THE MORRIS BROTHERS.
The careers of Lon and Billy Morris were practically contemporaneous.
Their first professional appearance was made at Charlotte, N. Y., in 1845, at a very early age.
About 1852 they joined Ordway’s Aeolians in Boston, where they remained five years, and met with such success that, in conjunction with Johnny Pell and J. T. Huntley, they organized a company bearing their names, and opened at the Howard Athenaeum in Boston, December 25, 1857.
Early in 1859 Mr. Huntley withdrew from the organization, and Jos. Trowbridge was taken as a partner.
Subsequently, through the death of Pell and the retirement of Trowbridge, the company was known as the Morris Minstrels, and as such they opened in St. Louis, Mo., November 6, 1867.
About two years later the organization disbanded, and Lon and Billy Morris took up other pursuits.
Both were comedians of ability; Lon was the tambourinist and Billy the bones of the troupe.
Charley Morris, who was at various times agent, performer and manager, began his theatrical career simultaneously with his brothers in 1845, and was associated with them practically until July 27, 1861, when, in conjunction with W. H. Brockway and John E. Taylor, he organized a company, opening at Gloucester, Mass.
In 1863 Mr. Morris was associated in the management of the Morris Minstrels with Add Weaver; April 10, 1865, with Fred Wilson, he opened in St. Louis, Mo., a permanent minstrel company that was successfully run until the dissolution of the partnership, February, 1867.
Mr. Morris subsequently conducted his own minstrel companies until about 1878, and about a year or so later retired from active management.
Mr. Morris excelled as a banjoist.
Lon Morris was born in Fort Erie, N. Y., May 15, 1830; he died in New York, May 6, 1882.
Billy Morris was born in Rochester, N. Y., April 11, 1831; he died in Boston, Mass., October 11, 1878.
Charles A. Morris was born in Rochester, N. Y., March 27, 1834; he is now a guest of the Actors Home in Staten Island, N. Y.
Sam Sharpley, Nelse Seymour, James Unsworth, James Budworth and Dan Bryant—all died within a hundred days in 1875.
“Pop” Reece (Lewis M. Reece) was an old-time performer. As early as June 18, 1856, he was a member of Dave Reed’s Minstrels on the steamer “James Raymond.”
He died in Brooklyn, N. Y., December 18, 1890; age about 60 years.
| HANK. GOODMAN | MATT. PEEL | W. W. NEWCOMB |
| JOHNNY BOOKER | FAYETTE WELCH | NELSE. SEYMOUR |
| JOHN A. MACK | “PONY” MOORE | NEIL. BRYANT |
THE OLD GUARD.
Dave Braham, whose catchy melodies did so much to make Harrigan and Hart’s series of plays so successful, was long in the minstrel business, and as early as May 13, 1862, played at the Academy of Music, New York.
He was born in England, and died in New York City, April 11, 1905; age 65 years.
“Young Dan Emmett” (Harry Huntington), a comedian who was with several minstrel companies, died in Elmira, N. Y., July 15, 1861.
Denny Gallagher, one of the best known of black-face performers about fifty years ago, entered the profession about 1848, doing Irish songs and dances in white face.
In conjunction with Andy Leavitt and John Mulligan, they formed a trio which for genuine black-face comedy has never been excelled. They played three years at the Melodeon in New York.
Denny Gallagher was born in New York in 1830; he died in Philadelphia, November 23, 1868.
Mike Mitchell was one of minstrelsy’s greatest dancers.
He had his own minstrel company on the road in the 50’s, and had been associated with many first-class organizations.
He died in Victoria, B. C., January 13, 1862; age 32 years.
Charles Koppitz, a famous musician, who achieved prominence in other lines, was with George Christy’s Minstrels in California in 1858 in the capacity of musical director.
He was born in Holstein, Germany; he died in St. Johns, N. B., June 22, 1873; age 43 years.
Dave Carson was another performer and manager who was best known abroad. He sailed for Australia in 1853, and for many years played in every section of that country.
He returned to New York about 1869, and after appearing here for a while he again went abroad.
He was born in New York about 1830; he was living as late as 1875.
Dan Holt, a well-known black-face performer in the South many years ago, died in New Orleans, La., October 10, 1867.
Tom Prendergast was a prominent tenor vocalist.
He was one of the original members of Bryant’s Minstrels in New York, opening February 23, 1857. In 1864 he was with Hooley in Brooklyn, and had been associated in minstrel ventures with Cool. Burgess, Archie Hughes and D. C. La Rue.
He retired about a year previous to his death, which occurred in Utica, N. Y., March 6, 1869; age 39 years.
Albert Jones (Silcox) was a good comedian and general performer; in Boston and Chicago, he was especially well known, having been connected with prominent companies in those cities.
He died in Boston, Mass., November 25, 1866; age 36 years.
William N. Smith at the time of his death was considered one of the greatest bone players in minstrelsy.
He had played many engagements with various companies. He was the first to give imitations of the snare drums with the bones.
Owing to an accident, he was compelled to retire from the profession, which he did April 18, 1867. He died in New York, February 4, 1869.
Mike O’Brien, an old-time banjoist and ballad singer, who had been with Sanford’s and other minstrel companies, died at Algiers, La., April 28, 1869.
Edwin Holmes, a popular minstrel tenor, who was with Duprez and Green’s and later Duprez and Benedict’s Minstrels for about six years, commencing in 1862, died in Boston, Mass., July 11, 1879.
Ned Greenland was one of the best beloved characters in theatredom. Though many years dead, his praises are yet sung to-day. He was treasurer and business agent for Hooley’s Minstrels in Brooklyn, N. Y., for several seasons.
He died in Brooklyn, N. Y., August 4, 1883.
Mike Kanane, a famous dancer in the good old minstrel days, died in San Francisco, Cal., December 7, 1886.
Stephen B. Ball was a famous vocalist of Ordway’s Aeolians in Boston as early as 1851; he retired about 1856, and became director of the choir of the Old School Street Church in that city. He was a fine singer and vocal teacher.
He died in Boston, Mass., September 27, 1881.
Harry Lehr. Of this famous minstrel’s talents and abilities there was no divergence of opinion; manager, critic and performers were unanimous in their verdict that he never had a superior as a comedian. One manager, John L. Carncross, went further and declared that he never had an equal.
His first professional appearance was with a small minstrel company in Camden, N. J., February 22, 1846.
At the age of 16 he organized a troupe of his own.
In 1852 he was with Kunkel’s Nightingales, and subsequently with Rumsey and Newcomb’s Minstrels, with whom he remained until the Spring of 1861. Subsequently he became a member of Hooley’s Minstrels in Brooklyn, N. Y., and in 1864 joined Carncross and Dixey’s Minstrels in Philadelphia and remained there for seven seasons.
In 1871-72 he was with Simmons and Slocum’s Minstrels, also in Philadelphia. In 1872 he re-joined Carncross and Dixey, and continued with them until November, 1875, when he made his final stage appearance.
Mr. Lehr was thoroughly legitimate in each character he portrayed; he was the “darky” in life as well as color.
Harry Lehr was born in Philadelphia, October 7, 1830; he died there September 10, 1881.
Dave Reed. The career of this famous old-timer practically began with minstrelsy itself.
He it was, with Dan Bryant, who did so much to popularize “Shoo Fly” more than forty years ago; and “Sally Come Up” will always be identified with his memory.
But as a bone player, Dave Reed is probably best remembered; his imitations of drums, horses running and the like were wonderful; the art practically died with him. Mr. Reed’s career began about 1844 with a small traveling company. He played in and around New York for several seasons and later went West.
June 18, 1856, Dave Reed’s Minstrels were the feature performance on board the steamer “James Raymond”, plying the Mississippi.
Mr. Reed was with Hooley’s Minstrels in New York in 1861; subsequently with the latter in Brooklyn. He joined Bryant’s Minstrels in New York in 1863; he was there when Dan Bryant died, April 10, 1875. In between, about 1868, he was with Kelly and Leon, also in New York.
About twenty-five years ago Dave Reed, his wife and four clever children made their appearance in vaudeville as the Reed Family; later they were known as the Reed Birds. He retired in 1903.
Dave Reed, Jr., the popular song composer, is his son.
Dave Reed was born in New York, November 18, 1830; he died there December 5, 1906.
Billy Birch was a name to conjure with for many years, especially in the Metropolis. He made his first appearance in New Hartford, N. Y., in 1844 with a minstrel show, as an amateur.
His initial professional appearance was with the Raymond Minstrels at Stamford, Conn., in 1846.
Subsequently he was identified with many prominent organizations until 1850, when he appeared first in New York with Fellowe’s Minstrels.
When Wood and Christy were running two houses on Broadway, 444 and 472, Birch and Geo. Christy would simultaneously appear at their respective theatres in the first part, and would then proceed to the other theatre and finish their performance for the evening; this was about 1855. In 1851, with Sam Wells and Dick Sliter, he opened in San Francisco with Birch, Wells and Sliter’s Minstrels, and remained six years; under the management of Tom Maguire.
August 20, 1857, Mr. Birch sailed for New York, and a few days later was wrecked off the coast of Charleston, S. C.; he finally made his way to New York, where he played a brief engagement with Bryant’s Minstrels, commencing September 28.
In February, 1858, Birch’s Minstrels opened in Chicago; subsequently he was one of the performers on the steamer “Banjo,” which plyed the Mississippi River. Afterwards Mr. Birch was associated in several minstrel ventures with J. B. Donniker, Joe Murphy, Sam Sharpley and Ben Cotton. With the latter he formed Birch and Cotton’s Minstrels in San Francisco in 1862; likewise nearly a quarter of a century later (July, 1886) did these old minstrels reunite, and the great California metropolis again saw Birch and Cotton’s Minstrels.
September 15, 1864, Birch, Dave Wambold and Charley Backus opened in San Francisco as the San Francisco Minstrels, and in January, 1865, Wm. H. Bernard joined the organization. In March following they sailed for New York, and on May 8th, 1865, gave their first performance at 585 Broadway; four days previous they appeared in Newark, N. J.
The company continued at 585 until April 27, 1872; on August 28, 1872, as Birch, Wambold and Backus’ Minstrels, they opened at St. James Hall, the present site of the 5th Avenue Theatre; season of 1873-74 the company traveled, and on September 3, 1874, they opened at their own new theatre on Broadway, until when recently demolished, known as the Princess Theatre.
ETHIOPIAN SERENADERS; 1847.
Their full names were, respectively, Gilbert W. Pell, Geo. A. Harrington (not Geo. Christy), Wm. White, Moody Stanwood, Francis Germon.
They continued until 1880, when the company was known as Birch and Backus’ Minstrels, and remained as such until late in 1882, when it became Birch, Hamilton, and Backus’ Minstrels; this alliance was short lived, and the season of 1882-83 finished as Birch and Backus’ Minstrels.
August 27, 1883, Birch’s San Francisco Minstrels opened; December 3, “Jack” Haverly became a partner, but on December 29, 1883, the last performance of the famous San Francisco Minstrels was given in New York.
In the fall of 1884 with Harry Kennedy he again launched Birch’s San Francisco Minstrels, but lasted only a few weeks; in November, 1886, he returned to his “old home” as a member of Lew Dockstader’s Minstrels, for a short sojourn. In 1889 with Frank Moran he organized Birch and Moran’s Minstrels, and on July 17, 1890, he began his last minstrel engagement with Wm. Henry Rice’s World’s Fair Minstrels.
Birch was a typical comedian of the old school of minstrelsy.
Billy Birch was born in Utica, N. Y., February 26, 1831; he died in New York City, April 20, 1897.
Charles Backus, of the famous San Francisco Minstrels “quartette,” and one of the principal comedians of the organization, achieved wide fame for his impersonations of prominent actors, in which he was an adept.
He went to California in 1852, and two years later organized Backus’ Minstrels there; in 1855 he took the company to Australia, and a few years later organized Horn and Backus’ Minstrels; in 1859 he again went to Australia, and appeared as a negro clown in Burton’s Circus.
He returned to San Francisco in 1861, and after playing several engagements there, on September 15, 1864, was one of the organizers of Birch, Wambold and Backus’ Minstrels; his career from that time until his death was linked with that of Billy Birch.
Mr. Backus was married to Leo Hudson, the famous equestrienne; he was divorced in March, 1866; subsequently he married Miss Kate Newton, the well-known actress.
On October 17, 1876, in Philadelphia, he married Miss Tizzie Mason.
Charles Backus was born in Rochester, N. Y., in 1831; he died in New York City, June 21, 1883.
Dave Wambold, universally conceded as minstrelsy’s greatest balladist, made his first appearance with a small minstrel company in 1849; his New York debut was made with Donaldson’s Minstrels four years later; he subsequently appeared with Charley White’s Minstrels in the same city for two years.
In August, 1857, he opened with Raynor and Pierce’s Minstrels in London, England, and remained in Europe with various organizations for several years.
In addition to being a remarkable singer, it is not generally known, but nevertheless a fact, that Mr. Wambold was the first performer to do a Dutch part in black-face; his dialect was one of the best.
September 15, 1864, he organized with Birch and Backus the San Francisco Minstrels, opening in New York in May, 1865; he continued with the organization until May 1, 1880, when owing to ill health, he retired from minstrelsy, at Holyoke, Mass.
Mr. Wambold married Miss Isabella Young in Philadelphia, April 25, 1859.
Dave Wambold was born in Elizabethtown, N. J., April, 1836; he died in New York City, November 10, 1889.
Tom Lewis says that when making the parade in Lynchburg, Va., about ten or twelve years ago, a “rube” asked him (Lewis) what “society” it was. “Sons of Poor Parents,” replied Lewis.
Billy West, who happened to overhear the retort, also said something.
Wm. H. Bernard (White) was the greatest interlocutor, or middle-man, that minstrelsy has ever known.
He is credited with having organized the first minstrel company in San Francisco; this was in August, 1849; performances were in the Parker House, and patrons gladly paid $5.00 per ticket for the privilege of seeing the minstrels. “Those were the happy days.”
In the winter of 1849 he made a trip to the Sandwich Islands as one of the “New York Serenaders,” and in 1850 he went to Sydney, Australia, and gave the first minstrel performance that the big island ever saw; subsequently he went to India, and was the first to introduce minstrelsy there.
In January, 1865, he joined Birch, Wambold and Backus with their company in San Francisco, and until the Spring of 1872, when he retired permanently from the profession he so long and ably graced, he was associated in partnership with those gentlemen.
William H. Bernard was born in New York City, in 1830; he died there January 5, 1890.
Charles A. Morningstar, a well-known agent and manager of the 60’s, and proprietor of Morningstar’s Minstrels in 1863, was murdered near Mobile, Ala., December 27, 1871.
Frank Kent was one of the early female impersonators, or wench dancers, as these performers were originally known.
In December, 1842, at the Franklin Theatre in New York, Master Kent appeared in a variety entertainment.
For many years he appeared with the various minstrel companies, notably Howard Burlesque Opera Troupe; San Franciscos in New York; Duprez and Benedict, in Philadelphia; Duprez and Green’s; Arlington, Cotton and Kemble’s in Chicago, and Morris Brothers, Pell and Trowbridge, in Boston. In all probability his last appearance in minstrelsy was with Wm. Henry Rice’s Company, commencing July 17, 1890.
Frank Kent was born in Salem, Mass.; he died in Cooperstown, N. Y., August 15, 1906; age about 75 years.
Thomas P. Brower, a brother of Frank Brower, one of the organizers of the first minstrel show, and himself a performer of ability, died in Philadelphia, March 15, 1867; age 37 years.
Duke Morgan, an old-time violinist and musician of the real early days of minstrelsy, died in New York City in October, 1881.
Otto Burbank was one of the best jig dancers in the early minstrel days, likewise a good comedian. He was prominently identified with some of the best minstrel organizations, notably Collins’ “Christy” Minstrels, in London, England, in 1862.
He died at Peoria, Ill., February 13, 1882.
Harry Pell, an old-time black-face comedian, who was an excellent stump orator, played several minstrel engagements, notably with the Morris company in 1863.
He died in New York City, June 1, 1866.
John Cluskey, at one time rated as one of the best dancers of his day, died at Albany, N. Y., September 17, 1864.
Alexander Zanfretta, the famous pantomimist, played important minstrel engagements, notably with Simmons and Slocum’s, in Philadelphia, and with Haverly.
He died in Brooklyn, N. Y., May 14, 1899.
Charles H. Duprez was one of the great managers of early minstrelsy.
In 1852 he made his entre into the profession at New Orleans, La., with the company that was afterwards known as Carle, Duprez and Green’s Minstrels. In 1858 the organization was known as Duprez and Green’s, and it remained as such until 1865 at Green Bay, Wis., when Mr. Green retiring, Lew Benedict purchased his interest, and Duprez and Benedict’s Minstrels were organized; Mr. Benedict retired from the company in 1876; Mr. Duprez continued on with the same trade-mark until about 1885, when retiring from minstrelsy he went into the hotel business in Lowell, Mass.
Charles H. Duprez was born in Paris, France, March 13, 1830; he died in Providence, R. I., August 31, 1902.
J. A. Basquin, a well-known minstrel singer, who was also known at various times as J. J. Roberts and J. Waterman, was a prominent member of Buckley’s Serenaders in the 60’s and early 70’s, also with Unsworth and Eugene in England in 1868.
J. A. Basquin was born in France; he died in Brooklyn, N. Y., January 27, 1872; age 42 years.
John Simpson, prominent for many years as business manager of Bryant’s Minstrels, in New York City, died November 15, 1881.
Wm. T. Bryant (O’Brien), a brother of Dan, Neil and Jerry, a mediocre performer, was with Bryant’s Minstrels in New York at the time of his death, September 23, 1865.
Joe Brown, one of the world’s greatest jig dancers, made his first appearance at Albany, N. Y., in 1844. His first New York engagement was in the fall of 1852; August 3, 1857, he opened with “Christy’s” Minstrels in London, England, remaining with, them until about 1860, when he joined Nish’s “Christy” Minstrels, opening in Cape Town, South Africa, August 20, 1862. Prior to the opening he and the company were shipwrecked, losing everything except his clothes; a handsome silver belt he won from Dick. Sliter in 1856 was amongst the things lost.
| J. A. BASQUIN A. BAMFORD | FRANK GIRARD BILLY BARRY | “LITTLE MAC” BILLY RICE |
“MERRY MINSTREL MEN.”
Returning to England in 1863, he organized Joe Brown’s “Christy” Minstrels, visiting Egypt and India; returning to London, opened at St. James Hall, June 11, 1866. In 1868 he paid a brief visit to the United States, then returned to England.
Joe Brown was born in Buffalo, N. Y., January 2, 1830; he died in Glasgow, Scotland, October 25, 1883.
C. D. Abbott was a prominent musician of the early days of minstrelsy, when those performers were artists in their respective lines, and each one was a soloist.
He died at La Salle, Ill., May 20, 1864.
Wm. Henry Rice made his first minstrel appearance September 19, 1859; “Daddy” Rice died exactly one year later.
Billy Blair, the old-time general minstrel performer who was with Christy’s Minstrels as early as May, 1856, also many other organizations, was a good “Bob Ridley” and end man. He died in Brooklyn, N. Y., January 19, 1888.
Johnny Booker (Sam. Roberts), was one of the early minstrel comedians and managers.
In the middle 50’s he toured with Booker and Evart’s Minstrels; subsequently Booker and Sliter’s and intermittently with Johnny Booker’s Minstrels. In the early days he made famous a song that had great vogue called “Meet Johnny Booker at the Bowling Green.” He was a member of Dave Reed’s Minstrels on board the Steamer “James Raymond,” June 18, 1856. Among the notable minstrel organizations he was with were Hooley’s, in Brooklyn, N. Y., 1862; Lloyd and Bidaux’s, 1867, and Arlington’s, in 1870.
Johnny Booker was born in Bowling Green, Ky., October, 1830; he died at Dayton, Ohio, October 25, 1898.
Henry Wood was one of the most famous of New York City minstrel managers. He entered the theatrical field at 444 Broadway, in 1851, with Jerome B. Fellowe, and conducted Wood and Fellowe’s Minstrels until February, 1852, when he had the show to himself.
Wood’s Minstrels continued there until October 31, 1853, when he formed an alliance with George Christy, and as Wood and Christy’s Minstrels they flourished until May, 1858.
“444” burned down December 2, 1854, the company then going shortly after to “472” Broadway.
Later, for a brief period, both houses were run simultaneously.
October 1, 1855, “444” reopened, and on October 31, 1857, they moved to their new Marble Palace, 561-63 Broadway; this house was closed September 3, 1859. Nine days later Mr. Wood returned to “444,” where he remained practically until July 7, 1862, when he moved his company to 514 Broadway.
Wood’s Minstrels ceased as an institution about 1866.
Mr. Wood was a brother of Fernando Wood, once Mayor of New York.
Henry Wood is said to have died about twenty-eight years ago; he is also said to be living.
Pete Lane was a great jig and a good general dancer. He was with Sanford’s Minstrels in Philadelphia in 1856; he died there June 27, 1858.
Charles Noble, the well-known minstrel bass singer who was with Thatcher, Primrose and West’s, and other well known minstrel organizations, died in New York City, June 8, 1892; age 62 years.
Bob Smith, the old-time minstrel performer, was associated with many of the best performers of his day.
As a tambourine manipulator he achieved particular prominence, and ranked with the best.
He died at St. Johnland, Staten Island, N. Y., April 20, 1900; age about 70 years.
Billy Wright, an old-time comedian, had some prominence as a “knife thrower.” His chief claim to fame lies in the fact that he was instrumental in obtaining an opportunity for the embryonic talents of Francis Wilson to be given recognition, which he did about 1865.
He died in Philadelphia, March 10, 1879.
Matt. Peel (Flannery). There are few who are alive to-day who remember the performances of this sterling young versatile performer, whose first professional appearance was made in New York in 1840. A few years later he joined Campbell’s Minstrels, the only organization at that time bearing that name.
He continued with this company several years, and on July 17, 1850, in company with James Norris, Jos. D. Murphy, and Luke West, organized another company; with the exception of the first named, all were performers. Subsequently and for a few years the organization was known as Murphy, West and Peel’s Minstrels, and later Matt. Peel’s Minstrels, by which it was known until the death of Mr. Peel.
Mr. Peel was one of the first minstrel performers to sing an Irish song on the end.
Matt. Peel was born in New York, January 15, 1830; he died in Buffalo, N. Y., May 4, 1859.
Charley O’Neill, a well-known comedian who was with Unsworth’s Minstrels in 1861, and subsequently with Hooley in Brooklyn, N. Y., committed suicide by drowning, in St. Louis, Mo., July 21, 1863.
John Hooley, a brother of the famous manager, R. M. Hooley, ran a minstrel company in Brooklyn, N. Y., in 1873.
He died there April 12, 1891.
Mert. Sexton was prominent as a comedian and dancer; his chief fame rested in his ability to dance the “Essence of Old Virginia.” He played with many famous organizations, notably Matt. Peel’s in 1858; Fox and Worden’s in 1859, and Collins’ “Christy” Minstrels in 1862; the two latter companies were in England.
Mert. Sexton is said to have died in Long Island City, N. Y., in May, 1866.
Seth Howard, one of the old-time interlocutors and straight men, who was one of the original Bryant’s Minstrels at Mechanics Hall in New York City in 1857, died at Hornellsville, N. Y., February 11, 1860.
George Langdon, an aged darky impersonator and singer, and who sang duets with John L. Carncross in Philadelphia before Carncross joined Sanford’s Minstrels in that city, died at Pawtucket, Mass., May 12, 1859.
Harry Evarts, who was associated with Johnny Booker with Booker and Evarts’ Minstrels in the 50’s, and was considered a good general performer, was in later years prominently identified with several companies in an executive capacity.
He was killed in a wreck near Hamilton, Canada, April 28, 1889.
Dick (Richard) Silver, was an early member of the famous Morris Bros., Pell and Trowbridge’s Minstrels in the 60’s.
At the time of his death he had been in the theatrical profession about seventy years.
Mr. Silver was born in Groton, Vt., he died in Traverse City, Mich., October 10, 1909.
Lew Rattler, long associated in the early days of minstrelsy in California, and a member of an organization of the same name in 1859, was a comedian of merit.
He died in San Francisco, Cal., March 27, 1905.
Theodore Gustave Bidaux who ranked with the great baritone singers of minstrelsy, came to America in 1858, and appeared with much success with the following well-known burnt cork organizations—Sanford’s, in Philadelphia; Lloyd and Bidaux’; Duprez and Green’s; George Christy’s; Manning’s; Haverly’s, and Wm. Henry Rice’s in Cincinnati.
Mr. Bidaux married a Mrs. Ayleen in 1867.
Theodore Gustave Bidaux was born near Paris, France, March 12, 1830; he died at Hatboro, Pa., March 5, 1886.
Sam Sharpley (Sharpe) was one of the most famous minstrel comedians and banjoists of his day. He first appeared professionally at the age of 16.
In 1858 he went to Sanford’s Minstrels in Philadelphia, where he became a great favorite. In 1860 he associated himself with John L. Carncross in Carncross and Sharpley’s Minstrels; that same year he also was partner with Birch and Sharpley’s Minstrels.
In the Fall of 1862 he launched his famous “Iron Clads” Minstrels. From 1865 to 1867 he was associated with Tony Pastor in the management of what is now known as the People’s Theatre in New York. In 1872 he formed an alliance with Swaine Buckley, and subsequently with Sheridan and Mack in minstrel organization bearing their names. He was a natural wit and a great entertainer.
| FRANK CUSHMAN | HARRY C. SHUNK |
| NAT. HAINES | CHAS. J. STINE |
A QUARTETTE OF CORKERS.
Sam Sharpley was born in Philadelphia, June 13, 1831; he died in Providence, R. I., January 1, 1875.
Harry Leighton, long and favorably known as a vocalist, did an end with Vogel’s Minstrels, April 16, 1908.
Archie Hughes (Arthur Hughes), was one of the biggest favorites of Hooley’s great minstrel company in Brooklyn, N. Y., many years ago.
There is a difference of opinion as to when and where he made his first appearance, but it is certain he was with Sam Sanford’s Minstrels, traveling in 1859; and equally certain that one evening during a performance with that company, a man in the audience became so enthused with Hughes’ dancing, that he took his watch from his pocket and gave it to him (Hughes); he finished the season at Sanford’s Theatre in Philadelphia in the Spring of 1860. About June following he joined Mrs. Matt Peel’s Minstrels; subsequently returning to Sanford’s in Philadelphia.
September 29, 1862, he opened with Hooley’s Minstrels in Brooklyn, at the initial performance of the organization.
In November, 1864, he began an engagement with Wood’s Minstrels in New York, and the following year was one of the proprietors of (Cool.) Burgess, (Tom) Prendergast, Hughes and (D. C.) La Rue’s Minstrels.
May 28, 1866, he returned to Hooley’s, and at the ending of the season of 1868-69, he went to England with Smith and Taylor’s Minstrels.
September 12, 1870, with Fayette Welch, and Cool. White, he opened Welch, Hughes and White’s Minstrels in Brooklyn, on the site now occupied by a large carpet store; the organization continued there for several months. In 1873 Mr. Hughes was with Sharpley, Sheridan and Mack’s Company, and two years later he rejoined Hooley in Brooklyn.
In December, 1880, he was a member of Kyle’s “Christy” Minstrels in Boston, and in September, 1881, he began his last engagement with Leavitt’s Gigantean Minstrels.
Mr. Hughes was a splendid comedian and a fine dancer; he specialized singing Irish songs on the end.
Archie Hughes was born in Albany, N. Y., about 1830; he died in Buffalo, N. Y., October 18, 1881.
P. B. Isaacs was one of the early minstrel leaders, and a fine musician. He was one of the original members of Bryant’s Minstrels in New York at their opening, February 23, 1857.
He was born in London, England, 1831; he died in San Francisco, September 6, 1865.
