel in England, where he had been since 1848; he was a comedian and general performer, and made his first appearance at the Bowery Theatre, New York, in 1840; in June, 1848, he was with the Virginia Harmonists.
Bill Ceda was born in the United States; he died in Liverpool, England, March 9, 1873.
Dick Sweeney, a brother of the famous Joe Sweeney, and who traveled with him in the 30’s and 40’s, giving concerts in black-face, died in Washington, D. C., in 1860, it is said. He was born in Virginia about 1815.
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| FRANK WARD (of the Original Clipper Quartette) | HARRY A. ELLIS (of the Original “The Quartette”) |
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| JOHNNY THOMPSON | FRANK KERNS |
| (Thompson & Kerns were the original double song and dance team; 1862.) | |
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| CHARLEY GARDNER (Original “Hop Light Loo”) | FRANK E. McNISH (Original “Silence and Fun”) |
“SOME ORIGINALS.”
Nelson Kneass’ fame has been handed down to posterity for his association with the song of Ben Bolt, which was composed by Thomas Dunn English; an old German tune was supplied by Mr. Kneass, and through it the verses have become immortalized.
Mr. Kneass followed the profession of negro minstrelsy for many years.
February 1, 1841, he was leader of the “orchestra” at the opening of the Museum, Albany, N. Y. In 1846 he was a member of the Sable Harmonists; in 1853 with Sanford’s Minstrels in Philadelphia, and on June 2, 1854, Mr. Kneass and his daughter, Annie, who later married J. N. Rentfrow, of Rentfrow’s Jolly Pathfinders, were with Wood and Christy’s Minstrels in New York, the former as Aunt Chloe, and the latter as Eva in “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.”
In 1859 he was with a minstrel company in Chicago, and late that same year was with Dan Scott’s Dramatic Company.
Nelson Kneass was born in Philadelphia; he died in Chillicothe, Ohio, September 10, 1869.
G. Warren White was a famous vocalist in the early days of minstrelsy. He began as a boy singer, and later was with Dumbleton’s Serenaders; also with Ordway’s Aeolians in Boston.
His later years were spent with the Campbell-Castle Opera Company, and the Kellogg Opera Company.
Mr. White was born in Boston, Mass., in 1816; he died in Somerville, Mass., in March, 1886.
Dan Gardner was equally at home as a clown in a circus, or as a minstrel.
At the age of 13, on the 13th of the month, he ran away from home, and after walking thirteen miles, joined a canal boat show.
He soon after returned to his heath, and subsequently held the position of assistant property man at Mt. Pitt Circus in New York, on the site that is now occupied by the Hoe Printing Press Company. Mr. Gardner began his clown business there.
As early as 1835 he did a wench character; it is considerably more than probable that he was the first performer to do a female part in black-face. And he was absolutely the first to do Lucy Long, a famous characterization in early minstrelsy.
In every decade commencing in the 30’s, Mr. Gardner was prominently identified with minstrelsy. He was with Sam Sanford’s Minstrels as early as 1844, and when the latter took the present Eleventh Street Opera House in Philadelphia, he played numerous engagements there in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s.
In 1845 he was one of the famous Operatic Brothers and Sisters in New York City.
Mr. Gardner was the father of W. H. Gardner, prominent in circus business; also Lida Gardner, who was the original Mabel Santley of the Rentz-Santley Burlesquers.
Dan Gardner was born in New York City, October 28, 1816; he died in Atlantic City, N. J., October 7, 1880.
M. C. Campbell (Cainan), one of the great ballad singers in the early days of minstrelsy, first appeared prominently at Wood’s Minstrels in New York in 1851; he remained successively a member of Wood and Christy’s; Wood’s; and George Christy’s Minstrels, covering a period of about nine years.
In February, 1861, he organized a company with James Budworth.
On November 10, 1862, he gave the first performance of Campbell’s Minstrels at what is now known as the Fourteenth Street Theatre, New York; June 27, 1864, his company opened at what is now known as the People’s Theatre, New York; January 16, 1865, R. M. Hooley became associated in the management, and in the Spring of the same year he disposed of his interest to Hooley.
Mr. Campbell had various minstrel companies until about 1870, when he retired; subsequently he was identified with the Evening News, New York City.
M. C. Campbell was born in London, England, 1817; he died in New York, January 6, 1883.
Edwin Deaves was associated with some of the very earliest minstrel companies in existence in his native and other Eastern cities in the middle 40’s.
About 1850 he went to California, where he remained many years. When he first played in the great coast metropolis, the “theatre” was a tent.
Edwin Deaves had a pleasing personality and a commanding presence, which eminently fitted him for the position of “middle-man” in the various companies in which he was associated. Mr. Deaves was among the first to sing the lamented Foster’s ballads, such as “Old Dog Tray,” “Nellie Gray” and others.
When George Christy and his company arrived in San Francisco in the Summer of 1858, Mr. Deaves at once became a member. Likewise was he associated there with Birch, Wambold, Bernard, Backus and many other burnt cork luminaries many years before these artists made a metropolitan reputation.
Edwin Deaves was born in Philadelphia, in 1817; he died in New York City, July 19, 1890.
Eph. Horn (Evan Evans Horn) was a name to conjure with for many years.
His professional career began more than seventy years ago. He first appeared in New York City about 1847 as a member of the Ethiopian Serenaders.
In conjunction with Charley White, they formed Horn and White’s Minstrels, opening in New York, April 2, 1851. Subsequently he was identified with practically all the famous permanent minstrel companies in the metropolis, including Wood’s, Campbell’s, Buckley’s, Bryant’s, and E. P. Christy’s; with the latter he went to San Francisco, Cal., in the Fall of 1854, where he remained eighteen months. Subsequently he appeared as clown in a circus, in black face. In 1858 he played an engagement with Ordway’s Aeolians in Boston. Mr. Horn was a fine end man in his day, and all-round general comedian.
In the Summer of 1865 he went to London, where he played a brief engagement.
Eph. Horn was born in Philadelphia, Pa., 1818; he died in New York, January 1, 1877.
Sam Gardner (Sylvester Gardner) was a prominent minstrel interlocutor for forty years; he was likewise a splendid bass singer, and had been identified with many prominent organizations, notably Wm. Henry Rice’s Minstrels in Cincinnati, with whom he opened September 2, 1872. He had been a resident of Omaha, Neb., where he died March 10, 1888, for many years. He was born in New York City about 1818.
Zenas Rumsey was one of the early minstrel performers of the ’40’s. He possessed a good tenor voice, and from 1847 to 1850 he sang at the Bowery Theatre.
That year he married Mary Van Keuren, and retired from the profession.
He was born in Shawangunk. N. Y.; he died in Ellenville, N. Y., December 10, 1891, aged 73 years.
Marshall S. Pike was one of the pioneers of minstrelsy, as well as one of the first female impersonators. In 1843 in conjunction with the Powers Brothers and L. V. H. Crosby, they formed a little company, and appearing with whitened faces and flaxen wigs, styled themselves the Albino Family subsequently they changed to blackened features, and were known as the Harmoneon Family, afterwards the Harmoneons. It was this company that sang for President Polk in the White House in 1847.
Mr. Pike married in 1849, and in that same year joined Ordway’s Aeolians in Boston, and continued with them for several seasons, leaving in 1857 and organizing “Pike’s Harmoneons.”
Subsequently he was identified with various dramatic companies, Mr. Pike was the author of more than 100 songs, the most popular of which was “Home Again,” written in 1849.
Marshall S. Pike was born in Westboro, Mass., May 20, 1818; he died in Upton, Mass., February 13, 1901.
Napoleon W. Gould, famous as a vocalist and guitarist in many minstrel companies, came to the United States in 1848.
He joined E. P. Christy’s Company in New York about 1850, remaining about four years.
In 1859 he became a member of Bryant’s Minstrels, same city, and continued there for several seasons. His last professional appearance was with George Christy’s Minstrels in New York about fifteen years previous to his death.
Napoleon W. Gould was born in London, England, June 7, 1819; he died in New York, May 23, 1881.
John H. Collins was a well-known vocalist with various minstrel companies.
He was the husband of Julia Gould, the prima donna of Buckley’s Minstrels.
In the Spring of 1860 he was with Wood’s Minstrels, and in the Fall of that year he joined Rumsey and Newcomb’s Company, going to Cuba with them, where he died in December, 1860.
“Pickaninny” (Thomas E.) Coleman was one of the early black-face performers ante-dating minstrelsy proper.
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| JOHN HARTEMIL AMES | BILLY EMERSON (1869) | DAN. WALDRON (Of Original Big 4) | GEO. M. DE VERE—MATT McELROY 1878. |
| WILLIS P. SWEATNAM |
He played many engagements in New York in the early 40’s, with John W. Smith, with whom he made a trip to England in 1840.
He died in Newark, N. J., July 5, 1859.
John Landis was one of the old-time minstrels and general black-face performers; he was with Sam Sanford’s Minstrels in 1859, and at one time was prominently identified with his own company. He died in Philadelphia, September 19, 1863.
S. E. Clark was one of the early interlocutors, or “middle-men” of minstrelsy; he was rated an excellent bass vocalist, and was with the Bryant’s in New York in 1857.
He died in New Haven, Conn., February 3, 1860.
Julius A. von Bonhorst was one of the early banjo players of minstrelsy, and practically his entire career was spent with Sanford’s Minstrels in Philadelphia.
He married a Miss Luther about 1854, and three years later retired from the profession.
He died at Reading, Pa., February 16, 1869, aged 40 years.
Jim Carter, one of the earliest of black-face performers, and whose portrait may be seen on [another page], was also one of the original Campbell’s Minstrels, organized June, 1847.
He died many years ago.
Philip Rice was one of the pioneer banjo players of minstrelsy.
In the very early days he constructed an instrument by tacking a skin over a peck measure that had been sawed in half; this attracted wide attention.
