LEW DOCKSTADER (Geo. Alfred Clapp).
Minstrelsy didn’t commence with Lew Dockstader, but Lew Dockstader commenced with minstrelsy, and has been associated with it ever since, always appearing in black face, a distinction enjoyed but by few burnt-cork artists. Mr. Dockstader’s success is due to many things, the most conspicuous being his ability to ascertain just what the public wants and when it wants it; and then giving it to them.
The name of Dockstader has been a household word for many years; the fame of Dockstader will live forever.
Mr. Dockstader’s initial appearance dates back to 1873, when, in his native city he was a member of an amateur organization by the very minstrel name of Earl, Emmett and Wild’s Minstrels; with Frank Lawton he did a song and dance act under the team name of Lawton and Clapp. That there was some class even at that early date to the great artist in embryo, is evinced from the fact that the late Harry Bloodgood, who was at that time organizing a company, engaged young Clapp, and he forthwith became a member of Bloodgood’s Comic Alliance, opening in Springfield, Mass., about September 1, 1873, and continuing the season.
The following year he formed a partnership with Johnny Mack, and as Mack and Clapp joined Whitmore and Clark’s Minstrels, remaining until the Spring of the next year.
From 1875 to 1876 he was associated with Mart Healy, also Healy and Ella Saunders, playing the variety houses, and billed as the “Big Three.” Then something happened. Mr. Dockstader fell into some money; but how fall out? Have a theatre of your own, someone suggested. Accordingly, on the 11th day of September, 1876, Newton’s Varieties, in Hartford, Conn., was opened under the management of Lew Clapp; four weeks later the name of the theatre was changed to the Adelphi and as the Adelphi it continued until January 13 following, when Mr. Clapp surrendered the reins of management to the more venerable Ad. Weaver.
LEW. DOCKSTADER.
Thinking he had said goodby to the theatrical business for good and all, Mr. Clapp (who still retained some of his inheritance) set out for California, where he reached in due time. This was before the day of “Seeing San Francisco” cars were in evidence; nevertheless he saw all that was worth seeing before it dawned upon him that the end of his money had been nearly reached.
Fate in the guise of Cogill and Cooper appeared on the scene, and in May, 1877, opened the new Adelphi Theatre in the great Western metropolis; Lew Clapp doing a song and dance, “Peter, You’re in Luck This Morning,” was one of the features of the bill.
After a pleasant and profitable engagement of several months he joined Sargent’s Minstrels for a tour, opening early in September and closing in Sacramento, Cal., December 10, 1877.
He gradually worked his way to New York, where in August, 1878, he formed a partnership with Charles Dockstader, doing black-face songs and dances; the alliance, which was known as the Dockstader Brothers, continued until the illness of Charles Dockstader caused a severance of their business relations in Philadelphia, in March, 1883. Mr. Dockstader made his initial appearance with his new partner in Jersey City, September, 1878; they remained there several weeks.
Their first minstrel engagement was with Jerry Thomas’ Minstrels in New York at the Brighton Theatre (present site of Bijou) December 30, 1878.
They then played the principal variety houses until the commencement of the season of 1880 when they joined Carncross’ Minstrels in Philadelphia for the season; the following year they returned there, and remained until about January 1, 1882, when they joined George Thatcher’s Minstrels, also in Philadelphia, for a brief engagement, terminating January 21st; a week later they opened with Haverly’s Minstrels in St. Louis, Mo., for the balance of the season.
In the Fall of 1882 they again returned to Carncross’, in Philadelphia, where after the sickness of Charles Dockstader in March, 1883, Lew Dockstader remained until the season closed; drawing the double salary for his individual services, and generously sharing it with his afflicted partner.
Mr. Dockstader began his fourth season with Carncross in the Fall of 1883; he continued there until the Spring of 1886. On the 17th day of September that year, Dockstader’s Minstrels opened as a permanent institution in New York City, where for more than three years he held forth, surrounded at all times with the luminaries of the minstrel world; during this period he made a trip to California with his company.
The final performance was given December 9, 1889.
December 23, 1889, he opened with Hermann’s Trans-Oceanic Vaudeville Company for a limited engagement.
The following month he became a member of Primrose and West’s Minstrels and continued with them until the Spring of 1891, after which he joined George Thatcher’s Minstrels in San Francisco, and finished the season with that company.
Dockstader’s Minstrels were next organized for a road tour and made their first appearance at Dayton, Ohio, July 23, 1891. They traveled successfully until February 20, 1895; on that date giving their closing performance in Cincinnati.
Mr. Dockstader immediately entered vaudeville, and continued in it successfully until 1898, when in connection with George Primrose, a minstrel company bearing their names was organized. It traveled for five years during which time it gave universal satisfaction.
In 1903 Mr. Dockstader again headed his own aggregation; each year since then successfully conducting it on lines that have long since made it synonymous with all that is best in minstrelsy.
Mr. Dockstader does what no other black-face monologuist has ever attempted, namely, to give a different specialty every season, each one being an expensive scenic affair that requires generally a full stage to properly produce.
Lew Dockstader was born in Hartford, Conn., August 7, 1856.
Tom Sadler, a well-known comedian, was a member of Haverly’s Mastodons at their inception in 1878; he went to England with them in 1880, and continued with them several years after. He was of the team of Green and Sadler, and later Morton and Sadler. Mr. Sadler was born in Nashville, Tenn., October 16, 1856; he died in Liverpool, England, December 31, 1893.
Billy Stiles (Lyons), a well-known performer of three decades ago, who was at one time connected with Haverly’s Minstrels, and Washburn’s Circus, was a native of Bridgeport, Conn. He died in Newark, N. J., October 10, 1909; age 53 years.
Rice and Barton, famous for many years for their burlesque productions, did a great black-face act in 1882, and three years later headed Rice and Barton’s Minstrels.
Rice and Barton were brothers, and up to the time of the death of the former, comprised one of the oldest theatrical partnerships in existence.
George W. Rice (Swope) was born in Three Springs, Pa., September 13, 1858; he died at Centreport, Long Island, N. Y., December 22, 1909.
Charles Barton (Swope) was born in Three Springs, Pa., in 1856.
Chas. H. Yale had a varied experience as a black-face performer before he could tack the words, “Manager of Devil’s Auction,” to his name.
Mr. Yale first appeared professionally at Haverhill, Mass., in 1873, doing a black-face banjo act. He next worked in acts with Neil Burgess, in white-face. Subsequently he did a black-face act with George Austin, and later with Harry Fielding.
About 1875 he formed a partnership with Al. Decker, and as Yale and Decker they traveled for several seasons. Mr. Yale also achieved marked success as a pantomimist.
Charles H. Yale was born at Laconia, N. H., February 13, 1856.
The Hogan Bros. formed a partnership in the middle 70’s, doing black-face songs and dances; their greatest success was with the “Happy Hottentots.”
They had been with various minstrel and specialty companies during the eighteen years they were associated together.
Harry Hogan had been business manager at the Bijou Theatre in Jersey City, N. J., almost fifteen years.
Gus Hogan had been manager for various burlesque companies, after their separation.
| NED—GOSS & FOX—JAS. (Portraits reversed) | JAS.—GRIFFIN & RICE—JOHN C. (1875) (Portraits reversed) | JNO. F.—FIELDS & HOEY—WM. F. (Portraits reversed) |
Harry Hogan (Hornidge) was born in New York, in 1857; he died in Jersey City, N. J., October 26, 1905.
Gus Hogan (Rohling) was born in New York; he died at Fair Haven, N. J., May 30, 1908; age 50 years.
Hooley and Thompson formed a partnership about 1871, doing black-face songs and dances.
Their first prominent engagement was with Welch, Hughes and White’s Minstrels in Brooklyn, N. Y. They were with Haverly’s Mastodons in 1878, and went to Europe with them in 1880, and continued with Haverly some time after that.
Subsequently they were with Wilson and Rankin’s Minstrels. In September, 1887, they joined Rice, Hart, and Ryman’s Minstrels; this was their last joint engagement.
They separated about August, 1888; Mr. Hooley subsequently acting in an official capacity at his uncle’s (R. M. Hooley) theatre in Chicago.
Mr. Thompson afterward played in white-face with Joe Murphy’s Irish dramas, and for several seasons was the latter’s manager.
Bob Hooley was born in Brooklyn, N. Y.; he, died in Chicago, Ill., January 24, 1899.
Dan Thompson (Sallows) was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., August 27, 1857.
Maurice Haley, one of the original Electric Three, comprising Callan, Haley and Callan, was a comedian and dancer, and one of the organizers of the Electric Three Minstrels about 1887.
He died in New York August 28, 1890; age 33 years.
J. W. Kelly (Shields), famous the country over as the “Rolling Mill Man,” and one of the greatest natural wits the world ever knew, did a black-face act with Charles Dockstader at the London Theatre, New York, on the night of October 23, 1884, called “Worse and Worse.”
Mr. Kelly, who was a wonderful Irish comedian, was born in Philadelphia, in 1857; he died in New York, June 26, 1896.
Tim Cronin made his first appearance at the “House of Commons” in 1869. This was not the famous place where the Britishers make their laws; not, not; for Timothy did not have political aspirations for many years after that.
It was in 1870 that he played his first minstrel engagement as “Master Charley,” doing a jig and song and dance, with Bryant’s Company in his native city.
A year or two later he joined James Tierney, and as Tierney and Cronin one of their great acts was the “Ashante Recruits.”
During the decade they were together they played several important minstrel engagements, such as Kelly and Leon’s; Neil Bryant’s, and Hooley’s, in Brooklyn, N. Y. With Tierney and Lester and Allen, Mr. Cronin formed the “Four Aces” in 1877, continuing as a quartette for one season.
Mr. Cronin next went with Harrigan and Hart in New York, where about 1881 he left Tierney, and subsequently allied himself with Master Martin, Dan Waldron and William Smith, and for several seasons traveled as the “Big 4.” In 1886 he joined Lew Dockstader’s Minstrels at their permanent home in New York City.
For several years Mr. Cronin has been playing white-face comedy parts, the first of which was with Tony Hart in “A Toy Pistol”; he continued with Hart until the sad ending of the latter’s career.
Since then he has been identified with many famous farcical fellows, and also has to his credit a three-year engagement with Augustin Daly in New York.