William Blakeney. The distinction of being the oldest minstrel leader in all probability belongs to William Blakeney, who made his first appearance with the Western Minstrels, an amateur organization in Pittsburg, Pa., in 1847.
He was five years with the Yankee Robinson Circus.
Late in 1860 he joined William Christy’s Minstrels, and in the Spring of 1861, went to Europe with Rumsey and Newcomb’s Minstrels.
Subsequently he was with Morris and Wilson’s Minstrels in St. Louis, and continued with them four years. In Philadelphia he was with Simmons and Slocum’s Minstrels two years. February 2, 1878, he sailed with Kelly and Leon and their minstrel company for Australia; he continued with them until their dissolution, after which he was associated with the Victoria Loftus Troupe.
Mr. Blakeney’s most important engagement was with the San Francisco Minstrels in New York, with whom he remained five years.
William Blakeney was born in Elfin, Ireland, October 30, 1831.
Billy Lawrence, an old-timer who had his own minstrel show in Chicago as early as 1858, and for many years after appeared with other companies, died in Chicago, Ill., August 21, 1900; age 69 years.
J. W. McAndrews (Walter James McAndrews), famous for many years as the “Watermelon Man,” the latter appellation being the title of the sketch he performed for about three decades with astonishing success.
His first professional appearance was made in his native city at the Richmond Theatre, at the age of 13, in black-face and singing that early favorite, “Jim Along Josie.”
Subsequently and for many years he did “nigger” acts in circuses and small minstrel companies.
About 1857 he joined Buckley’s Serenaders, remained with them for a considerable period, and went to England with them in 1860. Mr. McAndrews played sundry engagements until he joined Kelly and Leon’s Minstrels. About 1866, while with that company in Cincinnati, “Pastimes on the Levee” was first put on; it was not until three or four years later that the skit got the title that made it so popular; Dan Bryant did the christening, and McAndrews played three years with Bryant’s Minstrels in New York.
He went to England with Haverly’s Mastodons, and opened at Her Majesty’s Theatre, London, July 31, 1880; subsequently, July 17, 1882, he played at the Pavillion in the English Metropolis, opening with great success.
The succeeding years of his career were spent with the many prominent minstrel and variety organizations, as well as playing innumerable engagements in the variety theatres.
J. W. McAndrews was born in Richmond, Va., November, 1831; he died at Elgin, Ill., December 29, 1899.
James Budworth, in addition to being a great minstrel, was a good actor. His debut was made at the Park Theatre, in New York City, in 1848, as vocalist and mimic.
May 26, 1860, James Budworth, Frank Budworth (his son, who afterwards developed into one of the best Chinese impersonators) and his brother, W. S. Budworth, appeared with Wood’s Minstrels, at the same time.
One year prior to this, he was the principal comedian with George Christy’s Minstrels in New York, Christy had been enjoined from appearing.
In 1862 he was with Mrs. Matt. Peel’s Minstrels; September, 1864, found him with Hooley’s, in Brooklyn, N. Y.
Monday, August 27, 1866, with his brother William, he opened the 5th Avenue Theatre (until recently, when it was demolished, known as the Madison Square Theatre), New York City; they remained several months.
Mr. Budworth was with Sam Sharpley’s Minstrels in the Summer of 1869, and in September, 1872, he became a member of Frank Moran’s Minstrels in Philadelphia; he was likewise with several of the other prominent companies of his time. He also played the title role in “Pomp” and star roles in other plays.
Mr. Budworth was best known for his imitations of actors, in which he had no peer.
As a banjoist he gained renown, and played with equal proficiency the Japanese and Chinese fiddle.
As a Dutch comedian he was great; his John Schmidt in “The Persecuted Dutchman” at the Park Theatre, Brooklyn, N. Y., in 1865, received lavish praise from press and public.
James Budworth was born in Philadelphia, December 24, 1831; he died in New York City, March 15, 1875.
Dick Berthelon, an old-time black-face performer, appeared mostly in variety houses for many years; he was good in the old-time “nigger” acts, and was proficient as a manipulator of the bones and tambourine.
He died in Brooklyn, N. Y., September 25, 1891; age 60 years.
Billy Boyd was a capable minstrel performer of the old school; he was with Hunt and Company’s Minstrels in 1855, and was very well-known in Philadelphia, where he was born in 1831; he died in New York, April 21, 1869.
R. M. Carroll, or “Dick” as he is better known, or “Master Marks” as he was originally known to the profession, probably has the greatest number of years of theatrical service of any one in minstrelsy.
Mr. Carroll is best remembered as a dancer, and he was one of the world’s greatest; but in his early career he was a splendid wench performer; he was the third one to do “Lucy Long”; a great feature of old-time minstrelsy.
Mr. Carroll’s first public appearance was at Tinkham Hall on Grand Street, New York City; the occasion was the benefit of an elderly Irish lady, long since departed—this was in 1837. For many years he danced at balls and parties. About 1845 he first appeared professionally at the Bowery Amphitheatre, New York City, in a circus, and shortly after this at the Bowery Theatre he blacked up for the first time with “Daddy” Rice, playing in “Bone Squash.”
The year following he played his initial minstrel engagement with Charley White’s Company, also in New York; he remained with White several seasons.
In 1854 he was with Buckley’s Serenaders in New York; in 1858 with Sniffen’s Campbell’s Minstrels, likewise in the metropolis.
February 14, 1859, he made his first appearance as a member of Morris Bros., Pell and Trowbridge’s Minstrels in Boston, where he became a great favorite, remaining about three years.
In his long career Mr. Carroll played with many prominent minstrel organizations, notably Kelly and Leon’s; at Hooley’s, at the latter’s theatre in Brooklyn, N. Y., with little Dick, his son, he began an engagement there March 14, 1870.
Subsequently with Dick, Jr., and Dick’s brothers, Edwin and Bennie, they played for several years in the principal variety theatres of the country.
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| JOHN QUEEN | MRS. ARTHUR L. GUY In Select Company | JAS. CUMMINGS | ||
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| JOHN PEASLEY | JAS.—SANFORD AND WILSON—CHAS. (Portraits Reversed.) | WM. HENRY RICE | ||
In September, 1878, he opened Carroll’s Comique, in Brooklyn, N. Y., and several weeks later, with his sons, began an engagement with Cotton and Wagner’s Minstrels. It may be interesting to know that Mr. Carroll, and the late J. K. (Fritz) Emmett, had a minstrel show once; Carroll and Emmett’s Minstrels opened at De Bar’s Opera House, St. Louis, Mo., June 1, 1868.
R. M. Carroll and John Queen (afterwards Queen and West), were the first to do a double clog dance, about 1862. Mr. Carroll likewise originated the famous song “Me Father Sold Charcoal.”
His sons, Bennie and Edwin, died in New York City, September 18, 1877, and at Denver, Colo., March 5, 1905, respectively.
Mr. Carroll played the variety houses for several years with his well known dancing specialty “Mortar and Bricks.”
R. M. Carroll was born in New York City April 10, 1832.
W. L. Hobbs, the well known minstrel “leader” was associated with Frank Moran’s Minstrels in Philadelphia in 1872; he was also with Carncross and Dixey’s Company in the same city, and for several seasons was connected with Bryant’s Minstrels in New York.
W. L. Hobbs died in Philadelphia, July 12, 1874; age 45 years.
Bob Hall, who had been connected with many minstrel companies during his long career, and who had also been with Harrigan and Hart, died in Baltimore, Md., June 29, 1882; age 50 years.
Andrew Wyatt, an old-time minstrel leader, who was with Sanford’s Minstrels in Philadelphia as early as 1856, and for eight years prior to his death with Whitmore and Clark’s Minstrels, died in Salem, Mass., August 5, 1874; age 41 years.
A. M. Hernandez was famous as a pantomimist and acrobat; but it was as a guitarist and vocalist he was best known; he was capable of playing practically every known instrument.
In 1852 he was with Hayworth and Horton’s variety show doing a knife throwing act. The following year he was with Parrow’s Minstrels and subsequently with Matt. Peel’s and Sniffen’s Campbell’s Minstrels.
Mr. Hernandez was born in Havana, Cuba; he died in Montevideo, Uruguay, S. A., October 25, 1874.
J. B. Studley, the famous old legitimate actor, played, “Pomp, or Cudijos Cave” in New York, April 11, 1864, and in the same city played Uncle Tom, in Uncle Tom’s Cabin, October 20, 1879.
Mr. Studley was born in Boston, Mass., October 8, 1832; he died in New York, August 6, 1910.
John S. Cox, the old-time minstrel leader of Simmons and Slocum’s in Philadelphia, and other well known companies, died in August, 1902; age 70 years.
John P. Smith, familiarly known as “Cully” Smith, began his professional career as a member of old Joe Sweeney’s Company in 1845; he was then Master Smith.
In 1850 he was with the “Old Dominion” Minstrels, playing the bones, under the name of “John P. Weston”; subsequently he was with Parrow’s Minstrels, and Smith and Hernandez Minstrels. Later he was identified with the Buckley’s, and George Christy’s Minstrels in an executive capacity, and of recent years was associated in a like manner with several prominent legitimate attractions.
John P. Smith was born in Richmond, Va., August 3, 1832; he died in New York City, November 12, 1897.
Swayne Buckley, Rolin Howard, Edwin Holmes, Billy Hart and G. W. H. Griffin, all died within thirty days in 1879.
Mrs. J. T. Huntley was the grand-daughter of the late Colonel Jacob Deems, a prominent figure of old Baltimore.
She became the wife of the famous Matt. Peel just one year before the latter’s death; subsequently she married J. T. Huntley, another old-time minstrel.
After Matt. Peel’s demise, Mrs. Peel, a few months later re-organized the company, and as Mrs. Matt. Peel’s Minstrels, she conducted its affairs successfully for several seasons.
As Mrs. Peel she also had the additional distinction of being the first woman that ever sold tickets for a minstrel show; this was more than fifty years ago, when the companies played in halls, and carried their own treasurers.
Mrs. Huntley is living, active, and is happy in the thought that she is earning her own livelihood.
Mrs. J. T. Huntley was born in Baltimore, Md., August 4, 1832.
Bob Hart (James M. Sutherland) famous as a stump speaker, made his professional debut at “444” Broadway, New York, in 1859; prior to this he had been a Methodist minister.
In 1863 with Lew Simmons he was proprietor of Hart and Simmons’ Minstrels; he was also prominently identified with the San Francisco Minstrels in New York; Bryant’s, in the same city; Emerson and Manning’s in Chicago, and subsequently, in 1871, with Manning’s Minstrels, also in Chicago.
His last appearance in minstrelsy was with Dan Bryant’s company in 1875. In 1878 he again took up evangelical work and continued at it until his death.
Bob Hart was born in New York State, February 9, 1832; he died (suicide) in New York City, April 6, 1888.
John Sivori (Wheeler) who was one of the original Bryant’s Minstrels of February 23, 1857, in New York City, and was for several years associated with them; gave up the profession many years ago, and is said to have become a doctor or dentist.
He was reported dead about ten years back.
John B. Donniker was one of the oldest as well as the best “leaders” in minstrelsy.
He was associated with many of the famous organizations, including some of his own. In 1854 he was “leader” with Ordway’s Aeolians in Boston; subsequently he went to California, and while there was one of the proprietors of Birch (Billy) and Donniker’s Minstrels, 1859.
In 1861 he was with “Eugene” and Unsworth, proprietor of Unsworth’s Minstrels. In 1862 he had a half interest in Arlington (Billy) and Donniker’s Minstrels; and in 1865 he was associated with Burgess (“Cool”), Prendergast (Tom), Hughes (Archie) and Donniker’s Minstrels.
He was with Morris Bros., Pell and Trowbridge, in Boston, and with Bryant’s, and Wood and Christy’s in New York; likewise for several seasons was he intermittently with the famous San Francisco Minstrels, also in New York.
In the late 70’s he was engaged as leader at the London Theatre, New York City, remaining a few seasons.
Of late years, having lost the use of his arm, he took pupils, giving lessons on the violin.
John B. Donniker died at Penn Yan, N. Y., July 17, 1902; age 69 years.
Tony Pastor (Antonio Pastorius), during his long career as manager in New York City, occupied three different theatres, each of which had previously been used by a permanent minstrel company.
Mr. Pastor’s early days, about 1846-47, were spent as a minstrel.
Tony Pastor was born in New York, May 28, 1832; he died at Elmhurst, L. I., N. Y., August 26, 1908.
“Hank” (Azro) White, a famous old-time minstrel, had been in the profession about forty years; twenty-five of which were spent with Whitmore and Clark’s Minstrels.
He died in Windsor, Vt., February 14, 1900; age 68 years.
Walter Birch (Smith), was a well-known tenor vocalist with Christy’s Minstrels in 1862 and 1865; in 1863 he was with Horn and Newcomb’s Minstrels. He was likewise associated with several operatic companies.
He died in Jersey City, N. J., January 29, 1880; age 47 years.
Johnny Pell (Gavin), a prominent young comedian, spent the best part of his professional career in Boston. His first appearance was with Charley White’s company in New York in the early 50’s.
In 1854 he went to Boston, and became a member of Ordway’s Aeolians, remaining until 1857, when in conjunction with Lon and Billy Morris and J. T. Huntley, they organized a company bearing their names; about two years later it was known as Morris Bros., Pell and Trowbridge’s Minstrels, and as such continued until the demise of Mr. Pell.
Two days prior to his death, he married Miss Moore, of Boston.
Johnny Pell died in Boston, Mass., January 24, 1866; age 33 years. He was born in New York.
Geo. M. Clark entered the field of minstrelsy about 1860; subsequently with his partner he organized Whitmore and Clark’s Minstrels, and traveled successfully for many years.
He was born in 1833, and died in Felchville, Vt., June 6, 1885.
| BYRON CHRISTY | HUGHEY DOUGHERTY | JAMES UNSWORTH |
| HARRY PELL | FRANK MORAN | BOB. HART |
| BILLY RICHARDSON | FRANK BELL | LEW BENEDICT |
ORATORS OF THE OLD DAYS.
Charles Petrie was one of the old time banjoists, and one of the first to open a variety theatre in Chicago.
He was associated with the minstrel companies of Arlington, Kelly, Leon and Donniker, Lew Benedict’s and others.
He was born in Lockport, N. Y., in 1833; he died in Dallas, Texas, November 12, 1881.
J. E. Green was known as “Mocking Bird Green,” from the fact that he was so long identified with singing of the song of that name, and whistling imitations of same. He entered the profession about 1856, as a member of the minstrel firm of Shorey, Carle, Duprez and Green; subsequently it became Duprez and Green’s Minstrels, and continued until 1865 under that trade-mark, when he sold his interest to Lew Benedict. He subsequently had several companies of his own and was associated in another with “Hop Light Loo” Charley Gardner.
At the time of his death he was musical director with Archie White’s “Duprez and Benedict’s” Minstrels.
J. E. Green was born in Portsmouth, N. H., April 9, 1833; he died in New York, November 30, 1886.
Billy Wray, the father of Mrs. John Wild, was one of the most versatile of performers; as an end man and stump speaker he excelled; he was likewise a clever magician.
With his wife (Louise Payne) and daughter, Ada, already referred to, he traveled in 1862, giving an entire performance by themselves.
Billy Wray was born in New York, July 25, 1833; he was lost in the wreck of the Steamer “Evening Star” between New York and New Orleans, October 3, 1866.
E. Freeman Dixey—his was a household word in Philadelphia, where practically his whole professional career, and the major portion of his life was spent.
His first engagement was in Boston, at the age of eighteen; subsequently he went to Philadelphia, and opened there at Cartee’s Lyceum, the present site of the 11th Street Opera House, with the Julien Serenaders, December 4, 1854.
On April 23, 1855, the house was opened as Sanford’s Opera House, by Sam Sanford, and Mr. Dixey was a member of the company, and continued with Sanford until the latter drew away from its management, April 14, 1862, when Mr. Dixey and Mr. Carncross opened it under the name of Carncross and Dixey’s Minstrels; Robert Simpson was the financial man. The firm of Carncross and Dixey continued until June 17, 1871; Mr. Carncross retiring on that date.
October 2, 1871, Mr. Dixey in conjunction with Frank Moran opened the house as Moran and Dixey’s Minstrels. The second season commenced August 26, 1872, and on September 24, Mr. Dixey retired from the firm. September 1, 1873, again saw Carncross and Dixey’s Minstrels installed; they continued until March 16, 1878; after a supplemental tour that terminated May 11, 1878, Mr. Dixey retired to private life.
Mr. Dixey was one of minstrelsy’s greatest bone players, and in his earlier days he excelled in the delineation of wench characters.
He was a student of the negro, as well as a student in private life; a gifted, intellectual, cultured gentleman was Edward Freeman Dixey.
E. Freeman Dixey was born in Marblehead, Mass., July 29, 1833; he died in Philadelphia, March 2, 1904.
Max Irwin was a well-known comedian, stump orator and general performer.
In 1858 and 1859 he was a member of Matt. Peel’s Minstrels.
In the latter year he also played variety engagements with “Young America” (E. Richardson). May 16, 1859, he married Gussie Lamoreux, the well-known dancer, in Philadelphia.
Mr. Irwin who was at one time known as P. Maxey, was born in Cincinnati, O.; he died in Adelaide, Aus., August 9, 1864; age 33 years.
Add. Weaver (Addison Weaver), was one of the real old-time minstrel comedians.
It is said he entered the profession in 1845. In 1858 he was with the Metropolitan Minstrels; in 1861 with Mrs. Matt. Peel’s Minstrels, and in 1863, in conjunction with Charley Morris, was proprietor of the Morris Minstrels. In the 60’s, and for several years, he did sketches with Master Barney; subsequently he had many pupils who were known as Master Add. Weaver; one of these was Fred Hallen.
In the fall of 1876 he succeeded Lew Dockstader in the management of the Adelphi, formerly Newton’s Varieties, in Hartford, Conn.
Add. Weaver was a good end man, and was noted for his stump speeches. The writer’s last recollection of the veteran minstrel was with “The House With Green Blinds,” at the Walnut Street Theatre, Philadelphia, about September, 1893; he appeared in the initial production in a black-face part, but only played one or two performances, when he was succeeded by the author, Scott Marble.
On July 22, 1887, he was married to Mrs. Abigail F. Harris, in New York City.
Add. Weaver was born in Cattaraugus County, New York, about 1833; he died in Staten Island, N. Y., February 2, 1903.
Johnny De Angelis was one of the early black-face performers in California. He was well-known as a good general comedian in San Francisco, where he played many years.
He was the father of Jeff DeAngelis, the present light opera star.
Johnny De Angelis was born in Philadelphia, about 1833; he died in San Francisco, Cal., December 25, 1877.
Dan Bryant (Daniel Webster O’Brien). The profound esteem in which this black-face comedian was held can be told in no better way than in citing the fact that within three weeks of the date of his death, the entire theatrical profession in New York City gave no less than eleven testimonial benefits in as many different theatres in the Metropolis on the afternoon of April 29, 1875; for Dan Bryant’s hand was ever in his pocket for those less fortunate than himself, and no one ever appealed to him in vain; he was a lovely character, was Dan Bryant—and yet his grave remains unmarked; so it is said.
His first appearance was in New York City in 1845 at Vauxhall Garden, at his brother Jerry’s benefit; he was with various companies until 1848, when he joined Losee’s Minstrels; subsequently he was with the Sable Harmonists, and in 1850 he joined Charley White’s company in New York, remaining a year.
Next he appeared with Wood and Fellowe’s Minstrels in New York, and when Mr. Fellowe withdrew, he continued with Henry Wood’s Minstrels, same city; he was with them as late as July, 1852.
Later he joined Campbell’s Minstrels, and in the Summer of 1856, he managed Bryant’s “Campbell’s” Minstrels; in September, same year, he made a pronounced hit in Philadelphia, and on February 23, 1857, Bryant’s Minstrels gave their first performance in New York City, at Mechanic’s Hall; their last appearance there was June 2, 1866.
August 10, 1867, Dan Bryant and his Minstrels sailed for California; they played in San Francisco under the management of Tom Maguire; they remained away until May 18, 1868, when they opened at the Tammany Building (present Olympic Theatre), New York City; Bryant’s Minstrels next home was on 23rd Street, above 6th Avenue; they opened there November 23, 1870, and continued until Dan Bryant’s death.
While Dan Bryant’s name and fame will go down to posterity as a minstrel, yet he was recognized as a fine Irish comedian. At a benefit performance for William R. Floyd in New York, July 2, 1863, Mr. Bryant gave a performance of Handy Andy in the play of that name, the equal of which had not been seen in some time, and during the Summer seasons for several years played in various Irish dramas with success; in May, 1865, he sailed for Europe, and in Dublin, Ireland, and Liverpool, England, he gave several performances of Celtic characters.
Although a good general performer, Dan Bryant’s chief fame rests in his “Essence of Old Virginny” dance; it is not claimed that he originated it, but it is universally conceded that he excelled all others in it’s execution; he likewise gained prominence in the famous “Shoo Fly” song and dance with Dave Reed.
It has been shown that Dan Bryant was an actor in white-face, but that he equally was an actor behind his mask of cork, I submit the following from Harper’s Magazine, written a few years before the lamented minstrel’s death. * * *
“Edwin Forrest was never weary of seeing Dan Bryant play the part of the hungry negro in “Old Times, Rocks,” and the verdict of the great player was that there was not a finer bit of tragic acting to be seen in America at that time than Dan in this broadly funny bit. Who that remembers the performance need be told how tears were constantly checking laughter in this little scene of the black man’s suffering through hunger, and how one’s sympathies were irresistibly wrung by the pathos of the minstrel’s voice when, on being questioned as to when he had eaten a square meal, he answered, humbly ‘I had a peanut last week.’ It was side-splitting—it was heartbreaking.”
Mr. Bryant married Miss Ellen Fitzgibbons of St. Louis, Mo., in that city, July 29, 1860.
Dan Bryant was born in Troy, N. Y., May 9, 1833; he died in New York City, April 10, 1875.
| BEN. COTTON | TOM. WATERS |
| BARRY MAXWELL | HARRY G. RICHMOND |
| CHAS. M. ERNEST | NEIL. ROGERS |
STUDIES IN BLACK AND WHITE.
John Hart, jolly “fat” John Hart, as he was universally known, first appeared professionally in 1854 as a member of Eisenbeice’s Minstrels; the company stranded in Syracuse, N. Y., and that was the end of Eisenbeice.
Some time later he was stock comedian at Trimble’s Varieties in Pittsburg, Pa.
His first New York appearance was at Josh Hart’s Comique in 1869. In 1871, Hart, Ryman and Barney’s Minstrels were organized.
Mr. Hart also was with Haverly; Kelly and Leon; Morris Bros., and other first-class minstrel companies.
In 1888 he was the original Hiram Pepper in the “Two Sisters” Company.
In September, 1887, he was one of the organizers of (Wm. Henry) Rice, Hart and (Add) Ryman’s Minstrels.
He toured with the “Two Johns” for three years.
John Hart was screamingly funny in the old-time nigger acts he used to do with Arthur Moreland at various times.
He also played an engagement with Augustin Daly in the play of the “Royal Middy.”
John Hart was born in Monongahela City, Pa., July 10, 1833; he died in New York City, June 4, 1904.
J. G. H. Shorey was one of the early minstrel proprietors and comedians.
The first record of Mr. Shorey’s career as a black-face performer was in his father’s barn at the age of nine years; pins were the admission fee, and it is said that no one ever complained of being stuck. A few years later he joined a dramatic company, and later a circus; after that came Shorey’s Southern Minstrels.
In the middle 50’s he formed an alliance with Duprez, Carle and Green, playing for a few seasons under the firm name. In later years he was identified with several prominent organizations in an executive capacity, as well as playing the variety theatres.
Mr. Shorey is reputed to have been the proprietor of the first Dime Museum ever opened in Boston.
J. G. H. Shorey was born in Great Falls, N. H., April 10, 1833; he died in Lynn, Mass., May 23, 1886.
Charles F. Shattuck was one of the oldest and most noted of minstrel bassos. He was the author of the song, “One Hundred Fathoms Deep,” and had made many beautiful minstrel arrangements.
He had been associated with such well-known minstrel organizations as Newcomb’s; Buckley’s; Simmons and Slocum’s; Geo. Wilson’s and numerous others. Mr. Shattuck died in New York, November 29, 1905; age 69 years.
Ned Davis was an old-time comedian; it was his company, known as the Olio Minstrels, that were the first to perform on the steamer “Banjo,” giving their first performance at Lawrenceburg, Miss., October, 1855. Mr. Davis traveled with his minstrel company for many years, also appearing with other companies at times, notably Campbell’s Minstrels in New York, with whom he opened July 6, 1863.
He died at Mott Haven (New York City) June 29, 1872; age 48 years.
Edwin Booth, the great American tragedian, in 1850, at the court-house in his native town, gave an entertainment in which he blackened his face and sang negro songs, accompanied by the banjo and bones. This was one year after his dramatic debut in Boston.
Edwin Booth was born in Belair, Md., November 13, 1833; he died in New York City, June 7, 1893.
Tom Leslie, once prominent as a bass singer with Morris Bros., Pell and Trowbridge’s Minstrels in Boston, was the father of Eddie and Joe Leslie; the former, well known as a mimetic comedian, and the latter long associated with Cohan and Harris’ attractions.
Mr. Leslie was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, December 29, 1833; he died in Boston, Mass., June 6, 1899.
Charley Lewis, an old-time comedian who was with William Christy’s Minstrels in 1860, and who married Miss O’Keefe, of Portage City, Wis., at Milwaukee, July 20, 1861; died at Portage Lake, Wis., November 28, 1864; age 31 years.
John H. Duley was a well-known comedian half a century ago; his “Old Bob Ridley” is said to have compared favorably with the best performances of that favorite old-time act.
He had been with Hooley and Campbell’s Minstrels in New York in 1861, and went to England with Rumsey and Newcomb’s Company that same year.
July 10, 1859, he married Mrs. Mattie Robinson, an actress.
John H. Duley was born in Philadelphia, Pa., 1834; he died in London, England, May 31, 1864.
Frank Hussey was a well-known comedian and versatile performer.
His operations were chiefly confined to California and foreign countries.
His first appearance was with a minstrel company known as the “Sable Brothers,” in 1848. There is practically no country on the globe that Hussey has not appeared in.
He was born in Nantucket, Mass., October 26, 1834; he was last heard of as a member of Leslie’s Anglo-American Minstrels in Africa, July 30, 1883.
Billy Chambers, an old-time banjoist and comedian, was with Sam Sharpley’s Minstrels, in 1865, and played his last engagement, about 1870, with Sam Sanford; he died in Philadelphia, September 7, 1879; age 45 years.
Harry Robinson (Bishop), famous in minstrelsy as the “Man With the Silver Horns,” came to the United States about 1861, and subsequently appeared with George Wood’s Minstrels as a cornetist; later he was with Cal. Wagner’s Company.
About 1870 he organized Harry Robinson’s Minstrels, and toured for several seasons. He was an excellent musician, and was married three times.
Mr. Robinson was born in England; he died (suicide) at Bloomington, Ill., May 5, 1889; age 55 years.
Charles L. Church was a prominent balladist of the 60’s and 70’s.
For many years he was actively associated with Sharpley’s, and Morris Bros. Minstrels.
A son of the same name is also a well-known vocalist.
He was born in England, and died in Cambridge, Mass., June 4, 1910; age 76 years.
James Wambold was a brother of Dave Wambold, and achieved prominence as a banjoist. His first appearance was in his native city with a local minstrel troupe in the early 50’s.
Subsequently he played on the “Floating Palace”; Backus’ Minstrels, and Mrs. Matt. Peel’s Minstrels, in 1861.
Mr. Wambold was an expert whistler and gave imitations of birds and animals, accompanied by the banjo. He played many engagements with circuses, and it was while with one of these in the Spring of 1875 that he received injuries that compelled his retirement from the profession.
James F. Wambold was born in Newark, N. J., March 4, 1834; he died there June 15, 1901.