June 18, 1856, he was with Dave Reed’s Minstrels on board the steamer “James Raymond,” which traveled on the Mississippi River.
He died at Grand Lake, Ark., December 4, 1857.
Tom Raleigh (T. R. Mahan), one of the musicians of the real early days of minstrelsy, was accidentally shot and killed by Frank Hussey, comedian, in San Francisco, December 5, 1859.
George Lea, one of the pioneers of the variety theatre business in New York City, was the proprietor of Lea’s Minstrels at 185 Chatham Street, in the Fall of 1853.
He died at Port Jervis, N. Y., August 20, 1902.
“Picayune” Butler (John Butler), one of the best of the early banjoists, and who made famous the song “Picayune Butler’s Comin’ to Town,” had considerable vogue in the 50’s.
He died in New York City, November 18, 1864.
George A. Harrington was one of the members of the Ethiopian Serenaders who appeared in New York, September 15, 1845. The following year they appeared in London, England.
He was a good bass singer and banjoist, and was the first to sing “Lucy Neal.”
He died in Philadelphia, January, 1859.
William Parrow, who was with Joe. Sweeney’s Minstrels in the 40’s, and was said to be the original Old Bob Ridley, was murdered at Lebanon, Tenn.; he died November 29, 1870.
Wm. Henry Rice, long famous for his burlesque female impersonations, sat on the end with his own minstrel company in Cincinnati, September, 1872.
“Pony” Moore (George Washington Moore). This unique character in minstrelsy, up to the time of his death, enjoyed the double distinction of being the oldest living minstrel, as well as having attained greater longevity than any other known black-face performer.
There have been many versions of the veteran’s interesting career. Mr. Moore in a letter to the author, dated December 3, 1908, says his first appearance was in New York with Welch and Delevan at the old Broadway Circus in negro opera, playing in black-face, in 1844.
In a series of articles commencing August 1, 1909, in Lloyd’s Weekly News (London, England), Mr. Moore stated that he must have been about twenty-one when he first blacked his face, and speaks of Frank Brower, who was in the same company with him as having got the idea of making the first set of “bones” then known.
This would make the date 1841, and as the incident concerning Brower actually did occur while with Roger’s Circus, during the week of July 4, that year, the date of his first appearance in black-face may be safely stated to have been in 1841. Previous to this, however, he had been associated in many capacities with various circuses, but chiefly as a driver; it had been said that he handled as many as forty horses at one time, and in that way received the sobriquet of “Pony,” which clung to him all his life.
It was in 1844 that his first prominent engagement as a black-face performer, however, occurred.
Mr. Moore further stated that “he joined Haworth and Horton’s Opera Troupe, September 13, 1854, and the year following organized Hunter, Hedden and Moore’s Troupe.”
It is a fact that J. Hunter and William Hedden, the one a comedian and the other a fine dancer, were with Raynor’s “Christy” Minstrels as late as May 1, 1856, as likewise was “Pony” Moore. The Raynor Company returned to New York and opened there on February 2, 1857, playing about a month, after which they took a tour previous to their departure for England; Mr. Moore left the company at the conclusion of the New York engagement, and at once joined Matt. Peel’s Minstrels; he continued with this company until in the Summer of 1858, they played an engagement in New York. A short time later Matt. Peel left the organization which subsequently was known as Sniffen’s Campbell’s Minstrels.
Mr. Moore continued with this troupe until February 12, 1859, on which date he left to rejoin Matt. Peel’s company, continuing with the latter until his (Peel’s) death, May 4, 1859; after which he became a member of Burtis’ Varieties in Brooklyn, N. Y.
One month later Earl Pierce died in London, England. Pierce had been a great favorite in the British Metropolis, and J. W. Raynor sent for W. W. Newcomb, the well-known comedian, to take the place of the deceased.
Evidently Mr. Newcomb did not relish the idea of a sea trip, and “Pony” Moore, on his own initiative, went to London and presented himself to his former manager. It is an odd fact that on this occasion Mr. Moore had to sign an agreement “not to be too funny.”
It had been remarked that during the period of Pierce’s death and the subsequent occupation of his chair by Moore, that it remained vacant. This is inaccurate. Pending the advent of “Pony” Moore, it was occupied by W. P. Collins, a member of the company. Mr. Moore continued with the company for one year, at the expiration of which, Mr. Raynor retired to private life. Several companies sprang from the parent organization, one of which, Wilsom and Montague’s “Christy’s,” Mr. Moore joined.
It is pertinent at this juncture to remark that from this period, all minstrel organizations were known as “Christy’s” in England.
Mr. Moore continued with Wilsom and Montague for about four years, and immediately after, in conjunction with Johnny Ritter, J. P. Crocker and Henry Hamilton, organized a company bearing their names; with the exception of the latter, all were performers. They gave their first performance at Chester, England, November 14, 1864.
After playing through the provinces for several months, they opened in London, at St. James Hall, September 18, 1865. Subsequently through purchase and death’s intervention, Mr. Moore was sole owner of the company. Later, Fred. Burgess was taken in partnership, and as Moore and Burgess’ Minstrels flourished several years. Mr. Moore’s last appearance with his own company was in January, 1894.
April 9, 1904, saw the last of permanent minstrelsy in London. It seemed that a minstrel show at St. James Hall without “Pony” Moore was like “Hamlet” without Hamlet.
Mr. Moore’s last appearance was made in London at the Pavilion for the benefit of Mr. Frank Glenister.
Mr. Moore was twice married; first about 1860, and subsequently in 1884. Three daughters were the result of the first union. They married Fred. Vokes, of the famous theatrical family of that name; Charles Mitchell, the former champion pugilist, and Eugene Stratton, the premier black-face vaudeville artist in England. With the exception of the latter, all were English born.
“Pony” Moore was born in New York City, February 22, 1820; he died in London, England, October 1, 1909.
Frank Lynch was one of the great dancers of early minstrelsy. He traveled with Barnum in the 40’s as “John Diamond,” after the great showman had had difficulties with the original Diamond. Lynch was last heard of in St. Louis, Mo., in 1859.
Morris Abrams is one of the oldest living black-face performers. He did nigger business on the style of “Daddy” Rice in England, after Rice’s phenomenal success there in the 30’s.
| JOE—FOX & WARD—WM. H. (The oldest team of theatrical partners in existence) | NED—MONROE & MACK—KELLER |
| DICK—QUILTER & GOLDRICH—PETE | JAS.—PELL & LEWIS—TOM (Portraits reserved) |
Mr. Abrams is said to be living in retirement in Brighton, England.
Lansing Durand, one of the four original performers of E. P. Christy’s Minstrels, was a jig dancer of exceptional merit. In later years he was of the team of Painter and Durand, gymnasts. He was living as late as 1872.
John Arnold Cave is probably the oldest living black-face performer.
He made a reputation in England more than sixty years ago doing nigger acts with the late E. W. Mackney.
Mr. Cave is said to be at present a guest of the Charter House, where he obtained through the late King of England. He (Cave) was formerly proprietor of the Old Vic Theatre, London, England.
George Raynor was a well-known minstrel vocalist, and a brother of J. W. Raynor, the famous manager. He was with Wood’s Minstrels in 1860, also other prominent organizations.
He died in Brooklyn, N. Y., April 2, 1864, aged 43 years.
Sam Sanford, whose correct name is said to have been Lindsay, was one of the pioneer minstrel managers and performers.
His first appearance was at the age of nine years. He subsequently joined a circus, and on February 16, 1843, for the first time assumed managerial duties. About 1846 he joined Buckley’s Company, and went to England with them, returning late in 1848.
Mr. Sanford left the Buckleys about two years later.
He built the first theatre ever constructed especially for a minstrel company, at Twelfth and Chestnut Streets, Philadelphia, Pa., which he opened August 1, 1853; it was destroyed December 9, following. April 23, 1855, Sanford’s Minstrels opened at the Eleventh Street Opera House, that city; he continued until the Spring of 1862.
Subsequently Mr. Sanford had other theatres in the Quaker City, and one in Harrisburg, Pa., as well as many traveling minstrel organizations.
About 1875 he essayed the role of Uncle Tom, and played that character at intervals for several years. In his day Mr. Sanford was rated as one of the best comedians of his time. Sam Sanford was born in New York City January 1, 1821; he died in Brooklyn, N. Y., December 31, 1905.
Cool White (John Hodges) was one of the pioneers of minstrelsy; he entered it at its inception, and for many years was one of the most brilliant luminaries. Mr. White was a grand interlocutor, and an actor of no ordinary merit.
As early as 1838 he appeared at the Walnut Street Theatre in his native city, singing songs in black-face between the acts. He portrayed the dandy negro, and as such was very successful.
In 1843 he organized the Virginia Serenaders. Later he organized the Sable Melodists, and subsequently Sliter’s Empire Minstrels, and was with them four years. He then appeared as a Shakespearian clown with Spalding and Rogers Circus, and after engagements with some other minstrel companies, he joined Sam Sanford’s Minstrels in Philadelphia about 1855, and continued there about four years.
He then went to New York, and later organized Cool White’s Broadway Minstrels, and on September 12, 1870, in Brooklyn, N. Y., with Archie Hughes and Fayette Welch, started a permanent minstrel company in that city.
In the Fall of 1879 he played Uncle Tom. For several years prior to his death he had been connected with Hooley’s Theatre in Chicago.
Cool White was born in Philadelphia July 28, 1821; he died in Chicago, April 23, 1891.
Charles T. White was one of the greatest men that minstrelsy produced. His career began with minstrelsy in 1843, at which time he appeared with various small companies.
The following year he organized the Kitchen Minstrels, and was with many companies until November 24, 1846, when he opened the Melodeon at 53 Bowery, New York. He was twice burnt out, but rebuilt each time.