After Mr. Cronin’s long experience in the varieties, it was but natural that he should take “A Trip to the Vaudevilles”; and he did; George M. Cohan wrote it, and Tim Cronin played it in fourteen parts; that is, he portrayed fourteen different characters.
Tim Cronin was born in New York City, November 4, 1857.
Connors and Kelly. Jimmy Connors, of the old team of Connors and Kelly, joined the latter about 1871, and continued together 19 years. They went to England in 1876, and remained eight years. He was once of the “Big 4.”
Maggie Weston, well known for her comedy characterizations of the rough Irish woman, was his wife; they were married July 3, 1888.
Jimmy Connors was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., April 1856; he died in New York City, January 3, 1909.
Jimmy Kelly died about 15 years ago.
“Buck” Sheffer (Chas. Sheffer) at a very early age appeared in acts with Otto Burbank. In the middle 70’s he worked with Bob Slavin, as Sheffer and Slavin, subsequently appearing with Mike Foley, as Sheffer and Foley.
About 1880 he joined Harry Blakely and continued with him until the death of the latter.
In the character of a rough wench he excelled.
Of late years Mr. Sheffer has been working in vaudeville with his daughter, a young lady of unusual talents.
“Buck” Sheffer was born in Baltimore, Md., January 25, 1857.
Harry Blakely (Blacklock) joined Sheffer about 1880, and together were one of the greatest teams of their day in the characters of plantation negroes. Prior to Mr. Blakely’s stage appearance, he was a page in Congress for many years, and was a man of unusual intelligence.
Harry Blakely was born in Alexandria, Va., 1859; he died in New York City, June 1, 1891.
John Blackford, a most excellent portrayer of the plantation darky, was with Cleveland’s Minstrels season of 1895-96, and 1898 he was a member of Haverly’s last minstrel company; he subsequently joined Al. G. Field’s Minstrels, where he remained until his death.
Mr. Blackford’s “Coon from Arkansaw” was one of the gems of latter day minstrelsy.
John Blackford died at Charleston, W. Va., December 7, 1903; age 46 years.
Fred A. Bell (Herrick) with his partner, Sam Howe, created considerable stir by dancing a clog on a marble pedestal and turning a somersault in the air. He was with Barlow, Wilson, Primrose and West’s Minstrels in 1881, and the following season joined the Barlow, Wilson Minstrels.
Fred A. Bell was born in Toledo, Ohio; he died in Louisville, Ky., March 17, 1884; age 27 years.
Pete Mack (McGlone), the well-known and capable comedian, joined J. C. Harrington about 1873, doing double songs and dances; the partnership continued about four years, when Mr. Mack, who was working under his own name, went with the New Orleans Minstrels. October 21, 1878, using the name of Mack, he joined Haverly’s Original Mastodon Minstrels in Chicago, and continued with Mr. Haverly off and on for several seasons; in the Fall of 1881 he was with Emerson’s Minstrels in San Francisco.
Mr. Mack was with Haverly on the latter’s second trip to England, in 1884; while there he received an offer from “Pony” Moore to join Moore and Burgess’ Minstrels in London; he accepted and remained several seasons.
Subsequently he was with Dockstader’s Minstrels in New York City, and with the “City Directory”; his last engagement was with Donnelly and Girard in “Natural Gas”; always appearing in black-face.
Pete Mack died in Pittsburgh, Pa., March 15, 1892; age 35 years.
Wm. R. Weston, of the firm of Culhane, Chace and Weston’s Minstrels, previous to the inception of that organization in the middle 90’s, was with Emerson’s Minstrels and Dockstader’s Minstrels. Was also with Reilly and Woods Co., and the St. Felix Sisters organizations. He was an accomplished musician and leader.
At the time of his death he was musical director of the orchestra at the Music Hall, Yonkers, N. Y.
His wife was Charlotte St. Felix, of the 4 St. Felix Sisters.
William R. Weston was born at Stafford, Conn., April 6, 1857; he died at Brooklyn, N. Y., September 25, 1906.
David Belasco.—The author had been told that the subject of this sketch played black-face parts during his very early career in San Francisco; and on September 12, 1910, wrote to Mr. Belasco asking him to verify the report.
Under date of November 7, 1910, Mr. Belasco sent the following:
“Pray pardon me for the delay in replying to your letter, but I have been much absent from town and my time wholly occupied with rehearsals.
“I am sorry to say that I’m afraid I can’t give you any definite information, as it is from twenty to twenty-five years ago, and I really don’t remember. I only recollect that I played many little parts. Faithfully,
“David Belasco.”
Wonder if Mr. Belasco has any ideas in that fertile brain of his, as to how a minstrel show should be run? Bet he has.
Sallie Cohen played Topsy in “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” when she was a little girl; she told me so herself.
But that couldn’t have been such a very long time ago; now was it, Mrs. Rice?
Sam Rickey (Rich. T. Higgins), one of the greatest stage Irishmen ever known, and who was an early partner of Edw. Harrigan, played frequently in black-face during his early career with Add. Weaver. He was also with Hart, Ryman and Barney’s Minstrels in 1871.
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| JOHN A. LANG | BOB. TYRRELL | RAYMOND SHAW |
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| HAYDON TILLA | THOS. B. DIXON | HARRY SHIRLEY |
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| GEO. W. HARLEY | HARRY W. ROE | HORACE RUSHBY |
| MORE SINGERS. | ||
He died in New York, September 10, 1885.
Edmond G. Corbin, the Apollo banjoist, formerly of Claudius and Corbin, Hale and Corbin, and just Corbin, was one of the features of the Primrose and Dockstader’s Minstrels in 1901.
Mr. Corbin’s ideas of comedy frequently conflicted with those of Jas. H. Decker.
Mr. Corbin may soon mingle midst the mirthful and merry monologists.
Edmond G. Corbin was born in Troy, N. Y., May 23, 1877.
Will J. Davis, the popular and efficient manager of the beautiful Illinois Theatre in Chicago, writing to the author from Hot Springs, Ark., March 27, 1909, said: * * * “Lew Dockstader is billed for a night here about the middle of April. Wish I could stay to see the performance.”
Of course, you did, Mr. Davis, for you haven’t forgotten your associations with Jack Haverly, and when you took his famous Georgia Minstrels to California in 1876. They were the first real colored troupe to visit the coast; their success there was in no small way due to your executive ability. Then there was a “Will Davis’ Minstrels” that toured Canada, some years ago. Wonder who that was?
“Coal Oil Johnny” (John W. Steele), whose extravagances of about 45 years ago while “financial manager” of Skiff and Gaylord’s Minstrels, are yet recalled by many in and out of the profession, is said to be living quietly in Hazleton, Pa.
“Coal Oil Johnny” was a poor boy in the 60’s, when his foster parents, who had suddenly acquired fabulous wealth through the finding of oil on their property, died and left their all to young Steele. Then came a riotous round of dissipations and extravagances. It was a common thing for Steele to buy a carriage and team, and a few minutes later give it away to any stranger he happened to meet. It is said he gave a hotel away in the same manner. Mr. Steele furnished the money for the minstrels, and diamonds for the promoters, on the sole condition that his name should be used on all printing as “financial manager,” as already stated.
It is said that he has seen no minstrel show in late years.
Chauncey Olcott, the favorite singing Irish comedian, was many years a minstrel.
On the 21st day of February, 1876, Mr. Olcott, full of hope, became a member of the Alabama Serenaders, a minstrel company, which closed at St. Thomas, Canada, at the end of the third performance. Had the treasurer of the organization been as good as the show, they might have still been traveling.
In the Fall of the same year he joined Lew Benedict’s Minstrels. Mr. Olcott’s banner year as a minstrel was in 1879; here’s the record. September 13, opened with Simmons and Slocum’s Company in Philadelphia; November 27, he played a full season with the Three Rankin’s Minstrels, opening at Columbus, Ohio, on the above date, and closing with the company (which also closed) November 27, 1879, after a consecutive run of one consecutive night. Was Mr. Olcott discouraged? Not much; he became a member of Haverly’s Mastodons at Buffalo, N. Y.; prior to which he was with Hooley and Emerson’s Megatherians. July 31, 1880, he opened with Haverly at the Drury Lane Theatre, London, England.
October 17, 1881, he opened in San Francisco with Billy Emerson’s Minstrels. About January, 1884, he married Miss Carrie Armstrong in Philadelphia.
Mr. Olcott was with Carncross’ Minstrels in Philadelphia, where he remained about two or three years. Seasons of 1884-85-86 he was with Thatcher, Primrose and West’s Minstrels. September 11, 1886, he again joined Simmons and Slocum’s Company in the Quaker City.
A short time after that he became a member of the “Old Homestead”; later he played Nanki Poo in the “Mikado”; subsequently entering the field of Irish drama.
Chauncey Olcott was born July 21, 1857, at Providence, R. I.
Harry M. Price, prominent in many musical productions for his many successes in Dutch comedy parts, was one of the Price Bros., from 1877 to 1882, doing black-face song and dance acts.
Theo. Price, his brother, has retired from active theatricals on account of illness.
Harry M. Price was born in Baltimore, Md., May 20, 1857.
Banks Winter first appeared theatrically as a member of an amateur minstrel company in his native city; that was in 1877.
Mr. Winter became a real minstrel November 9, 1879, at Dayton, Ohio, when he joined Haverly’s Mastodons—and there were others, notably Billy Arlington’s; Skiff’s California; Leavitt’s Gigantean’s; Haverly-Cleveland’s; Cleveland’s and five years with Thatcher, Primrose and West’s.
In November, 1900, Mr. Winter, accompanied by his charming and talented young daughter, entered the vaudeville field, and as Banks and Winona Winter, traveled for several seasons.
In the Fall of 1907 Mr. Winter played a brief engagement in a vaudeville act, appearing in black-face. The report that Mr. Winter didn’t black his ears or eyes on this occasion is manifestly absurd.
Mr. Winter was born in Macon, Ga., February 8, 1857; after which he wrote “White Wings”; and incidentally no one ever sang it better, for Banks Winter was one of minstrelsy’s great tenors.