John L. Carncross, famous for his long association at the old Eleventh Street Opera House in Philadelphia, was one of the greatest singers in minstrelsy; his voice, a pure tenor, is yet recalled by many of the old residents of the Quaker City. Originally he appeared at the various concert halls in his native city as “Billy” Warren.
On January 4, 1858, he made his first appearance with Sanford’s Minstrels at the latter’s theatre in Philadelphia. Mr. Carncross continued there until the Spring of 1860, when the season having closed, with Sam Sharpley he organized Carncross and Sharpley’s Minstrels in the same city at the Continental Theatre, which was on the present site of the Casino Theatre, and gave their first performance August 22, 1860; after playing a few weeks they left there and reappeared October 1.
April 14, 1862, Mr. Carncross and E. F. Dixey opened there under the firm name of Carncross and Dixey’s Minstrels, and continued as such until April 18, 1871, when the regular season closed; this was followed by a supplemental tour, which terminated on June 17, on which date Mr. Carncross retired from the firm, and entered the mercantile business.
Mr. Dixey subsequently also retired from the company, but on September 1, 1873, Carncross and Dixey’s Minstrels again opened.
Dixey retired permanently in 1878, and Mr. Carncross continued there until January 25, 1896, as Carncross’ Minstrels, on which date he finally retired to private life at his residence in the city of his birth.
John L. Carncross was born in Philadelphia, about 1834.
R. Jean Buckley (Alexander W. Moody), one of the good old-timers, made his first appearance at the old Marshall Theatre, Richmond, Va., in October, 1847, as a ballad singer. The following year he joined Joe Sweeney’s Minstrels, and at that time he was not only the youngest living banjo player, but one of the very few living players.
Mr. Buckley was many years stage manager at the Odeon Theatre, Baltimore, Md., and for twenty-two years he was associated with Tim Morris, though he also worked with some of the best comedians in the country.
J. W. RAYNOR JERRY BRYANT
CAMPBELL’S MINSTRELS (1848)
The original company was organized in June, 1847. Jerry Bryant and J. W. Raynor were two of the original company. The other photos represent minstrel scenes of that day.
While Mr. Buckley was probably best known in minstrelsy, he also traveled extensively with several prominent dramatic and circus organizations. He is a skilled general musician, but was well known for his performances on the banjo and guitar; as an interlocutor and “straight” man, he ranked high.
Mr. Buckley retired from active theatricals in 1907, after sixty years of active theatrical life; truly a remarkable record.
R. Jean Buckley was born in Williamsburg, Va., November 24, 1834.
Billy Carter was not the father of the banjo, but he adopted it at an early age, and has had it in his possession ever since.
Mr. Carter first appeared in New Orleans as a performer, in the early 60’s; he did black and white-face business at three dollars per evening, which wasn’t bad for a raw amateur. In 1865 your Uncle Bill sat in the middle and played the banjo with the Louisiana Serenaders; this was his first minstrel troupe, and “Codfish Aristocracy” was the soul-inspiring ballad that stirred his auditors.
After the affair in which he sang about the “Finny 400,” he joined the Great Western Opera Bouffe Company; this sounded good enough for a four years engagement, but the truth of the matter is, it flopped in Lynchburg, Va., in nearly four years less than that time; subsequently Mr. Carter and dear departed Luke Schoolcraft (who was a member of the company) arrived in Philadelphia in somewhat distressed financial circumstances; fortunately our banjo comique had a relative in the Quaker City; an uncle, I believe, and hunting him up, he took a violin and showed it to him. * * * With this 85 cents they arrived in New York (Mr. Great Western had considerately purchased transportation to the metropolis), and shortly after, he secured an engagement at Hooley’s Minstrels in Brooklyn, where he met with instant success.
His next important minstrel engagement was with Simmons and Slocum in Philadelphia, where he opened February 16, 1874. In 1878 he joined Haverly’s Minstrels in Chicago; two years later he engaged with the latter’s Mastodons for the London invasion, but William was a bad sailor, and at the last minute renigged. Subsequently he appeared with Thatcher, Primrose and West’s and with Barlow, Wilson & Company’s Minstrels.
Mr. Carter was several years with Harrigan and Hart’s Company in New York; with this company he originated the famous “Skidmore Guards,” that had such a vogue for a long time. He has played all the principal variety houses, and most of the prominent vaudeville theatres. Will somebody please notice this nice distinction?
Billy Carter was born at Parish St. Bernard, La., December 16, 1834.
Fred Abbott, a well-known and clever female impersonator, associated for several seasons with Hooley’s Minstrels in Brooklyn, Chicago, and the road tours; died in Boston, Mass., May 28, 1871; age 37 years.
Tim. Morris, an old-time performer who achieved recognition for his delineation of the plantation “darky,” was with many minstrel troupes prior to his death in Providence, R. I., March 6, 1880. He was about 46 years of age.
“Fatty” Stewart (J. S. Crossy), famed for many years as one of the original “Two Johns,” made his first professional appearance in New York in 1848 as a comic singer.
About two years later he was a member of the Sable Harmonists. In 1854 he launched Stewart’s Minstrels; and in 1873 he played an engagement with Sam Hague’s Minstrels in Liverpool, England. Mr. Stewart was the author of many black face sketches, all of which have had considerable vogue. He also built or managed several theatres, notably in St. Louis, Providence and Philadelphia. Mr. Stewart died in St. Louis, Mo., May 23, 1905; age 71 years.
John Paul Crocker was one of the proprietors of Moore, Crocker, Ritter and Hamilton’s Minstrels, who gave their first performance at Chester, England, November 14, 1864.
Mr. Crocker was a good comedian and well liked personally; he continued as a partner of the organization up to the time of his death.
John Paul Crocker was born in the United States; he died in London, England, December 17, 1869; age 35 years.
Aynsley Cooke, who was well and favorably known in operatic circles, was a prominent singer with Bryant’s Minstrels in New York City in 1861.
He was born in London, England; he died in Liverpool, England, February 16, 1894; age 60 years.
Frank Wells (Bernard Mundy) was a well-known and capable female impersonator.
He was for a long time with Morris and Wilson’s Minstrels in St. Louis, also with Charley Morris and Add Weaver’s Company, in 1863; later he was with LaRue’s Minstrels.
He died in Brooklyn, N. Y., April 25, 1874; age 39 years.
D. C. LaRue, a well-known minstrel manager, who had his own companies in the 60’s, and during the same period was associated in minstrel ventures with J. B. Donniker, Tom Prendergast, Archie Hughes and Cool Burgess, died in Charleston, S. C., March 15, 1875; age about 40 years.
“Hank” Goodman, the old-time comedian, was a member of Gorton’s New Orleans Minstrels for many years.
In 1887 he retired, and later assumed the management of Goodman’s Opera House in Friendship, N. Y., continuing there until his death, which occurred in that city May 14, 1908.
Nelse Seymour (Thos. Nelson Sanderson), made his first appearance in his native city as a clown in a circus. His initial black-face appearance was in the same city in 1861 as a member of Kunkel’s “Nightingales,” a prominent minstrel organization, with whom he remained the season.
The following year he joined Bryant’s Minstrels in New York; January 26 following he opened with Wood’s Minstrels, same city. He rejoined Bryant’s in 1863, and continued with them until the Fall of 1866, when he became a member of Kelly and Leon’s Minstrels, also in New York; he remained until May, 1868.
That same month he again joined Bryant’s, and a few weeks later went to England, where he opened with Moore and Crocker’s Minstrels. November 23, 1870, found him back to Bryant’s, where he continued until his death.
Mr. Seymour was exceedingly tall, and correspondingly slender, and in the various acts in which he worked with Dan Bryant he was very funny. He was equally at home, sitting on the end or in the middle on the first part.
Nelse Seymour was born in Baltimore, Md., June 5, 1835; he died in New York, February 2, 1875.
Matt Thompson, a good general performer and “Essence” dancer, who was with Mrs. Matt. Peel’s Minstrels in 1861; died in New Orleans, La., August 21, 1867; age 32 years.
M. T. Skiff was a well-known and prominent manager of minstrel companies. He organized a company bearing his name September 26, 1863, at Alexandria, Va. In November the following year, with Low Gaylord, he formed Skiff and Gaylord’s Minstrels, and as such traveled for several seasons.
Mr. Skiff formed a partnership with Eph. Horn and Walter Bray in August, 1869, and gave minstrel performances for a brief period. In 1871 Mr. Skiff called his company the “Albinos.” He later deserted the minstrel field, and for several years traveled in an executive capacity with legitimate attractions.
M. T. Skiff was born in New Bedford, Mass.; he died in Baltimore, Md., June 13, 1890; age 55 years.
The Famously Funny Lee Dinner, as told by the late W. J. Florence to Seen and Heard; Philadelphia:
“Philip Lee,” said he, “was the husband of the beautiful and gifted Adelaide Neilson, since whose death we have never seen a Juliet upon the stage to equal her. Lee was the son of an English clergyman, and in demeanor and apparel was a gentleman. He accompanied his wife to this country, not as her business manager, but simply as her husband. He was a harmless, pleasant, gentlemanly fellow, with but little knowledge of American ways. It is not true, as has frequently been stated, that he knew so little of this country that he expected to see buffaloes plunging down Broadway and Indians tomahawking people in Central Park, New York, nor was his astonishment at the absence of such surprising adventures the inspiring cause of the joke of which he was made the victim. Its inception was in this way: At the time Lee was in New York City, in the Fall of 1877, he was a patron of the Fifth Avenue Hotel, where I was also staying, as I had been for years, and Mr. Sothern was quartered at the Gramercy Park Hotel. One night the three of us met at the Lotos Club, which was then far down town, and, as we were about leaving there, Sothern and myself, desiring to pay the Englishman some attention, invited him to accompany us to the old chop house kept by George Brown, and there have a bite and sup before going to bed. We walked up Fifth Avenue together, and, as we were opposite the Glenham Hotel, our attention was attracted by a disturbance across the way, evidently caused by a brawl between a policeman and some jovial young blades. Lee, who was very curious about everything he saw, exclaimed, ‘Bless me! what’s that?’ Mr. Sothern replied in the most nonchalant manner, as he continued walking on, ‘Oh, only another dead man.’
| BOB. SLAVIN | ED. H. BANKER | “HAPPY” CAL WAGNER |
| BURT. HAVERLY | SAM. HAGUE | EUGENE STRATTON (1878) |
| JOHNNY SHAY | M. T. SKIFF | JOHN W. THOMPSON |
A GROUP OF GENUINES.
“‘Another dead man!’ gasped Lee; ‘Lord bless me, what do you mean?’
“‘Oh, that’s nothing,’ exclaimed Sothern, with a wave of his hand; ‘I stumble across them every night on my way home. They are killing men around here all the time. I trip over them, but pay no attention to them, but keep right on my way home. I don’t care to be summoned as a witness before the Coroner every day of my life.’ ‘Bless me!’ exclaimed Lee; ‘what a remarkable country!’
*****
“We finally reached Brown’s, and, having secured a table, we ordered chops and ale. Sothern and myself had not prearranged any joke upon our guest, but he had given me a wink, which I knew meant mischief, and I was ready to play second to any part he proposed performing. While we were eating, Sothern suddenly reached over and placed his fork in one of my chops, attempting to remove it to his plate. I prevented this by the insertion of my own fork, and then said, in calm but determined tones, ‘Ned, I don’t like that,’ to which Lord Dundreary responded, but not in the feeble tones of that stuttering stage nobleman, ‘Mr. Florence, I don’t care whether you like it or not; I want that chop!’
“With that I sprang upon him with uplifted knife and grabbed my dearly beloved friend by the throat, and he seized me in a similar way, while he apparently made desperate efforts to cut my jugular vein. In the melee which ensued the table was upset, and chops, ale, dishes, knives, forks and all the other appurtenances descended upon poor Lee in a shower. Brown, the proprietor of the establishment, who knew us both intimately, rushed forward and separated us, and at his solicitation, he thinking we were entirely in earnest, we finally shook hands and renewed our vows of eternal friendship upon one another’s bosoms.
*****
“That was the inception of the famous Lee dinner hoax. Sothern came to me afterward and said he desired to give the Englishman a dinner at the Gramercy Park Hotel, in order to introduce him to the customs of the great American people, and said that the only part he desired me to take in it was to be sure that Lee should be on hand at the appointed hour, which was noon of the following Sunday. To this I agreed. I knew, of course, that some sort of a joke was to be perpetrated upon Miss Neilson’s husband, but I pledge my word that I was not fully let into the secret, and was not advised of the programme. At the designated time I escorted Lee to the banquet room, which was on the first floor in the rear of the hotel office. I found out afterward that by special arrangement with Mr. Judson, the proprietor, the doors and windows had been well padded and covered so that no noise within could reach beyond them. The apartment was lighted with wax candles. Those assembled were John McCullough, Harry Montague, J. S. Polk, Charles Gaylor, all of whom had achieved fame upon the stage; Dan Bryant and Nelson Seymour, the most famous negro minstrels of their day; Commodore Dickinson, of the New York Yacht Club; George Brown, of the chop house, which bore his name; a gentleman named Cooper and, of course, Sothern, Lee and myself. None other than these was present.
*****
“The oysters had been disposed of,” continued Florence, “and the soup had just been placed on the table, when Charley Gaylor arose, and, in very impressive tones, spoke about as follows: ‘Gentlemen, I think this is a most auspicious occasion to bring about peace between two men who, while strangers, were once devoted friends. I do not think that rancor could exist in any heart at a gathering of this kind. To be sure, it may ill become me to act the part of a peacemaker, for, while it is true I have shed human blood, that my right hand has been red with, the gore of another, it must also be borne in mind that I was triumphantly acquitted of the offense, and that a jury of my peers said that I had acted only in self-defense.’
DAN BRYANT
AND
NELSE SEYMOUR.
“You can readily imagine that this took the breath out of my friend Lee, who had been seated upon my left. He whispered to me, ‘What has he done? Did he kill anyone?’ I looked at him warningly, and put a finger on my lips as I whispered back, ‘Sh-h-h! It was nothing; only his mother!’ I heard him mutter, ‘My God!’ as he shrunk in his chair, and then he leaned toward me and whispered, ‘Of whom is he speaking?’ As I didn’t know myself, I couldn’t well tell him, but I warned him off by saying, ‘You will learn it all in a moment. His words might apply to any two men about the board, because every fellow here has killed his man.’
*****
“Just then Gaylor threw light upon the subject by saying, as he pointed with one hand to that clever negro minstrel, Dan Bryant, and the other toward that equally famous delineator of cork humor, Nelse Seymour, ‘Of course, gentlemen, it is hardly necessary for me to say that I refer to America’s most famous poet, William Cullen Bryant, and that equally distinguished gentleman, M. Seymour, the son of the talented ex-Governor of the State of New York, Horatio Seymour, and I now request that these two gentlemen shake hands across the table and let the bloody feud which has existed between them end here!’
“I had scarcely time to give an affirmative reply to Lee’s whispered inquiry. ‘Is that really William Cullen Bryant?’ when there ensued the most remarkable scene which I ever witnessed in my life. I cannot, even after many years have elapsed, think of it without the tears of laughter coming to my eyes. Seymour was a man over six feet in height, and with legs the length of which were absurdly out of proportion to the rest of his body. He appeared to be split up almost to his neck. One of his most famous feats upon the minstrel stage was to suddenly throw one of his feet about a man’s neck and draw the other fellow toward him. Upon this occasion Bryant, in obedience to Gaylor’s summons, had reached forth his right hand, when Seymour suddenly threw that dreadful right leg of his across the table, caught his friend and fellow-minstrel by the back of the neck, drew him toward him and hit him squarely between the eyes. In another instant both men were on top of the table amid the soup dishes, and were snarling and biting and tearing at one another like a pair of bulldogs. Cooper and Dickinson, who were not in the secret, became so alarmed that they got under the table, while I could only hold Lee in his chair by main force. In the midst of the contest the table upset and the poor Englishman was almost drowned in soup. While Bryant and Seymour were making a mockery of struggling beneath the debris, Seymour, by wetting his fingers of one hand, secured a quantity of blacking from one of his shoes, and with this gave himself the semblance of a black eye. When some appearance of order had been obtained a truce was patched up between the combatants, and, after Seymour’s blackened eye had been bandaged, they were induced to shake hands, whereupon the other members of the company, who were in the secret, exclaimed admiringly, ‘Once a gentleman, always a gentleman!’ and declared that ‘a true American gentleman can always be told by his willingness to settle a little difference amicably.’
“Lee whispered to me in tremulous indignation, ‘This is most shameful!’ to which I replied, ‘I don’t see how you say that. There was no one killed.’ Thereupon he amended his remark by saying, ‘At least, it was most unfortunate. I am dreadfully sorry it occurred.’
 |  |
| MATT. WHEELER | DAVE WILSON |
 |  |
| WILL COX | CLARK GIBBS |
 |  |
| HARRY W. SMITH | WILL LAVAKE |
| “Wheeler & Wilson,” “Will Cox & Gibbs,” and some “Singers”; nearly all“Domestics.” Try to play this on the machine. | |
*****
“The table was got in shape again, and things moved along smoothly and pleasantly for some time, until Polk and Sothern became engaged in apparently a very angry and excited dispute about the merits of the North and South, in the midst of which Mr. Sothern suddenly arose to his feet, and, drawing a revolver, fired it directly over Polk’s head. Immediately a scene of the wildest excitement ensued. In less than twenty minutes twenty shots from revolvers had been fired across the table. Polk, Gaylor, McCullough, Montague, Seymour, Bryant and Sothern were not only firing blank cartridges from revolvers, but were brandishing huge knives over one another’s heads. Dickinson, Cooper and Brown had by this time discovered the affair was a joke and simply added to the tumult. The terror of the Englishman was almost pitiable. He begged to be allowed to go, but his friends were so thoroughly in love with him that they would not let him depart. There was upon the table at this particular juncture a large dish of asparagus, covered with drawn butter, and most of the combatants, who were crawling across the table to carve one another’s hearts out, managed to get their hands into this mess, and, while thus besmeared, they could take turns in jumping around to where I was holding Lee in place, and, bringing their palms down upon his shoulders, would beg of him to be seated and assured him that the difficulty was simply a trifling one, and that they would regret it to their dying day should he leave them. So frequent were these expressions of hospitality that Lee was smeared from head to foot with drawn butter. I shall never forget the spectacle that the lamented John McCullough presented on that occasion. Having fired his revolver, he drew a long Roman sword from his boot, and, with a swirl, cut off the neck of a champagne bottle as if he were decapitating a foe, and then waving it threateningly over the heads of Lee and myself, he exclaimed, ‘Why does not the gallant Florence stand by his friends? Where is his revolver to-night? I have traveled with him through the West, and then he never went without his arsenal and scarcely a day passed without his killing a man.’
*****
“In the midst of the fracas, Seymour, who had temporarily disappeared, appeared in the doorway attired in a white hat and apron, which he had procured from the hotel chef, and announced that the landlord declared that the entire party must vacate the room. He had not finished his speech when everything on the table, including even the large, heavy dishes, was hurled at him, and it is really a wonder that he escaped the shower unhurt. By this time everyone in the room, and especially the Englishman, was a lamentable sight to behold. Each one was smeared and crushed and tumbled and torn from head to foot. Lee could stand it no longer. He got on his feet finally and managed to say that while he had heard such scenes as he had witnessed were enacted in the purlieus of the great cities of America, he was astounded and disappointed to find that they were the custom among gentlemen, and further said that he would have to leave to keep a dinner engagement. It was 4 o’clock. I escorted him to the street and put him in a carriage to conceal his dilapidated condition. When we came to settle for this little joke, we found that our bill was $600. The item for breakage alone amounted to $80.”
Men will sometimes become boys again; and very silly boys.
Note.—Mr. Florence was in error in giving the date of the foregoing as the Fall of 1877. Dan Bryant died in the Spring of 1875.—Author.
Charles Melville was of late years best known as a manager and agent, but in his earlier days achieved considerable fame as a balladist in minstrelsy.
As early as May 1, 1856, he was with Raynor’s “Christy” Minstrels, and in November, same year, he was a member of Turner’s Southern Serenaders.
The following year he was with Mrs. Matt. Peel’s Minstrels in the Summer; in November, 1860, Charles Melville’s Minstrels were on tour.
October 14, 1861, he began a brief engagement with Fox and Sharpley’s Minstrels in New York.
In an executive capacity he was associated among others with Col. T. Allston Browne and Shook and Palmer.
In February, 1894, Mr. Melville occupied the position as ticket taker at the Arch Street Theatre in Philadelphia, at the opening of that theatre in a revival of old stock plays by George Learock.
Charles Melville died in Newark, N. J., July 10, 1901; age about 65 years.
Lew. Meyers (Buhmeir), is a name that is practically unknown to minstrel lovers of to-day; yet to him belongs the credit of being the original “musical moke,” long familiar to variety and minstrel habitues. His first performance of the act was given in Newark, N. J., during the season of 1852-53.
He was likewise the first to perform the harmonica on the stage. He went to Europe in 1866 with Hussey, Sweney and Felton’s Minstrels. His last appearance was at Los Angeles, Cal., January 27, 1874, where he gave an entire evening’s entertainment of one and a half hours’ duration, during which he performed on twenty-six different instruments; and on one occasion four at one time.
Lew Meyers was born in Minden, Prussia; he died in Pottsville, Pa., July 11, 1875; age 40 years.
Jake Budd (Zebley), the old-time comedian, was with Buckley’s Serenaders in England, about 1855; subsequently with Dan Howard he ran Canterbury Hall in Harrisburg, Pa., for several years; in 1862 he rejoined Buckley’s; he also directed minstrel companies in Baltimore and Washington. In 1872 he was part owner of Brant’s Hall in Harrisburg, Pa.; in 1874 he was stage manager of the Comique in Washington, D. C.; subsequently becoming the manager.
The distinction of bringing before the public that famous song and dance team, Welch and Rice, in the 60’s, belongs to Mr. Budd, and while it has been said that he was the first to do a monologue in minstrelsy, the writer has no means of substantiating the assertion.
Jake Budd was born in Philadelphia; he died in Washington, D. C., October 11, 1888; age 53 years.
J. K. Campbell (John Kelly), celebrated as a banjoist and comedian, made his first appearance at Wright’s Music Hall in New York City, in 1846, as a youth, and playing under his own name. About 1851, George Lea, the well-known variety manager, suggested that Kelly take the name of Cameron, the same as the prominent theatrical printer; a typographical error made it appear Campbell; and as Campbell it always remained, except for a brief period in 1859 and 1860, when he was with George Christy’s Minstrels at Niblo’s Saloon in New York; here he sat on the opposite end to Christy, and was on the programme as J. K. Edwards.
In 1870, he was a prominent member of Hooley’s Minstrels, in Brooklyn, N. Y., and when Hooley opened in Chicago on January 2, 1871, Mr. Campbell went with him; with this company he did a song and dance with John Hogan, of Hogan and Hughes; the latter being unable to play on account of illness.
He was many years associated with the late “Fatty” Stewart, and identified with such prominent organizations as Moore and Burgess, in London, England, and Buckley’s, in Boston, where he opened in August, 1864.
Mr. Campbell was one of the great cards of minstrelsy; as a banjoist he ranked with the best; his “Essence of Old Virginny” was A1; he was versatile to a degree, and wrote several sketches, amongst them “The Rival Lovers” and “The Lawyer’s Clerk.”
Miss Fanchon Campbell, the talented young actress of the present, and who was a clever child actress at the time of Mr. Campbell’s death, is a daughter of his.
J. K. Campbell was born in New York City, 1835; he died in Pittsburg, Pa., February 6, 1878.
Joe. Buckley (Timothy Clancy), was a good general black-face performer. In 1857, he was with G. N. Eldridge’s Great Southern Circus, and for many years was associated with that style of entertainment.
In his earlier days he was associated with Joe Chatfield and Harry Wells. Mr. Buckley, likewise, was in the stock at Tony Pastor’s at 585 Broadway, New York City, also with Harrigan and Hart’s Company. At the time of his death he was not engaged in his profession.
Joe. Buckley was born in Philadelphia, September 7, 1835; he died in New York City, July 19, 1884.
Charles Henry, one of the oldest ballad singers in minstrelsy, was living as late as 1886; he is said to have died in England.
Charles Templeton (Broughton). This well-known popular vocalist of minstrelsy, began his career in Dundee, Scotland, in 1857, with Tom Lee’s Minstrels; other succeeding European engagements were with the Pelham Bros.’ Minstrels and Templeton’s African Opera Troupe, the latter in the Spring of 1859; it was here that he took the name of Campbell, emulating the distinguished Sher. Campbell.
In the Fall of 1859 he came to America and was engaged by Dan Bryant for Bryant’s Minstrels, at 472 Broadway, New York City; at the suggestion of Bryant, he took the name of Glendale, so as not to conflict with Sher. Campbell, a warm personal friend of Bryant’s.
Late in 1859 he joined Sanford’s Minstrels in Philadelphia, resuming the name of Campbell; he remained there three years. Subsequently he became a member of the following well-known minstrel organizations: Hooley’s, in Brooklyn; San Franciscos, in New York, six years; a second and third engagement at Bryant’s, also Hooley’s; Geo. Christy’s, one year; Barlow, Wilson, Primrose and West’s; Cotton and Reed’s; Cool Burgess’; Carncross, in Philadelphia; Neil Bryant’s and Cleveland’s. Also with such operatic companies as Pauline Hall’s, and E. E. Rice’s; his last engagement was with Camille D’Arville Company, about 15 years ago.
Charles Templeton was born at South Kirby, England, January 1, 1835.
| JAS. HOLDEN | E. N. CATLIN | FRANK CARDELLA |
| BOB. HALL | EDDIE FOX | W. S. MULLALLY |
| E. J. CORNU | J. B. DONNIKER | CHAS. HUNNEMAN |
SOME LEADING LEADERS OF MINSTRELSY.
Denman Thompson, famous for many years for his unique characterization of Joshua Whitcomb, in the “Old Homestead,” sat on the end with a minstrel show many a time over 50 years ago; and at the Royal Lyceum, Toronto, Canada, February 6, 1857, he played Uncle Tom, in “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.”
“Hank” Parmley, the well-known old-time minstrel agent, died in Newark, N. J., May 7, 1902; age 67 years.
Neil Bryant (Cornelius A. O’Brien), was the youngest and the last of the three famous brothers of his name that organized Bryant’s Minstrels, in 1857.
Oddly enough, less is known about the early career of Neil Bryant than either of his brothers.
The earliest authentic record obtainable by the author is at the American Hall, Hartford, Conn., June 25, 1851, as a member of Ordway’s Aeolians, a famous Boston organization; it is highly probable that Mr. Bryant was with this company prior to the above date in the Massachusetts metropolis.
He continued with Bryant’s Minstrels in New York until the death of his brother Dan, April 10, 1875; subsequently he organized Bryant’s Minstrels, and gave intermittent performances on the road for a period of about seven years. In 1851, the programme gave Neil Bryant as giving an accordeon solo; in later years he was almost exclusively identified with his performance on the flutina.
About 1882 he secured a government position in Washington, D. C., which he retained until two years prior to his death.
July 11, 1859, Mr. Bryant married Miss Gertrude E. Ransom.
Neil Bryant was born in Keesville, N. Y., 1835; he died in Brooklyn, N. Y., March 6, 1902.
Joe. Murphy (Wm. L. Murphy). It is pretty well known to theatre goers in general, that Mr. Murphy’s early career was spent as a minstrel in California, where he drifted in the 50’s.
As late as 1858 he was with the California Minstrels, with whom he was associated many months in San Francisco.
In 1860 with Billy Birch, a company bearing the name of Birch and Murphy’s Minstrels toured. In 1864 Murphy and (Walter) Bray’s Minstrels were in existence. Mr. Murphy then came East, and with Ben Cotton formed Cotton and Murphy’s Minstrels, opening at Fall River, Mass., about March 1, 1865.