The place finally closed April 22, 1854, and on August 7 following he opened a place at 49 Bowery; each establishment was run as a minstrel show; the admission was 6¼ and 12½ cents. Mr. White was again burnt out, and later opened places at 585 and 598 Broadway. He was with Mrs. Matt. Peel’s Minstrels about 1861.
He was the author of innumerable minstrel sketches, some of which are yet in use. For several seasons he had traveled with the “White Slave,” and at the time of his death was a member of Edward Harrigan’s Company, playing Mrs. Jackson in “Reilly and the 400,” a black-face part.
Mr. White was twice married.
Charles T. White was born in New York June 4, 1821; he died there January 4, 1891.
Bob Sheppard. This famous old-time performer began his career as a jig dancer in his native city in 1832; the “theatre” where he made his debut being no less a place than his father’s slaughter-house: the admission 6¼ cents, with the privilege of looking at the cattle; the audience usually had a “bully” time.
In 1856 he opened a concert hall in Philadelphia, where many artists of prominence in later years made their appearance.
In Bob Sheppard’s day, performers had to be versatile; and as a dancer and tambourine player, he had no superior in his time; but in the delineation of Old Bob Ridley, he excelled.
He was with some notable organizations, including Shorey’s Minstrels in 1863.
Bob Sheppard was born in Philadelphia, in 1821; he died there August 15, 1898.
Andy Leavitt made his first stage appearance April 8, 1837.
In 1842 he leased Bleeker Hall in Boston and transformed it into Leavitt’s Opera House. As early as 1858 he traveled with Leavitt’s Ethiopian Troupe, and that same year he opened a small theatre at 22 Beaver Street, Albany, N. Y.
March 30, 1859, he leased the Gayety Theatre on Green Street, in the same city. In the early 70’s he went to the Howard Athenaeum in Boston, where for many years he remained. He was especially clever in the acts with Harry Bloodgood; the latter doing the comedy.
Andy Leavitt was an unusually intelligent performer, and was the author of several negro farces that were widely used.
He was likewise responsible for the song “Ham Fat,” that achieved great vogue several years ago.
In 1882 and 1889 he played white-face parts with “Joshua Whitcomb” and “Two Sisters” respectively; his stage career ended about this time. About 1891 he secured a position as stage door man at the Hollis Theatre, Boston, which he retained five years.
Andy Leavitt was born in Boston, Mass., in 1822; he died there February 1, 1901.
William B. Donaldson was the inventor of the jawbone used as a musical instrument by black-face performers several years before the first minstrel performance was given.
He was associated with minstrel and circus organizations for forty years, and was the first black-face clown to appear in a ring.
Like most performers of his day, he played the banjo; but Mr. Donaldson created a sensation by playing it with his left hand.
His professional debut was made in Poughkeepsie, N. Y., in 1836, as “Young Jim Crow,” after the style of “Daddy” Rice. In June, 1847, he was one of the five original members of the first Campbell’s Minstrels.
About three years before his death he became proprietor of the Lockwood House in Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
William B. Donaldson was born October 13, 1822; he died in Poughkeepsie, N. Y., April 16, 1873.
Bob Edwards (Dean) was one of the earliest bone players, and in his youth was known as “Master” Edwards.
In 1841-42 he traveled though Pennsylvania as a jig dancer. In 1843 and 1844 he was a member of the famous Ethiopian Serenaders, a group picture of which will be found on [another page].
Subsequently he withdrew from that company, and joined Sanford’s Minstrels in Philadelphia, where he remained for a long time.
In 1862 he had the Gayety Music Hall in Harrisburg, Pa., and a few years before his death was proprietor of his own company.
Bob Edwards was born in Philadelphia in 1822; he died in Buffalo, N. Y., July 24, 1872.
George Guy was the founder of the famed Guy Bros. Minstrels.
Mr. Guy, who was an excellent baritone vocalist, had the unique distinction of sitting in the first part with his six sons; an occurrence that had no parallel in minstrelsy.
The original Guy family of entertainers consisted of father, mother, daughter and six sons.
Mr. Guy’s principal engagements were with Christy’s, and Kelly and Leon’s Minstrels. About 1874 he organized the Guy Brothers Minstrels as a permanent institution, and as such it has continued ever since.
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| SAM. DEVERE | SAM. SANFORD | |||
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| BILLY CARTER | ||||
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| SAM. SWAIN | SAM. SHARPLEY | |||
BILLY CARTER SURROUNDED BY SOME CELEBRATED “SAMS.”
Mr. Guy married Amelia Evans in London, England, in 1851.
George Guy, Sr., was born in London, England, January 20, 1822; he died in Springfield, Mass., February 23, 1895.
R. M. Hooley was associated with all that was best in minstrelsy.
He came to America in 1844, and on August 17, the following year, he played his first engagement in Buffalo, N. Y., as “leader” of E. P. Christy’s Minstrels; he remained with Christy for two years.
About 1851 he organized his own company, and took same to Europe, where he played Paris, Boulogne, Brussels and other Continental cities. During the 50’s he was associated in the management of Maguire’s Minstrels in California, and in 1858 was proprietor with Maguire of George Christy’s Minstrels in San Francisco.
Returning to New York in 1859, he soon separated from Christy, and on February 6, 1860, in co-partnership with Sher. Campbell and G. W. H. Griffin, organized Hooley and Campbell’s Minstrels; this company disbanded in July, 1861, and the following year Mr. Hooley opened his famous minstrel hall in Brooklyn, where he continued for several years.
During the above period Hooley had a company in Philadelphia at the old Seventh Street Theatre, from September 7 to October 17, 1868.
October 19, 1868, he opened another minstrel show in Brooklyn, at the Odeon, the present site of the Novelty Theatre.
The home of the original Hooley Company was destroyed by fire May 12, 1865, and that same month the energetic manager opened at 201 Bowery, New York, the present site of the People’s Theatre. January 2, 1871, Mr. Hooley opened Bryan Hall, the present Grand Opera House in Chicago, and remained several months.
The big fire of October, 1871, having destroyed his theatre, Mr. Hooley thereupon built what is now known as Power’s Theatre, Chicago, which he opened with his company in 1872, and flourished about three years, when he returned to his old love in Brooklyn, and began an engagement in 1875.
In the Spring of 1876 in conjunction with Billy Rice, he formed Rice and Hooley’s Minstrels for a road tour; December, 1876, they opened at Hooley’s old Opera House in Brooklyn for a limited engagement. Mr. Hooley again went to Chicago, and on March 1, 1880, opened with a minstrel company at the Novelty Theatre.
In September, 1882 he associated with Rice; and Billy Rice and Hooley’s Minstrels opened in Joliet, Ill., but disbanded after a few months.
Mr. Hooley married Miss Rosina Cramer of New York, in San Francisco, about 1856, after a brief but romantic courtship.
R. M. Hooley was born in Ballina, Ireland, April 13, 1822; he died in Chicago, Ill., September 8, 1893.
William A. Porter, one of the earliest members of E. P. Christy’s Minstrels, made his first theatrical appearance as a supernumerary in the old Chatham Theatre, New York, in the fall of 1841.
His debut as a black-face performer occurred in the Spring of 1844 with the Clark Brothers Panorama Show.
Mr. Porter made his first appearance with E. P. Christy’s Minstrels at the Eagle Street Theatre, Buffalo, N. Y., April 5, 1845.
February 15, 1847, he opened with the company at Mechanic’s Hall, New York, and remained there until 1853, after which, in the Fall of that year, he became a member of George Christy and Henry Wood’s Minstrels.
Mr. Porter subsequently went to California and identified himself with Backus’ Minstrels there.
Early in 1855 he rejoined E. P. Christy’s Company in San Francisco, acting as business manager.
In August, same year, he set sail for Australia with Backus’ Minstrels; he remained in that country until 1859, during which period he engaged in mining and mercantile pursuits, as well as following his profession.
Mr. Porter returned to New York about September, 1870, later making his home at Johnsonburg, N. Y., where he died January 18, 1906.
William A. Porter was born in Hartford, Conn., May 4, 1822.
J. W. Raynor (Rea) came to America at the age of ten years.
His first professional appearance was as a vocalist in New York City about 1845. In June, 1847, Mr. Raynor was one of the original members that comprised the first Campbell’s Minstrels.
Not long after this he joined E. P. Christy’s Minstrels in New York City, and continued with them until the dissolution of the company in that city, July, 1854. Mr. Raynor then organized a “Christy Minstrels” and for three years traveled successfully in the United States and Canada. July 11, 1857, in partnership with Earl Pierce, he sailed with a company for England, where they opened in London, August 3, following.
He met with immediate and lasting success, and exactly three years from the date he left America, Mr. Raynor announced his retirement, and returned to the United States, arriving August 15, 1860.
Less than four years later the old fever came back to Mr. Raynor, and he organized another “Christy’s” Minstrels, and continued at its head until about January 1, 1866, when he laid aside business cares of that nature for good and all, settling down in Paterson, N. J., where he became one of its most honored citizens.
J. W. Raynor was born in Ireland March 31, 1823; he died in North Paterson, N. J., April 5, 1900.
George Kunkel began his career as a black-face performer in 1844. In 1853 he organized a minstrel company that became famous as the Nightingale Serenaders; they traveled until 1855.
In the latter year Mr. Kunkel became manager of a theatre in Baltimore, and continued in such until 1861, when he again reorganized his minstrel company for a tour. In 1866 the company was formed for the third time for a brief engagement, after which Mr. Kunkel played Uncle Tom, and for many years, or until shortly before his death, he appeared in that role, in which he was eminently successful.
He married Ada Proctor, the actress, about 1861.
George Kunkel was born in Green Castle, Pa.; he died in Baltimore, Md., January 25, 1885; aged 62 years.
Joseph T. Trowbridge was prominent as a bass singer and interlocutor.