John D. Gilbert (Donohue) formed a partnership with Billy Courtright about 1871, in an original black-face act called “Big and Little”; they subsequently had many imitators. Courtright and Gilbert made their first New York appearance at Charley White’s, 585 Broadway, October 12, 1872. Mr. Gilbert later eschewed burnt cork, and subsequently with Henry V. Donnelly and Eddie Girard starred in “Natural Gas.” Mr. Gilbert’s time is now mostly devoted to authoring theatrical sketches.
John D. Gilbert was born in Dublin, Ireland, September 3, 1857.
Wm. J. Sully (Sullivan) formed a partnership with Patsy Howard in 1873, doing a black-face act; they remained together one season. In 1876 he joined Billy Williams, and as Williams and Sully were well known on the variety stage, where they played for eleven years.
Mr. Sully afterwards married Nellie Germon, and as Sully and Germon did sketches, also in the variety theatres.
In 1884 Williams, Sully and Germon’s “Three Sunflowers” Company toured.
Of late Mr. Sully has been doing a single specialty in vaudeville. Mr. Sully was born in Boston, Mass., June 23, 1858.
Alf Gibson, the well-known comedian, made his first appearance at Columbus, Ohio, as a clog dancer, during the festivities that attended the Goss-Allen fight.
In 1875 he was with William Lawrence Allen’s Statue Company; after this Gilmore and Gibson did a song and dance with Mons. De Rea Circus.
Several years were spent in stock at the Bella Union and Adelphi Theatres in San Francisco.
Subsequently he went to Carncross’ Minstrels in Philadelphia and remained four years.
A trip to England, and on the return he played an engagement with Haverly in Chicago, in 1893. Mr. Gibson was twelve years at Dumont’s Minstrels in Philadelphia; two seasons with George Primrose’s Minstrels, and one season with Cohan and Harris’ Minstrels (1908).
Mr. Gibson formed a partnership with John Murphy that existed twelve years.
He married a Miss Davis October 27, 1880, and as Gibson and Davis they played several seasons.
For the past ten years he has been associated with the company known as Murphy and Gibson’s Minstrels at Atlantic City, N. J., during the Summer.
Alf. Gibson was born at Ashland, Ohio, September 11, 1858.
“Master” Martin has been “Master” Martin for forty odd years, or ever since his first professional appearance at the Old Bowery Theatre in 1867; N. B. Clarke was the stage manager, and ’twas he that gave him the sobriquet.
“Master” Martin essayed many roles before he played his first minstrel engagement with Bryant’s company in New York, early in 1875.
February 12, 1877, he opened with Kelly and Leon’s Minstrels also in New York. Other minstrel engagements were with Moore and Burgess in London, England, where he remained two and a half years.
In August, 1877, he became a member of the Big Four; Smith, Waldron, Morton and Martin; Mr. Martin continued a member of the Big Four through its many changes, for nearly a quarter of a century.
In the Summer of 1879 the Big Four Minstrels opened in New York City.
Mr. Martin has been associated also with Simmons and Slocum’s; Dockstader’s, Rice and Sheppard’s, Cleveland’s, and Haverly’s Minstrels; the latter in 1898. In his earlier career “Master” Martin was famous for his impersonation of the monkey; and for five years he played Dragonfin in “The Black Crook.”
CHAS. AND GUSTAVE FROHMAN AS MINSTREL MAGNATES; 1883.
He also played black-face parts in “Easy Dawson”; “The Ninety and Nine,” and the “Millionaire’s Revenge.”
He likewise created the character of Banty Tim, a dumb negro in “Jim Bludso.” Mr. Martin’s playing of this most difficult pantomimic role was most artistic.
“Master” Martin was born in New York City, August 27, 1858.
James Ten Brooke (Sheridan), first appeared professionally in 1876; Brooklyn, N. Y., was where it happened.
A year or so later he joined Larry Dooley in a “nigger act,” and continued with him until 1881; in 1880 they were with the Big Four Minstrels. Mr. Ten Brooke subsequently played stock engagements for several seasons, and in 1898 rejoined his former partner, and later played an engagement with Primrose and Dockstader’s Minstrels; with this organization Mr. Ten Brooke officiated as interlocutor; and he is one of the best.
He next appeared in white-face with the “Volunteer Organist”; after which with his daughter and son-in-law, as Ten Brooke, Lambert and Ten Brooke, he played vaudeville. Subsequently Ten Brooke and Henry formed a partnership, and are now in vaudeville.
James Ten Brooke was born in New York, January 23, 1858.
James Mack (McAvoy), who attained some prominence with minstrel shows as a female impersonator, died at Elyria, Ohio, November 5, 1890; age 32 years.
The Girard Brothers ranked with the great black-face song and dance teams of minstrelsy. Their first appearance was made at the Wigwam Theatre, in Paterson, N. J., in 1874.
In 1876 they were with Washburn’s Last Sensation, and two years later they played a brief engagement with Ben Cotton and “Happy” Cal. Wagner’s Minstrels.
In 1879 they joined Hooley and Emerson’s great Megatherian Minstrels; about 1880 they formed an alliance with Seamon and Somers, and were known as the “Grotesque Four”; and incidentally this was one of the greatest “four” acts ever put together.
The quartette opened with Thatcher and Ryman’s Minstrels in Philadelphia, December 20, 1880, and remained until the closing of the season. In 1881 the four joined Leavitt’s Giganteans for the season.
Early in 1882 the four joined forces with Lester and Allen, and as the “Funny Six” met with considerable success.
Subsequently the Girard Brothers separated, and Eddie Girard joined Haverly’s Minstrels, continuing with them for several months; with this company, in conjunction with Callan, Haley and Callan, they produced “Down Where the Cotton Grows.”
In 1884 with the same organization, Eddie Girard also worked with the late Charley Seamon.
After this engagement Eddie Girard went to San Francisco, and played with Charley Reed’s Minstrels, after which, in conjunction with Billy Arlington and Harry Wyatt, the late manager of the Mason Opera House, in Los Angeles, Cal., Arlington, Girard and Wyatt’s Minstrels made a brief tour.
This was Mr. Girard’s last appearance in black-face.
Subsequently as Gilbert, Donnelly and Girard, and later Donnelly and Girard, “Natural Gas” played several seasons; this was succeeded by “The Rainmakers” and “The Geezer.”
For several years past, Mr. Girard and his wife, as Girard and Gardner, have played successfully in vaudeville.
Willie Girard (Maloney), died in New York, September 5, 1892.
Eddie Girard was born in Paterson, N. J., August 28, 1858.
John Daly, one of the best known and most capable dancers of modern minstrelsy, made his first appearance at St. James Hall, Buffalo, N. Y., doing a black-face song and dance. August 9, 1878, Mr. Daly became a member of the Barlow, Wilson, Primrose and West Company, and continued with them until the dissolution of the organization in 1882; he then joined the Thatcher, Primrose and West Company, at their inception, and continued with them during their existence, seven years.
Mr. Daly next allied himself with the Primrose and West Company, and remained two seasons.
Season of 1891-92, he was with Cleveland’s Minstrels, and for the two seasons following he cast his fortunes with George Thatcher in the “Tuxedo” and “Africa” companies.
Mr. Daly then became a real legitimate actor with the “Bowery Girl,” “Paradise Alley” and “Sis Hopkins” and “A Daughter’s Devotion” Company’s, and he also took the regulation trip to vaudeville as Daly and Miss Paine (Mrs. Daly), and Daly and George Lewis.
Our John was now really sorry, and with tears in his eyes he “saw” Lew Dockstader; that gentleman was forgiving, and for six years Mr. Daly was a fixture with that gentleman’s organization, remaining until 1910.
O! yes, in 1898 “John” was with the Haverly Minstrels, and one of the Big Four—Smith, Waldron, Daly and Martin.
Mr. Daly was born in Buffalo, N. Y., May 14, 1858.
Harry Mann (Emanuel Hayman), brother of Al. Hayman of the theatrical syndicate, was identified in an executive capacity with Haverly’s Minstrels in 1878; subsequently he managed the tours of Evans and Hoey for many seasons, also other prominent organizations. Previous to his death he was business manager of the Knickerbocker Theatre, New York City.
Harry Mann was born in Wheeling, West Va.; he died in Saratoga, N. Y., July 11, 1901; age about 52 years.
Mark Sullivan, well known for his character impersonations of prominent actors, and who lately scored a success with Raymond Hitchcock in “The Man Who Owns Broadway,” was a black-face song and dance man with the Megatherian Minstrels in 1879, and a good one “mark” you.
He was born in Erie, Pa., April 16, 1858.
Clarence Burton (De Witt Norris) had the distinction of being one of the youngest banjoists and comedians in minstrelsy.
His career began with the Holman Opera Company about 1870, when he had barely entered his teens. The following year he was in Chicago with Hooley’s Minstrels; and in December, 1872, he was with Arlington, Cotton and Kemble’s Company in the same city; he became a member of Washburn’s Last Sensation Company in 1873, and a year later he was with Cool White’s Minstrels in Brooklyn, N. Y.
Subsequently he formed an alliance with John and Lottie Burton, and they played the principal variety houses for a few years.
Clarence Burton was born in Erie, Pa., about 1857; he died there March 12, 1885.
Thos. Adams, of the well-known black-face musical team of Bunnell and Adams, was identified with several prominent companies, and played the principal vaudeville theatres.
He was born in Boston, Mass.; he died in Little Rock, Ark., March 10, 1893; age 35 years.
Billy Golden (Wm. B. Shire) started theatrically in 1874 with Frank Merritt as a partner, remaining with him one year. In 1875 he joined Billy Draiton, and for ten years they appeared in all parts of the United States as Golden and Draiton.
In 1885 with his wife, May Golden, played for several seasons as The Goldens; later this alliance was augmented by Dick Schalpan.
Mr. Golden retired in 1900 to enter hotel life in Washington, D. C., where he remained three years.
September 25, 1904, he joined Joe Hughes as the team of Golden and Hughes, and as such they are now playing.
Mr. Golden’s wench business is genuinely funny, and it’s worth going miles to hear him sing “Turkey in the Straw.”
Billy Golden was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, June 9, 1858.
J. C. Harrington made his first appearance with Leslie, Raynor and Smith’s Minstrels, at the Temple of Music in San Francisco, 1868; nigger acts? Why, yes.