In 1867 he again went West, and late that year was with Dan and Neil Bryant’s Minstrels, in San Francisco. A few months later he joined Morris Brothers’ Company, in Boston, and on April 20, 1868, made his appearance in New York with Kelly and Leon’s Minstrels.
Once more did Mr. Murphy take Horace Greeley’s advice, and went West, where in August, 1869, at Salt Lake City, Utah, with Johnny Mack, organized Murphy and Mack’s Minstrels.
His first appearance as a legitimate performer was made in San Francisco, September 16, 1867, as Pat Murphy in “The Happy Man.”
It was in New York City, May 8, 1871, that Mr. Murphy first produced his play of “Help,” in which he impersonated a negro and other characters.
Subsequently “Shaun Rhue” and “Kerry Gow” brought him name and fame, as well as wealth.
Mr. Murphy married Miss Martha Shattuck in the early 60’s.
At San Antonio, Texas, November 11, 1909, he wedded Miss May Firmier, an actress.
Joe Murphy was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., May 16, about 1835.
J. W. Hilton was one of the favorite bass singers in minstrelsy.
He was with Bryant’s Minstrels in New York, in 1860, and continued with them intermittently for several seasons. In the Summer of 1869 he went to Liverpool, England, with Smith and Taylor’s Minstrels, opening there June 21.
J. W. Hilton was born in the United States; he died in Liverpool, England, January 2, 1871; age 36 years.
James Unsworth, or just “Unsworth” as he was more familiarly known, was one of those rare performers who were concededly away ahead of the times in which they flourished.
The word “great” may be truly applied to him, for while he excelled in all he undertook, he was famous for his stump speeches, for his banjo solos, and for his singing of Irish songs on the end, of which he was one of the first.
His professional debut was made with Sanford’s Minstrels, in Philadelphia, August 10, 1857; he continued there until January 2, 1858, when he left and joined Bryant’s Minstrels in New York that same month. After a few months with that company he went with Matt. Peel’s Minstrels for a road tour, and opened with them in New York, October 5, 1858; a few weeks later the company was known as Sniffen’s Campbell’s Minstrels, with whom Mr. Unsworth continued for several weeks.
December 6, he rejoined Bryant’s for the season; again opening there the following Fall; he left September 19, 1859, and later joined Anderson’s Minstrels, which had a brief existence. Early in 1860 he opened with Hooley and Campbell’s Minstrels: here he met “Eugene,” and a business alliance was formed which continued uninterruptedly until death intervened, fifteen years later.
He closed with Hooley and Campbell in New York City, January 26, 1861, and with “Eugene” and J. B. Donniker organized Unsworth’s Minstrels. A few months later he sailed for Europe, and subsequently joined Rumsey and Newcomb’s Minstrels in Liverpool; later going to Germany with them. Mr. Unsworth remained abroad playing the Music Halls, also a long engagement with Wilsom and Montague’s Minstrels, until the Spring of 1868, when he returned to America, and again joined Bryant’s Minstrels in New York: he remained two years.
In the Fall of 1870 he joined Hooley’s Minstrels in Brooklyn, N. Y., and later went with that company to Chicago, opening January 2, 1871, for the balance of the season.
Unsworth’s Minstrels again took the road, opening September 2, 1871, at Paterson, N. J.; December 18, he returned to Hooley’s, in Brooklyn, N. Y. In 1872, he was successively with Moran and Dixey’s; and Moran’s Minstrels in Philadelphia.
In the Spring of 1873 he joined Moran and Manning’s Minstrels, and in the Fall of that year again became a member of Bryant’s Company in New York for the season. Mr. Unsworth sailed for England in 1874, opening with Sam Hague’s Minstrels in Liverpool in the Fall of that year; he remained with the company until his death.
James Unsworth was born in Liverpool, England, July 2, 1835; he died there, February 21, 1875.
Mazzellah Ainsley Scott is one of the oldest, and at the same time one of the youngest looking minstrels. Mr. Scott, who has a keen sense of humor, gravely declares that he was born in Nashua, N. H., July 26, 1820; he looks 60.
Mr. Scott sometime ago told the author that he (Scott) made his first appearance on the stage at the age of three years as the child in “Pizarro”; then Mr. Scott had to catch a train, the author caught a cold, but managed to get the following data:
In 1858 he was with the New Orleans Opera Troupe (a minstrel company), the following year he was at Bryant’s Minstrels in New York; he has the distinction of being the only one living who was on the programme the night that “Dixie” was first sung, September 12, 1859.
Mr. Scott was in partnership with Cool Burgess in a minstrel show in 1867; the same year he was with LaRue’s Minstrels, also Lloyd and Bidaux’s Minstrels.
In 1862 he was with Sanford’s Minstrels; in 1864 at the opening of M. C. Campbell’s Minstrels, in New York, June 27. He was with the San Franciscos, also in New York, and with Duprez and Green’s Company.
In 1884 he was with the opera of “Princess Ida”; in 1892 with Miss Sidonie, as Scott and Sidonie played a sketch in vaudeville, called “Roundsey, the Copper.”
Mrs. Ainsley Scott died May 31, 1867.
When last heard of, a short time ago, Mr. Scott was a pedestrian.
Wm. H. Brockway was a well-known interlocutor of minstrelsy. He was with Morris Bros; Pell and Trowbridge’s Minstrels in Boston in the Spring of 1859, and continued with them practically until July 27, 1861, when in conjunction with Charley Morris and Jno. E. Taylor, they formed a minstrel company, opening in Gloucester, Mass., on the above date.
Mr. Brockway joined Kelly and Leon’s Minstrels in New York early in 1868, and continued with them about a year. He joined Bryant’s Minstrels in New York about 1871, and remained with them until the death of Dan Bryant, April 10, 1875.
Mr. Brockway joined Hooley’s Minstrels in Brooklyn about December 1875. He had not appeared professionally for about ten or twelve years prior to his death.
W. H. Brockway was born in New York; he died in Boston, Mass., May 25, 1888, age 53 years.
Joseph Gorton, Sr., entered the theatrical business in 1854, and has the distinction of being the oldest manager, in point of service, of any man in the annals of minstrelsy.
Mr. Gorton assumed the management of the New Orleans Minstrels in November, 1867; the company subsequently became known as Gorton’s Minstrels, and as such has continued up until the present year.
Joseph Gorton, Sr., was born in Friendship, N. Y., February 21, 1835.
| “EUGENE” (1858) | “THE ONLY LEON” (1860) |
| ROLLIN HOWARD | FRED. DART |
THEY WERE FAMOUS IN FEMALE FRIVOLITIES.
O. P. Sweet, or Dr. O. P. Sweet as it is now, began his professional career as a member of Mrs. Matt. Peel’s Minstrels in 1860; at that time he was known as Tom Leslie.
The next four years were given to concert work. Mr. Sweet joined Haverly’s Minstrels late in 1864; March 17, 1865, he opened with Arlington’s Minstrels, in Chicago; two years later he was also with Arlington. Another two years saw him a member of Buckley’s Serenaders.
April 17, 1871, he opened in New York with Newcomb and Arlington’s Minstrels; a year later he was with Mike Leavitt’s Minstrels.
Dr. Sweet has been practicing his profession for many years, but is always glad to recall “Auld Lang Syne.”
Dr. Sweet has passed the allotted three score years and ten—and some more.
Theodore Jackson, the old-time interlocutor, who in his day was prominently identified with many famous minstrel organizations, is said to have died in Brooklyn, N. Y., a few years ago.
William Castle (J. C. Reeves), the great operatic tenor, and long prominent in musical circles in Chicago, was with several famous minstrel organizations, notably Hooley & Campbell’s in 1860-61, and George Christy’s in 1862. Mr. Castle was born in England, December 20, 1836; he died in Chicago, Ill., March 31, 1909.
Jake Wallace, the famous old banjoist and black-face performer, is said to be living on a ranch in Southern California, in the neighborhood of San Diego.
The author is willing to admit he envies Mr. Wallace.
S. S. Purdy was a well-known and prominent comedian; he excelled in the song and dance of “Nicodemus Johnson,” and as early as February, 1868, in a controversy, he claimed to have been the originator of it.
In 1867 he was co-proprietor of Purdy, Coes and Converse’s Minstrels, and in 1872 of Purdy, Scott and Fostelle’s Minstrels.
In 1863-64 he was with Hooley’s Minstrels in Brooklyn, and in 1867-68-69 with Kelly and Leon’s Minstrels.
About February 1, 1876, he took out a company called the Purdy Combination, which had a brief existence.
S. S. Purdy was born in Troy, N. Y., February, 1836; he died in Chicago, Ill., March 1, 1876.
Low Gaylord (Lowrenzo Gaylord) began his theatrical career at the age of twelve as a ballad singer with Green’s Circus.
In the early 50’s he organized Gaylord and Dupont’s Minstrels in Philadelphia, where they remained for several years.
With M. T. Skiff they organized Skiff and Gaylord’s Minstrels, giving their first performance in 1864, and continued as an organization intermittently until 1878.
Low Gaylord was born in Westfield, Mass., January 19, 1836; he died in Philadelphia, April 7, 1878.
John P. Oberist was a well-known vocalist, and as a Tyrolean warbler, was one of the best.
His first theatrical appearance was with the Twilight Serenaders at Erie, Pa., June 25, 1860.
In 1865 he opened with Kelly and Leon’s Minstrels in New York, and continued with them about three years.
Subsequently he was with Newcomb’s Minstrels in 1869, and in 1870 joined the San Francisco Minstrels for the season.
Later he joined Harrigan and Hart’s Company in New York, where he remained until his death.
He was born in Buffalo, N. Y., 1836; he died in New York, January 17, 1882.
E. N. Slocum was one of the best interlocutors and actors in minstrelsy. His first appearance was with an amateur company in Warren, O., in 1849.
About 1855 he played on the Steamer “Banjo” with Ned Davis’ Minstrels; subsequently he was with Hooley, in Brooklyn, N. Y., Duprez and Green’s; Skiff and Gaylord’s and Carncross and Dixey’s Minstrels in Philadelphia, where he remained several years. August 29, 1870, he opened with Simmons and Slocum’s Minstrels at their own theatre in Philadelphia, where he continued until 1877, when he joined Carncross’ Minstrels in the same city, and remained several seasons.
About 1887 he joined Dockstader’s Minstrels in New York; this was his last professional engagement, after which he entered the mercantile business.
E. N. Slocum was born in Columbus, O., April 26, 1836; he died in Philadelphia, October 17, 1895.
Charles O. White, the great theatrical manager, who had at various times theatres in Washington, Memphis, Nashville, New Orleans, Brooklyn and Detroit, began his professional career in 1852 in Washington, D. C., as a member of the Cosmopolitan Minstrels; later he was with the famous Euterpians, and Sweeney and Parrow’s Minstrels.
Mr. White was born in Alexandria, Va., December 25, 1836; he died in Detroit, Mich., January 2, 1889.
“Eugene” (Eugene D’ Ameli) was one of the most wonderful artists in his line that minstrelsy ever knew; his delineations of female characters were so finished, so true to life, that the Germans in Berlin during an engagement there in April, 1862, were emphatic in their declarations that he was a woman.
“Eugene’s” debut was made with Wood’s Minstrels in New York, May 16, 1853; five months later, George Christy joined the company, which was known as Wood and Christy’s Minstrels until May, 1858. Eugene continued as a member all during this period.
Early in May, 1858, he went to California with George Christy, and several others; they opened in San Francisco, June 7, under the management of Tom Maguire. In January, 1859, he left there, under the management of R. M. Hooley and George Christy; returning to New York, he opened May 23, and continued until July, when he went on tour with the company; they subsequently returned to New York, where on January 28, 1860, they disbanded.
On February 6, Mr. Eugene opened with Hooley and Campbell’s Minstrels in Boston, at their inaugural performance there; with this company he met James Unsworth, and the two formed a business alliance that continued until the death of the latter, just fifteen years later.
Early in 1861, Eugene, Unsworth and J. B. Donniker organized Unsworth’s Minstrels; they disbanded at Ogdensburg, N. Y., in the Spring; shortly after, Eugene and Unsworth sailed for Europe. On August 5, 1861, they opened with Rumsey and Newcomb’s Minstrels in Liverpool, Eng.; subsequently they played through the provinces and Germany.
Later they returned to London, where they played the music halls for three years; after which they joined Wilsom and Montague’s Minstrels in Liverpool, and played there for four years; their last engagement there was April 7, 1868. Mr. Eugene and his partner arrived in the United States on April 28, and a few weeks later opened the season of 1868 at Bryant’s Minstrels in New York, and continued there for two years.
In the fall of 1870 he joined Hooley’s Minstrels in Brooklyn, and on January 2, 1871, when the latter opened in Chicago, Mr. Eugene was with him, and continued for several months.
September 2, 1871, he opened at Paterson, N. J., with Unsworth’s Minstrels at their first performance. December 18, they reopened with Hooley’s Minstrels in Brooklyn, remaining several weeks.
February 26, 1872, he began an engagement with Moran and Dixey’s Minstrels in Philadelphia, and remained until the end of the season.
In August he opened a three-months’ engagement at the Howard Athenaeum, in Boston, and on November 25, joined Frank Moran’s Minstrels in Philadelphia. At the conclusion of the regular season, the company went on tour; it was known as Moran and Manning’s Minstrels, and “Eugene” was a member of the company.
The season of 1873-74 was spent with Bryant’s Minstrels in New York; in 1874 he went to England and opened with Sam Hague’s Minstrels in Liverpool, where he remained until the death of his partner, February 21, 1875.
“Eugene” returned to New York the same year, and on September 13, commenced a short season there with Cotton and Reed’s Minstrels. November 15 he began an engagement with Carncross and Dixey’s company in Philadelphia, and continued there for four years; the last season the company was known as Carncross Minstrels.
June 4, 1879, he sailed for England for a period of much needed rest, playing but a few engagements.
In 1881 he returned to America, and on October 17, he opened with Emerson’s Minstrels in San Francisco, closing in January, 1882; subsequently sailing for a Trans-Pacific trip with a variety company, opening at Honolulu, May 13. The company disbanded in Shanghai, China, in August, and “Eugene” returned to the United States in March following.
A year later he began his final engagement with the Leon and Cushman company, and in May, 1884, he made his last appearance on any stage.
Thus after a successful career of exactly thirty-one years, this brilliant luminary of the minstrel firmament retired to private life.
 |  |  |  |
| ARCHIE HUGHES | HARRY TALBOTT | PETE LEE | JOHNNY ALLEN |
| THEY TICKLED THE TAMBOURINE. | |||
 |  |  |  |
| “KERRY GOW” JOE MURPHY (1865) | DAVE REED | E. F. DIXEY | FRED HUBER |
| THEY BANGED THE BONES. | |||
“Eugene” was born in New York City, June 4, 1836; he died in Brooklyn, N. Y., January 18, 1907.
Dick Parker, whose “banjoisms” attained wide popularity in the Metropolis more than thirty years ago, began his professional career about 1854.
He was stock comedian at various times in New Orleans, Baltimore, Washington, St. Louis, Boston and New York.
In 1871 in conjunction with J. E. Edwards and Jack Talbott, he formed a minstrel organization bearing their names.
In 1889 he went to Paris, opening there with the American Circus. Appearing in evening clothes, preceded by four supers, and announced by the ring-master, Mr. Parker created a sensation.
In 1879 he opened what is now known as Keeney’s Theatre in New York, and controlled its destinies about four years.
Dick Parker was born in Troy, N. Y., in 1836; he died at Staten Island, N. Y., August 28, 1908.
John A. Mack was a well-known comedian and song and dance performer of the genteel order. He was especially well-known in California.
He was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., in 1836; he died in San Rafael, Cal., July 23, 1870.
D. W. Collins (Carpenter), who was associated with Jack Haverly in Toledo, O., in the latter’s early managerial days, died at Brooklyn, N. Y., May 20, 1869; age 33 years.
Wm. S. Budworth was well known as a banjoist and comedian, and had some repute for his Dutch delineations; his “Fight Mit Siegel” was best known.
In the Spring of 1860 he was with Wood’s Minstrels on a road tour.
Mr. Budworth was with Hooley’s Minstrels in April, 1864, in Brooklyn, and the following year he was also with Hooley at 201 Bowery, New York City. He was stage manager for Tunison’s Minstrels in Philadelphia, in the 60’s; with the Globe Minstrels at 728 Broadway, New York, in the Fall of 1871, and in the same city with the San Francisco Minstrels in 1877.
Mr. Budworth was also with Emerson’s Minstrels, and played frequent variety engagements. His last appearance was with Tony Pastor about twenty-five years before his death.
Wm. S. Budworth was born in Philadelphia, November 25, 1836; he died at Mount Vernon, N. Y., January 24, 1908.
Sam Price (Valleau), was a famous old-time comedian, and especially clever in the old negro act of the “Haunted House.” He was a great favorite in the South, where the colored folks would wildly enthuse over his performances. Mr. Price was with Mrs. Matt. Peel’s Minstrels in 1860, where he made a hit singing “Pretty Gal in Blue,” and playing the tambourine end.
October 1, 1866, he opened with Kelly and Leon’s Minstrels in New York at their initial performance there; he continued with them for a lengthy period, subsequently joining Arlington, Cotton and Kemble’s Minstrels in Chicago. Mr. Price was also associated with many other prominent minstrel organizations, but had not appeared much for some years prior to his death.
Sam Price was born in New York State, September 6, 1836; he died in Brooklyn, N. Y., August 28, 1907.
Charles Edwin Reynolds was one of the most original and unctuous comedians.
As early as 1859 he was with the Metropolitan Ethiopean and Burlesque Troupe, and about 1862 was associated with Cool Burgess, and later Wally Thomas in a company of his own. Subsequently he was with Duprez and Green, Duprez and Benedict’s; Lloyd and Bidaux’; Newcomb and Arlington’s, and Sweatnam’s Minstrels.
He was with Haverly in 1869 and 1879.
Charles Edwin Reynolds was born in Belfast, Me., August 8, 1836; he died in Vineland, N. J., May 19, 1910.
Billy Arlington (Valentine Burnell), was one of the great luminaries of minstrelsy. He achieved fame as a comedian, as a stump speaker and banjoist; he was a good all round performer. Mr. Arlington’s professional career began in the 50’s.
February 20, 1860, he opened in New York with George Christy’s Minstrels, and was associated with the latter practically until the formation of Arlington and Donniker’s Minstrels in August, 1862; the organization was subsequently known as Arlington, Leon, Kelly and Donniker’s. Arlington’s Minstrels opened in Chicago in September, 1867.
October 3, 1870, Mr. Arlington commenced an engagement with Welch, Hughes, and White’s Minstrels in Brooklyn, N. Y.
April 17, 1871, Newcomb and Arlington’s Minstrels opened in New York for a run, subsequently for a road tour; November the same year, Arlington’s Minstrels again opened in Chicago; the company subsequently evolved into Arlington, Cotton and Kemble’s Minstrels, and as such continued about three years. Mr. Arlington was with Emerson’s Minstrels in Chicago in the Spring of 1875, subsequently touring with them.
About Mr. Arlington’s last minstrel engagement was with Bartlett’s California Minstrels in November, 1898. Billy Arlington was born about 1836.
Ed. H. Banker, one of the old and tried, and “not found wanting” black-face performers, began his professional career at the age of 10 years with Sam Stickney’s circus as a drummer; later he did nigger business in the ring.
He made his first appearance in New York at “Daddy” Rice’s benefit in 1853, doing a bone solo.
Mr. Banker was with George Christy in 1865; and for some time stage manager at Harry Enoch’s Varieties in Philadelphia, and subsequently at the Olympic in New Orleans.
He was the author of several successful farces, notably—“Too Hot For Comfort,” the “Wig Maker” and the “Colored Policeman.”
Mr. Banker is also credited with being the first performer of changing from black to white and back again in a few seconds.
At the time of his death, which occurred under suspicious circumstances, he was with “The Night Before Christmas” Company.
Ed. H. Banker was born in New Orleans, La., December 23, 1836; he died at Minneapolis, Minn., October 3, 1902.
Japanese Tommy (Thomas Dilverd), was a colored man, whose height of 37 inches made him a valuable acquisition to the many companies he was associated with; he was not dependent on this for his success, for he was a good comedian, and played male and female roles equally as well.
Some of his principal engagements were with the minstrel organizations of Morris Brothers, Pell and Trowbridge; Kelly and Leon’s; Emerson’s and Sam Hague’s. His last appearance was probably with the Criterion Minstrels in Brooklyn, N. Y., March 5, 1887.
Japanese Tommy was born in Brooklyn, N. Y.; he died in New York City, July 9, 1887; age about 50 years.
Prof. E. J. Cornu, the well-known and efficient musical director, came to the United States in the late 60’s, and at once associated himself with Hooley’s Minstrels in Brooklyn, N. Y. When the company went to Chicago, opening there January 2, 1871, Mr. Cornu went with them, and was with Mr. Hooley several years.
Mr. Cornu had been engaged by Mr. Hooley when the latter was abroad, for Hooley’s “Opera House”; Mr. Cornu being under the impression he was to be associated with a regular opera company. When he found he had to put cork on his face, for a long time he was inconsolable.
Prof. Cornu was born in Brussels, Belgium; he died in Brooklyn, N. Y., March 28, 1889.
Tommy Jefferson, an old-time banjoist and minstrel performer, who was with Kelly and Leon’s Company in Chicago in 1869, as well as many other like organizations, had been retired many years from the profession prior to his death at Seattle, Wash., November 1, 1897; he was 70 years of age.
James Roome was a fine banjoist and good general performer. He played with various companies, notably Ned Davis’ Minstrels in 1867.
He was born in 1837, and died in Brooklyn, N. Y., February 3, 1885.
Clark M. Gibbs was long recognized as an able black-face comedian.
His earliest professional appearance was with a circus when he was eleven years of age.
He had been associated with some of the best minstrel companies, and worked with several well-known comedians in acts, notably Cool. Burgess and Lew Simmons.
He was twice married; a son, Clark Gibbs, Jr., who was also in the profession for a time, is in Trenton, N. J.
Clark M. Gibbs was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, March 6, 1837; he died in Trenton, N. J., August 20, 1901.
Ira Paine, the famous sharpshooter, played several minstrel engagements as a ballad singer, notably Carncross and Dixey’s in Philadelphia in 1862, and the San Franciscos in New York, in August, 1869.
A PROMINENT BOSTON COMPANY; 1859.
| J. T. TROWBRIDGE | LON MORRIS | JOHNNY PELL |
| BILLY MORRIS |
A FAMOUS NEW YORK ORGANIZATION; 1865.
BILLY BIRCH DAVE WAMBOLD
WM. H. BERNARD CHARLEY BACKUS
He was born at Hebronville, Mass., February 17, 1837; he died in Paris, France, September 10, 1889.
W. W. Pierce (Billy McMahon), was a well-known young comedian of promise.
In the Spring of 1860 he played an engagement at Bob Butler’s Variety Theatre in New York, where he made a pronounced hit dancing the “Essence of Old Virginny.”
He died in Herkimer, N. Y., January 2, 1864; age 27 years.
Ambrose A. Thayer, a young singer who was prominent with the Morris Brothers, Pell and Trowbridge Minstrels, in Boston, died there, June 10, 1863; age 26 years.
Billy Quinn was one of the best dancers of his day, and played conspicuous minstrel engagements, notably with Bryant’s in New York, commencing October 12, 1857.
He was the husband of the celebrated danseuse, Mary Blake, who subsequently married Bobby Newcomb.
Billy Quinn died in New York City, November 29, 1863; age 26 years.
Cooper and Fields were one of the very best double clog dancing teams in minstrelsy, as well as one of the earliest.
In 1864 they were with the Raynor “Christy” Minstrels, and the following year they joined the San Francisco minstrels in New York; subsequently they were with Kelly and Leon’s, and Buckley’s Minstrels in the same city. They played an engagement with Haverly’s Minstrels in June, 1869.
James Cooper was in business in Paterson, N. J., several years prior to his death. His last professional appearance was also in Paterson.
James H. Cooper died in Paterson, N. J., January 24, 1905, age 68 years.
William Fields died in New York City November 18, 1883.
Sig. Raphael Abecco gained distinction in minstrelsy chiefly for his excellent performance on the harp; but was also a fine tenor singer, and a composer of repute.
As early as October 20, 1857, he was with Matt. Peel’s Minstrels, and continued with Peel until the latter’s death in 1859. August 27, 1860, he began a season’s engagement at Sanford’s Minstrels in Philadelphia; in the Spring of 1861 fulfilling a short season with Unsworth’s Minstrels; he returned to Sanford’s for the season of 1861-62.
July 7, 1862, he opened with Wood’s Minstrels in New York City, and in 1863 Birch, Cotton, Wells and Abecco’s Minstrels inaugurated their season in San Francisco. In 1865 he sailed for Australia and remained abroad until 1872. January 9, 1875 he opened with Simmons and Slocum’s Minstrels in Philadelphia, and the following season was a member of Simmons, Slocum and Sweatnam’s Minstrels in the same city. His last engagement was with Emerson’s Minstrels, December 25, 1878.
Sig. Abecco was of foreign birth; he died in Chicago, Ill., January 3, 1879; age 42 years.
HI. HENRY LOW. GAYLORD
“JACK” HAVERLY
JOHN KING CHAS. QUEEN
ALL GOOD DRAWING CARDS—HI, LOW, JACK, KING and QUEEN.
Frank B. Converse. The name of Converse is indissolubly associated with all that is great in banjo playing.
Mr. Converse began the study of music at the immature age of 6; at 14 he took up the banjo, devoting all his spare time to study. His first professional appearance was with McFarland, in Detroit.
He joined Matt. Peel’s Minstrels in 1856, remaining until the Spring of 1858.
Subsequently he gave banjo lessons in Memphis, Tenn. Later he joined Mrs. Matt. Peel’s Minstrels; March 19, 1867, with George Coes and Sam Purdy, organized Purdy, Coes and Converse’s Minstrels. Mr. Converse at various times had schools in St. Louis, San Francisco and New York.
He was the author of many high-class works on the banjo, including a book for beginners.
Frank B. Converse was born in Westfield, Mass., June 17, 1837; he died in New York City, September 5, 1903.
“Chuck” (Charles H.) Atkinson, one of the great bone players of minstrelsy, when the artistic handling of them was an art, began his professional career in 1847, being then known as Master Charles, a singer with one of the early organizations; shortly afterwards he was with the famous “Yankee” Locke for a period of five weeks. What might be termed his regular career began a little later with John Carle (Uncle John, the “Lively Flea”); he remained with Carle three years; subsequently going to Boston, where he was several years in stock.
He played frequently with the Morris Brothers in Boston, and succeeded Joe Murphy after the latter had separated from Ben Cotton; Murphy himself was a great bone performer, and Atkinson simply had to be good to hold the position he did with so much credit.
Other engagements were Boyce & Mudge’s Minstrels, 1866, and “Green’s Mocking Bird Minstrels” in 1871; his last minstrel engagement was with Sam Sharpley. He retired from the profession about 20 years before his death.
Charles Atkinson was born at Limington, Maine, December 1, 1837; he died at Brookline, Mass., February 2, 1909.
Tom McNally was one of the premier “leaders” and violinists of minstrelsy.
In 1859 he was at Burtis’ Varieties in Brooklyn, N. Y.; the following year he joined Cool White’s Broadway Minstrels.
In 1861 he was with George Christy’s company, and the same year was also with William Christy’s and Fox and Sharpley’s Minstrels.
October 28, 1861, he was with Hooley’s Minstrels at their first performance in New York. Mr. McNally was with Hooley also when the latter went to Brooklyn, N. Y., opening in September, 1862; he continued with Hooley several seasons.
Early in 1866 he was with Wood’s Minstrels, and on October 21, that year, he sailed for Europe with the American Minstrels; they opened in London, December 5, 1866.
Subsequently Mr. McNally returned to the United States, and at various times was associated with several prominent minstrel organizations.
Tom McNally was born in Albany, N. Y.; he died in Brooklyn, N. Y., May 25, 1872; age 35 years.