He joined Ordway’s Aeolians in Boston in 1852, and continued with them until December, 1857, when Johnny Pell, Lon and Billy Morris and John T. Huntley, organized a company bearing their names, and opened in Boston. Mr. Trowbridge was with them. Mr. Huntley withdrew about March, 1859, and the company was thereafter known as that of Morris Bros., Pell and Trowbridge, and as such it continued until 1867. He later became identified in the management of two Boston theatres. About 1872 he retired from active business.
Jos. T. Trowbridge was born in Newtonville, Mass., September, 1823; he died in Chelsea, Mass., Jan. 11, 1891.
Hank Mason was familiarly known as “Hank, the Mason.” He was one of the foremost jig dancers in the early days of minstrelsy. He was born April 18, 1823; he died in Brooklyn, N. Y., October 9, 1885.
W. W. Newcomb (Coomb) was one of the best known performers of minstrelsy.
As a boy he traveled with circuses. In the late 40’s he formed a partnership with Bije Thayer, of Boston, and successfully conducted a minstrel company about four years.
He made his first New York appearance in December, 1851; subsequently playing with Fellowe’s Minstrels, and later Wood’s Minstrels, in New York, with whom he remained until July, 1853. That same year he went with Campbell’s Minstrels, and continued four years with them.
In 1857 with Hy. Rumsey he organized Rumsey and Newcomb’s Minstrels, playing in the United States, Canada, Cuba, England and Germany. The organization broke up in London in the Spring of 1862.
Mr. Newcomb and Eph. Horn organized a company the following year; Mr. Horn soon dropped out, and Newcomb’s Minstrels continued until 1871.
April 17, that year, Newcomb and Arlington’s Minstrels opened in New York, on the present site of the Fifth Avenue Theatre.
Mr. Newcomb subsequently appeared with various companies, his last appearance being at Hooley’s Theatre in Brooklyn, N. Y., February 17, 1877.
“Bill” Newcomb was the originator of the “Essence of Old Virginny” dance; a great end man; and he was especially noted for his stump speeches.
W. W. Newcomb was born in Utica, N. Y., Aug. 4, 1823; he died in New York May 1, 1877.
John Diamond was one of, if not the greatest jig dancers that the world ever knew.
At a very early age he gave evidence of the wonderful talents he possessed, but it was not until the late P. T. Barnum took him in hand, and at Vauxhall Garden, New York, in the Spring of 1840, and brought him out, and subsequently took him all over the Union, and later to Europe, that he achieved the recognition he so richly deserved.
After the original four had given their first minstrel performance in February, 1843, Diamond was called upon to strengthen the quartette at a subsequent performance, a very short time later.
| JOHN MULLIGAN | MILT. G. BARLOW | LEW. PARKER |
| JOHN PENDY | BILLY ARLINGTON | DAN. SHELBY |
| GEO. EDWARDS | HUBERT W. EAGAN | BILLY McALLISTER |
PROMINENT PERFORMERS OF THE PAST AND PRESENT.
On July 8, 1844, he danced a contest with Master Juba, the colored dancer, and the greatest his race ever knew.
He was feted and courted for many years, but dissipation and riotous living carried him to an early grave.
John Diamond was born in New York City, in 1823; he died in Philadelphia, October 29, 1857.
J. A. Herman (Simonson) was one of the very earliest ballad singers in minstrelsy; he was the possessor of a sweet tenor voice which he used in rendering the old songs to excellent advantage.
Mr. Herman’s first appearance was in New York, at the Olympic Theatre, in 1839, singing “Norah McShane.”
His first minstrel engagement was with the “Campbell’s”; he was with this company in New York as early as October 17, 1848.
Subsequently he was associated with Wood and Fellowe’s; Henry Wood in 1852; Wood and Christy from 1853 to 1858; in the Fall of that year he joined Sniffen’s “Campbell’s” Minstrels, and when George Christy returned from California in the Summer of 1859, Mr. Herman went with him, and continued with Christy for a long period.
About 1863 he joined Hooley’s Minstrels in Brooklyn, and remained with them several years; barring the time Hooley was in Chicago.
Mr. Herman’s two brothers, George W. and William H., were both old-time minstrels. Mr. Herman retired from the profession a great many years before his death.
J. A. Herman was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., January 1, 1823; he died at Wood Haven, Long Island, N. Y., January 23, 1901.
Dan Rice (McLaren), the world-famous clown, in conjunction with Sam Sanford and others, in blackface, appeared in New York City at Palmo’s Opera House in the spring of 1843.
He was born in New York City, January 25, 1823; he died in Long Branch, N. J., February 22, 1900.
Joseph D. Murphy (Donnelly) began his minstrel career in the middle 40’s as a member of the Sable Harmonists: he was then a ballad singer.
On the 17th day of July, 1850, Mr. Murphy, Luke West, Matt. Peel and James Norris formed an organization known as the “Original Campbell Minstrels;” subsequently Mr. Norris retiring, the company flourished for several seasons as Murphy, West and Peel’s Minstrels.
About 1860 Mr. Murphy retired from minstrelsy and assumed various executive positions, notably as business manager at the Arch Street Theatre in Philadelphia, where he remained for fifteen years.
Mr. Murphy was a half brother of Jno. F. Donnelly.
Jos. D. Murphy was born in Philadelphia, January 11, 1823; he died there January 1, 1884.
C. L. Huntley, a member of Thayer’s Boston Sable Harmonists about 1850, was a fine guitar player, and very proficient in the manipulation of the bones.
He died in Boston, Mass., April 13, 1883; aged about 60 years.
Tom Vaughn was one of the earliest banjoists of minstrelsy. When sixteen years of age he made his professional debut with Holt and Nichols Circus; later he joined Turner and Rockwell’s, and Welch and Mann’s Circuses. After this he went to Buffalo, and met E. P. Christy, and when the latter formed the minstrel company that bore his name, Mr. Vaughn was one of the four original members. He continued with Mr. Christy until the dissolution of the company in July, 1854, and a few months later went with Christy’s Minstrels to California.
Mr. Vaughn returned to New York in 1855, and opened Vaughn’s Minstrels there that same year. Subsequently he was with Wood and Christy’s and George Christy’s Minstrels for several years, mostly in the Metropolis.
Tom Vaughn was born in New York, September 5, 1823; he died in Zanesville, Ohio, September 3, 1875.
J. T. Huntley was one of the early wench dancers of minstrelsy.
In December, 1857, he, with Lon and Billy Morris and Johnny Pell, seceded from Ordway’s Aeolians in Boston, and organized in that city a minstrel company bearing their names, which they conducted successfully for about two years, after which Mr. Huntley organized his own minstrel company and played an engagement at the Eleventh Street Opera House in Philadelphia in the Spring of 1859.
August 23, 1859, he married the widow of Matt. Peel, and at once assumed the management of Mrs. Matt. Peel’s Campbell’s Minstrels, and continued in that capacity for about four or five years, after which he retired to private life.
J. T. Huntley was born in New York, June 24, 1824; he died in Mamaroneck, N. Y., August 4, 1895.
Earl Horton Pierce was one of the greatest minstrel comedians of his day. April 8, 1850, he opened his own minstrel company in New York; it was subsequently Pierce and Fellowe’s Minstrels. Later, Mr. Pierce was with E. P. Christy’s Company in New York, and Ordway’s Aeolians in Boston. August 3, 1857, with J. W. Raynor, they opened in London, England, as “Christy’s Minstrels;” this was the first company to play under that title in England. Subsequently all minstrel companies were called “Christy’s.” Mr. Pierce made a tremendous hit singing a topical song called “Hoop de-Dooden-Do.” After his death his chair on the end remained vacant for three days, during which time it was draped.
Earl H. Pierce was born in New York in 1823; he died in London, England, June 5, 1859.
Tom Maguire never got the credit due him for placing minstrelsy in California on the high plane it once enjoyed. Mr. Maguire went to San Francisco in 1849, and a year later built the Jenny Lind Theatre there.
It was Maguire who brought George Christy and Company to California in 1858, and it was Maguire a dozen years or so later that paved the way for the success that later came to Billy Emerson, with whom Maguire was associated until the late 70’s.
And when Emerson made his first trip to Australia about 1873, Maguire’s Minstrels flourished on in San Francisco. Yes, the great coast metropolis owes much to Tom Maguire. Mr. Maguire died in New York, January 20, 1896; aged 72 years.
Dr. John P. Ordway was one of the earliest prominent managers engaged in permanent minstrelsy in one particular city.
He was the founder of the Aeolians, a famous minstrel organization who gave their first performance in Harmony Hall, Boston, Mass., December 16, 1849, and played in that city until September, 1859.
December 12, same year, he appeared with Anderson’s Minstrels for a few nights only; this was his last professional appearance.
Dr. Ordway was a skilled musician, and the composer of many popular ballads. While with his company he usually played the piano in the first part and invariably in white-face.
After retiring from the stage, he practiced medicine for several years, and in 1868 was a member of the Massachusetts Legislature.
He was the founder of the Massachusetts Anglers (now Fish and Game) Association.
Dr. John P. Ordway was born in Salem, Mass., in 1824; he died in Boston, Mass., April 27, 1880.
William H. Smith, the well-known manager, went to California in 1850, and in 1856 opened the Varieties Theatre in San Francisco. In 1860 he organized the California Minstrels and took them to South America, Australia and Europe.
In 1865 he was associated in the management of Cotton and Murphy’s Minstrels, frequently acting as interlocutor.
In 1880 he went to St. Louis, Mo., and at various times was manager of the Comique, Peoples and Standard Theatres there.
On September 24, 1866, Mr. Smith married Clara Sages in San Francisco.
William H. Smith was born in Norwich, Conn., August 10, 1824; he died in St. Louis, Mo., December 1, 1901.
“Bije” (Amidon L.) Thayer was one of the pioneers of minstrelsy; his operations were confined to Boston and contiguous territory chiefly.
Thayer’s Minstrels and Thayer and Newcomb’s Minstrels existed from the middle 40’s to the early 50’s.