Harrington and McGlone (Pete Mack), were at Simmons and Slocum’s Minstrels in Philadelphia in 1873; to look at J. C. to-day, you’d never believe it. But I digress. Harrington and McGlone continued as a black-face song and dance team until about 1877; next came Harrington and Cummings for a couple of seasons, and Harrington and Johnson for eight years. Mr. Harrington then decided to go it alone, and for three years, commencing about 1891, he was one of the principal comedians of Dockstader’s Minstrels (traveling).
Afterwards he made an extended trip to Europe, where he worked with Burns, of Blocksom and Burns.
For the past few years Mr. Harrington has been associated with Cohan and Harris’ attractions; appearing in white-face.
J. C. Harrington was born in Rochester, N. Y., September 8, 1858.
Edw. C. Dobson, the well-known banjoist and banjo instructor, made his first appearance with the San Francisco Minstrels in New York City, about 1868, meeting with much success in his imitations of the bell chimes.
| NED.—HARRIGAN & HART—TONY (Portraits reversed) | JAMES—ADAMS & LEE—JOHN H. |
| JAKE—WELBY & PEARL—CHAS. (Portraits reversed) | DELMANNING BROS. |
Other minstrel engagements were with Sam Sanford’s traveling company, and subsequently with Thatcher, Primrose and West’s.
Mr. Dobson spent fifteen years in London and the provinces, appearing in the principal halls.
June 9, 1885, he won the gold medal presented by the Prince of Wales (the late King) in a competition.
Edward C. Dobson was born in Newburgh, N. Y., September 12, 1858.
Wm. E. Hines (Timothy Edwin Hines) made his first appearance as a super at the Bowery Theatre, New York City, with George L. Fox.
His initial black-face appearance was at Jake Acker’s Theatre, Troy, N. Y., in 1873. Early in his career he had as partners Billy Ginniven and George Turner. In 1876 he joined Frank Cummings; the team being known as Cummings and Hines; they played extended engagements at Harrigan and Hart’s, New York City, and Ben Cotton’s Minstrels in Chicago.
January 1, 1879 he joined Nat Blossom, the team being known as Hines and Blossom; their first engagement was at Montpelier’s Theatre, Cleveland, Ohio; subsequently Hines and Blossom and Monumental Quartette Minstrels—all at one time, and in one theatre; honest; ask Bill. Afterwards they were with Cooper and Bailey’s Great London Circus.
Hines and Blossom separated, and Hines joined his wife, Daisy Remington, now known as Earle Remington, whose recent volume of rhymes have attracted considerable attention, both in and out of the profession; this alliance was formed in the Fall of 1881, and has continued ever since.
Mr. Hines claims to have been one of the original “Four Aces”—Sheffer, Nelson, Turner and Hines, at Deagle’s Theatre, St. Louis, 1876; and in 1887, was one of the “American Four,” Pettengill, Gale, Hines and Hoyt; also Niles, Evans, Cummings and Hines as the “Boss Four.”
William E. Hines was born in New York City, July 4, 1858.
Billy Wood (Max Gottlieb). It is generally conceded, that as a black-face comedian musical moke, Billy Wood never had a superior; Wood was funny when he made his entrance in that long dark brown ulster with padlocks substituting as buttons; he was funny when he spoke, and funny in whatever he did—and a real musician; his performance on the “cello” brought tears to the eyes of his auditors on more than one occasion.
His first appearance was about 1874, when he did a clog with the Girard Brothers. Wood and Beasley shortly after formed an alliance, which continued about six years, the act being augmented by the Weston Brothers, and as Wood, Beasley and the Weston Brothers, they continued for about five years longer.
In 1885 Wood was treasurer and general performer with Lester and Allen’s Minstrels; here he met Frank Sheppard, and with the addition of Fred Bryant (Bryant & Hoey), they formed a trio that continued about up to the time of the latter’s unhappy death; Wood and Sheppard then continued as partners until the latter’s decease, after which he allied himself with William Bates, and as Wood and Bates they continued for five years. Owing to partial deafness, Mr. Wood does not play regularly.
William Wood was born in Buda Pesth, Hungary, August 17, 1858.
Frank Sheppard (Fash) began his minstrel career about 1882 with Leavitt’s Gigantean Minstrels, as a cornettist. In 1885 he joined Lester and Allen’s Minstrels, here he formed a partnership with Billy Wood. Sheppard was a superb “straight” man, and a splendid musician; and as Wood said “A better fellow than Frank Sheppard never lived.”
Frank Sheppard died in London, England, December 30, 1899; age about 37 years.
Wood and Sheppard began their joint careers in 1885; shortly after Fred Bryant’s death they went to London, England, and played an unsuccessful engagement. So far as the writer knows, where the performer is concerned, this was “the first and only unsuccessful engagement on record.” The intelligence is from the most authoritative source, from Billy Wood himself. Subsequently they played five seasons with the Howard Athenaeum Company; also successful engagements with Tony Pastor’s road show; Leavitt’s Gigantean Minstrels and Thatcher, Primrose and West’s Minstrels, two years, and in 1895, a feature with “Town Topics” Company.
Shortly after this they went to London, and this time success was theirs, their engagements being extended on several occasions, after which they were equally successful in the principal cities of Continental Europe.
Dan. E. Lyons entered the profession at the age of twelve years, subsequently joining James Leary, and as Lyons and Leary did an entertaining black-face specialty. They joined Hooley and Emerson’s Megatherians in 1879, and in 1882 in conjunction with Kelly and O’Brien, were with Billy Rice and Hooley’s Minstrels as the Megatherian Four.
Lyons and Leary separated about 1886, and Mr. Lyons subsequently appeared with the Hyde and Behman Company.
He was the author of several prominent songs, among which were “Cigarette McCarthy,” and “It’s A Long Lane That Has No Turn.”
Daniel E. Lyons died in Boston, Mass., January 3, 1890; age 31 years.
Chas. Gilday entered the profession as a partner of Frank Bennett; subsequently forming a “four” act with Charley Seamon, Tom Sommers and Billy Ginniven.
Later they separated, and he and Ginniven formed an alliance which continued practically up to the time Mr. Gilday married Fannie Beane, August 1, 1877, at Deadwood, Dakota, after which and until his death they were known as Beane and Gilday.
Charles Gilday was born in Detroit, Mich., about 1859; he died at sea, September 9, 1889.
R. G. Knowles (Richard George Knowles), the well-known lecturer and globe trotter, began his professional career at the Olympic Theatre, Chicago, Ill., September, 1878, doing a black-face monologue. Subsequently he had as partners at various times, Joe. Morton (Hardman), Dick Ford, Ben Collins, Frank Kennedy and Charley Turner.
Mr. Knowles has done more for the benefit of the American performer in England than any other one. He enjoys the distinction of having received a larger salary in Europe, than any other male performer doing a “single” act.
R. G. Knowles was born in Hamilton, Canada, October 7, 1858.
Vic Richards (Harry Veerkamp) found out long ago that he could make more money as fun-smith than he could as a lock-smith, and forsook the latter for the former, and at once became a hit-smith.
He first appeared professionally as the “Rube” in Frank Jones’ “Si Perkins” Company.
His debut as a minstrel was with Sol San’s Company. Mr. Richards next allied himself with Dumont’s Minstrels in Philadelphia, where he continued for about twelve years—and that speaks volumes.
In this year of 1910 he has arranged to do a nigger act with Dan Quinlan. That’s good enough, isn’t it?
Vic Richards was born in Philadelphia, July 10, 1858.
Jeff DeAngelis (Thomas Jefferson D’Angelis), one of America’s foremost light opera comedians, played many black-face parts while in the stock of a San Francisco Theatre in 1878; but, to be exact, and skip a couple of years or so; at Bombay, India, June 8, 1881, with the Victoria Loftus Troupe, Mr. D’Angelis did an end on the first part and sang “Sweet Evalina” without permission from Hughey Dougherty. Yonkers, N. Y., papers, please copy.
Jeff D’Angelis was born in San Francisco, Cal., about 1859.
John T. Keegan made his first appearance at Hyde and Behman’s Theatre in Brooklyn about thirty years ago, and immediately jumped into the front ranks of song and dance performers; his first partner was Connie Lynch, with whom he did a white-face song and dance; he remained with Lynch about two years. Subsequently with Jack Sheehan, Tom Haley and Harry Talbott, they formed the Four in Hand.
Mr. Keegan was with Leon and Cushman’s combination, Thatcher, Primrose and West, and McNish, Johnson and Slavin’s Minstrels.
In August, 1884, with his partner, Billy Wilson, and Hooley and Thompson, he did a “Four” act with Charley Reed’s Standard Minstrels in San Francisco.
John T. Keegan was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., September 27, 1859, where he died June 1, 1902.
Jerry Cunningham (Isaac Depew), made his first appearance in Albany, N. Y., doing a dancing turn; this was in 1869; on this auspicious occasion Jerry picked up $18.00 which was thrown to him on the stage; but remember that was 1869; in 1909, he would have had to split 50-50 with the manager, besides “greasing” sundry other officials.
His first minstrel engagement was with Smith and Brown’s—sounds like a job in a hardware store to me, but Jerry says this actually happened in 1872. Variety engagements single and with Billy O’Day followed until 1879, when he decided to do an old darky turn, imitating Harry Woodson; incidentally Mr. Cunningham could not have selected a better pattern to follow.
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| GEO. THATCHER | GEO. EVANS |
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| JIMMY MACKIN | JOHN DALY |
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| GEO. H. PRIMROSE | GEO. WILSON |
| JUST GEORGES, JOHN AND JIM. | |
In 1882 he joined Billy Baker in Kansas City, doing a black-face act; this partnership lasted until 1885.
Mr. Cunningham played character parts in “Oliver Twist,” “Streets of New York,” “Ticket of Leave Man” and other plays.
In 1904 he joined Dumont’s Minstrels in Philadelphia, where he remained several seasons.
Jerry Cunningham was born in Boston, Mass., September 27, 1859.
Henry E. Dixey (Dixon), America’s most versatile actor, did the black-face act of “Funny Old Gal” in imitation of Billy Ashcroft, in Boston, Mass., about 1872.
Mr. Dixey was born in Boston, Mass., January 6, 1859.
E. N. Slocum, famous as an interlocutor, sat on the end with Simmons and Slocum’s Minstrels in Philadelphia, April, 1874.