J. H. Haverly (Christopher Haverly) began his theatrical career in 1864 in Toledo, O., where he purchased a variety theatre, and conducted until December, 1866.
There are many to-day who think that the great showman, who was the first to place minstrelsy on a gigantic scale, began as a minstrel manager with Cal. Wagner in 1870. Such is far from being the truth.
The first performance of Haverly’s Minstrels was given at Adrian, Mich., August 1, 1864; the season terminated at Ypsilanti, Mich., on the 25th of August, same year.
On October 8, 1864, Cool Burgess and Haverly’s Minstrels were inaugurated at Toronto, Canada, and November 1, it was again Haverly’s Minstrels; it remained as such until December 27, following, when Charles Mallory, who had a minstrel company, formed an alliance with Mr. Haverly, and on the above date at Titusville, Pa., Haverly and Mallory’s Combination Minstrels gave their first performance.
In 1866 Haverly and (Dick) Sands’ Minstrels toured for several weeks, and the following year Mr. Haverly assumed the management of Billy Arlington’s Minstrels. Haverly’s Minstrels were again organized, and at Peoria, Ill., November 11, 1868, gave their initial performance; the season closed in the Summer of 1869.
In the Fall of 1870, he assumed the management of Cal. Wagner’s Minstrels, and continued with them for three years, after which, in November, 1873, at Kansas City, Mo., Haverly’s Minstrels began in earnest. Not satisfied with one minstrel company, he purchased an interest from Tom Maguire in Emerson’s Minstrels in October, 1875; secured the New Orleans Minstrels in 1876, and Callender’s Colored Minstrels in 1878. In the meantime he purchased the Adelphi Theatre in Chicago, in 1876; the first of the very many he ultimately owned or controlled.
October 21, 1878, he organized his famous Mastodons in Chicago; they opened in London, England, July 30, 1880, at Her Majesty’s Theatre, where they played seventeen weeks.
In May, 1884, they returned to London, and made a tour of the Provinces, where the final performance was given in Glasgow, Scotland, late in February, 1885.
Haverly’s Minstrels continued for several years after that; the last company in which Mr. Haverly was directly interested began a season in the Summer of 1898. His last amusement venture began in Brooklyn, N. Y., May 11, 1901, where for a brief period he conducted a small museum.
“Jack” Haverly was a fine man and a lovable character; none did more for minstrelsy than he, and some of the greatest names in theatricals were once associated with him.
He was twice married; his wives being the Duval (Hechinger) Sisters, well-known vocalists.
Mrs. Sara Haverly died at Toledo, O., March 1, 1867; subsequently he married Eliza Duval, who died in New York, July 4, 1910.
| R. M. HOOLEY | CHAS. A. MORRIS |
| AL. G. FIELD | GEO. R. GUY |
| D. C. LA RUE | HARRY ROBINSON |
HEADS OF FAMOUS MINSTREL ORGANIZATIONS; PAST AND PRESENT.
J. H. Haverly was born in Bellefonte, Pa., June 30, 1837; he died in Salt Lake City, Utah, September 28, 1901.
Add Ryman (John Addison Ryman) was one of the greatest burlesque actors that minstrelsy ever knew.
He was likewise famed as a stump orator, in which he was different from all of his contemporaries.
His debut as a minstrel was made in 1859. In 1871, Hart, Ryman, and Barney’s Minstrels were organized. Subsequently he was with Emerson’s Minstrels in San Francisco, and with the San Francisco Minstrels in New York about six years.
He left the above company with George Thatcher, and opened Thatcher and Ryman’s Minstrels in Philadelphia, December 20, 1880, as a permanent organization.
In 1882 he took a minstrel company to Australia, remaining about two years. He later re-engaged with Emerson’s Minstrels, and in September, 1887, with Wm. Henry Rice and John Hart, organized a company bearing their names.
Mr. Ryman’s late years were with dramatic companies. Add Ryman was born in Ohio; he died (suicide) in New York, June 27, 1896; age 59 years.
Sid C. France, famous for many years for his drama “Marked for Life,” in which he enacted a black-face part which was the principal character, was born in Landsport, England, October 4, 1838; he died in New York, May 25, 1895.
The Norton Brothers made their first appearance as the Norton Family in Roxbury, Mass., in 1848 or 1849; accounts vary.
Wash. Norton subsequently went with Ordway’s Aeolians in Boston, where he remained a long time. November 14, 1859, Wash. and Tim Norton opened at Bryant’s Minstrels in New York.
When seventeen months later, Jerry Bryant died, it was Tim Norton who took his place; Wash. having left New York about a month previous for England, later visiting Africa and Australia; in the latter country they declared he was the best burlesque dancer that ever visited their shores.
Wash. returned to the United States in 1866, and remained six years; he subsequently made two other trips to foreign lands. The Nortons were good comedians, and great dancers.
Tim Norton died January 25, 1862, in New York, age 24 years.
John Norton died in Philadelphia, Pa., January 24, 1868.
Wash. Norton was born in New Orleans, La., February 22, 1839; he died in Shasta Co., Cal., November 16, 1899.
Dan. Shelby (Macher), who was the well-known manager of the Adelphi Theatre in Buffalo, N. Y., and the Academy of Music and Columbia Theatre in Chicago, at various times, began his professional career in Paris, Ind., in 1853; it was there he first blacked up.
He played several minstrel and circus engagements until 1865, when he launched Shelby’s Minstrels; in 1868 he again put a minstrel company on the road. Mr. Shelby was subsequently a clown in a circus.
Dan. Shelby was born in Gettysburg, Pa., January 1, 1838; he died in Wilkesbarre, Pa., February 4, 1895.
Fayette Welch (Patrick Walsh). The career of this once celebrated comedian which was suddenly and violently ended, commenced about fifty years ago.
He joined Hooley’s Minstrels in the late 60’s, and became a great favorite in the Brooklyn playhouse. In the Summer of 1869 he was with Haverly’s Minstrels, and while with that company did an act which he called the Musical Sensation, playing on a number of instruments, concluding by dancing a jig, accompanying himself by playing a flute at the same time.
Mr. Welch next went with Kelly and Leon’s Company, and in August, 1870, joined Buckley’s Serenaders in New York.
The following month, commencing the 12th, he became co-proprietor of Welch, Hughes and White’s Minstrels, a permanent company in Brooklyn, N. Y.; they continued there about a year.
Mr. Welch subsequently appeared with Simmons and Slocum’s Minstrels in Philadelphia. He was with Haverly’s when that gentleman organized his company in November, 1873, and with Neil Bryant’s Minstrels five years later. During an altercation between Mr. Welch and William Gould, a vaudeville performer, the latter shot and immediately killed Fayette Welch in Boston, Mass., March 6, 1892.
Mr. Welch was born in Galway, Ireland, about 1838.
James W. Lamont (Williams) was prominent for many years as a baritone vocalist and interlocutor in minstrelsy. In 1864 he was with Sharpley’s Minstrels, and in 1880 with Kyle’s “Christy’s” in Boston.
The major portion of his career was spent in Philadelphia, where he went in the 60’s as a member of Carncross and Dixey’s Minstrels.
Mr. Lamont died in Philadelphia, December 24, 1894; age 56 years.
“Leon,” the dean of minstrel female impersonators, did a stump speech with Kelly and Leon’s Minstrels, January, 1870.
Pete Lee (Shea) was conceded to be one of the greatest tambourinists in minstrelsy; as a comedian, he was excellent.
As early as February, 1858, he was touring with Pete Lee’s Empire Minstrels.
He joined Buckley’s Serenaders in the 60’s, and continued with them for several seasons.
August 28, 1871, he made his first appearance in Philadelphia, as a member of Simmons and Slocum’s Minstrels.
He was also prominently identified with the companies of Morris Brothers, and Sharpley’s. In 1872 he opened Bishop’s Opera House in St. Johns, N. B., renaming it Lee’s Opera House, and conducting it for several years.
His last professional appearance was about 1878.
A son, Wilbor F. Shea, is manager of the Memorial Opera House, Eastport, Me.
Pete Lee was born in Cambridge, Mass., January 6, 1838; he died in Eastport, Me., October 11, 1896.
J. R. Kemble (Taylor), one of the best interlocutors of minstrelsy, made his debut at Paterson, N. J., February 2, 1863, with Hart and Simmon’s Minstrels, appearing under his own name.
Subsequently he joined the Morris’ Minstrels, remaining five years.
Later he became a member of Emerson and Manning’s Minstrels, and after these artists separated early in 1870, Mr. Kemble cast his fortunes with the latter in Chicago. In that same city (Billy) Arlington, (Ben) Cotton and Kemble’s Minstrels were organized in 1871, and continued there about three years.
In 1875 Mr. Kemble was with Emerson’s Minstrels in Chicago.
He was also a member of the Dearborn Minstrels in the Illinois Metropolis, opening August 21, 1871.
Likewise in Chicago did he join Haverly’s Minstrels, March 11, 1878, and September 16, same year, he began a brief engagement with Sweatnam’s Minstrels in Philadelphia.
Mr. Kemble then went to England, and was with Moore and Burgess’ Minstrels for about twenty years.
He married Miss Ella Turner, an actress, about 1870.
J. R. Kemble was born in Kent, England, 1838; he died in London, England, June 11, 1908.
George W. Charles, the old-time wench dancer made his first appearance at the International Theatre in New York in 1852; subsequently he was with Dave. Reed’s Minstrels on Spalding and Rogers’ boat the “James Raymond,” this was as early as July 18, 1856; after this he did sketches with Billy Coleman. In 1869 he was with Carncross and Dixey’s Minstrels in Philadelphia; he remained there several seasons, and was a prime favorite.
Mr. Charles was among the earliest black-face prima donnas.
George W. Charles died in New York City, May 8, 1885; age 47 years.
Kit Clarke (Morse Myers) is one of the oldest living minstrel managers. His professional career began in 1858 as a programmer with the Satterlee and Bell Circus; Mr. Clarke continued in the circus business practically for twenty years.
In 1877 he became general manager for M. B. Leavitt’s attractions, and continued until 1881, in which year he managed the Gigantean Minstrels.
His next engagement was with J. H. Haverly’s Minstrels, with whom he remained three years.
Later he retired from theatrical life to enter mercantile business.
Kit Clarke was born February 21, 1838, in New York City.
Billy Allen was a well-known jig and “Essence” dancer in the 60’s, playing some of the principal minstrel organizations of that period, such as Arlington’s; Fred. Wilson’s; Mrs. Matt. Peel’s; Skiff and Gaylord’s; George Christy’s, and Carncross and Dixey’s. He subsequently gave dancing lessons in Chicago. In his early career he was known as one of the best dressed men in the profession.
| RAYMOND HITCHCOCK | GEO. FROTHINGHAM | JAS. J. CORBETT |
IF YOU DON’T BELIEVE IT, ASK THEM.
Billy Allen died in Chicago, August 19, 1890; age 52 years.
Sam Cole, the real old-time black-face comedian, is in no way related to the old king of that name; though he has associated with them for many years; also queens and jacks.
Mr. Cole is said to be amongst the living. But who has the address?
Lew Simmons has the distinction of being the oldest active black-face performer in the world.
He commenced his career as an amateur in Warren, O., in 1849, playing the banjo, in black-face.
In 1857 Mr. Simmons went to Jake Beler’s Music Hall in Detroit, Mich., where he did his little turn for one dollar per night, and four beer tickets; which being a minor, he was unable to use.
In December, 1859, he made his first New York appearance at the popular Melodeon. In 1861 he joined Hooley and Campbell’s Minstrels, and early in 1863 in conjunction with Bob Hart organized a minstrel company bearing their names.
Subsequently he played an engagement with the Morris Minstrels, and on August 22, 1864, made his first appearance at Carncross and Dixey’s Minstrels in Philadelphia, where he became a great local favorite. He remained with that company until within a few months of the opening of Simmons and Slocum’s Minstrels at the Arch Street Opera House in Philadelphia (which was built for them), August 29, 1870. Mr. Simmons continued at this house intermittently until 1878. In the fall of 1875, Billy Sweatnam was admitted as a partner, under the firm name of Simmons, Slocum and Sweatnam’s Minstrels; in October, 1876, Simmons and Slocum withdrew. September 11, 1886, Simmons and Slocum’s Minstrels again opened at their old home in Philadelphia. In 1878 Mr. Simmons visited England and South Africa professionally.
About twenty years ago he played Uncle Eph., an aged negro, in “Shiloh.”
He left the profession in the 80’s, vowing never to return, but he did, in the early 90’s; Clark Gibbs, Tommy Harris and Frank H. White, with whom he is now playing vaudeville, were his partners at various times.
Did I say that he was one of the owners of the Athletic Club of the American Association, which won the championship in 1883? Well, he was.
Lew Simmons was born in New Castle, Pa., August 27, 1838.
J. H. Surridge was one of the prominent singers of minstrelsy. His first appearance was with Hart and Simmons’ Minstrels early in 1863. That same year he joined the Morris Minstrels, and in 1865 was with Raynor’s “Christy’s.”
In April, 1866, he opened with J. H. Clifford’s Great American Minstrels; April 17, company closed at Troy, N. Y. September 10, 1866, he opened with Sands and Herbert’s Minstrels.
With Sweeny, Hussey and Felton’s Company, he sailed for Hong Kong, October 11, 1866; storm tossed he returned to New York five days later; another five days he again set sail for Ireland and England, opening in London, December 5, 1866. Early in 1867 he went to play an engagement with “Pony” Moore and his associates, also in London.
Mr. Surridge arrived back in the United States, November 23, 1868, and shortly after joined Kelly and Leon’s Company at their New York theatre. He continued with them when they opened in Chicago, March 2, 1869, and subsequently was one of Kelly and Leon’s “Associated Artists,” after these two performers went to England.
Later Mr. Surridge joined Hooley’s Minstrels in Brooklyn, N. Y., and with Susie Galton’s Opera Company played the Dutch comedy part, succeeding W. H. Crane.
On April 17, 1871, he opened in New York City with Newcomb and Arlington’s Minstrels.
January 22, 1872, he became a member of Arlington, Cotton and Kemble’s Minstrels in Chicago, and continued with them about three years, after which he joined E. M. Hall, E. M. Kayne and Ned Wambold’s Minstrels, April 10, 1875. That same year Mr. Surridge rejoined Kelly and Leon’s Company, and continued with them when in February, 1878, they sailed for Australia. He returned in February, 1879, and joined M. B. Leavitt’s Company in San Francisco.
In the Summer of 1879 he entered the hotel business at Rockaway Beach, N. Y., and in the Fall of that year joined Pat Rooney’s Company as manager.
The following season of 1880-81, was at the London Theatre in New York. In the Fall of 1881 he went to Hopkins and Morrow’s Theatre in Providence, R. I., for a brief stay, leaving there to join Haverly’s Minstrels, where he remained but two weeks, when he joined M. B. Leavitt and continued with him as manager for the latter’s attractions until 1883, when he went to London, England, with “Evangeline,” in which he played Catharine; this engagement was followed by one with Moore and Burgess’ Minstrels, also in London.
Mr. Surridge returned to New York in February, 1884, and at once joined the Leon and Cushman combination.
In the Fall of 1884 he assumed the management of Dick Gorman, in “The Hand of a Friend.” He piloted the same attraction season of 1885-86, after which he retired from theatricals and went into business in New York.
J. H. Surridge was born in London, England, January 27, 1838; he died in New York City, March 30, 1910.
Rollin Howard (Ebenezer G. B. Holder) was one of the most cultured and capable female impersonators of minstrelsy.
He appeared on the legitimate stage for about five years previous to his minstrel debut, which was made with Wood’s Minstrels in the Spring of 1860. In the Fall of that year, for a brief period, he was associated in the management of Howard and Campbell’s Minstrels.
February 4, 1861, he made his first appearance with Hooley and Campbell’s Minstrels in New York, and for several seasons played successful engagements with nearly every prominent minstrel company there was.
About 1870 he left minstrelsy, and after a period in opera, played several years in variety houses. In 1868 he played Topsy in “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” and in 1878 was manager of the Melodeon in Philadelphia.
His last appearance was with his own company.
Rollin Howard was born in New York City about 1840; he died in Boston, Mass., June 19, 1879.
Master Barney (Bernard Scholar) was one of the greatest dancers in minstrelsy. His first appearance was at Burtis’ Varieties in Brooklyn, N. Y., about 1858; he met Add. Weaver here, and was associated with him several years.
In 1859 he joined Campbell’s Minstrells, and subsequently with such well-known organizations as Morris Brothers, Pell and Trowbridge, Mrs. Matt. Peel’s, Hooley and Campbell’s and others.
July 17, 1869, was organized Dougherty, Wild, Barney and Mac’s Minstrels; subsequently Hughey Dougherty retiring, the company continued for a brief period.
In 1871 it was Hart, Ryman and Barney’s Minstrels.
About that time Master Barney formed a partnership with Sam Rickey, playing sketches, of which “Bad Whiskey” was the most successful.
They separated about 1877, and later he formed an alliance with Barney McNulty, being known as the Two Barneys.
“Master” Barney was born in Buffalo, N. Y., December 29, 1839; he died in Brooklyn, N. Y., February 25, 1886.
James Glenn (McDonald) was a well-known vocalist in the good old days of minstrelsy.
His first appearance was made with Sam Sanford’s Minstrels in 1858; he continued with him, chiefly in Philadelphia, until 1862, when he joined Wood’s Minstrels in New York, with whom he remained a lengthy period.
Subsequently he was with the San Franciscos in New York, and Hooley’s in Brooklyn, N. Y.
James Glenn was born in Philadelphia in 1839; he died in New York, February 26, 1870.
Billy Manning. Minstrels may come and go, but like the brook, the name and fame of this brilliant performer seems destined to live forever; for while more than three decades have passed since Billy Manning passed away, each generation in his native city seems as familiar with his former stage triumphs as those that were contemporaneous with him.
His career started in 1859, on the boat “Dixie”; where Manning, who was very proficient with the “bones,” played an end with a minstrel show.
In the fall of 1862 he was with Campbell’s Minstrels, and on November 23, 1863, he joined Morningstar’s company. The engagement was a brief one, and he next opened with Rumsey’s Minstrels, with whom he closed May 27, 1864; opening with Hooley in Brooklyn, three days later.
That same year he was with Morris and Wilson’s Minstrels, and in 1865 with Dan Shelby’s Company. Engagements with Kunkel’s Nightingales; Haight and Chamber’s Circus and LaRue’s Minstrels followed.
 |  |
| LUKE WEST | NED WEST |
| “LOOKING WEST.” | |
 |  |
| ARTHUR RIGBY | ARTHUR DEMING |
| A PAIR OF ARTISTIC ARTHURS | |
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| MASTER BARNEY | SAM RICKEY |
| THEY WERE ALWAYS MASTERS. | |
In September, 1867, he joined Newcomb’s Minstrels, continuing with this company until the following Summer, when he left Newcomb, and in association with Billy Emerson and Johnny Allen, formed a minstrel company bearing their names.
May 22, 1869, Mr. Allen dropped out of the organization, which was thereafter known as Emerson and Manning’s. In January, 1870, in Chicago, the partners separated, and Manning continued at the Dearborn Theatre in that city with Manning’s Minstrels, where he remained several months.
Under the financial management of Tom Foley, of Chicago, the company went on tour in the Fall of 1871, giving their first performance at Xenia, Ohio, October 19.
July 6, 1872, Mr. Manning severed his association as head of the company, which subsequently was known as Newcomb’s Minstrels, in Cincinnati. September 2, 1872, in that city, he began a brief engagement with Wm. Henry Rice’s Minstrels, and on October 28 he opened with Frank Moran’s Minstrels in Philadelphia.
At the end of the season Mr. Manning became associated with Moran, and opened in Pittsburg, Pa., April 21, 1873, as Moran and Manning’s Minstrels. Mr. Manning then went to San Francisco, where, June 30, he began an extended engagement with Maguire’s Minstrels, terminating February 21 following. April 6, he made his first appearance with Simmons and Slocum’s Minstrels in Philadelphia, where he finished the balance of that season.
His debut with Kelly and Leon’s Company in Chicago was made August 31, 1874, where, with only a slight break, he played all that season.
July 12, 1875, he commenced a brief engagement with Neil Bryant’s Minstrels, and on November 8, Billy Manning, who was then far from being a well man, began what was destined to be his last engagement, with his old partner, Billy Emerson, with the latter’s minstrels.
January 9, 1870, he married Mollie Williams, a well-known actress.
Billy Manning was born in Piqua, Ohio, May 15, 1839; he died in Chicago, Ill., May 19, 1876.
Charley Gardner (Bumberry), known as “Hop Light Loo” Gardner, from the fact that he originated the black-face song and dance of that name for the first time at an amateur minstrel performance in Augusta, Ga.; this was in the late 50’s.
In 1861 he was with Duprez and Green’s Minstrels, and later with Burgess, Prendergast and LaRue’s Minstrels. Early in 1867 he toured with “Cool” Burgess with a minstrel company bearing their names.
Mr. Gardner played a brief engagement with the San Francisco Minstrels in New York, and with Emerson and Manning’s Company in Chicago.
He was the author of the following songs: “Sift Sand Sal,” “Walk Dad Lou” and “Over in Jersey.”
Charley Gardner was born in Toronto, Canada, July 24, 1839; he died in Long Island City, N. Y., May 17, 1909.
Dick McGowan was well-known as a banjoist and a comedian in the 60’s; during which period he was with Yankee Hill’s Minstrels, Harris and Smith’s, Dick McGowan’s, and some more. As Mr. McGowan failed to keep his promise and give the author more data, this sketch must necessarily be curtailed. Sorry. Mr. McGowan was born in New York, December 28, 1839.
Johnny “Froggy” Pierce (Owens) was a well-known comedian and had been identified with various prominent minstrel companies, notably Ordway’s, in Boston, in 1859; Lloyd’s, 1861; Rumsey’s, 1864; Coes, Purdy and Converse’s, 1867; Emerson’s, 1870, and many others. He died in New York, June 2, 1892; age 53 years.
John W. Thompson (Fitzpatrick), known of late years as a manager only in the South and Southwest; in his early days was a well-known black-face performer, and a great jig dancer at a time when that style of dancing prevailed.
Mr. Thompson’s first appearance was made in Buffalo, N. Y., about 1860. At one time he was associated and did an act with Oscar Willis.
He was manager at various times of theatres in Memphis, Tenn.; Vicksburg, Miss., and Dallas, Texas, covering a period of 28 years.
John W. Thompson was born in Dublin, Ireland, June 4, 1839; he died at Dallas, Texas, February 27, 1907.
James Gaynor made his first professional appearance with Sharpley’s Minstrels about 1859, as second violinist.
He played several engagements at Hooley’s Minstrels in Brooklyn, during the 70’s, where his banjo playing met with pronounced success; he was equally prominent during the same period at the Howard in Boston. November 29, 1876, Gaynor and Mudge’s (Hank) opened at Butler, Pa.
Mr. Gaynor was also with Mrs. Matt. Peel’s Minstrels in May, 1860.
James Gaynor was born in Troy, N. Y., about 1839; he died in Brooklyn, N. Y., May 29, 1906.
John T. Boyce was one of the best black-face comedians of his day, and one of the earliest performers to sing an Irish song on the end.
His first appearance was with Birch, Bowers and Fox’s Minstrels in California, about 1857; later he was a performer on the steamer “Banjo,” which plied the Mississippi. Mr. Boyce afterward appeared with such well-known organizations as Woods, in New York; Hooley’s, in Brooklyn, and Sanford’s.
May 7, 1866, with Hank Mudge, he launched Boyce and Mudge’s Minstrels, and later was a member of Griffin and Christy’s Minstrels.
His last appearance was in June, 1867.
John T. Boyce was born in Covington, Ky., about 1839; he died in Brooklyn, N. Y., June 11, 1867.
“Marsh” Adams (Marshall Anderson), an excellent and most natural delineator of the old Southern darky, began his stage career at the Race Street Varieties, Cincinnati, in the late 60’s; he remained there until 1871, when he joined the Hart, Ryman and Barney Minstrels; for a brief period he did an act with Milt. Barlow. In 1873 he went to the Metropolitan Theatre in Indianapolis, remaining until 1878; subsequently he was identified with various circuses, also Haverly’s Minstrels; and for a time with Walter Le Roy.
It is said that he was the first to sing “Old Black Joe” as a character song.
His last appearance was April 15, 1885.
Marsh Adams was born in Louisville, Ky., January 11, 1839; he died in Indianapolis, Ind., May 11, 1885.
Charles E. Dobson was one of the great banjoists of minstrelsy.
His first appearance was at Winsted, Conn., in 1856, with Sam Hague’s Concert Company.
Subsequently he played in the stock of the old Chatham Theatre, New York, and later played in the orchestra of Wallack’s Theatre, same city, at Thirteenth and Broadway.
In 1867 he went to Europe, under the management of Corbin and Wall; while there he again joined Sam Hague’s Georgia Minstrels, playing London and the provinces. On his return to the United States he played all the principal variety houses, later organized the Dobson Bros. Minstrels. Mr. Dobson was also associated in a business capacity with the Worrell Sisters, the Chapman Sisters, and the Wallace Sisters: with the latter he was with in 1878. March 29, 1879, he married Minnie Wallace. They had a son, Frank Wallace, a clever black-face performer.
About twenty-five years ago Mr. Dobson won a gold medal in a banjo tournament at Madison Square Garden, New York City.
Chas. E. Dobson was born in New York City, July 21, 1839; he died there January 18, 1910.
Lew Benedict. The name of Lew Benedict is one of the most prominent in minstrelsy; as an end man and stump speaker he excelled, but he was equally at home in anything he undertook.
Mr. Benedict’s first appearance was in the late 50’s, when he danced the “Essence”; he was then known as Johnny Hodson.
But his real professional career commenced April 6, 1861, when he joined Duprez and Green’s Minstrels; he continued with them until 1865, when he bought out Mr. Green’s interest; the organization was then known as Duprez and Benedict’s Minstrels until 1876, when Mr. Benedict and Mr. Duprez dissolved partnership.
Mr. Benedict then joined Kelly and Leon’s Minstrels in New York City in the Spring of 1876; he remained until September 16; five days later he opened at Newark, N. J., with Benedict’s Minstrels; the company closed at Washington, D. C., December 30, 1876; he subsequently returned to Kelly and Leon’s.
In 1878 he ran a variety theatre in Milwaukee, Wis.
Mr. Benedict was with Leavitt’s Gigantean Minstrels in 1881, and in later years with Cleveland’s, Vogel’s, Gorman Bros., and Great Barlow Minstrels.
April 17, 1871, he married Eva De La Motta, at Mansfield, Ohio, and on February 17, 1881, in New York City, he married Miss Fanny Mouris.
Of late years Mr. Benedict has been playing vaudeville.
Lew Benedict was born in Kingston, Canada, December 6, 1839.
Carl Rudolph (Wilbur Fiske Barrell), one of the most prominent balladists in minstrelsy, began his career in St. Louis, Mo., doing concert work; from which it was but a short step to burnt-cork honors.
| LEW.—HAWKINS & COLLINS—BEN. | LAMONT & DUCROW |
| GEO. & WILLIE GUY (1866) | JNO. P.—HOGAN & HUGHES—RUEY (1871) |
Mr. Rudolph was one of the original members of Billy Emerson’s Minstrels, February 11, 1870.
In the Summer of 1872 he was with Sam Sharpley in New York, and that same year in the same city rejoined Emerson.
In August, 1877, Mr. Rudolph was with Barlow, Wilson, Primrose and West’s Minstrels at the initial performance of that organization.
Season of 1873 he joined Bryant’s Minstrels in New York City; the major portion of the balance of his theatrical career was spent in Philadelphia with Carncross’ Minstrels.
Carl Rudolph was born in Aspenham, Mass., October 29, 1839; he died in Brooklyn, N. Y., August 8, 1909.