To Mr. Thayer belongs the credit of being the first to establish a permanent minstrel company in Boston, although the Buckleys had preceded him in giving entertainments there.
“Bije” Thayer died in Boston, Mass., February 20, 1864; aged 41 years.
Barney Williams (Bernard O’Flaherty), who was one of America’s greatest legitimate Irish comedians, in his very early days was equally prominent as a burnt-cork performer.
July 8, 1845, at the Elysian Fields in Hoboken, N. J., he was advertised as “master of the tambourine.” September 6, same year, at Castle Garden, New York, he portrayed the great black-face part of “Dandy Jim, of Caroline.”
Barney Williams was born in Cork, Ireland, July 20, 1824; he died in New York City, April 25, 1876.
| TOM. VAUGHN | EDWIN P. CHRISTY | GEO. CHRISTY |
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THE ORIGINAL CHRISTY MINSTRELS (Organized about 1844).
The company at its inception comprised Edwin P. Christy (the founder), Geo. Christy, Tom Vaughn and Lansing Durand. The other photos here represent minstrel scenes of that day.
Tom Briggs was one of the earliest and greatest banjo performers in minstrelsy; when he first went on the stage, in the early 40’s, he traveled under the name of Fluter.
He invented the banjo thimble in 1848, and it came into general use three years later.
He was the first to do the bell chimes, and gave imitations of a horse-race on the banjo.
He played successful engagements in the 40’s and 50’s with Wood’s Minstrels, likewise Buckley’s Serenaders. September 20, 1854, he left New York with E. P. Christy’s Minstrels to play an engagement in San Francisco; he contracted an illness on the way, and was unable to play.
Tom Briggs died in San Francisco October 23, 1854; aged 30 years.
Julia Gould was the first woman to achieve prominence in minstrelsy; she was with the famous Buckley Serenaders, and played several engagements with them in the 50’s; she was also with Maguire’s San Francisco Minstrels in San Francisco, July 11, 1864.
She essayed the principal female roles in the great operatic burlesque that made the Buckleys famous; always appearing in black-face.
Miss Gould’s first husband was A. T. Gregory Hall; she subsequently married John H. Collins, a prominent minstrel singer.
She was an actress and singer of rare and versatile talents.
Julia Gould was born in London, England, August 28, 1824; she died in Kinamundy, Ill., January 29, 1893.
Horace Weston, a colored man, was one of the world’s greatest banjoists; in addition he was a good general musician and dancer; a fact that is not generally known.
He served in the Army, and in July, 1863, was discharged, after which he joined Buckley’s Serenaders in Boston, and later traveled with them. About 1867 he became a member of the Georgia Minstrels, a famous colored organization.
In 1878 he went to Europe with an “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” Company; he played the principal Continental cities, and was a sensation.
Returning to America he joined Haverly’s Georgia Minstrels. The balance of his career was spent mostly in the variety theatres.
Horace Weston was born in Derby, Conn., in 1825; he died in New York, May 23, 1890.
The honor and distinction (and the pleasant sensation) of having received the highest salary ever paid to any black-face single performer belongs to Lew Dockstader.
Tim Woodruff appeared mostly in the West, where he was recognized as a truly great comedian.
His first appearance was made in Cincinnati, March 15, 1842; in an act called “Spirit Rappings,” later more generally known as the “Haunted House;” he achieved great success in this, and was forever identified with it.
He was at various times associated with Woodruff’s Minstrels; Woodruff, Brown and Jones’ Minstrels, and Woodruff and Foster’s Minstrels; these companies were mostly in existence in the 50’s.
About 1860 he entered the variety business, and continued with it practically up to his death.
Tim Woodruff was born in Hamilton, Ohio; he died in Cincinnati, Ohio, November 12, 1872.
E. W. Mackney was England’s earliest representative of the negro character.
He appeared in sketches with J. A. Cave, fully ten years before the first minstrel company invaded England in 1843.
He was prompted by the pronounced success achieved by “Daddy” Rice, of Jim Crow fame.
Mr. Mackney died in England, March 26, 1909; aged 84 years.
William B. Fish was one of the “Sable Harmonists” of the 40’s. He died in Argenta, Ark., July 29, 1875.
John G. Brown was a celebrated tambourinist and comedian in the earliest days of minstrelsy.
He was with the Buckleys when they played New York, May 9, 1844; at that time they were known as the Congo Melodists. In the Fall of 1848 he was with Thayer’s Minstrels, one of the famous Boston companies.
He died in New Bedford, Mass., October 8, 1858.
Joseph H. Rainer was one of the earliest vocalists and interlocutors. He was with Wood’s Minstrels in New York in 1852, and with Horn and Newcomb’s Company in 1863. He first appeared professionally in the late 40’s. He had been a resident of Lockport, N. Y., for many years.
Mr. Rainer was born in Lancaster, England, May 11, 1825; he died in Philadelphia, Pa., March 11, 1906.
George Winship was one of the pioneers of minstrelsy. As early as 1849 he occupied the bone end with the New York Serenaders, a famous minstrel company of that day.
He was long associated with J. W. McAndrews, the famous “Watermelon Man.”
About 1873 he was stage manager and performer at the Opera House, Rondout, N. Y., he had not appeared professionally much since then.
Mr. Winship had long been a resident of Fruitvale, Cal., where he died October 19, 1900.
Harry Hapgood was, up to the time of his death, the oldest living minstrel agent.
In his youth he was known as “Handsome Harry.”
His professional career began as an actor in Philadelphia in 1843. He subsequently became a manager and agent for various companies, and in the latter capacity was with Rumsey and Newcomb’s Minstrels about four years. He then was associated with Mr. Rumsey in the Rumsey Minstrels in 1863.
Harry Hapgood was born in Elizabethtown, N. Y., February 26, 1825; he died at Amityville, Long Island, N. Y., July 10, 1910.
Master Juba (William H. Lane) was a colored man, and as a jig dancer it is said that the world never saw his equal.
He played the tambourine with the Georgia Champions Minstrels in 1843, and several engagements with Charley White’s Minstrels in New York.
He went to Europe about 1848, and in the Spring of the following year played an engagement with Pell’s Serenaders at the Surrey Theatre in London. He was lionized in Europe, and took the Britishers by storm. He married a white woman there.
“Master” Juba died in London, England, about 1852; he was born in the United States about 1825.
Gilbert W. Pell was a brother of Dick Pelham, one of the original minstrels of 1843.
As a member of the Ethiopian Serenaders, he went to England in 1846. The success of the company was so great in London that morning performances had to be given, and in addition they appeared at private residences of the rich. Mr. Pell, who played the bone end, and the company, whose portraits adorn another page, played an engagement at Palmo’s Opera House, New York, September 15, 1845.
In 1849 he was in England with his brother’s company, known as Pell’s Serenaders. Subsequently he returned to the United States, but early in 1859 he again went to Europe, where he remained until his death.
Gilbert W. Pell was born in New York City; he died in Lancashire, England, December 21, 1872, aged 47 years.
Jno. H. Carle, famous for the singing of “The Lively Old Flea,” accompanied by the banjo, was one of the early prominent proprietors of a minstrel show. In the 50’s he was associated with J. G. H. Shorey and Chas. Duprez; on July 4, 1856, he withdrew from the partnership, and for many years played minstrel and variety engagements.
About 1876 he went to fill a two weeks’ engagement at Flood’s New Park Theatre, Curtis Bay, Md. He remained there until the time of his death, nearly a quarter of a century, and he had the distinction at that time of being the oldest active banjoist and vocalist before the public, retaining his vivacity all the while.
John H. Carle was born at Portland, Me.; he died at Curtis Bay, Md., September 20, 1900; age 75 years.
“Punch” Collins (W. Pearson Collins), the well-known comedian of the early minstrel days, first appeared prominently with Sam Sanford’s Minstrels April 1, 1850, at the Astor Place Opera House, New York City, and was at the opening of the first theatre ever built expressly for minstrelsy, also by Sanford, August 1, 1853; subsequently he was with Earl Pierce’s Minstrels in New York in 1855; on August 3, 1857, he opened in London, England, with Raynor and Pierce’s “Christy” Minstrels. This was the first minstrel organization that ever played in England under the title of “Christy.”
After the death of Earl Pierce Mr. Collins occupied the end chair formerly occupied by Pierce.
| EDWIN BOOTH | JAS. A. HERNE | P. S. GILMORE | EDWIN FORREST |
| BARNEY WILLIAMS | JOS. JEFFERSON | WM. CASTLE | TONY PASTOR |
| DAN. DALY | P. T. BARNUM | RICHARD GOLDEN | HARRY KERNELL |
| DAN. RICE | J. W. KELLY | NEIL. BURGESS | J. K. EMMETT |
FAMOUS ARTISTS OF THE PAST—THEY ALL BLACKED UP.
Mr. Collins later withdrew from this company, and with “Tony” Nish organized another “Christy” company, opening in London, England, at Her Majesty’s Concert Hall Monday, March 18, 1861; subsequently he sold his interest in this company, returned to London, and organized another troupe; they played at Polygraphic Hall as early as April 14, 1862.
In September, 1863, he sailed for India, playing the principal cities. In July, 1866, he returned to America, later going to England, where he married; subsequently he returned to Pittsburgh, where he remained until his death. He had not appeared professionally for several years prior to that.
Mr. Collins did an “end”, a stump speech and a female impersonation equally artistic.
W. P. Collins died at Pittsburgh, Pa., November 1, 1881; age about 55 years.
L. V. H. Crosby has been credited as being the first interlocutor, then called “middle man” of minstrelsy; this was about 1845, when he organized the Boston Harmoneons. This company gave a special performance at the White House in Washington, D. C., June 18, 1846, for President Polk.
Mr. Crosby was composer of several songs, and a basso of unusual ability. His late years were devoted almost exclusively to concert work.
L. V. H. Crosby died at Reynolds, Ga., March 26, 1884; age about 60 years.
James Unsworth and Nelse Seymour were born and died within thirty days of each other.