“Jack” (E. L.) Williams, of the once prominent black-face team of Lester and Williams, died in New York, July 31, 1901.
C. Edward Dicken, a well-known interlocutor and singer of the present generation, who was with Cleveland’s Minstrels in 1895, and subsequently with Vogel’s Minstrels, died at La Salle, Ill., May 19, 1900.
George Marion, recognized as one of America’s most efficient producers and stage-managers, played the “bone end” with Lew Dockstader’s Minstrels located in New York, in 1888.
George Marion was born in San Francisco, July 16, 1860.
Ned Thatcher, for many years prominent as one of the song and dance team of Thatcher and Hume, and later Thatcher and Adair, separated from the latter about August 1, 1887.
Mr. Thatcher died in W. Superior, Wis., June 14, 1895.
James Pell (McGinty) was for several seasons the partner of Tom Lewis, whom he joined in a black-face act called the “Hottentot Musketeers” about 1877.
After they separated in the early 80’s, Mr. Pell did sketches with Lily Wilkinson.
He died at Taunton, Mass., October 16, 1887.
Frank C. Durell (Otto C. Dickman), of the well-known Durell Twin Brothers, first appeared professionally at the Grand Opera House, Indianapolis, Ind., with his brother Ed., doing acrobatic black-face songs and dances.
Subsequently they played engagements with W. W. Cole’s, also Sell’s Brother’s Circus. They toured the country for several years playing the principal variety houses, and were with Pat. Rooney’s and other well-known organizations.
Frank C. Durell died in Indianapolis, Ind., March 25, 1898; age 39 years.
HURRAH FOR THE MINSTREL BAND.
Dedicated to Harry Sanderson. Originally sung by Frank Lewis.
There is not a man in the whole Minstrel Band,
Who would ever go back on a friend;
Tho’ dark be his face, yet the black can’t efface
The kind deeds which through life him attend.
I hear the trumpet sounding, sounding,
In notes loud and clear through the land—
I list to its voice, and it bids me rejoice;
Then hurrah for the Minstrel Band!
Then hurrah! then hurrah!
Then hurrah for the Minstrel band.
I will speak first of one who we loved in the past,
He’d a heart that was noble and brave—
Nelse Seymour, who never refused his last dime,
If he thought you from hunger would save.
I hear his praises sounding, sounding,
In notes loud and clear through the land—
The tall Son of York, he died at his work,
And the pride of the Minstrel Band!
And the pride!—and the pride!
And the pride of the Minstrel Band!
Brave Unsworth, he stood like a Minstrel so true!
’Till defeated at last by grim death;
And Budworth, alas! broke his old banjo string,
Which he loved ’till he parted with breath,
I hear their dirge now sounding, sounding,
In notes loud and clear through the land,
They lived and they died with the boys that they loved,
The dear boys of the Minstrel Band!
The dear boys! the dear boys!
The dear boys of the Minstrel Band!
But now I must speak of the Prince of them all—
Who is that but our own gallant Dan!
Let every one mourn, for our Chieftain is gone—
Dan Bryant! the Minstrel and Man!
I hear his praises sounding, sounding.
In notes loud and clear through the land.
He lived and he died, both our glory and pride;
He was King of the Minstrel Band!
He was King! he was King!
He was King of the Minstrel Band!
Note.—Between February 2 and April 10, 1875, Nelse Seymour, Jim Unsworth, Jim Budworth and Dan. Bryant passed away.—Author.
Wilton Lackaye, one of America’s foremost actors, played Uncle Tom, in “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” at the Academy of Music, New York, commencing March 4, 1901. There is no truth in the report that Mr. Lackaye is to head his own minstrel company next season.
Billy Benson (James Corrigan), who was a clever female impersonator with various minstrel companies, died in Cincinnati, Ohio, April 29, 1900.
Arthur Christie was an exceptionally clever song and dance performer and comedian, and one of the Christie Brothers.
He played successful engagements with the minstrel companies of McNish, Johnson and Slavin’s; George Wilson’s, Duprez and Benedict’s, and Rice’s World’s Fair Minstrels in 1890.
Mr. Christie died in New Castle, Pa., April 12, 1899.
Charles Guy, one of the famous Guy Brothers, entered the profession about 1873, doing a triple song and dance with his brothers George and Willie. He subsequently became identified with the Guy Brother’s Minstrels, and has continued with them ever since.
Mr. Guy is exceedingly clever as a clown.
He was born in Hoboken, N. J., July 4, 1860.
William Gray (his correct front name is “Billy”), prominent for several years past as playwright and manager, and author of the “Volunteer Organist,” was one of the Glenroy Brothers, a black-face act twenty odd years ago when they played an engagement with Carncross’ Minstrels in Philadelphia.
Tom Lewis (McGuire). One night about ten years ago, Tom Lewis blacked his face for the last time, and at that precise moment minstrelsy lost one of its most brilliant lights and able entertainers. Mr. Lewis is an unctuous comedian; and that tells the story.
He made his first appearance professionally with Charley Wilkinson’s “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” in the late 70’s with Jimmy Pell; and as Pell and Lewis they did a black-face act for several years, with no fears, as the “Hottentot Musketeers.” Later, and for two seasons he was one of the American Four.
Mr. Lewis then went into the partnership business, first with Tom Martin; then Tom LeMack, then Charley Ernest, and finally Sam J. Ryan; with all of these he did black-face. Some of his more prominent minstrel engagements were—George Wilson’s; Cleveland’s; Haverly’s in Chicago; Carncross’, in Philadelphia, and with William H. West’s Minstrels, which was the last, season of 1899-1900.
For the past few years he has been extraordinarily successful in “Little Johnny Jones” and the “Yankee Prince.” As Steve Daly in the latter play, Mr. Lewis has given to the stage a piece of clever, comedy characterization that is in a class by itself.
Tom Lewis was born in St. Johns, N. B., May 18, 1860.
Herbert Cawthorne, with his brother Joe did a black-face act at the Grand Central Theatre, Philadelphia, in April, 1876.
Several years later he was again “A Cork Man.”
BERT. WILLIAMS.
D. W. McCabe, well known as one of the proprietors of McCabe and Young’s Minstrels, which toured the country for several seasons, died at Moorcroft, Wyo., October 20, 1907; age 47 years.
Billy Payne, the well-known banjoist, made his first professional appearance in his native city in 1875, at the St. Charles Theatre, playing for Lotta to dance in the “Little Marchioness.”
Mr. Payne’s first minstrel engagement came two years later.
Mr. Payne married in 1881, and as Billy and Alice Payne toured the variety houses for several seasons; later he worked alone, and played the vaudeville houses.
He joined Dumont’s Minstrels in Philadelphia, in 1903, for an extended engagement, and likewise did meritorious work in white-face, playing a comedy character part with the “Village Postmaster”; also in black-face was he partly responsible for the “Redemption of David Corson.”
Billy Payne was born in New Orleans, La., July 16, 1860.
Chas. K. French (Krauss) made his first professional appearance in his native city in 1878, with the Sargent-Bailey Stock Company. Subsequently, as Master Vive Williams, he did a black-face song and dance in the variety theatres.
Then came French and Palmer for a season in variety; then French and Perry Ryan, after which French and Alice Clarke played together for five years. Mr. French had by this time attained recognition as a banjoist.
In 1887 he joined (Wm. Henry) Rice, (John) Hart and (Add) Ryman’s Minstrels; the following season he was with Barlow Brothers and Frost’s Minstrels.
Subsequently he created the part of Uncle Ned in “In Old Kentucky,” and continued with the company for six seasons.
Other black-face parts were Jim, in “Huckleberry Finn”; Uncle Joshua, in “Under Southern Skies,” and with Irene Bentley, in “The Girl From Dixie.”
Then there was some more minstrelsy; Will Davis’ California Minstrels, in Canada, and Moran and Thomas’. A few years ago Mr. French “doubled” with “Buck” Sheffer, doing a “darky” turn.
Also did he appear “outside of cork” with several prominent plays, notably “The Still Alarm”; “Blue Jeans,” and with James J. Corbett, in “Gentleman Jim.”
Charles K. French was born in Columbus, Ohio, January 18, 1860.
Billy Buckley (Delehanty) was an exceedingly clever black-face comedian, and played with many first-class minstrels and specialty companies including the Rentz-Santley Company in 1881, and the Gigantean Minstrels in 1882.
Early in 1890 he doubled up with Billy Jerome and performed in the variety theatres.
Mr. Buckley married Lizzie Daly, of the famous Daly family, about February, 1882; Vinie Daly, the clever dancer, is his daughter.
Billy Buckley died in New York City, January 13, 1894.
Boyd and Sarsfield were known as the “Two Solitaries”; they became partners in the late 70’s, and continued until about 1887; as a black-face song and dance team they were considered good. About two years prior and up to the death of Boyd, he did an act with Frank Hines and wife; known as Boyd, Miller and Hines.
Clarence Boyd (Maretta), died in Chicago, Ill., May 25, 1889.
Steve Sarsfield, at last reports was in Chicago, an object of pity and commiseration.
Chas. R. Bugbee, the well-known agent and manager of several minstrel organizations, began his theatrical career as a member of Woodson and Allen’s Minstrels, about 1881; later he was with Haverly’s Minstrels; with this company he played a cornet solo in the band, and was known as Charles Baxter.
Mr. Bugbee was absent from minstrelsy for two years after the “Baxter” episode, when he was in the mercantile business in Philadelphia; after this came another two years in the same city as advertising agent of the Park and Walnut Street Theatres.
Subsequently he was with the Haverly-Cleveland Minstrels; Cleveland’s, William H. West’s and Haverly’s (Nankeville’s) Minstrels; with the last two he was manager.
Mr. Bugbee was general agent for Charles E. Blaney’s attractions for five years, and for a brief period in the Summer of 1908, was advance agent for Cohan and Harris’ Minstrels.
Charles R. Bugbee was born in Philadelphia, August 8, 1860.
Frank Casey, or little Frankie Casey, as he was known in the Fall of 1873 with the Sharpley, Sheridan and Mack Company, was billed as “the best song and dance artist living.”
A few years later he joined Everett Weslyn, and as Weslyn and Casey, the “Musical Wonders,” they played at Carncross and Dixey’s Minstrels in Philadelphia in the Fall of 1877.