J. K. Buckley (Kiley), noted for his splendid execution on the banjo, an the use of the supplementary fifth string, first played the banjo in 1861. On June 6, 1868, he launched Buckley’s Minstrels at Newark, N. J.
He was one of Haverly’s 12 banjoists, and went to Europe with the Mastodons, opening at Drury Lane Theatre, London, July 31, 1880.
He was associated with the late John M. Turner for a considerable period; the partnership dissolved November 11, 1876.
J. K. Buckley was born in New York City January 21, 1839.
Joseph H. Childs was equally well known to dramatic, variety and minstrel patrons, and up to about ten years before his death was considered one of the best clog dancers before the public.
In 1877-78 he was in the stock at the National Theatre, Cincinnati.
Jos. H. Childs was born in England; he died in Cincinnati, Ohio, November 10, 1880; age 41 years.
Wally Thomas, prominent as a jig and clog dancer, a fine drummer and a good all-round general performer of Sharpley’s Minstrels in the early 60’s, died at Lowell, Mass., May 29, 1864; age 25 years.
Lewis J. Donnelly, well-known in his day as a first-class black-face female impersonator, died in New York City, October 26, 1869; age 30 years.
Gus Howard was a pupil of George Christy, and made his first appearance with Wood and Christy’s Minstrels in New York in 1855.
He was an exceptionally versatile performer, and excelled as a banjoist and tambourinist. He continued as a member of the above company until May, 1858, Geo. Christy seceding and going to California. Howard went with him, and continued with Christy until 1861, when he joined Unsworth’s Minstrels, also Hooley and Campbell’s.
For about five years prior to his death he had been with the Wallace Sisters Combination.
Gus Howard died in Alexandria, Va., March 27, 1874; age about 35 years.
Warren Richards (Richard A. Warren) was well-known as a tenor singer with Duprez and Benedict’s Minstrels about forty years ago; he was with them for a lengthy period. He was born in New Orleans, and died in New York City, June 15, 1876.
L. Morrisey (Morrisey B. Little), a well-known and capable song and dance performer, joined Johnny Allen’s Minstrels about 1870.
He formed a partnership with Fred Emerson, and as Morrisey and Emerson opened at Bryant’s Minstrels, New York, September 4, 1871, and continued there until the Spring of 1873, when the team separated.
Mr. Morrisey played the variety houses until his death in New York, February 8, 1881.
James G. Russell (Grant), the well-known vocalist, commenced his minstrel career about 1870 in New York, and successfully appeared in the companies of Carncross and Dixey in Philadelphia; Emerson’s, Geo. Thatcher’s and Bryant’s.
He died in Richmond, Va., May 5, 1883.
J. K. Silver, of the famous Silver Brothers, was prominent for many years in minstrel and concert work.
He died at Williamsburg, Mich., May 11, 1885.
Billy Burr (W. W. H. Burrows), an old-time performer, who was excellent in negro acts, made his first appearance with Andy Williams in Gardner and Hemming’s Circus. He played with various organizations until his retirement about 1875.
He was born in Reading, Pa., November, 1840; he died at Gwynedd, Pa., January 30, 1881.
Tom. Warfield (J. B. Hersey), the old-time banjoist and black-face performer, entered the profession in his native city.
He was with several minstrel shows, also had his own company, Warfield and Wicks Minstrels.
He married Minnie Chapin in Baltimore, Md., in August, 1876.
Tom Warfield was born in New Orleans, La.; he died in Birmingham, Ala., November 12, 1899.
Queen and West constituted one of the great song and dance teams in minstrelsy. They formed a partnership about 1868, which was terminated by the death of Mr. Queen.
Together they played several prominent minstrel engagements, and later went to Harrigan and Hart’s in New York, where Mr. West remained, all told, about twenty-two years.
Mr. Queen was an exceptionally clever black-face comedian, while Mr. West, in addition to his ability as a dancer and comedian, was proficient on the banjo.
John Queen made his first appearance as a clog dancer in Boston with Morris Bros., Pell and Trowbridge’s Minstrels. While with that company, he, in conjunction with R. M. Carroll, did the first double clog dance ever seen in minstrelsy.
William West began his theatrical career in 1857 as a black-face performer, and until about 1863 played mostly with circuses.
His first minstrel engagement was with Duprez and Green. Subsequently he played with Hooley at the Novelty Theatre in Brooklyn; with the San Franciscos in New York, and with Bryant’s, Wood’s, and Morris Brothers.
Mr. West’s last stage appearance was about 1901.
John Queen (McQueeny) was born in St. Albans, Vt., November 19, 1843; he died in New York, February 11, 1884.
William West (Cox) was born in Leicester, England, May 3, 1837.
Charles E. Gibbons, an excellent clog dancer, was with Carncross and Dixey’s Minstrels in Philadelphia, in 1869; subsequently he joined the San Franciscos in New York, where he remained several years. His wife was Effie Germon, the well-known actress.
He died in New York City June 27, 1882; age 40 years.
Ned Reed was well-known mostly in the middle west, as a capable comedian. His first appearance was made in his native city about 1860.
In 1862 he organized a minstrel company, and subsequently he traveled with John Robinson’s Circus, remaining about four years, after which, in 1866, he appeared with Kelly and Leon’s Minstrels in Chicago. About 1867 Mr. Reed married Miss Ada St. Clair.
He had at various times conducted theatres in Terre Haute and Ft. Wayne, Ind.; Syracuse, N. Y., and Dayton, Ohio, where for eighteen years he was a resident, during which period Mr. Reed’s hand was frequently in his pocket to help those less fortunate than himself.
Ned Reed was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, September 27, 1840; he died in Dayton, Ohio, November 27, 1891.
C. W. Pringle was for many years associated in the management of Richard’s and Pringle’s Colored Minstrels, a popular organization. He died in Marysville, Cal., March 18, 1893.
Billy Gray (Cornelius O’Donnell) was well-known as a versatile black-face comedian. He entered the variety profession about 1862.
In 1873 he joined Harry Robinson’s Minstrels, and two years later was with Hooley in Brooklyn, N. Y. Subsequently he joined the company of Harrigan and Hart in New York, where he long remained.
Billy Gray was born in Ireland; he died in New York, November 21, 1882.
Billy Remington, a prominent black-face performer, who was an especially clever bone player, died at Grand Rapids, Mich., April 16, 1870.
Peasley and Hughes were a well-known black-face song and dance team of the variety and minstrel stage, where they played many notable engagements.
Mr. Peasley was also of Peasley and Fitzgerald; they opened with the Dearborn Minstrels in Chicago, August 21, 1871.
John A. Peasley died in Syracuse, N. Y., April 22, 1893.
Mark Hughes died in Chicago, Ill., February 6, 1882; age 34 years.
William Dwyer was a well-known tenor singer, and played successful engagements with Bryant’s, and the San Franciscos in New York, and Simmons and Slocum’s Minstrels in Philadelphia.
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| BILLY DE RUE | BOBBY DE RUE |
| (DE RUE BROS.) | |
 | |
| BERT. LEIGHTON | FRANK LEIGHTON |
| (LEIGHTON BROS.) | |
 |  |
| BILLY FREEZE | LARRY FREEZE |
| (FREEZE BROS.) | |
He was born in Dublin, Ireland; he died in Washington, D. C., December 30, 1898.
In the author’s possession is a document dated July 17, 1850, wherein one James Norris purchased a fourth interest in a prominent minstrel company of that day for $200.00. Imagine what a similar interest in Lew Dockstader’s Minstrels would cost to-day.
“Cool” Burgess (Colin Burgess) was one of the most famous names in minstrelsy. Tall and slender, with long, drooping moustache, he provoked merriment at sight.
He first appeared professionally in his native city about 1857, at the Melodeon.
Subsequently he was identified with many minstrel organizations, amongst the earliest was Burgess and (J. E.) Green’s. About the closing of the Rebellion he joined Hooley’s Company in Brooklyn, where he became quite popular.
In 1865 he was one of the proprietors of Burgess, (T. B.) Prendergast, (Archie) Hughes and (D. C.) LaRue’s Minstrels.
In 1867, in conjunction with his fellow townsman, Charley Gardner, he organized Burgess and Gardner’s Minstrels.
In 1864 he was associated with J. H. Haverly in an organization bearing their name.
In the Summer of 1867, Burgess and (Ainsley) Scott’s Minstrels had a brief existence.
(Charley) Reynolds, (John D.) Newcombe and Burgess’ Minstrels gave their first performance September 24, 1862.
On August 9, 1869, Mr. Burgess made his appearance with Sam Sharpley’s Minstrels in Boston, and the following month, in the same city, he joined Delehanty and Hengler’s Company.
In the Fall of 1879 he opened with Joe Norcross’ California Minstrels.
In 1875 he made his first appearance in England at Sam Hague’s Minstrels in Liverpool; subsequently he played a successful engagement with Moore and Burgess in London.
Like most prominent performers Mr. Burgess has a specialty in which he was prominently identified—in his case it was “Nicodemus Johnson,” in which he danced with abnormally long shoes, he being the first to adopt the massive footgear.
Mr. Burgess married Miss Edna S. Taylor May 20, 1862.
In the passing of “Cool” Burgess, minstrelsy lost one of its most brilliant stars.
“Cool” Burgess was born in Toronto, Canada, December 20, 1840; he died there October 20, 1905.
Hank Mudge (Henry Tyler Mudge) is one of the few old-timers left.
Mr. Mudge, who ranked with the great clog dancers of his day, made his first appearance in minstrelsy with the Porter Opera Troupe at Hartford, Conn., in 1857.
In 1859 he was at Captain John Smith’s Theatre in Albany, N. Y. Mr. Mudge avers that this Smith was in no way related to the party in Virginia that was smitten with the charms of one Pocahontas.
But to continue; in 1860 he joined Sam Sharpley’s Minstrels, and later went to Boston, where he became identified with the famous Morris Bros., Pell and Trowbridge Minstrels in that city.
Mr. Mudge was associated with A. C. Stone, and as Mudge and Stone were rated as two of the best clog dancers in minstrelsy; likewise when with Hooley’s Minstrels in Brooklyn, N. Y., did he do a great dancing act with Archie Hughes.
In New York he played successful engagements with Wood’s, and Kelly and Leon’s Minstrels.
October 11, 1866, Mr. Mudge with a party sailed for Hong Kong; October 16, 1866, Mr. Mudge arrived in New York. This might possibly strike the average observer as a quick trip; but the fact is that owing to the peevishness of old ocean, the minstrels floundered around on its huge bosom for several days, finally landing them where they started.
In five days the party recovered, and on October 21 they again set sail; this time for old England, where they arrived in due time, and after engagements on Erin’s Isle, Hussey, Sweney and Felton’s Minstrels opened in London, England, December 5, 1866.
Mr. Mudge subsequently played an extended engagement with Moore, Crocker and Ritter’s Minstrels in the British metropolis.
In 1866 Boyce and Mudge’s Minstrels made a bid for favor; later Hogan and Mudge’s troupe did likewise, and in 1876 Mudge and Gaynor’s Minstrels toured.
Mr. Mudge’s last tour was in connection with Dave Reed’s New York combination in 1887.
Hank Mudge was born in Troy, N. Y., March 12, 1840.
D. L. Morris, one of the greatest German comedians there ever was, played with Haverly’s Minstrels in 1875; and as Haverly’s “Black Dutchman” scored a big success; he was also with another minstrel organization.
He died at Cape Girardeau, Mo., August 5, 1879.
Robert McWade, whose great characterization of Rip, in “Rip Van Winkle” has made him world famous, wrote a burlesque on P. T. Barnum’s “What Is It?” for Hooley and Campbell’s Minstrels in New York, which was produced December 3, 1860.
During the week, owing to the indisposition of James Unsworth, Mr. McWade assumed the title role of “Africanus Barnum O,” and played it in black face; and ’tho fifty years have elapsed, Mr. McWade still speaks of this occasion with evident relish and satisfaction.
John H. Ward was a splendid dancer, and in the early 60’s partner of Wm. H. Delehanty, prior to the latter’s association with Thos. Hengler.
He died in East Saginaw, Mich., March 15, 1874.
Dave Wilson was a good comedian and gave a fine portrayal of the aged darky, but his principal fame rested on his manipulation of the bones, of which he was a master.
He was with Newcomb’s Minstrels in 1869, and Kelly and Leon’s in 1875; he retired shortly after that, and is said to be living in Buffalo, N. Y.
Neil Price, a black-face performer, whose fame chiefly was gained as author of “A Boy’s Best Friend Is His Mother,” died at Chattanooga, Tenn., November 5, 1889.
Harry G. Richmond (Augustus Von Boyle) was an exceedingly versatile performer; a good vocalist, dancer and comedian. His principal minstrel engagement was with Haverly in the Spring of 1878.
In Philadelphia, on October 29, 1879, during an altercation with an old friend, Dan Archer, Richmond, in pure self-defense, killed Archer.
Mr. Richmond, in conjunction with his brother, Acland Von Boyle, took out the play of “Our Candidate,” about 1879.
On May 1, 1880, he married Miss Florence Stover, an actress.
Harry G. Richmond was born in Brooklyn, N. Y.; he died in Camden, N. J., October 21, 1885.
A. C. Stone was an exceptionally good clog dancer, and in the early 60’s a partner of “Hank” Mudge, under the team name of Stone and Mudge.
In 1865 he was with Sharpley’s Ironclads; at the time of his death with LaRue’s Minstrels.
He died at Frankfort, Ky., November 13, 1866.
George Wilkes (Miller), a well-known female impersonator of several early minstrel organizations, was born in Philadelphia; he died in Memphis, Tenn., October 1, 1870.
Fred Sprung was a well-known vocalist and “straight” man in the 60’s, during which period he worked in acts with Billy Manning. In 1864 he was with Rumsey’s Minstrels, and in September of the following year with a small company, gave a show over the mountains of California, being one of the first to do so.
He died in San Jose, Cal., February 26, 1890.
John Pendy (Prendergast), a well-known black-face performer in the old variety days, married Jeffreys Warner, and played as Pendy and Warner for several years.
He died in New York City November 16, 1902.
Frank Girard (Giraud). This well-known interlocutor and “straight man” began his career with Hooley’s Minstrels in Brooklyn, N. Y., about 1863; he remained but a short period and then enlisted in the navy, where he continued until the war was over.
In September, 1866, Mr. Girard was one of the 500 passengers bound for New Orleans on the steamer “Evening Star,” which was wrecked about 300 miles off the coast of Florida (October 3, 1866); he was the only male that survived, and was on the water for five days before he was rescued. He subsequently returned to New York, and later was identified with some of the principal minstrel companies.
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| GUSTAVE BIDAUX | W. H. LEWIS (RICE) | FRANK KENT | GONSALVO BISHOP | EDWIN HOLMES |
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| DUPREZ & GREEN’S MINSTRELS, 1863. Some prominent members of the company at that time. | ||||
About 1871 he became a member of Tony Pastor’s stock company in New York, where he acted as stage manager and played in the farces for many years.
His son is Edwin Girard, for many years manager of the Gotham Theatre, Brooklyn, N. Y.
Frank Girard was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., July 7, 1840; he died there November 1, 1900.
James D. Bohee a prominent colored performer and concededly great banjoist, went to England about 1880, where he was a great success until the time of his death in London, England, December 1, 1897.
Jimmy Clark was one of the best jig dancers in the country, and equally proficient in the manipulation of the banjo, and an all-round good general performer.
He was with Kelly and Leon’s Minstrels in New York, also with the Duprez and Benedict Company.
December, 1872, Welch, Clark and Hart’s Minstrels began a brief career.
Mr. Clark had not appeared professionally for some years. Prior to his death he was employed in the manufacturing of the banjo.
Jimmy Clark died in New York City, February 27, 1880; age 40 years.
Charles L. Monroe, considered a very good impersonator of the old Southern “darky,” died in Philadelphia, July 12, 1875; age 36 years.
John Bartley, a good general performer in negro acts, and an exceptionally fine performer with the tambourine and bones, died at Buffalo, N. Y., April 17, 1895.
Jerry McMillan, once known as “Master Jerry,” was one of the best jig dancers of his day.
He was identified with the San Francisco Minstrels in New York City for a considerable period.
He died in Philadelphia, September 9, 1873.
A. Bamford, a capable female impersonator who was prominent at one time at Hooley’s Minstrels in Brooklyn, and also played a European engagement in the 60’s, died at San Francisco, April 5, 1871. Mr. Bamford also did specialties with Harry Norman.
Harry J. Clapham. This gentleman’s name will always rank with the great managers of minstrelsy.
His career began on the 30th anniversary of his birth, at Syracuse, N. Y., with Cal. Wagner’s Minstrels, as a balladist. Six weeks later he was programme agent, and in six months was “press agent”; in 1910 we would call that “making good.” Later he became general agent, continuing in that capacity for 18 months. When Haverly’s Minstrels were organized in the Fall of 1873, he became agent; a year later he was manager, in which capacity he served for several years.
Leaving Mr. Haverly he took a much-needed rest for six months, and then assumed the management of Barlow, Wilson, Primrose and West’s Minstrels; in about two years he turned into the company $100,000 in profits; this was “going some” about 30 years ago.
John T. Raymond and Mr. and Mrs. McKee Rankin claimed his executive attention for three years; he then assumed management of the Barlow, Wilson & Co. Minstrels, remaining three years.
After the Barlow, Wilson & Co. Minstrels, Mr. Clapham took out a repertoire company; his leading man being no less a personage than that excellent actor of to-day, Mr. Thos. E. Shea, who had previously occupied a mercantile position in Boston.
A four years respite found Mr. Clapham equal owner with Lew Dockstader’s Minstrels (road company); the alliance lasted three seasons, which were very successful; the first 40 weeks profits were $24,000.
Mr. Clapham speaks in the highest terms of praise of his first manager, Col. Haverly, because he gave him (Clapham) the opportunity.
Harry J. Clapham was born in Lincoln, England, November 16, 1840.
Kelly and Leon was a great trade-mark in minstrelsy forty years ago.
Edwin Kelly was a vocalist and an actor; Leon was a female impersonator; and none were more successful than he. Together they were famous for their burlesques, which they put on in a lavish manner.
In 1860 each were members of Geo. Christy’s Minstrels; the following season they joined Morris Bros., Pell and Trowbridge’s Company in Boston, and in 1862 they were with Arlington and Donniker’s Troupe. A year later Kelly and Leon were interested in the management of the company, which soon after was known as Kelly and Leon’s Minstrels in Chicago.
October 1, 1866, the company opened at Hope Chapel, New York, and for more than two years they were established there, meeting with pronounced success.
January 9, 1869, they gave their final performance, and shortly after sailed for London, England, opening with Montague’s “Christy’s,” May 9. After a brief engagement they organized Kelly and Leon’s “Christy’s” Minstrels, giving their initial performance July 6, 1869. Six weeks later, August 16, they appeared with Delehanty and Hengler’s Combination in Boston. They made their first appearance in San Francisco November 7, 1871.
August 26, 1872, they began an engagement at Bryant’s Minstrels in New York, which terminated November 16. Kelly and Leon then reorganized their own company, opening at their old stand, November 25, three days later, November 28, 1872, the theatre was destroyed by fire.
The following Summer they returned to California, where they played an engagement in San Francisco with Maguire’s Minstrels.
Returning East they opened in Philadelphia with Simmons and Slocum’s Minstrels, closing November 8, 1873.
The following year they were with Haverly; in 1875 Kelly and Leon’s Company took the road, under the management of Surridge and Melville.
In the Spring of 1876 their company opened at Bryant’s old minstrel hall in New York, where they continued several months.
December 10, 1877, with their company, they began their third engagement in San Francisco, and on February 2, 1878, they sailed for Australia, where about two years after their arrival their long partnership was dissolved. For a time each headed their own company in the Antipodes. Leon later returned to the United States; Mr. Kelly remained in Australia until his death.
Prior to 1860 Edwin Kelly was a balladist with Ordway’s Aeolians in Boston. In May, 1858, “Master” Leon joined Wood’s Minstrels in New York; the year following he was with Campbell’s Minstrels.
Shortly after Leon’s return to America, he joined Haverly’s Minstrels; he severed his association with that company in February, 1883. He then formed an alliance with Frank Cushman, and in April began an engagement with Barlow, Wilson’s Minstrels.
September 3, 1883, he opened with Birch’s San Francisco Minstrels in New York. Leon and Cushman sailed for Australia about January 1, 1886; they played several months in Melbourne; shortly after their return to the United States they separated, August, 1887.
“Leon” began an engagement with Emerson’s Minstrels January 19, 1889.
Since then Mr. Leon has been identified in minstrel, vaudeville and concert work, until his retirement about eight years ago.
Edwin Kelly was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1835; he died in Adelaide, Australia, December 24, 1898.
“Leon” (Patrick Francis Glassey) was born in New York City, November 21, about 1840.
Jack Talbott (Arthur J. Talbott), well-known as a comedian, began his theatrical career in the late 50’s.
In 1860 he was with Hooley and Campbell’s Minstrels, that same year joining Sanford’s Company in Philadelphia, in which city he remained altogether about ten years with Carncross and Dixey’s, and Carncross’ Minstrels. Early in 1887 he was one of a company at the Criterion Theatre, Brooklyn, N. Y., in an attempt to revive permanent minstrelsy in that city.
Mr. Talbott was an excellent marksman, and was the first to shoot an apple from the head in a theatre.
He first performed this feat at the New Idea in San Francisco, October 21, 1864; Johnny De Angelis, father of the comedian, Jeff De Angelis, held the apple.
Mr. Talbott was a brother of Harry Talbott, the minstrel, and the husband of Emma Miles, danseuse, whom he married in the 60’s.
Jack Talbott was born in Baltimore, Md., October 3, 1840; he died in New York, April 5, 1910.
J. Henry Murphy, the well-known minstrel tenor, was with Mead’s Minstrels in New London, Conn., September 8, 1862.
About February, 1864, he joined Buckley’s Serenaders in Boston, Mass., and was associated with them for several seasons. April 17, 1871, he commenced an engagement with Newcomb and Arlington’s Minstrels in New York, and on January 29, 1872, joined Simmons and Slocum’s Company in Philadelphia.
Later he identified himself with Cal. Wagner’s Minstrels, and was with him some time. Mr. Murphy had not appeared professionally for many years.
J. Henry Murphy died in New London, Conn., April 10, 1910; age about 70 years.
| JOHN E. CAIN | NEAL ABEL |
| GEO. W. ROCKEFELLER | JULIA GOULD |
| GREG. PATTI | HARRY LEHR |
CAIN & ABEL; ROCKEFELLER & GOULD; PATTI AND HARRY LEHR; THEY ALL “BLACKED UP.”
Charles D. Burnham, an old-time comedian, was with Green’s Mocking Bird Minstrels in 1871, also various other companies.
He married Miss Jennie Davis at Kingston, Canada, January 5, 1872.
He died at Bay City, Mich., August 1, 1902.
“English Tommy Peel” (William Howe), a jig dancer of some reputation, died in New York, January 31, 1868.
Walter Bray (Baker) was a versatile black-face performer, whose career began about fifty years ago.
In 1864, in conjunction with Joe Murphy, he had a minstrel company bearing their names. Mr. Bray made his first New York appearance September 6, 1869, doing a black-face song and dance called “Sugar Bob.”
In 1872 he was with Wm. Henry Rice’s Minstrels in Cincinnati, where his “Corkographs” received well-merited applause. Subsequently he played many minstrel and variety engagements.
He died at Fort Worth, Texas, February 25, 1891.
“Happy” Cal. Wagner was not born with that handle to his name, but just plain Calvin Wagner.
Mr. Wagner began comicalities at the age of 17, and at 70 is still “happy.” Of course he played other minstrel engagements before appearing with Charley Morris’ Company in 1864.
In 1865 he was with Sam Sharpley’s Ironclads, and the following year Wagner and (Sam) Hague’s Minstrels could readily be seen—if you had the price.
In 1867, January 21, to be exact, he joined Lloyd and Bidaux’ Minstrels; the following year found him with Fred Wilson’s Minstrels, and on March 6, 1869, he left Wilson in St. Louis; that is, he left Wilson’s company. It was getting time for “Happy” Cal Wagner’s Minstrels, and accordingly that organization soon sprang into being.
In the Fall of 1870 this company came under the able direction of “Jack” Haverly; the partnership was dissolved November 8, 1873. Mr. Wagner’s Minstrels went on touring.
In 1878 Wagner and (Ben) Cotton’s Minstrels happened; that same year they unhappened. A year or so later Mr. Wagner joined Barlow, Wilson, Primrose and West’s Minstrels, closing with them in February, 1881.
Mr. Wagner’s last appearance in minstrelsy was with Quinlan and Will’s Company, about five years ago.
Cal. Wagner was born in Mobile, Ala., July 4, 1840.
Horace Rushby, well-known as a character actor, made his first appearance in the United States with Case and Kernan’s Minstrels in 1869.
A year later he joined Blaisdell Bros. and Courtright’s Minstrels; in 1872 he was a member of Wm. Henry Rice’s organization in Cincinnati. Subsequently he appeared successfully with the minstrel companies of Harry Robinson; Haverly; I. W. Baird’s; Birch, Hamilton and Backus; Hooley and Emerson’s Megatherians; Carncross’, in Philadelphia, and several others.
Some years ago Mr. Rushby decided to enter the legitimate field, where as Cy. Prime in the “Old Homestead” and John Todd in “Old Jed Prouty” he achieved success.
Horace Rushby was born in Hull, England, November 14, 1840.
John Crosher, a well-known ballad singer who was with Cotton and Murphy’s Minstrels in 1865, and with Simmons and Slocum’s Company in Philadelphia, Pa., from 1871 to 1874; died in Toronto, Canada, January 15, 1880.
Dick Sands (George R. Sands), famous for many years as Barnum’s “Old Woman in the Shoe,” was one of the world’s greatest clog dancers.
His first appearance was made at Pierce’s Varieties in Providence, R. I., in 1857. Late that same year he joined Bryant’s Minstrels in New York, and in February, 1859, reappeared there.
In 1866 he was associated with Jack Haverly in a minstrel company bearing their name. Mr. Sands played important engagements with the Morris Bros., Pell and Trowbridge Minstrels in Boston, and many other high-class minstrel and circus companies.
Dick Sands was born at Mill Bridge, England, May 2, 1840; he died in New York, March 28, 1900.
Charles B. Hicks, one of the proprietors of Hicks and Sawyer’s Colored Minstrels, died at Suraboya, Java, in 1902.
W. H. Hamilton, who was a well-known baritone singer, was with Simmons and Slocum’s, and Frank Moran’s Minstrels in Philadelphia in the early 70’s, and in 1882 was part proprietor of Birch, Hamilton and Backus’ Minstrels in New York. He died in Los Angeles, Cal., April 17, 1897.
Gustave Geary, a well-known vocalist of Hooley’s and other minstrel companies during the 60’s, died in New York, April 25, 1877.
W. H. Strickland, the well-known minstrel agent, who was long associated with Haverly’s Minstrels, died in New York, February 27, 1903.
Charles Lockwood, a famous singer of Hooley’s Minstrels in Brooklyn, N. Y., and other prominent organizations, died in Brooklyn, N. Y., April 28, 1887.
He was the author of “A Handful of Earth,” made famous by Joe Murphy in the Irish drama.
J. H. Clifford, an excellent dancer of the 60’s, during which period he was associated with Rumsey’s, Hooley’s, Campbell’s and other well-known minstrel organizations.
He was especially well remembered for his song of “Hot Corn.”
He was on the police force in New York for some time.
He is said to have died about ten years ago.
Billy Sheppard was equally famous for his neat and artistic songs and dances, and for his rendition of the “Anvil Chorus” on the banjo.
He had been with many prominent minstrel companies, notably with the San Franciscos in California in 1865; Griffin and Christy’s in New York, two years later, and in the Summer of 1869 played in England with Smith and Taylor’s Minstrels; in 1870 he was with Hooley in Brooklyn, N. Y., and with Hooley’s in Chicago in 1871. His wife was professionally known as Sallie Clinetop, of the Clinetop Sisters.