E. J. Melville (Edward John Robbins), a well-known singer of the early days of minstrelsy, came to the United States in 1849; shortly afterwards he sang in the choir of a church in Cleveland, O., where he was known as the best tenor in that city. His principal engagements were with Hooley’s Minstrels, Hooley and Campbell’s Minstrels (being with them at their inception, May 6, 1860), Lloyd’s Minstrels, Carncross and Dixey, and Duprez and Benedict. He also played an engagement at the Canterbury Music Hall, New York City, in October, 1861.
Mr. Melville was married to Miss Amelia Nash, October 1, 1848, by whom he had three daughters, one of whom became the wife of Edwin French, the banjoist.
Mr. Melville’s private life was a most happy one; he was generous, cheerful and a true friend.
E. J. Melville was born in London, England, February 4, 1825; he died in Buffalo, N. Y., January 18, 1903.
“Jim” Johnson (Gallagher), an old-time banjoist, well known in his day and popular on the steamer “Banjo”, was born in New York about 1825; he died in New Orleans, La., November 22, 1875.
Dick Sliter was one of the world’s greatest jig dancers. His professional career commenced in the late 30’s, and he had been with many of the early famous organizations, notably Sanford’s Minstrels in 1859.
He also, with Johnny Booker, organized Booker and Sliter’s Minstrels, which was quite successful. Dick Sliter died in Jackson, Mich., May 21, 1861.
Jasper H. Ross was famed as a musical director and composer. His professional career began in 1847 with Spalding and Rogers’ Circus. Subsequently he played extended engagements with the minstrel companies of Carncross, Bryant’s, White’s, Rumsey and Newcomb’s and the San Franciscos.
He was born in Northampton, Mass., in 1826; he died in New York, September 8, 1889.
Jimmy Wells, once well-known as a manager, was a member of Ordway’s Aeolians in Boston for a lengthy period in the early 50’s.
He was born in New York in 1826; he died in Grand Rapids, Mich., March 16, 1893.
Sam Wells was prominent as a bass vocalist and interlocutor. He went to Europe in the middle 40’s with the Ethiopian Serenaders, and they created a sensation.
He was with several prominent minstrel companies located in New York up to 1855, when he sailed for California, where he was located with George Christy’s and other minstrel companies until December, 1863, when he went to New York, and after playing one week with Bryant’s Minstrels, returned to California.
Mr. Wells’ death was caused by being thrown from a horse in California, August 27, 1864; he was 38 years of age.
Charley Howard has been given credit of being the first to represent the aged darkey on the stage. At the age of ten years he traveled with Joe Sweeney’s company, giving concerts in the Southern States, appearing in barns and churches, and traveling by coaches.
Mr. Howard was with many prominent minstrel organizations, and when Haverly separated from Cal. Wagner in 1873, Howard was one of the first engaged for the Haverly Minstrels.
Charley Howard was born in Virginia, June 5, 1826; He died in Brooklyn, N. Y., April 28, 1895.
Stephen Collins Foster, whose simple and homely ballads contributed as much as any other cause to the placing of early minstrelsy on a permanent and successful basis, was the author, among others, of “Willie, We Have Missed You”, “Old Uncle Ned”, “My Old Kentucky Home”, “Old Dog Tray”, “Massa’s in de Cold, Cold Ground”, “Ellen Bayne” and “Old Black Joe.”
He was born in Allegheny, Pa., July 4, 1826; he died in New York City, January 13, 1864.
James Powers was one of the real early minstrels, and a member of the Boston Harmoneons, which were especially well known in Massachusetts. With his brother John, he was with the above organization several seasons, commencing in the early 40’s.
Mr. Powers was the author of “She Sleeps in the Grave” and “Faded Flowers”, favorite ballads of days now forgotten.
James Powers died in Boston, Mass., January 5, 1890; age 64 years.
Dan Leon, a real old-time black-face comedian and general performer, died in New York City, April 27, 1863; he was born March 1, 1826.
W. Jackson Rudolph, one of the pioneers of minstrelsy, made his first appearance in his native city early in 1846 in black-face as a banjoist; the following year he was one of the Sable Harmonists; in 1849 he was with the Virginia Minstrels, and up until 1855, when he joined Sanford’s Minstrels in Philadelphia, he was almost continuously associated with one or the other of the many minstrel bands that were then in evidence.
He later went on the legitimate stage, but subsequently, in 1864, joined Carncross and Dixey’s Minstrels in Philadelphia.
About 1870 he played his last minstrel engagement with Simmons and Slocum, also in the Quaker City. November 3, 1880, he made his last appearance on the stage of Wood’s Museum in Philadelphia.
W. Jackson Rudolph was born in Philadelphia, 1826; he died there September 5, 1881.
John A. Dingess. After the dissolution of the Duprez and Green’s Minstrels as an organization in 1865, Mr. Dingess formed a partnership with Jno. E. Green and organized Dingess and Green’s Minstrels, opening at Chattanooga, Tenn., November 18, 1866; their existence was short lived. He was subsequently, and for many years, engaged in an executive capacity in the circus business.
John A. Dingess was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1826; he died in New York City, April 14, 1901.
Luke West (William Sheppard) was the first performer to do a whistling solo in minstrelsy, which he did as early as 1845 at Otto Cottage, Hoboken, N. J.
In the Fall of 1848 he was one of the organizers of the Campbell’s Minstrels; November 29, 1849, he joined the E. P. Christy’s Minstrels in New York, resuming his own name of Sheppard. On August 15, 1850, in conjunction with Matt. Peel, Joseph D. Murphy and James Norris, “Campbell’s Minstrels” gave their first performance. Subsequently the organization was known as Murphy, West and Peel’s Minstrels, and as such continued until his death. In addition to his whistling ability, Mr. West was an accomplished comedian, dancer and banjoist.
Luke West was born in Philadelphia, 1826; he died in Boston, Mass., May 26, 1854.
Charles G. Long, who was for nearly forty years associated in the management of the Academy of Music, in Selma, Ala., with George T. Rees, the present incumbent, was one of the pioneers of minstrelsy.
About 1844 or 1845 he became a member of the Virginia Serenaders, a full page photograph of which is shown [elsewhere]. The company traveled by wagon through Pennsylvania and New York chiefly.
It has been stated that Mr. Long joined this company when he was ten years of age; this is clearly erroneous, as the little band was not organized until 1843, probably in the late Spring or early Summer.
Mr. Long played a banjo, one of his own making.
Charles G. Long was born in Carlisle, England, December 20, 1827; he died in Selma, Ala., January 28, 1908.
Fred Burgess was for many years co-proprietor with “Pony” Moore at St. James Hall, London, England, of Moore and Burgess’ Minstrels.
Mr. Burgess was a shrewd business man, and possessed intellect out of the ordinary. At one time he was a member of Kunkel’s Nightingales, an early minstrel company in the United States.
| CLARENCE BURTON | HY. RUMSEY |
| BILLY HUNTLEY | EDWIN FRENCH |
| OSCAR WILLIS | EDMOND G. CORBIN |
BRIGHT LIGHTS OF THE BANJO.
In the fall of 1864, at Glasgow, Scotland, he was engaged as agent for Moore, Crocker, Hamilton and Ritter’s Minstrels; about a year later he secured St. James Hall, in the British metropolis, and a few years later, “Pony” Moore having bought out Hamilton and Ritter, and the death of Crocker paved the way for a partnership; the organization subsequently and for many years was known as Moore and Burgess’ Minstrels.
Mr. Burgess was twice married; his second wife was Miss Ellen Meyrick.
Fred Burgess was born in Providence, R. I.; he died at Finchley, England, July 26, 1893; age 66 years.
Charles Callender, proprietor and manager of the famous colored organization that bore his name, played many seasons on the road, commencing about 1872; several years later Haverly purchased his interests; the company subsequently became the property of Charles and Gustave Frohman.
Mr. Callender had retired from active theatricals some years before his death.
Charles Callender died at Chicago, Ill., February 24, 1897; age 70 years.
Frank Moran came to the United States at the age of four years; it was not until later that he did a stump speech.
His first appearance professionally was about 1848, as a comic singer in Philadelphia with Raymond and Waring’s Circus. He was with several small minstrel shows before going to California in 1850, and subsequently to Australia.
Some time after his return from the Antipodes, he joined Sanford’s Minstrels in Philadelphia, and later was with Carncross and Dixey at different periods, aggregating a number of years.
September 5, 1864, he opened Moran’s Minstrels on Chestnut Street, Philadelphia. Later he was with Bryant’s, and Kelly and Leon’s Minstrels in New York; Hooley’s in Brooklyn, and Moore and Burgess’ in London.
As Moran and Dixey’s Minstrels, the famous Eleventh Street Opera House in Philadelphia opened October 2, 1871; in September, the following year, the company was known as Moran’s Minstrels.
Subsequently Moran and Billy Manning’s Minstrels made a brief tour. Of later years Mr. Moran was associated with Ned Thomas in a minstrel company, and on July 17, 1890, he began an engagement with Wm. Henry Rice’s World’s Fair Minstrels.
Frank Moran was a natural born comedian, and at times was rather caustic in his wit; but underneath a seeming rough exterior was a heart that was never known to fail a fellow performer in distress.
As a stump orator he was different from all others, and he did this act almost up to the time of his death.
Mr. Moran was twice married; his first wife died a few years prior to his marriage to Miss Jessie Millar, February 1, 1898.
Frank Moran was born in Ireland, September 15, 1827; he died in Philadelphia, December 14, 1898.
“Nick” Bowers (Edward Bowers), one of the ablest and most efficient middle men and stage directors of minstrelsy, made his first appearance at Charley White’s in New York, in the early 50’s; subsequent engagements were with Ordway’s Aeolians, Morris Bros., Pell and Trowbridge and Wood and Christy’s Minstrels.