Subsequent to the death of Weslyn, Mr. Casey formed an alliance with James Adams and Frank Howard, and as Adams, Casey and Howard they played many prominent minstrel and variety engagements, doing their comedy musical specialty; later Mr. Howard retired from the trio, and Adams and Casey opened with Thatcher, Primrose and West’s Minstrels in July, 1885.
About fifteen years ago Mr. Casey gave a splendid interpretation of Pepat, the black-face comedy part in “Wang.”
At the present time Mr. Casey is said to be doing an act in vaudeville with Dan Swift.
Chas. A. Mason, the well-known Dutch comedian, formerly Mason and Mason, also formerly Kelly and Mason, was very much a minstrel before gaining fame as Teutoner.
In 1880 he was with Billy Arlington’s Minstrels, and up until 1887 he played extended engagements with M. T. Skiff’s Minstrels, likewise Whitmore and Clark’s.
Charles A. Mason was born in Dürkheim, Bavaria, Germany, July 14, 1860.
J. Arthur Doty (Oakman) was a clever female impersonator, and a bright writer of sketches, burlesques, etc.
In 1879 he worked with Fred Malcolm doing acts in the variety houses.
September 11, 1886, he began an engagement with Simmons and Slocum’s Minstrels in Philadelphia; subsequently, and for about eighteen months, he did an act with Belle Fairmont.
March 23, 1879 he was announced to marry Eva Belfontaine, a non-professional of Denver.
J. Arthur Doty died in Detroit, Mich., April 13, 1890.
The three Crimmins Brothers made their first appearance as a team in 1872, although John and Steve had preceded their younger brother in the profession about two years previous.
They were among the earliest of the three brother acts in minstrelsy, and their services were eagerly sought after by managers in general.
They were identified with such prominent organizations as Haverly’s; Sam Hague’s, Billy Arnold’s, California’s (Norcross’), and Sweatnam’s Minstrels.
John Crimmins died while with Haverly; and Steve and Mike did a double act until about two years prior the death of the latter; Mike then worked with Emma La Mause, whom he married in 1882; subsequently associating himself with Tom Dunn.
John Crimmins died in Chicago, February 7, 1884; age 26 years.
Steve Crimmins died in Chicago, March 3, 1889.
Mike Crimmins was born in Detroit, Mich. March 5, 1864; he died in Peoria, Ill., July 8, 1890.
Geo. M. DeVere made his first first appearance at Booth’s Theatre, New York, in 1872, in King Henry V, as a page—now for a new paragraph.
The following year he made his first black-face appearance in the concert of Cook and Nelson’s Circus.
From 1874 to 1878 he did a nigger act with Matt McElroy; 1878-79 he was associated with Joe. Flynn, of subsequent McGinty fame; also in black-face.
When Tommy Devere died, George DeVere took his place with William Devere, and continued as the Devere Brothers, until the death of the latter in 1882.
Some of the minstrel companies Mr. DeVere has been associated with were—Skiff and Gaylord’s, Welch and Barlow’s, Andy Leavitt’s, Welch and DeVere’s and Bill Friday’s—this troupe did not open on the 13th.
Also did he play both white and black face parts in “Ninety and Nine”; “The Clansman”; “Rudolph’s Ambition”; “Captain Barrington”; “When Johnny Comes Marching Home” and many others.
In 1889 he assumed the stage management of the Eden Theatre in Paterson, N. J., and remained ten years; subsequently was manager of the Bijou, same city, two years.
Seasons of 1909-10 Mr. DeVere played the black-face comedy part in “The Traveling Salesman.”
George M. DeVere was born in New York City, April 28, 1860.
Geo. T. Martin, who was also known as George Trewellyn, began his minstrel career in Wales, 1874, where he sang in the choir, under Caradoc; subsequently, and for many years, appearing in concert work.
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| “BUCK” SHEFFER | HARRY BLAKELY |
| (SHEFFER & BLAKELY.) | |
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| WM. H. DELEHANTY | THOS. M. HENGLER |
| (DELEHANTY & HENGLER.) | |
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| BILLY ASHCROFT | JOHN W. MORTON |
| (ASHCROFT & MORTON.) | |
In 1887 he made his first appearance in the United States, at Great Falls, Montana. Season of 1888-89 he was with the Bostonian Opera Company.
Mr. Martin was instrumental in forming the famous Verdi Quartette of Boston, and was a member of it until 1897; subsequently he appeared on the Keith circuit.
In October, 1899, he joined the Harry Davis Stock Minstrels in Pittsburgh; the organization was short lived, and Mr. Martin then identified himself with Primrose and Dockstader Minstrels, and continued with them until 1901. A concert tour was next; then William H. West’s (Ricaby’s) Minstrels in 1903, and Haverly’s (Nankeville’s) Minstrels, 1904.
Mr. Martin joined the Al. G. Field forces in 1906, and has been a valuable acquisition with that company until November, 1910.
A feature of Mr. Martin’s repertoire is the singing of the old Highland ballads in full Scottish costume. His voice, a pure cultivated tenor, after thirty-five years’ usage, remains as sweet as ever.
George T. Martin was born in Cornwall, England, July 23, 1860.
As soon as Lew Dockstader was able to talk, someone asked him how he liked Hartford, Conn. Capitol, said the future merry minstrel; this was his first offence.
The Original American Four were Joe Pettengill, Peter Gale, Peter F. Dailey and James F. Hoey.
Mr. Pettengill is authority for the statement that the team’s initial appearance was made in New York City, in the Fall of 1879. Originally two acts, Pettengill and Gale, and Dailey and Hoey, it was at the suggestion of Jac. Aberle that they combine and do a “four” act; the title, “American Four,” was given by Mr. Pettengill in honor of the theatre where they made their first appearance.
About 1884 they split; Pettengill and Gale continued in the “four,” and Hoey played dates. Dailey and Hoey subsequently doubled, and continued as partners until 1888. Pettengill later did an act for several seasons with Nat Haines; of recent years he has been acting in an executive capacity.
Pete Dailey was with Weber and Fields’ Company in New York for several seasons. He was a brother of Robert Dailey, the well-known comedian.
Jimmy Hoey did a black-face monologue for several years, and later worked in white-face; he was great in black or white. He was the brother of Old Hoss Hoey. Mr. Hoey is now in retirement.
Jos. Pettengill (Geiger), was born in New York City, January 13, 1854.
Peter H. Gale (Durrigan), died in New York City, July 10, 1891; age 36 years.
Peter F. Dailey was born in New York City; he died in Chicago, Ill., May 23, 1908.
James F. Hoey was born in New York City, March 10, 1857.
Jack Symonds (John P. Salmonde) began his career as a black-face performer in his native city in 1879, playing variety engagements until 1885.
Formed a partnership with Joe Hughes at Pensacola, Fla., in 1887, later this alliance was known as Symonds, Hughes and Rastus; subsequently Hughes retiring, Symonds and Rastus joined “The South Before the War,” remaining four years, after which Symonds and Rastus dissolved partnership.
Mr. Symonds was afterwards identified with William Collier’s and other well-known organizations, and in 1899 a return to the “South Before the War” Company. Season 1900-01 with Gorton’s Minstrels; The Flying Jordans Company in 1901, when he toured China and Japan; returning to America, played vaudeville for several seasons, also at Dumont’s Minstrels in Philadelphia.
Mr. Symonds has been working in white-face for the past seven years. “Jack” Symonds was born in Portland, Me., May 3, 1860.
The Higgins Brothers were well-known song and dance boys, and had been associated with some of the best minstrel companies, notably Primrose and West’s; Primrose and Dockstader’s, Gorton’s, and Lucier’s Minstrels.
In 1892 while with the latter company, with La Barre and Mullen, they formed the Four Electrics.
Jos. Higgins died in Providence, R. I., March 30, 1903.
William Higgins died in Providence, R. I., September 11, 1905.
Dan. Daly, of the great Daly family, brother of “Cap” Bill, Tom, Bobby, Lizzie, Margaret and Lucy Daly, and a great comedian, did a black-face act with his brother Bobby, Barney Fagan and another, called the “Black Surprise Party,” at the Howard Athenaeum in Boston, Mass., week of January 31, 1876.
Dan Daly died in New York, March 26, 1904.
Eddie Manning (Egan) was the protege of Billy Manning, and a comedian of unusual talent. His first professional appearance was about 1870. About 1880 he joined Haverly’s Minstrels, and remained with them practically until his death. Mr. Manning was born in Columbus, Ohio; he died there April 25, 1892; age 32 years.
W. L. Dockstader (Wm. Lee) is known to vaudevillians and others, far and wide, as the manager of the Garrick Theatre, Wilmington, Del.
In the late 80’s in conjunction with Charles Dockstader, they traveled as the Dockstader Brothers, doing a black-face act.
Charles Turner (Trainor) made his first professional appearance with Sam Price’s Minstrels.
About 1874, with his two brothers, he did a black face act in the variety houses three years. About December, 1877, he formed a partnership with Charley Gilday.
He was with Haverly’s Mastodons; Rice and Hooley’s, also Carncross’, and Dumont’s Minstrels in Philadelphia.
In 1896 he formed a partnership with John Murphy, which lasted several years. Outside of minstrelsy, Mr. Turner has been with David Henderson’s Extravaganzas, also the “Twelve Temptations.”
Charles Turner was born in New York City, January 20, 1860.
Edw. P. Gildea, a song and dance performer, and early partner of Frank McNish, died in Rochester, N. Y., July 28, 1890.
Tom English is Irish, originally from Great Britain, now of New Britain. Wonder if he knows Charley Britting, the rotund restaurateur of New York?
Mr. English did a musical act of more than ordinary merit. His first appearance was as an amateur in Turner Hall, New Britain, Conn., in 1876. Four years later he made his professional debut with Heywood Brothers’ New York Serenaders.
In 1881 he joined Hi Henry’s Minstrels, where for five years he was one of the features of that organization.
After two years in the variety houses, Mr. English went to London, and subsequently most of the principal cities of Continental Europe.
Returning to the United States, he joined Hyde’s Comedians, September 5, 1892. Mr. English made several trips to Europe after his American engagement, and likewise met with success in Australia and South Africa.
His last professional appearance was at the Palace, on the Isle of Man, August, 1902. He is now an old resident of New Britain, Conn.