Mr. Sheppard died at Ft. Washington, N. Y., July 8, 1872.
James A. Herne, the late well-known actor and author, whose portrayal of the lighthouse keeper in his play of “Shore Acres” will long be pleasantly remembered, played Samson, a heavy, black-face character part in the “New South,” commencing at the Broadway Theatre, New York, January 2, 1893.
James A. Herne was born in Troy, N. Y., February 1, 1840; he died in New York City, June 2, 1901.
D. R. Hawkins was well known as a capable interlocutor, and co-proprietor with Billy Courtright with a permanent minstrel company in Philadelphia bearing their names; they opened about September, 1882. He was also with Emerson’s Minstrels.
He was born in Philadelphia, and died in San Francisco, September 5, 1888; age 47 years.
Hen. Mason (Martin), was a well-known black-face performer. His wife was Celia Iferd, an actress.
He was the author of several sketches, notably, “A Night at a Free and Easy.”
He died in New York, February 22, 1873; age 33 years.
Frank Pell, a well-known and favorite comedian of many years ago, who was with Mrs. Matt. Peel’s Minstrels, in 1860; Newcomb’s Minstrels, in 1867, and other well-known companies, died in St. Paul, Minn., August 26, 1871.
Tommy Peel (O’Reilly) was one of the world’s great jig dancers. He made his first professional appearance in his native city at the age of twelve years.
About 1855 he became a member of a minstrel company in which Matt Peel was interested. Mr. Peel adopted him, and young O’Reilly thereafter was known as Tommy Peel.
He continued with Matt Peel practically until the latter’s death, in 1859, after which he joined Bryant’s Minstrels in New York, where he remained about three years.
Tommy Peel was born in Albany, N. Y., September, 1841; he died in Melbourne, Aus., July 31, 1869.
J. F. Sullivan, prominent as a balladist at various times with the minstrel companies of Duprez and Green; Sharpley’s; Buckley’s, and Skiff and Gaylord’s, died in Boston, Mass., August 20, 1866; age 25 years.
Frank Howard (Hurd), an old-time general minstrel performer of several early companies, was born in Boston, Mass.; he died in Chicago, Ill., January 4, 1897; age 56 years.
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| DAN. BRYANT | “HANK” MUDGE | S. S. PURDY |
| A TRIO OF TROJANS. | ||
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| TOM ENGLISH, Born in Ireland | SID. C. FRANCE, Born in England | CHAS. K. FRENCH, Born in the United States |
| ISN’T THIS THE FUNNY OLD WORLD? | ||
J. K. “Fritz” Emmett (Kleinfelter), the famous singing Dutch comedian, played several minstrel engagements before coming East; but always in white-face.
On June 1, 1868, at De Bar’s Opera House, St. Louis, Mo., (R. M.) Carroll and Emmett’s (J. K.) Minstrels began a brief engagement. Late in the same month he made his first New York appearance in black-face at Bryant’s Minstrels, and this was not the only time Mr. Emmett ever appeared in corked features. The engagement terminated in July following.
J. K. Emmett was born in St. Louis, Mo., March 13, 1841; he died in Cornwall, N. Y., June 15, 1891.
Ben Hayes (J. C. Allian) the old-time comedian and general performer, made his first appearance with the Sands & Mazzoni Company, in 1863.
That same year he joined the Morris Bros., Pell and Trowbridge Company, subsequently appearing with Cal. Wagner’s Minstrels for three years.
With Frank Wild in Buffalo, he was associated three years, also in many other variety houses did he play long stock engagements.
Ben Hayes was born in New York City, October 26, 1841.
Joseph M. Norcross, for many years known as Joseph Norrie, is one of the oldest and most prominent interlocutors in minstrelsy.
He first appeared professionally with the late Fred Sharpley and his own minstrel company in 1857.
In 1862 he joined Carncross and Dixey’s Minstrels in Philadelphia, and in 1870 joined Simmons and Slocum in the same city, and remained two years with that company, including a trip to California.
Subsequently Mr. Norcross joined Birch, Wambold and Backus’ Minstrels in New York, continuing there two years, after which he joined Bryant’s Minstrels, also in the Metropolis, and remained until the death of Dan Bryant.
Mr. Norcross was two years with Emerson’s Minstrels in San Francisco, and a like period with Buckley’s Serenaders. He was with Haverly seven years, including a trip to England, in 1884.
Mr. Norcross was with “Our Goblins” for four seasons, appearing in white-face. For the past few years he has intermittently appeared in vaudeville with a unique tabloid minstrel show of his own design.
Mr. Norcross married Miss Mamie Wambold at Newark, N. J., March 17, 1878.
Jos. M. Norcross was born in New York City July 5, 1841.
Hubert W. Eagan is one of the few old-time black-face performers whose active career began over half a century ago.
Mr. Eagan’s professional life began in Buffalo, N. Y., in 1857; three years later he sat on the end for the first time in Baltimore, Md., at the Melodeon, the present site of the Monumental Theatre.
He played many variety engagements before he went with LaRue’s Minstrels in 1866.
Mr. Eagan joined James Edwards in the middle 60’s, and as Eagan and Edwards were highly popular in the variety houses.
In 1863 he married Miss Jennie Williams, and after playing numerous variety and circus engagements, he retired about 1898.
Hubert W. Eagan was born in Castleragh, Ireland, December 18, 1841.
Lew Brimmer (Leslie Chase Brimmer) was not only a great banjoist, but a clever comedian as well.
In July, 1864, he was with Sanderson’s Minstrels; the same year he joined Hooley in Brooklyn, N. Y.; December 5, 1865, at Binghamton, N. Y., was given the first performance of Brimmer, Whiting, Gaynor and Clark’s Minstrels.
He was with Emerson and Manning’s Minstrels in 1869, and the following year with Emerson’s Minstrels; in the Summer of 1871 he had out Lew Brimmer’s Banjo Minstrels, and in September, 1872, he began an engagement with Moran and Dixey’s Minstrels in Philadelphia.
He was also with the San Francisco Minstrels in New York, and with Wood’s Company in the same city. His last engagement was at Sandy Spencer’s, in New York City.
Lew Brimmer was born in Cooperstown, N. Y.; he died in Fonda, N. Y., September 15, 1883; age 42 years.
George Gray, a well-known minstrel singer of the 60’s and 70’s, was identified with the companies of Hooley, Fox and Sharpley; Campbell’s and many others.
About 1880 he played Uncle Tom, and continued in that character until his death.
He was the first husband of Minnie Oscar Gray.
He was born in New York, September 25, 1841; he died in Minneapolis, Minn., March 13, 1882.
Tim. Hayes was one of the foremost clog dancers of minstrelsy. His first professional appearance was with Wild’s theatrical show under canvas in 1851.
In 1860 he came to the United States, and made his debut at the Melodeon in New York. After that he joined Hooley and Campbell’s Minstrels, and subsequently appeared with Unsworth’s; Carncross and Dixey’s, in Philadelphia; George Christy’s, and M. C. Campbell’s Minstrels.
Tim Hayes was born in Dublin, Ire., September 22, 1841; he died in Washington, D. C., May 12, 1877.
Billy Hart arrived in the United States on his eighth birthday. He made his first appearance professionally in New York, January 26, 1862. In April, same year, he appeared in black-face for the first time, and sang “Ham Fat”; subsequently and for many seasons he appeared with many prominent minstrel companies.
A few years before his death he essayed Irish characters, and was very successful.
He was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, March 17, 1842; he died in New York, July 9, 1879.
Charles H. Day spent nearly all of his life in the amusement world. He was well known as an author, agent and journalist; he was connected in an executive capacity with such minstrel organizations as Cleveland’s and Newcomb and Arlington’s.
About forty years ago he was interested in Sharpley, Sheridan, Mack and Day’s Minstrels; later this company was known as Sheridan, Mack and Day’s Minstrels.
Charles H. Day died in New Haven, Conn., October 3, 1907; age 65 years.
Harry Stanwood (Stevens) was famous as a banjoist and comedian for many years.
In 1863 he was with Duprez and Green’s Minstrels; in 1871 with Newcomb and Arlington’s Company in New York. He was also with Bryant’s Minstrels in the same city, as well as many other first-class organizations during the twenty-five years or so he was before the public. Harry Stanwood was born in Cobourg, Canada, November 2, 1842; he died there September 21, 1886.
Bob Fraser was equally well-known as a minstrel and pantomimist.
Originally a scene painter, it was while employed in that capacity with Carncross and Dixey’s Minstrels in Philadelphia, that he made his debut as an end man. He invariably arranged the Christmas pantomimes with the company in which he was identified; and in that way gradually forsook cork for chalk.
On Christmas Day, 1876, he became associated in the management of the minstrels with Billy Sweatnam at the Arch Street Opera House, Philadelphia; the organization was then known as Sweatnam and Fraser’s Minstrels.
Bob Fraser was born in Philadelphia; he died in New York City, August 4, 1896; age 54 years.
Sam. Devere was one of the best-known black-face banjoists before the public. He first applied cork to his features when twenty years of age, in a music hall in Brooklyn, on the site now occupied by the Court Theatre.
In 1879 he starred in “Jasper,” a play in which he played one of the principal characters, in black-face. One year later he went to Europe with Haverly’s Minstrels, opening in London, July 31, 1880.
September 15, 1890, at the Gayety Theatre, Albany, N. Y., the first performance of Sam Devere’s Own Company was given, and the company continued on the road ever since. Even at the present date, the trade-mark is still in use.
Mr. Devere achieved wide popularity by singing the famous ditty, “The Whistling Coon.”
Sam Devere died in Brooklyn, N. Y., March 1, 1907; age about 65 years.
Sanford and Wilson are credited with being the original musical mokes; they certainly were among the earliest double acts of this kind.
Both were big men, and both capable comedians. The violin and banjo were about the only instruments they played; but they could play them, and no two performers ever got more comedy out of these instruments than they.
They formed a partnership in August, 1873, and during their many years on the stage they played all the principal variety houses, and engagements with Bryant’s, also Haverly’s Minstrels.
Mr. Wilson retired from theatricals in May, 1892.
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| JAS—MACKIN & WILSON—FRANCIS (1875) (Courtesy of Chapin & Gore, Chicago) | “KERRY GOW” JOE MURPHY (1862) | DAVE—MONTGOMERY & STONE—FRED (About 1898) |
| THOSE WERE THE HAPPY DAYS. | ||
James Sanford (Thos. Pynes), was born in Milbury, Mass., in 1843; he died in Cohoes, N. Y., December 23, 1891.
Charles Wilson (Neiman), was born in Milwaukee, Wis.; he died in Brooklyn, N. Y., February 15, 1893; age 51 years.
John Bowman. This prominent song and dance artist began his regular career at Graham’s Concert Hall on Market Street, near Second, St. Louis, Mo., in October, 1863, where he met with much success doing an “Essence.” It was there that he met his future partner, William Harris, though he did not join him in partnership at that time. After Graham’s he went to Jake Esher’s Bowery, same city, doing “ends” and comedy; traveling engagements followed until he met Harris again at Deagle’s in St. Louis, 1866, when the partnership was formed; they remained at Deagle’s Varieties one year, played many variety theatres, and engagements in St. Louis with Fred Wilson’s Minstrels, also Simmons and Slocum in Philadelphia. Bowman and Harris dissolved partnership in Canada in 1873 while with the L. B. Lent’s Circus.
After separating from Mr. Harris he opened in Providence, R. I., with Archie Stalker, and played other dates, later taking out the Bowman Brothers Minstrels; a wagon show.
In 1881 he went to work for William Harris, in Boston, and has been with him ever since.
John Bowman was born in Mobile, Ala., November 16, 1842.
William Harris, famous in professional circles for many years as a member of the great theatrical syndicate, began his career in St. Louis, Mo., in the early days of the Civil War, as a black-face song and dance man, playing the variety houses until 1866, when he formed a partnership with John Bowman, which lasted until 1873, when they separated. Mr. Harris next allied himself with William Carroll, a good comedian and banjoist, and as Harris and Carroll played many first-class engagements, including Tony Pastor’s Road Company; they separated in 1879. Later he went to Boston at the Howard Athenaeum, as stage and acting manager for Josh. Hart, subsequently taking the house himself, and retaining it for several seasons. Afterwards, in conjunction with Isaac Rich, they had many stars under their banner, including George Thatcher, Andrew Mack and many others.
Mr. Harris is one of the youngest looking men in the profession, retaining the appearances of youth to a remarkable degree; he hails from St. Louis, Mo. I didn’t get his age, but I am sure he must be younger than he would admit that he is.
(Overture—“Apple of My Eye.”)
Joe. Lang, the old-time black-face performer, made his first appearance with the Morris Brothers, Pell and Trowbridge’s Minstrels, at an early age. Subsequently he played an engagement with Morris and Wilson’s Minstrels in St. Louis.
Mr. Lang had the management of the Adelphi Theatre in Buffalo for several seasons, and the Halsted Street Theatre in Chicago.
He was also associated professionally with “Hank” Mudge, the old time clog dancer.
Joe Lang was born in New York, September 21, about 1843.
Mike Foley was a well-known black-face comedian, and during the 70’s did an excellent black-face act with Buck Sheffer, as Foley and Sheffer. He was also of the team of Foley and Wade.
He had retired from active theatricals about nine years prior to his death, which occurred at Syracuse, N. Y., September 10, 1888, at the age of 45 years.
Thompson and Kerns were the first black-face double song and dance team.
Prior to their advent, performers invariably worked singly. Their first joint appearance was made in Washington, D. C., in 1861; a year previous Mr. Kerns had made his professional debut at Long’s Varieties, Philadelphia. Thompson and Kerns continued in partnership for several years, playing the variety theatres almost exclusively.
After separating, Mr. Thompson joined Newcomb’s Minstrels in Cincinnati, August, 1867.
About 1871 he produced “On Hand,” a sensational drama, in which Mr. Thompson portrayed twelve distinct characters; black, white and yellow; male and female; of various nationalities. At last accounts he was still playing “On Hand,” early in the current year.
Mr. Thompson is the father of Mollie Thompson, the favorite dancer of a decade ago; and the father-in-law of Eddie Garvie, who has played more than one black-face part.
Mr. Thompson was also the oldest living musical moke.
Johnny Thompson was born in New York, July 4, 1843.
Frank Kerns was born in Philadelphia, 1844; he died in New York, September 21, 1877.
Charles Bortell was well-known as a capable and bass singer and interlocutor. His last minstrel engagement was with I. W. Baird’s Company.
At one time he was a member of the police force in Saratoga, N. Y.; he died there November 26, 1888; age 45 years.
Oscar Willis (McLain) was well-known as a banjoist and comedian chiefly on the variety stage.
His first appearance was made in his native city in 1858.
In 1871 he was end man and comedian with Unsworth’s Minstrels. November 16, 1867, he married Gussie Lamoreux, a well-known dancer, at Baltimore, Md.
Mr. Willis was born in Pittsburg, Pa., July 14, 1843; he died at Bismarck, Dakota, August 19, 1881.
John Wild. This truly great impersonator of the colored man was rather an unique performer; for whereas most of his contemporaries portrayed the black man of the plantation, John Wild’s characterizations were generally those of the town negro, of which he made an especial study from New York City life.
About 1857 Mr. Wild met Billy Arlington, and became a member of Arlington and White’s Minstrels; the company consisted of the three already named, and lasted one week. The next three years were mostly circus and variety engagements. Early in 1863 he went to Carncross and Dixey’s Minstrels in Philadelphia, occupying the tambo end; he subsequently played the variety theatres with Blanche Stanley in an act called “Nerves,” in which he created a sensation.
Mr. Wild afterwards was with the minstrel companies of Emerson, Allen and Manning’s, and the Morris Brothers in Boston, which company he left to become one of the proprietors of Dougherty, Wild, Barney and Mac’s Minstrels in 1869. He joined Harrigan and Hart’s Company, January 28, 1878, and continued with them until and after Tony Hart left the organization, remaining until 1889, when he starred in “Running Wild.”
The following year he was with George Thatcher’s Minstrels, and on December 29, 1890, he rejoined Harrigan, continuing with him until 1895.
In conjunction with Mrs. Annie Yeamans and Dan Collyer, he began a tour in vaudeville, January 10, 1898.
John Wild’s death was a distinct and irreparable loss to the profession he so ably graced.
Mr. Wild was twice married; his second wife, Ada Wray, was well-known in the profession several years ago.
John Wild was born in Manchester, England, December 29, 1843; he died in Averill Park, N. Y., March 2, 1898.
George W. Rockefeller, well-known as a vocalist and banjoist, opened with the 5th Engineer Minstrels at Auburn, N. Y., September 4, 1865; shortly after this company was known as Wagner and Hague’s Minstrels. Subsequently he was with Lloyd’s Minstrels in New York, and Tunnison’s Minstrels in Philadelphia; he joined Bryant’s Company in New York in 1868, and was with them for quite a while.
He was with Buckley’s Serenaders, also in New York, in the Summer of 1870; in the Fall he joined the San Francisco Minstrels, likewise in New York.
He opened with Emerson’s Minstrels in San Francisco, August 19, 1872; May 12, following he sailed for Australia with that company, and remained in the Antipodes after leaving Emerson, finally returning to the United States in the Summer of 1879.
He again went to California, where he died at Colton, that State, March 18, 1886. Mr. Rockefeller was born at Penfield, N. Y., March 14, 1843.
Charley Pettengill. Minstrelsy suffered an irreparable loss in the untimely death of this brilliant comedian; a comedian in fact, and versatile to a degree.
August 1, 1864, he opened with Buckley’s Serenaders in Boston, and became a great favorite at once. Subsequently he joined the Morris Bros. Minstrels in the same city, where he remained until February 13, 1866. September 10, following, he played a brief engagement with Sands and Herbert’s Minstrels, and the same month returned to his home in Albany to organize Pettengill’s Minstrels, which continued intermittently until September 22, 1869, when in conjunction with Johnny Allen and Delehanty and Hengler, a company bearing their names was launched at Brooklyn, N. Y.
In November following they opened for a run in New York, that terminated June 1, 1870.
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| JOHN GORMAN | JAMES GORMAN | GEO. GORMAN |
| THE GORMAN BROS.; ALWAYS ON TOP. | ||
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| AMOS ARNOLD | BILLY ARNOLD | FRANK ARNOLD |
| THE FAMOUS ARNOLD BROS.; A GREAT TREAT FOR BILLY. | ||
Mr. Pettengill is declared to have been the original “Nicodemus Johnson”; if he wasn’t, he certainly was the greatest. All honor to his memory.
Charley Pettengill was born in Albany, N. Y., where he died October 10, 1870; age 27 years.
M. B. Leavitt (Michael Bennett Levy) commenced his professional career as a minstrel in 1859; he was one of the end men, and appeared under his own name as M. B. Levy; Mr. Leavitt has been a comedian ever since—but not always on the stage.
To name all the minstrel companies he has been with would be a difficult matter, also all the things he did in them.
In 1867 he was a clown and comic vocalist; in 1872 he did a stump speech on the occasion of his last appearance as a “black-face” performer. There were any number of “Leavitt’s Minstrels” in the 60’s.
About forty years ago he became associated with Mme. Rentz’s Female Minstrels; when the fall season opened, September 18, 1871, Mr. Leavitt was treasurer of the company. This organization subsequently developed into the Rentz-Santley Troupe, the burlesque show of many years’ standing. Most of the Leavitt millions were made with this company.
In 1881 Leavitt’s Gigantean Minstrels were organized, and in 1889 Leavitt’s European Minstrels toured.
Mr. Leavitt has broken into the ranks of authors, and an interesting volume from his pen may shortly be expected.
M. B. Leavitt was born in Boston, Mass., June 24, 1843.
Arthur Cook, the well-known minstrel tenor who made popular “Ring the Bells Softly,” “Essie Dear” and other favorite compositions, came to America about 1853, and was prominently identified with such well-known minstrel organizations as Bryant’s, in New York; Carncross’ and Thatcher and Ryman’s in Philadelphia; Hooley’s in Brooklyn; San Franciscos in New York; Primrose and West; also with Edward Harrigan, “The County Fair” and “The Man From Boston.”
Arthur Cook was born in London, England; he died in Boston, Mass., November 1, 1893; age 50 years.
Billy McAllister’s career began at the age of sixteen, singing in concerts.
In 1862 he joined the Fuller New York combination Minstrels as a comedian, and as a comedian no one has ever been able to justly gainsay his right to that term.
In 1864 he organized the Cross, Fay and McAllister’s Minstrels, and until 1870 he was associated with various companies; in the fall of that year he joined Cal. Wagner’s Minstrels; Mr. McAllister demonstrated his versatility with this company by performing at various times the duties of balladist, interlocutor and comedian.
In 1872 he was with Harry Robinson’s Minstrels, and most of the period from then until 1880 was identified with his own companies.
Commencing in that year with I. W. Baird’s Minstrels, he remained two seasons. In 1882 he became a member of Haverly’s Mastodon Minstrels, and in 1883 Robinson and McAllister’s Minstrels took the road, but gave it back the following year.
July 30, 1885, Mr. McAllister opened with McNish, Johnson and Slavin’s Minstrels in his native city, at the initial performance of that company; early in 1886 he joined Carncross’ Minstrels in Philadelphia, sitting opposite to Lew Dockstader.
Mr. McAllister has been a prominent citizen of Troy, N. Y., where he has been engaged in business for more than twenty years.
Billy McAllister was born in Paterson, N. J., March 15, 1843.
Frank Bell (Peter Jaggers), best known as a unique stump-speaker, made his first appearance in Olean, N. Y., in September, 1864, and shortly after joined Wood’s Minstrels in New York, as a clog dancer.
Subsequent minstrel engagements were with the original New Orleans Minstrels, Simmons, Slocum and Sweatnam’s, Armstrong Bros., George Clapham’s Minstrels, Barlow, Wilson, Primrose and West’s, Haverly’s, Harry Robinson’s, and Lester and Allen’s. The crowning success of his career was with “Way Down East,” in white-face, playing the constable, and singing “All Bound Round With a Woolen String;” Mr. Bell also played a character part with Otis Skinner in “Your Humble Servant,” in 1910.
Frank Bell was born in Thurle, Can., September 17, 1843.
Major (John E.) Burk, known far and wide for his famous gun drill, has been with many prominent minstrel organizations in the United States and England, usually appearing in black-face, the act seemingly being enhanced in appearance at least, by the addition of burnt cork.
He first appeared with Hooley’s Minstrels in Brooklyn, in 1868, also played engagements there in 1869 and 1870. Subsequently he was with San Sharpley, season 1872-73; first appearance in England at Hague’s Minstrels, London, April 17, 1876; also played at Hague’s, Liverpool, and Moore and Burgess in London; Hooley & Emerson’s Megatherians, season 1879-80; Livermore Bros. in England; Frank Moran’s Minstrels, Carncross’ Minstrels in Philadelphia, and the Big 4 Minstrels, 1880-81.
Major Burk was born in New York City, June 21, 1845, and now resides there.
Milt. G. Barlow was one of the greatest “old darky” delineators that minstrelsy has known, and probably did more to popularize “Old Black Joe” than any other performer.
Mr. Barlow originally aspired to be a Dutch comedian. His first minstrel engagement was with the Jackson Emersonians in 1870; the tour lasted about four weeks; subsequently he returned to the variety business, doing black-face, Dutch and Irish.
Shortly after this he played an engagement with Harry Robinson’s Minstrels, also Benjamin’s New Orleans Minstrels.
Mr. Barlow became a member of Haverly’s Minstrels about 1874, and continued with them until March 24, 1877; two days later joining Sweatnam and Fraser’s Minstrels in Philadelphia.
On August 20, 1877, the first performance of Barlow, Wilson, Primrose and West’s Minstrels was given; the last was at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., June 10, 1882. In the latter year Barlow, Wilson & Co.’s Minstrels were organized, and later Barlow, Wilson and Rankin’s Minstrels.
Afterwards Mr. Barlow was with Thatcher, Primrose and West’s, and Primrose and West’s Minstrels.
In August, 1894, Barlow, Dolson and Powers’ Minstrels took the road. For several years after this he was with “The White Slave” Co., and “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” playing the title role.
Milt. G. Barlow was born in Lexington, Ky., June 29, 1843; he died in New York City, September 27, 1904.
Wm. A. Huntley (Penno) made his first appearance on the stage in his native city at the age of six years, playing little Tom Bruce, in “Nick of the Woods.” His first minstrel engagement was with Mead’s Euterpean Minstrels, in 1862, at New London, Conn. In 1865 he joined the Campbell and Huntley Minstrels, remaining some years.
Minstrelsy lost him from 1868 to 1870. In September, 1871, he made his first appearance in white-face at the Howard in Boston; subsequent engagements were with the Lauri English Pantomime Troupe and the Martinetti French Ravel Pantomime Co. In the Spring of 1873 he joined the McKee and Rogers Co., afterwards rejoining the Martinetti Troupe.
In 1874 he became co-partner with Dr. Huntley in the management of Huntley’s Minstrels; then came engagements extending some years in the principal theatres of the country.
Mr. Huntley was especially engaged for Haverly’s Minstrels in London, to lead the big banjo act in which twelve performers appeared at one time; he opened at Her Majesty’s Theatre, July 31, 1880, and remained three months. It was during this period that Mr. Huntley had the honor of appearing before the Royal Family; he subsequently played in the principal cities of England, also in Paris, and returned to the United States to fill out his contract with one of Mr. Haverly’s organizations here.
From 1881 to 1884 he was with Whitmore and Clark’s Minstrels, and later formed a partnership with John H. Lee, formerly of Adams and Lee; subsequently they opened a studio in Providence, where they met with much success, especially in the introduction of the banjeaurine and the bass banjo. Mr. Huntley has long since retired from minstrelsy, but the appellation of the “Classic Banjoist” he so justly earned years ago, is still his.
Wm. A. Huntley was born in Providence, R. I., November 2, 1843.
J. J. Kelly was one of the best known vocalists in minstrelsy. He entered the profession about 1853, and had been with such famous companies as Emerson’s, Haverly’s, Bryant’s, in New York; Barlow, Wilson, Primrose and West’s; and Morris Bros., Pell and Trowbridge’s in Boston. Mr. Kelly died in Boston, Mass., July 20, 1902.
Wm. J. Ashcroft was one of the most versatile performers that ever blacked their face. His first professional appearance was in Pawtucket, R. I., as a member of the Julian Minstrels.
In 1866 he was with Seaver’s Minstrels, in Brooklyn, N. Y. He was also with Lloyd’s Minstrels. About 1872 he went to England, and later when returning to the United States, he brought over and was the first to produce in this country, an eccentric black-face specialty called the “Funny Old Gal;” in this he was phenomenally successful.
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| TOMMY GRANGER | BILLY RICE | |
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| “JIM” BUDWORTH | ||
| “HAPPY” CAL. WAGNER | J. W. McANDREWS (The “Watermelon Man”) | |
| A QUAINT QUINTETTE. | ||
Prior to this he was a partner for several months of J. W. Morton.
Mr. Ashcroft again visited England in 1875, where he became one of the greatest favorites the old world ever knew, appearing chiefly in white-face character work.
W. J. Ashcroft has resided in Europe for many years.
Matt. Wheeler (Mathias Wittenwiler) is still with us. His first professional appearance was at Sanford’s Opera House, Harrisburg, Pa., with Joe. Miller’s Minstrels in 1864. For several years following he played successful stock engagements at Baltimore, Philadelphia and other cities.
Season of 1871-72 Mr. Wheeler was with Bishop’s Serenaders; the following year he joined the Morris Bros. Minstrels for a road tour.
In 1873 he began a season’s engagement with Simmons and Slocum’s Minstrels at their theatre in Philadelphia; the following season was also spent in the Quaker City with Carncross’ Minstrels.
Mr. Wheeler was with Haverly’s Minstrels early in 1877, and in the Fall of that year returned to Carncross’ Co., and remained there until the retirement of the latter, January 25, 1896. Mr. Wheeler continued with Frank Dumont when the latter took the management of the house two days later, and has since played several engagements there.