In 1858, in conjunction with Billy Birch and Charley Fox, they presented Birch, Bowers and Fox’s Minstrels, and in 1864, with Tom Prendergast, launched a company that had a brief existence. For some time he played star engagements with John Mulligan.
His last appearance was in New York City, February 11, 1865.
Nick Bowers died in Brooklyn, N. Y., February 27, 1865; age 38 years.
Paul Berger was one of the greatest bass singers in minstrelsy, and at the requests of Presidents Tyler and Van Buren, he sang before those chief executives.
He was with Matt. Peel’s Minstrels in 1858; with Sanford’s Minstrels in Philadelphia, and later with Carncross and Dixey’s Co. in the same city. Mr. Berger was business manager for Fox’s Theatre in Philadelphia, in 1876.
Paul Berger died in Philadelphia, October 8, 1894; age 67 years.
John Mulligan was an altitudinous comedian, and in the old nigger acts with performers of immature stature, in the ludicrous make-up he invariably affected, he was screamingly funny. His first professional appearance was with Raymond and Waring’s Circus; his first minstrel engagement was with the Perham Company more than fifty years ago. Mr. Mulligan appeared for several seasons in the various variety houses controlled by George Lea.
In June, 1866, he commenced an engagement at Hooley’s Minstrels in Brooklyn, remaining fifteen months; subsequently he was with the San Franciscos in New York.
January 2, 1871, when Hooley invaded Chicago, Mr. Mulligan was with his company.
Mr. Mulligan was most happily married, and his domestic life was an ideal one.
John Mulligan was born in New York City, 1827, where he died July 28, 1873.
Charles Christie, who had various companies bearing his name, notably one in England about 1866, died in Kansas City, Mo., February 12, 1897; age 69 years.
Fred Wilson. The distinction of being the oldest living minstrel undoubtedly belongs to the subject of this sketch, who made his first appearance about 1843, and for four or five years allied himself with many of the various minstrel companies that sprang up after the success of the parent organization.
In 1848 he joined “Bije” Thayer’s Minstrels, a prominent Boston Company.
While Mr. Wilson was not the first to do clog dancing in this country, he was undoubtedly the first to do so in a minstrel company.
In the Fall of 1858 he joined Bryant’s Minstrels in New York, and about December 1, that year, made his first appearance in Boston with the Morris Bros., Pell and Trowbridge’s Minstrels, where he made a lengthy stay.
April 29, 1861, he opened with Lloyd’s Minstrels in New York, closing May 25, following. Later he went to China in a government capacity, but not liking the cooking in the Celestial Empire, returned to the United States, arriving January 25, 1864.
(Charley) Morris and Wilson’s Minstrels opened at their permanent home in St. Louis, April 10, 1865; the partnership was dissolved in February, 1867.
Fred Wilson’s Minstrels toured for two or three years, and then Mr. Wilson made another foreign trip; but returned in the Summer of 1871.
In 1872 he was with Cal. Wagner’s Minstrels, and in 1875 made another foreign invasion, remaining abroad five years, returning in 1880 and joining Haverly’s Minstrels. Subsequently Mr. Wilson, whose specialty for many years had been clog dancing, except in 1852 when he was a clown in a circus, took up executive duties with many minstrel and other organizations. He also promoted several attractions of his own.
Fred Wilson was born in Boston, Mass., November 9, 1827.
Sam Hague, the famous English minstrel manager, began his career as a clog dancer.
He visited the United States in 1850 with his brothers Thomas and William; later he was a partner of Dick Sands, also Tim Hayes.
He toured the United States for several seasons with Hague’s Concert Company, and in 1865, with Cal. Wagner, formed Wagner and Hague’s Minstrels.
He also organized Hague’s Georgia Minstrels, a company of negro performers, and gave the first performance at Macon, Ga.
Later they sailed for England, and opened at Liverpool, July 9, 1866, and scored a failure. Subsequently Mr. Hague engaged white performers for the principal parts, and retaining some of the colored men, gave a performance that achieved success.
He organized a permanent minstrel company in Liverpool, and opened there in St. James Hall, October 31, 1870, and remained eighteen years, after which they made brief tours, up to the time of Mr. Hague’s death.
He visited the United States with Hague’s British Operatic Minstrels, opening in Philadelphia, September 12, 1881.
Sam Hague was born in Sheffield, England, in 1828; he died in Liverpool, England, January 7, 1901.
George L. Hall has the distinction of being the oldest living minstrel balladist. His first appearance was at Georgetown, D. C., October 14, 1848, with the Beck Family.
Mr. Hall has long since retired from active theatricals, but during his long career as a vocalist he was associated with some of the most famous organizations in minstrelsy.
Among the most prominent ones that may be mentioned are: Sanderson’s, in Baltimore; Sanford’s, in Philadelphia; George Christy’s, and Bryant’s, in New York; Skiff and Gaylord’s, Johnny Booker’s, Sam Price’s and Boyce and Mudge’s.
Wm. D. Hall, the well-known minstrel and author, in Philadelphia, is a son of Mr. Hall.
Geo. L. Hall was born in Baltimore, Md., May 5, 1828.
Charley Fox was one of the most popular comedians and banjoists of his day.
His first appearance was in 1848. About 1854 he came to New York, and for many years was identified with the best permanent organizations. He was of the original company of Bryant’s Minstrels, New York, February 23, 1857.
 |  |
| BILLY WELCH | JOHNNY RICE |
| (WELCH & RICE.) | |
 |  |
| EDDIE GIRARD | WILLIE GIRARD |
| (GIRARD BROS.) | |
 |  |
| J. MELVILLE JANSEN | GUS. BRUNO |
| (KNOWN AS JOHNSON & BRUNO.) | |
He was with Lloyd’s Minstrels in 1861, and several seasons with Wood’s Minstrels; all in the metropolis. His last appearance was December 22, 1864.
Charley Fox was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., November 15, 1828; he died in New York City December 26, 1864.
George H. Coes was a splendid “straight man”, possessed a fine voice, and was an excellent banjoist.
He went to California about 1852 from the east, and identified himself with several minstrel companies there. He remained a few years, and then returned to New York, where he opened with Wood and Christy’s Minstrels, October 15, 1857. In the Spring of the following year he again went to California, where he appeared with George Christy’s Minstrels. In 1859, with Sam Wells, he organized Coes and Wells’ Minstrels in California.
A few years later he again came East, subsequently joining the Morris Brothers’ Minstrels in Boston. He left them February 13, 1866, and on the following March 5, he was at the opening of Seaver’s Minstrels in Brooklyn, N. Y., in the theatre that is now known as the Novelty. A year later, with S. S. Purdy and Frank Converse, Purdy, Coes and Converse’s Minstrels were organized.
Mr. Coes flayed stock engagements at Pastor’s, Bob Butler’s and John Hart’s theatres in New York City for many years. He formed a partnership with Luke Schoolcraft in 1874, which terminated in 1889.
George H. Coes was born in Providence, R. I., about 1828; he died in Cambridge, Mass., March 16, 1897.
Arthur Moreland, Bobby Newcomb and Luke Schoolcraft were born on three successive days, respectively, in 1847.
Jerry Bryant (O’Brien) was the oldest of the famous Bryant Brothers; he was an excellent comedian, and was especially good on the “bone end” of the minstrel first part.
He made his initial appearance as a ballad singer in 1842. Billy Whitlock, the “father of minstrelsy,” first brought him before the public.
In 1844 he became a member of the Ethiopian Serenaders, subsequently appearing with the Operatic Brothers and Sisters. In June, 1847, he formed one of the original Campbell’s Minstrels, organized in New York City.
The following year he played in London, England, with Major Dumbleton’s Ethiopian Serenaders. In 1849 he returned to America and made a tour of the country, and on April 8, 1850, he opened with Earl Pierce’s Minstrels at No. 442 Broadway, New York City; subsequently he went to Boston, where he met with much success with Ordway’s Aeolians.
When George Christy seceded from the E. P. Christy Minstrels, in New York, October 1854, Jerry Bryant took his (Christy’s) place, and remained with the company until it disbanded, on July 15, 1854; in September, the same year, he went with E. P. Christy’s Minstrels to California, and continued until the final dissolution of that company took place, a short time after their arrival. In San Francisco he next managed the San Francisco Minstrels, in conjunction with Eph. Horn and Sher. Campbell. In 1855 they went to Australia, subsequently returning to the United States, and on Monday, February 23, 1857, in conjunction with his brothers, Dan and Neil, and about ten others, the first performance of Bryant’s Minstrels was given in New York City, at Mechanics’ Hall, No. 472 Broadway.
Mr. Bryant was married in the Spring of 1859; his widow subsequently became the wife of Thomas Donaldson, proprietor of the London Theatre, New York.
Of Jerry Bryant it may be truthfully said that he was one of the most capable and popular performers that ever blacked up.
His last appearance was with his own company, April 2, 1861.
Jerry Bryant was born in Chesterfield, N. Y., June 11, 1828; he died in New York City April 8, 1861.
Mickey Warren was one of the most famous of the early jig dancers. He appeared with Charley White’s Minstrels in New York City in 1849, and was for a long time with Bryant’s Minstrels in the same city.
He died in New York City May 14, 1875; age 47 years.
Hy. Rumsey was one of the greatest banjoists of his day. In the middle 50’s he joined Campbell’s Minstrels, and continued with them until 1857, when, with W. W. Newcomb, he organized a company bearing their names, which traveled in the United States and Europe until 1862.
Mr. Rumsey subsequently organized Rumsey’s Minstrels, and traveled with it for several seasons.
He was one of the earliest performers to give imitations of the bell chimes on the banjo, and unlike most of his contemporaries, Mr. Rumsey invariably played while in a standing position.
Hy. Rumsey was born July 12, 1828; he died in Newburgh, N. Y., September 9, 1871.