Tom English was born in Portarlington, Ireland, September 4, 1860.
Frank McKee, the well-known theatrical magnate, was press agent for Leavitt’s Gigantean Minstrels in 1882.
Arthur Johnson, of the old song and dance team of Harrington and Johnson, is now with Mrs. Johnson’s Pickle Company. This is not a farce-comedy as one might believe, but a permanent organization with headquarters at Richmond, Va. The author hopes to sample those pickles on his next trip to the Old Dominion capitol.
Charlie Haywood (Wilson B. Howard) was one of the original members of the Clipper Quartette, organized in 1879, of which he was the bass singer.
He remained with the quartette about three years.
He was born in 1861, and died at Peak’s Island, Me., July 12, 1889.
Matt McElroy was a banjoist of uncommon ability. He made his first appearance with Hooley’s Minstrels in Brooklyn, N. Y., in 1876.
In 1877 he joined George M. DeVere in a double banjo act, and continued with him two years, after which he worked with Harry Colby, as Devere and McElroy.
Subsequently he had various other partners.
In 1886 he married Nellie Mordaunt.
Mr. McElroy was born in Boston, Mass., July 16, 1861; he died in Pittsburg, Pa., July 6, 1894.
Mark Murphy, the celebrated Celtic comedian, was not always thus. In the Spring of 1877 he was a member of Sargent’s Minstrels in California.
Mr. Murphy was not born in Cork—but knows how to use it.
(Courtesy of Byron Studio, New York)
PRIMROSE AND DOCKSTADER’S MINSTRELS;
Victoria Theatre, New York City, about March 1, 1902.
Reading from left to right—Neil. O’Brien, Harry Howard, Edw. Le Roy Rice, Geo. Sinclair, Harry A. Ellis,
Fred. Gladdish, Franklyn Wallace, Jas. B. Bradley, Wm. H. Hallett, Geo. Primrose, ——,
Wm. Scott, Charles Parr, ——, ——, Eddie Leonard.
Puzzle—Find “Slim Jim” Dukelan, “Mike” Latham and the Foley Twins.
Wm. S. Cleveland for several years held one of the highest positions in the realms of burnt-cork amusements.
It was of him that the late William H. West once said—“that he was the greatest executive that minstrelsy ever knew.” Like several of his contemporaries, he began his professional career in an humble capacity in his native town, and shortly after went away with a circus.
In 1882 Mr. Cleveland was lithographer with Barlow, Wilson, Primrose and West’s Minstrels; the three succeeding years he was with the Gigantean Minstrels; Barlow, Wilson’s Minstrels, Cal. Wagner’s Minstrels and Hallen and Hart’s Company.
July 30, 1885, he assumed the management of McNish, Johnson and Slavin’s Minstrels at the inception of that organization, and continued in that capacity for two seasons.
July 18, 1887, he became manager for Haverly’s Minstrels, and one year later the famous Haverly-Cleveland Minstrels blossomed forth.
A few years later Mr. Cleveland launched the company that bore his name, and the trade-mark continued as Cleveland’s Minstrels for several seasons; at one time there was three or four minstrel companies on the road under his name.
In August, 1898, in conjunction with George Wilson, he organized the Cleveland-Wilson Minstrels, a splendid company that had a brief existence.
His next minstrel venture was in Chicago, where on September 28, 1901, at Steinway Hall, he opened with Cleveland’s Minstrels; the season closed December 21, following. Two years later he returned to Chicago, and on October 31, 1903, he opened a theatre on Wabash Avenue, giving drama and vaudeville; the Iroquois fire of December 30 following closed the theatre.
He re-opened March 5, 1904, with vaudeville and continued until December 10, at which time he bid adieu to Chicago, theatrically speaking.
In the Spring of 1907 he embarked in the vaudeville agency business in New York, where he is now located.
William S. Cleveland was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, about 1861.
Ed. Rosenbaum, the well-known manager, was press agent for Cal. Wagner’s Minstrels, commencing about December 1, 1873; and not only that, but on April 8, 1881, at Hartford, Conn., in the American Theatre, sang “Old Black Joe.” In black-face? Well, certainly not green.
Joe Hart (Boudinot), now rated as one of the foremost vaudeville producers, but recently as one of the firm of Hallen and Hart, was a good black-face performer more than thirty years ago.
For instance, January 24, 1880, at the Bowery Garden Theatre, New York, Mr. Hart was doing a song and dance called “My Little Treasure.”
Also on the same bill appearing with Charles Allen, as Allen and Hart in a musical act.
August 16, 1886, Mr. Hart joined Charley Reed with the Chicago Minstrels, in that city.
September 11, same year, he opened with Simmons and Slocum’s Minstrels in Philadelphia, where he met with conspicuous success with his banjo solos.
Joe Hart was born in Boston, Mass., about 1861.
Nat. Haines (Wm. Vincent Frazee). And now comes Nat. You know Nat, do you not? Well, here’s the story of his life. He made his first appearance “acting up” at Dramatic Hall in his native city, in 1875, doing an acrobatic “Essence.”
In February, 1876, he went to Harry Hill’s, also New York, where many a prominent performer of to-day received some of their best schooling; Mr. Haines hibernated at Hill’s for one year at $2.00 per—not year, but night.
In 1877 he played his first minstrel engagement with Whitmore and Clark’s Company, and continued throughout the season. The next two years Haines was with Haverly, after which he rounded out a season with I. W. Baird’s Minstrels.
Mr. Haines next “doubled” with Bob Richmond, and later with Hap Ward and Jim Brevarde they formed the Four Diamonds; this act was a glittering success, and like all good diamonds, was worth the money.
Haines and Vidocq formed a partnership in 1884, and continued three years, after which Mr. Haines was one of the “American Four” for two seasons. In 1889 he again joined Vidocq, and were together two years. In 1891 he formed an alliance with Joe. Pettergill, and as Haines and Pettergill they played all the principal vaudeville houses for seven seasons. The famous “Pool Room” act performed by this duo, was one of the funniest skits ever seen.
Mr. Haines again rejoined Vidocq, and continued with him until 1904, after which he performed a black-face monologue for several seasons with flattering success.
About a year ago Haines and Vidocq for the fourth time united, and are at present together.
Nat. Haines is unique in his particular line; always original and spontaneously funny.
He was the first performer that conceived the idea of “planting” a hatchet in the head; since extensively copied.
Nat Haines was born in New York City, June 16, 1861.
Tom Martin, a well-known black-face performer, entered the profession at an early age, and at various times had as partners Johnny Ray and Tom Lewis.
He had been stage manager at Pastor’s Theatre in New York about five years prior to his death. His last appearance was made there.
He was born in Boston, Mass., in 1861; he died in Brooklyn, N. Y., July 3, 1901.
John E. Kellerd, one of our leading actors, played “Uncle Tom” at the Academy of Music, New York City, for several weeks, commencing March 18, 1901.
Mr. Kellerd was born in London, England, May 14, 1861.
Larry Dooley was a genuine comedian, and although he looked funny because of his excessive avoirdupois, he was nevertheless legitimately humorous.
At the immature age of 17, he enjoyed a local reputation as a song and dance performer in Galveston, Texas, where he had been for several years. He first appeared professionally at the Comique, in the above city, about 1874 with Barry Maxwell.
A few years later he formed an alliance with James Ten Brooke, doing a black-face act. He continued with the latter a few seasons, and then formed a partnership with Ed. Sheehan, which lasted a year.
Subsequently he played a long engagement with Carncross’ Minstrels in Philadelphia; other prominent organizations were Moore and Burgess in London, England; Primrose and West, and Primrose and Dockstader’s Minstrels.
About fifteen years ago he created a black-face comedy part with Hallen and Hart in “The Idea.”
Later he played in white-face with the “Volunteer Organist,” in which he was equally successful.
About 1898, he rejoined Ten Brooke with Primrose and Dockstader, when they renewed former successes.
Mr. Dooley was one of the greatest singing comedians in minstrelsy.
Larry Dooley was born in Harrisburg, Tex., January 19, 1861; he died in Galveston, Tex., July 30, 1904.
W. W. Black, the well-known basso who achieved prominence in such productions as “Isle of Champagne”; “Jack and the Bean Stalk”; also with Lillian Russell, Donnelly and Girard and other noted stars, early commanded the attention of the late Col. Mapleson, who desired to send Mr. Black abroad to have his voice cultured. Before this period, however, he had a thorough schooling in that best of all institutions, minstrelsy.
Mr. Black was a member of Austin and Weir’s Minstrels in the late 70’s; subsequently he was associated with Simmons and Slocum’s Minstrels and Simmons and Rankin’s Minstrels; likewise he was with McNish, Johnson and Slavin’s Minstrels in 1885-86-87; this was his last appearance in black-face.
W. W. Black was born in Irvington, N. Y., August 10, 1861.
Wm. G. Newman, the popular manager of the Garrick Theatre, New York City was billed as the “infant wonder,” singing a ballad at Sam Hague’s Minstrels in Liverpool, England, July 13, 1874.
Mr. Newman was born at sea, March 24, 1861.
George Hallen (Smith), a brother of Fred Hallen, and of the black-face team of McAvoy and Hallen, was born in Ogdensburg, N. Y., November 14, 1861; he died in Denver, Colo., November 27, 1888.
John E. Cain is one of the cleverest delineators of the negro character before the public, and it is a distinct loss to minstrelsy that some such organization does not have him on their roster.
His first stage appearance was at the Apollo Theatre, St. Louis, Mo., in September, 1874, with the Future City Minstrels, an amateur organization. Two years later he professionalized himself by joining Johnson’s Dixie Minstrels.
In the Fall of 1876 he joined hands with Billy Wolf, doing a double Irish and Dutch specialty. Mr. Cain subsequently returned to his first love, and did the old-time act of changing from white to black, which he did in ten seconds.
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| WM. EWERS | DICK. ESCOTT |
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| CHAS. C. PALMER | “SLIM JIM” DUKELAN |
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| CHAS. F. WARNER | FRANK MEYERING |
| PROMINENT MUSICIANS OF MINSTRELSY. | |
June 3, 1883, Mr. Cain opened at the Bella Union Theatre in San Francisco; his success was so pronounced that he remained one year; ultimately he remained on the coast for ten years, playing legitimate and variety houses, including engagements with Oliver Doud Byron, with whom he played principal comedy roles.