Thomas L. Moxley was known as “Master Floyd” in his earlier career, which began with Kunkel’s Nightingales in the 50’s; he remained with them several seasons, chiefly as a female impersonator. He was the last survivor of that famous company.
He was born in Baltimore, Md., and died there July 7, 1890; age 62 years.
James Carroll was a capable and efficient “middle man” and vocalist of Bryant’s Minstrels in New York City at the time of his death there, April 11, 1861; age 32 years.
G. W. H. Griffin was one of the prominent men of minstrelsy; he excelled as an interlocutor, had a fine voice, was an actor of merit and was intellectual to a degree.
His first appearance was in 1850 with the Boston Harmonists in Palmyra, N. Y. In 1853 he joined Wood’s Minstrels in New York, and continued with them when the organization, a few months later, was known as Wood and Christy’s Minstrels. With the latter company he remained until May, 1854, when he went to California with George Christy’s Minstrels. A year later he returned East, and on February 6, 1860, in conjunction with Sher. Campbell and R. M. Hooley, he organized Hooley and Campbell’s Minstrels. This company continued until July 13, 1861.
October 28, following, Mr. Griffin and Mr. Hooley organized the famous Hooley Minstrels, giving the first performance in New York on that date.
Mr. Griffin severed connection with this company in August, 1862.
Season of 1862-63 he was with Bryant’s Minstrels in New York, and the following one with Hooley in Brooklyn, N. Y., and continued with him until 1866.
Early in 1867 Mr. Griffin and George Christy’s Minstrels were established in New York, where their final appearance was made September 23, same year.
Later Mr. Griffin was identified with the following well-known minstrel organizations: Kelly and Leon’s; Hooley, in Chicago, and Unsworth’s.
His last minstrel appearance was in Brooklyn, N. Y., January 8, 1875, with a venture of his own.
Subsequently he appeared in the variety theatres. His last engagement was with Harrigan and Hart Company, in Boston, Mass., June 7, 1879.
G. W. H. Griffin was born in Gloucester, Mass., March 21, 1829; he died in Brooklyn, N. Y., July 11, 1879.
Joseph Jefferson.—This famous American comedian, whose long association in the character of Rip Van Winkle endeared him to the hearts of thousands, at the age of four years, in Washington, D. C., was brought on the stage by the immortal “Daddy” Rice, and danced Jim Crow before an admiring audience.
Joseph Jefferson was born in Philadelphia, February 20, 1829; he died at Palm Beach, Fla., May 23, 1905.
Billy Coleman, a good general black-face performer and banjoist, a favorite of Charley White’s Melodeon in New York City in the 50’s, at one time associated with George W. Charles, the wench dancer, died in New York City June 4, 1867; age 38 years. He had retired from the profession about five years prior to this.
Sher. Campbell (Sherwood Coan) was conceded to be the greatest baritone singer that minstrelsy ever knew, although in his earlier days he had a fine alto voice. His first appearance was with Campbell’s Minstrels in 1849, in New York City, where he remained several years, subsequently joining Murphy, West and Peel’s Minstrels, with whom he continued a few seasons; later he was with E. P. Christy’s Minstrels in New York, and went to California with them in 1854, afterwards joining Backus’ Minstrels there, going to Australia with that company.
Returning to San Francisco in 1856, he remained there with different companies until 1858, when he joined George Christy’s Minstrels, returning to New York in May, 1859. The following year, with G. W. H. Griffin and R. M. Hooley, they organized Hooley and Campbell’s Minstrels.
August 5, 1861, he opened with Bryant’s Minstrels in New York; he remained two years; this was his last minstrel engagement. Later the Castle-Campbell Opera Company was organized, and Mr. Campbell’s success in that form of entertainment was in every respect equal to his minstrel triumphs.
Sher. Campbell was born in New Haven, Conn., May 16, 1829; he died in Chicago, November 26, 1874.
George W. Bailey, one of the early minstrel performers, who was with Sharpley’s and other first-class organizations, and who was a clever “straight” man and interlocutor, died at Milford, Mass., July 2, 1891; age 62 years.
The 11TH ST. OPERA HOUSE, PHILADELPHIA.
Now and for nearly sixty years a home of permanent minstrelsy.
MECHANICS HALL; 1857.
472 Broadway, New York City; for many years the home of Bryant’s Minstrels. Only a memory now.
TWO FAMOUS MINSTREL EDIFICES; PAST AND PRESENT.
P. S. Gilmore, who organized and led for many years the famous band bearing his name, was a member of Ordway’s Aeolians in Boston, 1851, where he sat on the end and played the tambourine. June 24, 1851, he began an engagement in Hartford, Con., with the above company.
P. S. Gilmore was born near Dublin, Ireland, December 25, 1829; he died at St. Louis, Mo., September 24, 1892.
“Dad” Sarrissey (William H. Blackledge), an old-time banjoist and comedian, played several engagements at Charley White’s in New York, also Bryant’s Minstrels in the same city. His last appearance was about 1869.
He was born in New York City in 1829; he died there December 15, 1889.
Ben Mallory was especially well known as a dancer. He was with E. P. Christy’s Minstrels in New York, and in the same city was one of the original members of Bryant’s Minstrels in 1857.
He was born in New York in 1829; he died in Savannah, Ga., November 2, 1859.
Ben Cotton. One of the truly great names in minstrelsy was Ben Cotton—not so great in 1845, when running away from home, yet early in his teens, he joined the Amburgh Circus, as in 1906 he made his final appearance at Tony Pastor’s, New York City, doing, not the aged darky act, by which character he was most familiarly known, but the dandy of the present; the beard he had been wont to wear for many years was shorn for this occasion. It was no longer “old Ben Cotton,” but “young Ben Cotton” that the audience received and applauded. Only the initiated could have known that the “darkey” before them was 76 years of age, and it is the writer’s proud boast that he was at Pastor’s to give Ben Cotton a “hand” on his entrance, and remaining until the evening performance, again led with the veteran’s reception; and Ben Cotton “made good.”
When Julian’s Serenaders opened the famous Eleventh Street Opera House (then known as Cartee’s Lyceum), in Philadelphia, December 4, 1854, he was a member of the company. His next prominent engagement was with Matt Peel’s Minstrels. Here he made a big success as “Old Bob Ridley”, a character portraying the aged negro, which he did with remarkable fidelity. Afterwards he was on the steamer “Banjo”, which plied the Mississippi River, giving entertainments on board, stopping at the various towns on its course. This engagement gave him an opportunity to study the negro at close range, which he was quick to take advantage of, and it served him in good stead during his entire career.
Returning to New York, Birch and Cotton’s Minstrels played a successful engagement at No. 444 Broadway; and in 1862 they went to San Francisco, this being Cotton’s first appearance there. He remained under Tom Maguire’s management for three years.
With Joe Murphy, Cotton and Murphy’s Minstrels were organized about March 1, 1865; the organization continued two years, when, Murphy retiring, it became Cotton’s Minstrels.
In 1870 he joined Manning’s Minstrels in Chicago, playing an extended engagement there. Later Arlington, Cotton and Kemble’s Minstrels were launched in the same city, and met with such success that a theatre was built especially for them. Accordingly, Myers Opera House, Chicago, was opened with this company September 23, 1872.
Early in 1875 he was with Billy Emerson’s Minstrels at Hooley’s Theatre, Chicago, and that same year, with Dave Reed, opened the Twenty-third Street Opera House, New York, which had lately been vacated, owing to the death of Dan Bryant. The company was known as Cotton and Reed’s Minstrels.
A short season of management at Wood’s Museum, Chicago, not proving successful, with his wife and daughter he produced and played for many years “Faithful Bob”; later this play was known as “True Devotion”.
In 1878 he returned to minstrelsy for a few months, forming an alliance with Cal Wagner, known as Cotton and Wagner’s Minstrels.
In 1886 Birch and Cotton’s Minstrels again took the road; following this, he played a few seasons in California with a repertoire company.
Engagements of late years were character parts in “The War of Wealth”, “The New South” and “As Ye Sow”.
Ben Cotton was thrice married.
Ben Cotton, Jr., who is dead, and Idalene Cotton, who is the wife of Nick Long, are his children.
Ben Cotton was born in Pawtucket, R. I., July 27, 1829; he died in New York City, February 14, 1908.
Anthony Nish was well known for many years as a minstrel “leader.”
His first theatrical appearance was in the 50’s, with Parham’s Minstrels. July 11, 1857, he sailed for England with Raynor and Pierce’s “Christy” Minstrels, opening in London, August 3, following.
He continued with this company for a lengthy period, later organizing a troupe of his own. He finally returned to London, and was with Moore and Burgess’ Minstrels for many years.
He was born in New Castle, England; he died in London, England, October 3, 1874; age 39 years.
J. B. Murphy was a well-known composer, vocalist and manager. He had been with Beler’s Campbell Minstrels in 1861, and with Lloyd and Bidaux’s, where he commenced an engagement January 21, 1867.
He died in Jersey City, N. J., July 13, 1871.
George W. Herman (Simonson), well and favorably known as a black-face comedian and banjoist, and a brother of J. A. Herman, died in Brooklyn, N. Y., about August, 1882.
Joseph Mortimer (Mocherman) began his professional career in the variety theatres as a black-face banjo player; later he was with Gardner and Forepaugh’s Circus.
His first managerial experience was with the Canterbury in Philadelphia in 1864.
Subsequently he assumed control of what is now known as the National and Casino Theatres in the same city, the former on February 6, 1871; the latter August 23, 1873.
He retired from the management of the Grand Central Theatre, June 24, 1876, and took the management of Matt Morgan’s Variety Company. This was his last theatrical enterprise.
Mr. Mortimer was twice married—first to Effie Walters, who was later known as Florence Stover, and later to Ida Morris; both were professional ladies.
Wm. A. Mortimer, the well-known actor of Corse Payton’s Stock Company, is his son.
Joseph Mortimer was born in Harrisburg, Pa.; he died there January 6, 1880.