Mr. Cain was promoter and builder of the Powell Street Theatre in the big coast city, which opened December 15, 1890. He next engaged as comedian with the C. D. Hess Grand Opera Company. In 1891 he joined hands with Harry Orndorf, and as Cain and Orndorf they did an old-time “nigger” act that was simply great; Mr. Cain, of course, doing the black-face part. They continued as a team for several years.
Subsequently he became identified with the Rice and Barton Company, with whom he has mostly since been identified.
Mr. Cain is happily married to Blanche Newcomb, the youngest daughter of the famous minstrel.
John E. Cain was born in St. Louis, Mo., August 20, 1862.
Jennie Yeamans, the famous daughter of a famous mother (Mrs. Annie Yeamans) played Topsy in “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” in New York, October 20, 1879.
Miss Yeamans was born in Sydney, New South Wales, October 16, 1862; she died in New York, November 28, 1906.
Bob Carmichael was well-known as an able and popular minstrel leader. In the Summer of 1886 he was with Haverly’s Minstrels, and in the Fall of the same year he joined “Nobody’s Claim” Company; the following season he was with Sweatnam, Rice and Fagan’s Minstrels, and in 1888 with Johnson and Slavin’s Minstrels. Subsequently he was associated with Primrose and West’s; his last engagement was with Harry Davis’ Minstrels in Pittsburg, Pa., commencing October 9, 1899.
Bob Carmichael was born in Salem, N. C., where he died November 27, 1899; age 32 years.
Eddie Marks (Peter E. Kenny), famous as one of the team of Griffin and Marks, whose “Silence and Fun” act is well remembered, played with his partner in all the principal variety halls of Europe, as well as engagements with Thatcher, Primrose and West’s; Haverly’s, Gorton’s and other well-known minstrel organizations.
He had been in the profession about twenty-five years.
Eddie Marks died in Jersey City, N. J., December 28, 1898; age 36 years.
Jas. B. Gentry whose performance as the rube sheriff in “Hoss and Hoss” is yet remembered, began his career about 1881, at Yorktown, Va., doing a black-face song and dance with George Leslie; they continued as partners for one year.
About 1883 with Jack Noon he formed an alliance, and for one and a half years they played principal variety houses, doing black-face songs and dances. Another year and a half with Charles Johnson ended Mr. Gentry’s black-face career, since which time he has devoted his talents to characterizations which have placed him on a high place in his profession.
James B. Gentry was born in Richmond, Va., October 8, 1862.
Jas. B. Bradley, well and favorably known as one of the best lyric tenors in present-day minstrelsy, began his professional career in 1884 at Memphis, Tenn., with the Ford Opera Company, in the chorus; following this came an engagement of five years with “The Hustler.”
His first minstrel engagement was with Barney Fagan’s Minstrels; subsequently he was with such well-known companies as Al. G. Field’s; Primrose and Dockstader’s; Dockstader and Cleveland’s (Chicago, 1901).
Mr. Bradley has been quite successful with a tabloid minstrel company in vaudeville.
James B. Bradley was born in Charleston, S. C., November 9, 1862.
Lew Sully (Chas. Sullivan) began “cutting up” in theatres at Omaha, Neb., about thirty years ago; after he learned all about Omaha, he went across the river to Council Bluffs, Iowa, and engaged as stock comedian.
Mr. Sully’s first minstrel experience was with the Beach and Bowers Company, and it sure was an experience. His salary was to be $15.00 per week and “cakes” if he was good. While he really went bad in Dixon, Ill., he stood on the streets and told the population how good he was.
Mr. Sully candidly admits that at that period he was a profound drinker; subsequently he became a profound thinker. Later he played successful minstrel engagements with Al. G. Field’s; Primrose and West’s; Primrose and Dockstader’s; Wm. H. West’s, and Dumont’s Minstrels. Also did he spend a period of five years intermittently with Carncross’ Minstrels in Philadelphia, and a season with Haverly’s Company.
Mr. Sully is the author of “Hesitate, Mr. Nigger, Hesitate”; “I Don’t Love Nobody,” and other well-known songs.
Lew. Sully was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., March 28, 1862.
Franz Vetta (Louis R. Newmayer), the famous operatic bass singer, was also known as Frank Wetter in minstrelsy.
He first appeared with Geo. Thatcher’s Minstrels in Philadelphia about 1881; subsequently he played engagements with Haverly, and the Standard Minstrels in San Francisco.
He was the husband of Lizzie MacNichol, the well-known opera singer.
Franz Vetta was born in Camden, N. J., in 1862; he died in Riverside, Cal., July 15, 1892.
Geo. W. Cunningham made his first professional appearance with Tommy Curran, as Cunningham and Curran, at Fraley’s Garden, Jeffersonville, Ind., in March, 1875, doing a black-face act; subsequently he formed an alliance with Ed. Talbott. In 1890 Mr. Cunningham and Ed. E. Grant became partners in one of the most amusing black-face acts on the vaudeville stage; for four years as “The Brutal Brothers” they played the best variety houses and combinations.
Cunningham and Grant dissolved partnership in 1894, after which Mrs. Cunningham (Geneva Smith) and Mr. Cunningham did a white-face act for several seasons.
July 20, 1908, the new firm of Geo. W. Cunningham and Herman Marion was born, and at two years of age is doing splendidly.
George W. Cunningham was born in Brookville, Ind., May 18, 1863.
Billy Pearl (Jacob Allgier) was known from one end of the country to the other as one of the team of Marion and Pearl.
Mr. Pearl’s first partner was Burt Marion, now of the team of Marion and Dean; subsequently he formed an alliance with Herman Marion, now of Cunningham and Marion. Mr. Pearl had been associated with Vogel’s; Cleveland-Wilson’s; Haverly’s (Nankeville’s); Primrose and Dockstader’s, and other first-class minstrel organizations, including Marion and Pearl’s Minstrels.
Billy Pearl was born in New York, November 27, 1863; he died at Paterson, N. J., June 24, 1908.
Billy Van (Van Name), famed far and wide as one of the most unique monologuists, began his professional career at Jeff. Staley’s in Jeffersonville, Ind., doing a black-face song and dance, about thirty years ago.
Subsequently he doubled with Billy Bitt, a midget, and did a break-neck song and dance, and later was of the team of Van, DeVaney, Haley and Flynn. Following this he did a musical act with May Wilson for five years.
Mr. Van’s next partner was Bob Turner, also in a musical act. Separating from Mr. Turner, he joined Haverly’s Minstrels.
Subsequent minstrel engagements were with Al. G. Field’s; Gorman Bros.; Primrose and West’s; Haverly’s (Nankeville), and Wm. H. West’s (Ricaby).
He also played feature engagements with Hopkins’ “Transatlantiques,” Fulgora’s, and Sandow’s Vaudeville Company, of which he was manager.
About 1895 he toured with Billy Van’s Minstrels.
Billy Van was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, November 25, 1862.
James Cook, of the favorite vaudeville duo of Cook and Lorenz, did a black-face act with Mort. Emerson, in Barlow, Wilson and Rankin’s Minstrels, about 1885.
Besides being a good Cook; he can sing and dance and tell comical stories. Fact.
John W. Vogel is the most prominent of non-playing minstrel managers of to-day.
In 1901, after the death of Col. Haverly, Mr. Vogel assumed the title of “Minstrel King,” by which he has subsequently been known. Like so many successful minstrel executives, Mr. Vogel’s earliest training was with the circus; his first experience was with Sells Bros.’ “Millionaire Confederation of Stupendous Shows”; this was in March, 1882. In the Fall of that year he joined Thatcher, Primrose and West’s Minstrels at Cleveland, Ohio, as assistant agent; Mr. Vogel’s executive abilities showed to such advantage that he was subsequently made manager of the organization. Afterwards he piloted successfully such well-known minstrel companies as McNish, Johnson and Slavin’s; McNish, Ramza and Arno’s; Primrose and West’s and McIntyre and Heath’s.
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| ARTHUR MORELAND | FRANK DUMONT |
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| JOS. M. NORCROSS | HARRY M. MORSE |
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| WM. H. HALLETT (Scherer Studio, New York City) | VAUGHN COMFORT |
| “MORE MEN OF THE MIDDLE.” | |
He also owned and managed Vogel’s Afro-American Mastodon Minstrels, and “Darkest America.” The present year of 1910 is the fourteenth season of John W. Vogel’s Big City Minstrels. He likewise managed the Al. G. Fields’ Minstrels for seven years.
Mr. Vogel’s success is attested by his elegant Summer residence at Vogel’s Beach, Buckeye Lake, Ohio, and a Winter home in Columbus, Ohio.
John W. Vogel was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, May 16, 1863.
Geo. W. Lewis is a dancer, is a producer and likewise an innovator; and there you have it all.
Mr. Lewis made his first appearance with the I. W. Baird’s Minstrels, season of 1881-82; he was 25 per cent. of the “Midget 4”; the Whippler Twins and Stone constituting the other three quarters.
From 1882 until 1883 he was a member of the Barlow, Wilson Minstrels; the next year he was with the Haverly troupe, followed by a season in the variety houses with the aforementioned Stone.
McIntyre and Heath’s Minstrels followed the separation of Lewis and Stone, and in January, 1886, he transferred his allegiance to Wilson and Rankin’s Minstrels; at the end of the season he joined Thatcher, Primrose and West’s Company, and continued with them two seasons.
Subsequently he was associated with Geo. Thatcher’s various companies for a period of four years. After this Mr. Lewis entered vaudeville and continued in it for several seasons, but returned to his old love in 1897, when he went with Primrose and West’s Minstrels. The associations were so pleasant that the following year he joined Jack Haverly in his last minstrel venture.
In the Spring of 1900 Mr. Lewis was with Primrose and Dockstader’s big minstrel show under canvas; here he produced the various dances and marches.
Subsequently he was with “Simple Simon Simple” playing a “Rube” character; and with other well-known companies where cork was not used—except after the show. Mr. Lewis was with the Cohan and Harris Minstrels at their inception in July, 1908.
He is now in vaudeville, and may go to Pottsville.
George W. Lewis was born in Easton, Pa., August 28, 1863.