While a member of stock in the Maryland Institute in 1869, Mr. Wheeler was very successful in the portrayal of such black-face character parts as Wool, in the “Hidden Hand”; Pete, in the “Octoroon,” and “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.”
Matt. Wheeler was born in St. Gaul, Switzerland, March 4, 1843.
Con. T. Murphy (John D. Murphy), who was widely known as an actor, author and song-writer, was also very much of a minstrel, and a good interlocutor.
He was with Bryant’s Company in New York at the opening of the season, September 1, 1873, and was identified with several other organizations.
He was born in Cork, Ireland, in 1844; he died at Lake Bluff, Ill., July 26, 1907.
Little Mac (Ebenezer Nicholson) was a dwarf scarcely more than three feet high. He took the name of Little Mac during the Civil War out of compliment to Gen. McClellan, who was very popular at that time. The major portion of his professional career was spent in New York with Bryant’s Minstrels, where he made his first appearance, November 27, 1865.
In the summer of 1869 with Hughey Dougherty, John Wild and Master Barney, he headed a minstrel company bearing their names.
He subsequently returned to Bryant’s, where he remained until late in 1871.
Thereafter his engagements were desultory; his last regular appearance was with Daly Brothers in “Upside Down.” He was a clever comedian, and was prominently identified with his “Essence” and “Big Shoe Dance.”
Little Mac was born in Brockville, Canada, July 11, 1844; he died in New York, April 7, 1890.
Tommy Gettings was a well-known jig dancer, and during his brief career had been with the Bryant’s in New York, and other well-known minstrel companies.
He died in New York, November 25, 1866; age 22 years.
Billy Rice (Wm. H. Pearl). Minstrelsy knew no greater favorite than this once well-known comedian, who made his professional debut in Brooklyn, N. Y., in 1865, at Poole and Donnelly’s Theatre, appearing in black-face, and assuming the name by which he was always identified.
He continued in the variety business mostly until 1869, when he joined Newcomb’s Minstrels; the following year he was with Hooley’s, in Brooklyn, and when that company made their first appearance in Chicago, January 2, 1871, Mr. Rice was a member.
Late that year he became identified with Manning’s Minstrels in the same city, continuing there until about February 1, 1872, when he again joined Hooley in Brooklyn. Subsequently he was with Arlington, Cotton and Kemble’s Minstrels in Chicago, and later opened a variety theatre there.
In 1874 he was with Emerson’s Minstrels in San Francisco and on tour, remaining several months. January 29, 1877, Rice and Hooley’s Minstrels opened in New York; later he rejoined Emerson, and the following year he became a member of Haverly’s Minstrels, with whom he continued several seasons.
In 1882 Rice and Hooley’s Minstrels again was formed, terminating as Billy Rice’s Minstrels the following January, when he opened with Thatcher, Primrose and West’s Minstrels, and remained with them until 1887, when Sweatnam, Rice and Fagan’s Minstrels were organized. Rice and Sheppard’s Minstrels in 1888, and subsequently with Cleveland’s Minstrels; Primrose and West’s and a return to Haverly’s Minstrels in 1898 practically completed the minstrel career of the great end man and stump-speaker.
Mr. Rice married Blanche Carman, an actress, April 8, 1871, in Chicago.
Billy Rice was born in Marion, N. Y., December 12, 1844; he died in Hot Springs, Arkansas, March 1, 1902.
The Three Arnold Brothers were prominent in the 70’s and 80’s, but away back, March 21, 1862, there was another set with Mrs. Matt. Peel’s Minstrels; Herman, Frank and Richard Arnold respectively.
Wm. Henry Rice made his first professional appearance as a boy singer in Pittsburgh, Pa., December 6, 1856.
His first minstrel engagement was at Johnson’s Hall, Norfolk, Va., September 19, 1859, with Sanford’s Minstrels, where he sang in the first part, did a dance in the olio, and otherwise was useful.
At this time and until 1865 he was known as Master Lewis, and later, W. H. Lewis, the latter being the maiden name of his mother.
In 1860 he was with Wood’s Minstrels, and Wm. A. Christy’s Minstrels.
About July, 1861, he made his first appearance in New York as a variety performer at the Melodeon.
In the fall of 1861 he joined Mrs. Matt. Peel’s Minstrels, and about March 1, following, he became a member of the famous Peak Family of Bell Ringers for a brief period, subsequently re-joining Mrs. Peel’s Company.
In June, 1862, he was with George Christy’s Minstrels in New York, and soon after joined Duprez and Green’s Company, and Mead’s Minstrels.
October 13, 1862, he made his first appearance with Hooley’s Minstrels in Brooklyn, N. Y.; in the spring of the following year he was with Horn and Newcomb’s Minstrels, the company subsequently was run by Newcomb alone.
He left the latter and re-joined Duprez and Green in the fall of 1863.
In March, 1864, he was with Yankee Hill’s Minstrels, and the next month re-joined Hooley for the balance of the season, again opening with him August 22, following.
About March 1, 1865, he became a member of Cotton and Murphy’s Minstrels, opening at Fall River, Mass.; he left this company in the Fall of that year.
November 20, 1865, he joined the famous San Francisco Minstrels of Birch, Bernard, Wambold and Backus, taking and using for the first time his own name. He remained with this company four years, in New York City. On June 14, 1869, he played his first engagement with Haverly’s Minstrels, opening at Baltimore; a few weeks later he was with Sharpley’s Minstrels in Boston.
August 23, 1869, he began a season’s engagement with Carncross and Dixey’s Minstrels in Philadelphia, and July 2, following, he sailed for Europe, but did not play there.
September 2, 1870, he opened with Welch, Hughes and White’s Minstrels in Brooklyn, N. Y.; at the initial performance of that organization; he closed there October 8, and two days later began a season’s engagement with Simmons and Slocum’s Minstrels in Philadelphia.
April 17, 1871, he opened in New York with Newcomb and Arlington’s Minstrels, continuing with them there and on tour several months.
The following August he made his first appearance with Bryant’s Minstrels in New York; he remained the season, and in June, 1872, played an engagement in the same city with Sharpley’s Minstrels, after which he went to Cincinnati, and joined Newcomb’s Minstrels. In that city, September 2, 1872, the first performance of Rice’s Minstrels was given at Melodeon Hall; subsequently moving to Thom’s Hall, and later taking the road, where they disbanded about December 1.
January 27, 1873, he re-appeared at Bryant’s, and finished the season there.
He re-joined Simmons and Slocum in Philadelphia, August 25, 1873, and barring a brief interval, was with them all season.
June 13, 1874, he sailed for England, making his first appearance there in Liverpool with Sam Hague’s Minstrels, July 13.
August 31, following, he again joined Bryant’s Minstrels in New York, and continued there until the death of Dan Bryant, April 10, 1875; the following month he joined Emerson’s Minstrels in Chicago.
August 12, 1876, he again sailed for England where he played a few weeks in the music halls.
Returning to America he joined Simmons and Slocum’s Minstrels for a tour, commencing November 20, 1876.
After this engagement he played the variety houses principally until the Spring of 1878, when he engaged again with Haverly, opening in Chicago, and going to San Francisco; he left Haverly there and opened at the Bella Union, May 13.
In the fall of 1878 he was with Neil Bryant’s Minstrels, and the following year with Joseph Norcross’ California Minstrels.
QUARTETTE WITH BRYANT’S MINSTRELS, NEW YORK CITY, 1870.
Sig. J. Brandisi, Harry Norman, Jas. G. Russell, W. P. Grier.
KELLY AND LEON’S MINSTRELS; NEW ZEALAND, 1878.
From left to right—Chas. Kelly, J. H. Surridge, C. Fredericks, Wm. Ball and Billy Courtright.
Wm. Blakeney, “Leon,” Edwin Kelly, “Japanese Tommy,” Beaumont Read.
January 3, 1881, he began one of the most successful engagements of his career, when he opened in his native city with Thatcher and Ryman’s Minstrels, playing the title role in a burlesque on Sarah Bernhardt, called “Sarah Heartburn;” his success was phenomenal; so much so that the great French actress expressed a desire to see the caricature of herself, and accordingly, on the afternoon of January 7, 1881, a special performance was given for her benefit; on this occasion the Philadelphia Times of January 8, 1881, said: “Bernhardt looked up, blushing slightly as she perceived an enormous pair of glass bottles leveled at her in place of opera glasses by the cork female. Every eye in the house was riveted upon the woman whose characteristics were to be burlesqued, and the appearance of Rice was scarcely noticed for the second until Sarah herself showed her appreciation of the caricature by bursting into a fit of uncontrollable laughter. The agony displayed by Sarah Heartburn and her tumble on the stage only added to the merriment of Bernhardt. The fun continued and reached its climax when Rice and Ryman impersonated Camile and Armand. The imitations of Bernhardt’s stage attitudes, and gestures caused Sarah to laugh to an extent almost painful. She seemed unable to stop, although she placed her handkerchief over her mouth and leaned forward in the effort to restrain herself. She abandoned all attempts, however, when the death scene ensued and Heartburn threw herself upon the sofa, after the manner in which a diver starts for the bottom of the sea. Sarah gave vent to her sense of the ludicrous until her eyes were full of tears. There might have been danger of hysterics had not an attack of coughing interfered and had not George Thatcher made himself known as Victor, Heartburn’s son, blowing a horn and crying lustily. The concluding scene, however, again amused her, and she clapped her gloved hands right heartily, seemingly sorry when the curtain finally descended.”
Mr. Rice went to London, England, with the act, where he produced it at Moore and Burgess’ Minstrels, opening June 20, 1881. Returning in August following, he joined Barlow, Wilson, Primrose and West’s Minstrels for the season.
August 21, 1882, he opened with Billy Rice and R. M. Hooley’s Minstrels; and in June following he played a special engagement with Haverly’s Minstrels in Chicago, after which he organized Rice’s Pleasure Party in “Our Goblins” for the season of 1883-84, playing a part in the play in black-face.
August 25, 1884, he opened with the Standard Minstrels in San Francisco for a few weeks, closing October 4.
July 30, 1885, he began the season with McNish, Johnson and Slavin’s Minstrels; he was with this company part of the season of 1886-87 also. September 12, 1887, in conjunction with John Hart and Add. Ryman, he organized a company bearing their names.
December 24, 1888, he assumed the business management of the Star Theatre in Buffalo, N. Y., on the opening of that theatre; he resigned the position and soon after joined Johnson and Slavin’s Minstrels.
In 1890 he organized the World’s Fair Minstrels, opening July 17, at Elizabeth, N. J. Season of 1891-92 he was with George Wilson’s Minstrels. May 16, same year, he played his first performance with Cleveland’s Minstrels, and continued with them intermittently until May 1, 1896.
In November, 1898, he opened with Bartlett’s California Minstrels for a brief season.
July 31, 1899, he began a special engagement of four weeks with Wm. H. West’s Minstrels; October 9, same year, he opened with Harry Davis’ Minstrels in Pittsburgh, Pa., in an attempt at making a permanent company in that city; he finished the season with Primrose and Dockstader’s Minstrels. About January, 1900, he began a series of annual engagements with Frank Dumont’s Minstrels in Philadelphia.
His last traveling engagement was with the “Great Lafayette” Company in November, 1902.
His last stage appearance was at Atlantic City, N. J., November 30, 1907. The author has no exact knowledge of engagements said to have been played with Haverly, at Chicago in 1892; Kelly and Leon in New York in 1876, and with Duprez and Benedict’s Minstrels.
It is obviously a delicate matter for one to speak of the talents, capabilities, etc., of one’s own father; but a reproduction of some notices from the press of the country, may not be considered bad form.
The Daily Commercial (Cincinnati) of July 29, 1863, said: “The singing of Mr. Lewis surprises us more and more. His imitations of the Prima Donna are superb, and the brilliant qualities of his singular voice are an unfailing theme for wonder among his hearers. The first time he breaks into a song he invariably startles his audience, who are simply prepared to hear the strained falsetto, to which the mock crinoline of minstrelsy has heretofore been committed.”
The Sun (Baltimore), July 11, 1865, said: “The voice of W. H. Lewis, the Prima Donna, is something remarkable, and it strikes us could be better employed than mere burlesquing.”
The Philadelphia correspondent of the New York Clipper, September 4, 1869, said: “This is Mr. Rice’s first appearance in his native city, and he has made a big hit, for on the night we were present, he received the only third encore, and a fourth was demanded, but not given.”
The Evening Post (Albany, N. Y.), of June 13, 1871, said: “Wm. Henry Rice does the Prima Donna capitally; he is one of the best grotesque singers we ever saw—Rice is a star of the first magnitude, and can infuse more low comedy into an operatic song than any other artist.”
The Stage (New York), November 13, 1871, said: “Nillson is capitally burlesqued by W. H. Rice, who never descends to vulgarity, and who displays his peculiar talents to the best possible advantage.”
The Era (New York), June 15, 1873, said: “One noticeable feature about the performance was the gorgeous dress of Mr. W. H. Rice, prima donna of Bryant’s company. The dress could not have cost less than nine hundred dollars. The workmanship was far superior to anything we have yet seen upon the stage. Neither Morris, Davenport or Ethel can boast of such rich apparel. * * * * * Rice deserves great praise for his painstaking endeavors. He is an excellent singer, and conscientious actor, and would only acquire the distinction he has already made but by application and study. To-day he is without a peer in the profession, and undoubtedly one of the best that ever appeared upon the minstrel stage.”
An advertisement in a Liverpool, England, paper, of Hague’s Minstrels, July 20, 1874, reads, “Second week of the star Burlesque Prima Donna of the world, Mr. W. Henry Rice, whose success with the Hague’s is unprecedented in the history of minstrelsy in Liverpool. Each night at the conclusion of his performance Mr. Rice has received a most enthusiastic call before the curtain, an instance of popularity seldom equaled.”
The Times (Philadelphia), of December 17, 1901, said: “Wm. Henry Rice again made his appearance as a special member of the Dumont troupe, in the Eleventh Street Opera House, and duplicated his hit of last season in a new skit, “Roosevelt’s Reception,” in which he gave a grotesque feminine impersonation along the lines long ago made familiar by him. He is the best and one of the very last exemplars of an older style of burnt-cork fun-making than obtains to-day, and was wholly successful with last evening’s audience.”
Frank Dumont, in an interview in the North American (Philadelphia), Dec. 29, 1907, said: “* * * To my dying day I will not forget his scene where Camille writes to the father of Armand that she will give him up. Talk about acting! Why, he had Bernhardt beaten a mile in that scene. It was the purest burlesque I have ever seen. For more than twenty minutes he would keep the audience in convulsions of laughter. No end man ever equaled him as a genuine comedian.
“I really think he ought to be classed among the greatest of actors. I mean the really great ones, for his work was as much of an art as that of the most classic actors that are world-famous. * * * He deserves to live in the traditions of the stage. * * * ‘Bill’ was too fond of Philadelphia to remain long away from it. Here he wanted to live and die; and he had his wish.”
Wm. Henry Rice was born in Philadelphia, June 1, 1844; he died there December 20, 1907.
Frank Cushman’s life’s ambition was to be associated with a minstrel company in his native city. He died as it was about to be realized.
G. Washington (“Slim Jim”) Dukelan. Probably no active musician in theatredom has had a more varied and lengthy career than “Slim Jim,” so named in 1864, by G. Brooks Clark, the well-known ring master; Mr. Dukelan was about six feet high, and 130 in avoirdupois then; he has filled in considerably since, but he’s still “Slim Jim,” and probably always will continue so. As Will Shakespeare once remarked, “A Rose with any other name, etc.”
His very first public appearance was with an amateur minstrel show, doing a song and dance, about 1862, at Fulton, N. Y. Two years later he began his professional career as member of the band in A. P. Ball’s American Coliseum Circus; with this troupe G. W. once did an “end.”
Mr. Dukelan was with various organizations until 1868, when he joined the Flint (Mich.) band; he remained there some time, subsequently allying himself with several well-known miscellaneous companies until September 15, 1877, when he joined Harry Saxton’s famous theatre orchestra at Mitchell’s Theatre Comique, St. Louis, Mo.; he continued there for three years, then going with Mr. Saxton to the old Howard Athenæum, in Boston, Mass., where he remained four years; at the end of this period, with this same Saxton at the Grand Central Theatre in Philadelphia, he commenced an engagement that lasted three years.
Now comes the “Slim Jim” we all know. From 1887 to 1889 he was with Thatcher, Primrose and West’s Minstrels; following season with Primrose and West. In 1890 he was with George Thatcher’s Minstrels, and the following year with Thatcher in “Tuxedo” (here “slender James” enacted a “rube”). In 1892 he was with Hughey Dougherty’s “Tuxedo” and Minstrel Company.
It was not until 1893 that our friend qualified as a “real trouper;” he then joined Stowe’s “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” Company. He played in the first performance of Primrose and Dockstader’s Minstrels in 1898, and continued with them two seasons; in 1900 he was with William H. West’s Minstrels, subsequently he returned to Primrose and Dockstader, and remained with them until the dissolution of the organization in 1903.
He played at the inaugural performance of Cohan and Harris’ Minstrels in 1908, and is at present with George Evans’ Minstrels.
G. Washington (Slim Jim) Dukelan was born at Smith’s Falls, Canada, January 12, 1844; but you’d never believe it—the year, of course.
Hughey Dougherty—if you never heard of him, better get acquainted now.
His real career began Monday evening, January 4, 1858, at the famous 11th Street Opera House, in his native city, with Sanford’s Minstrels; it was Sam Sanford who christened him “Young America,” and the title stuck to him for many years; other performers appropriated it, but it originated with Hughey Dougherty; “stick a pin in dar, Brudder Bones.” He continued with Sanford until 1860, when he went to Frank River’s Melodeon, also in the Quaker City.
Mr. Dougherty’s greatest success was made as a stump-speaker, when the art had its greatest vogue thirty odd years ago; though he occasionally gives a speech, and is apparently as good as ever.
He has been associated with the greatest minstrel companies of the past and present, such as Skiff and Gaylord’s; Simmons and Slocum’s, (Philadelphia); Thatcher, Primrose and West’s; Hooley’s (Brooklyn); Cleveland’s; Morris Brothers (Boston), three years; Carncross’, and Carncross and Dixey’s (Philadelphia); Johnson and Slavin’s; Moore and Burgess’ (London, Eng.); Barlow, Wilson’s; Barlow, Wilson and Rankin’s; Haverly; and Duprez and Benedict. In addition there was Dougherty, Wild (John) Barney (Master) and Mac’s (Little) Minstrels, who gave their first performance July 12, 1869.
About three years later he formed an alliance with Messrs. Harvey, Leslie and Braham; they organized a minstrel show and made an extensive tour of Africa. June 18, 1877, he opened the Alhambra Palace, a variety theatre in Philadelphia. Mr. Dougherty also has a record, unique in minstrelsy—just about one-half of his professional career was spent at the theatre in which he made his debut; and one-half of the total number was with Dumont’s Minstrels.
Hughey Dougherty was born in Philadelphia, July 4, 1844.
Billy Emmett (George Busteed) was known chiefly in his later years as a manager, notably of the Academy of Music in Chicago.
While yet in his teens he became stage struck, and after a few inconspicuous engagements, began playing dates in the variety houses, doing a black-face specialty. In 1864 he went to Carr’s Melodeon, Buffalo, N. Y., and with Nick Norton, did Dutch character sketches. The following year he was with Green’s “Mocking Bird” Minstrels, and in 1866 went to New York, where he played several seasons with the San Francisco Minstrels. He was associated at various times with John L. Sullivan, Callender’s Minstrels and Sam Hague’s Minstrels, the latter in the early 80’s.
Mr. Emmett was noted for his philanthropy; at one time he was reputed to have left word in the Chicago hospitals, that in the event of the death of any improvident variety or minstrel performer, not to give a pauper burial, but to notify him (Emmett) at once.
A few more “Billy Emmett’s” and the Actor’s Fund would not be so heavily burdened.
Billy Emmett was born in New York City, in 1844; he died in Chicago, June 4, 1886.
McKee and Rogers joined forces in the Fall of 1871, and during the first years of their co-partnership played the principal variety houses and specialty companies of their day.
Their first joint appearance was in St. Louis, Mo., where they gave their original song and dance “Rebecca Jane;” with it they were ever after identified, as well as “Mischief,” “Lucinda” and several others.
About 1874 they went to London, England, where they played a most successful engagement with Moore and Burgess’ Minstrels.
On their return to the United States in 1875, they joined Tony Pastor’s road company, and continued with it until the death of Rogers.
Stevie Rogers, or “Little Stevie,” as he was generally called, was one of the most lovable characters in minstrelsy. As a clog dancer he was second to none in his day.
His first professional appearance was with the 50 Engineer Pontoon Minstrels, September 5, 1865; this company in the spring of the following year was known as Sam Hague’s and Cal. Wagner’s Minstrels. With that company he had a partner by the name of John O’Brien.
Stevie Rogers’ success was so pronounced that he quickly obtained a metropolitan engagement with Charley White.
Subsequently he was with Kelly and Leon’s in New York, and Hooley’s Minstrels in Brooklyn, N. Y.
In 1870 he joined Manning’s Minstrels, and on August 21, 1871, he opened with the Dearborn Minstrels in Chicago. About this time he met Andy McKee, and the rest has been told.
Stevie Rogers was born in Elmira, N. Y., December 11, 1853; he died in New York City, March 3, 1876.
Andy McKee first appeared professionally in 1865 at Cairo, Illinois.
Mr. McKee’s success was so pronounced with his eccentric dancing, that he had little trouble in obtaining other variety engagements in Memphis, New Orleans, Cincinnati and St. Louis.
In 1867 he played his first minstrel engagement with Skiff and Gaylord; other prominent engagements were with Hooley, and with Simmons and Slocum. Later he joined Manning’s Minstrels, and subsequently met and joined forces with Stevie Rogers.
After the death of the latter he went to Europe with Hall’s New York Minstrels, playing Scotland and Ireland; subsequently re-organizing with Lew Simmons and Charley Sutton, they went to South Africa, opening at Cape Town, March 17, 1879; thus preceding Colonel Roosevelt in the exploration of that country just thirty years. Afterwards Mr. McKee formed a partnership with John F. Byrne, of the Brothers Byrne.
And here’s two more little items. After Stevie Rogers’ death, Mr. McKee doubled with Charley Walters for a brief season, opening at the Olympic Theatre, New York, August 28, 1876, and—that same year at the Globe Theatre, also same city, Mr. McKee created the character of Cy. Prime, in “Josh Whitcomb;” the latter subsequently evolutioned into the “Old Homestead.”
Andy McKee was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, May 11, 1844; and is now a citizen of Seattle, Washington.
George Wilson. Few monologue performers have worn so well with the public as George Wilson, whose minstrel career began about forty years ago in San Francisco, as co-proprietor of Courtright (Billy), Farren (T. S.) and Wilson’s Minstrels; Mr. Wilson was the song and dance performer with this company.
It was not until the fall of 1871 that he decided to adopt minstrelsy as a regular profession, which he did in Chicago.
Mr. Wilson’s talents must have been thoroughly appreciated, for when later he accepted an engagement of four weeks at the Theatre Comique, in Detroit, his success was so pronounced that he remained nine months.
Then came a season with Fred Wilson’s (his brother) Minstrels in St. Louis; by this time his fame had reached Jack Haverly, who engaged Mr. Wilson for his company; this was at Kansas City, Mo., in November, 1873; he remained under the Haverly banner until August, 1877, when in conjunction with Milt. Barlow, George H. Primrose and William H. West, the big company bearing their names gave their first performance, August 20, same year.
Barlow, Wilson, Primrose and West’s was one of the greatest minstrel companies that ever performed; the dissolution of this alliance occurred in the summer of 1882.
Thereafter Mr. Wilson and Milt. Barlow organized Barlow, Wilson and Co.’s Minstrels; subsequently Barlow, Wilson and Rankin’s, and lastly George Wilson’s Minstrels, which were instituted in 1888; the final performance of the latter was at Danbury, Conn., February, 1892.
Subsequently Mr. Wilson played under the management of Primrose and West for a period of about five years; one season, 1894, he appeared in white-face, as well as black, in the musical play of “Monte Carlo.”
In the summer of 1898, Mr. Wilson, in conjunction with W. S. Cleveland, organized the Wilson-Cleveland Minstrels; this was his last minstrel venture; since then he has played vaudeville exclusively, until the Spring of 1910, when he joined George Primrose’s Minstrels for a few weeks. August 15, same year, he played his first engagement in his native city at The Empire.
Mr. Wilson may justly look with pride on his long career as a black-face star.
George Wilson was born in London, England, September 28, 1844.
Hi Henry (Hiram Patrick Henry). For three decades Hi Henry’s Minstrels have been an institution that has been known nearly all over the United States.
Mr. Henry is an accomplished cornettist, and before he entered the ranks of minstrel proprietors, he was many years in the dramatic business, notably as leader of the band with the Wallace Sisters combination in 1872.
On May 4, 1875, he joined Sam Price’s Minstrels, and in September, 1879, the first performance of Hi Henry’s Minstrels was given, and barring the season of 1889-90, when he directed a tour of Estelle Clayton’s, the company has made an annual tour ever since.
The past few years Mr. Henry has not been actively engaged with his company, owing to ill health.
Hi Henry was born in Buffalo, N. Y., August 22, 1844.
| WM. E.—HINES & BLOSSOM—NAT. (Portraits reversed) | LEW.—SIMMONS & WHITE—FRANK H. |
| JNO.—QUEEN & WEST—WM. (Portraits reversed) | JAS.—TIERNEY & WAYNE—CHAS. |
William Foote, the well-known minstrel manager, began and ended his career in that branch of theatricals.
In 1861 he was treasurer with M. C. Campbell’s Minstrels; and in 1864 was agent for Haverly and Mallory; this being one of Haverly’s earliest minstrel ventures.
Subsequently he was associated with Sam Sharpley, La Rue and many of the earlier burnt cork troupes.
In conjunction with Mr. Haverly, on January 1, 1876, he re-organized the New Orleans Minstrels, and when Haverly amalgamated the famous Mastodons in 1878, Mr. Foote was manager, and continued in that capacity for several years.
William Foote was born in Utica, N. Y., February 22, 1844; he died in Albany, N. Y., March 2, 1899.
J. C. Campbell (George Keller St. John), better known as “Pomp” Campbell, from the fact that he portrayed the character of “Pomp” in the play of that name in 1871, was a printer by trade, in Dayton, Ohio.
He was an excellent comedian and equally clever as a tambourine or bone player. His first important engagement was with the Morris Minstrels in the middle 60’s; subsequently he was with Kelly and Leon in New York, opening there August 31, 1868; also with John Hooley and Hawxhurst’s Minstrels in Brooklyn, N. Y., in 1873.
J. C. Campbell was born in Frederick, Md.; he died in Brooklyn, N. Y., January 26, 1875; age 31 years.
Geo. Frothingham, the famous basso, who created and played Friar Tuck in “Robin Hood,” more than 3,000 times, was many years in the minstrel profession, and as far back as 1869 was with Dougherty, Wild, Barney and Mac’s Minstrels, also Sharpley’s, Billy Morris’ and Swayne Buckley’s Minstrels.
In the late 70’s and early 80’s he sat in the middle with Carncross and Dixey’s and Carncross’ Minstrels, respectively, in Philadelphia.
An interesting photo of Mr. Frothingham will be found [elsewhere] in the book.
George Frothingham was born in Boston, Mass., April 12, 1844.
Dick Ralph. This good old-timer made his first appearance at Burtis’ Varieties, Brooklyn, N. Y., under the name of Master Tommy, in 1860, doing a jig and the “Essence”; in 1861 he was with Christy’s Minstrels under the name of Mast. Dick Reynolds; a year later he was “Mast. Brigg” with Campbell’s Minstrels, in New York City.
In 1863 he decided that his own name was good enough, and as such he opened at Hooley’s Minstrels, Brooklyn, N. Y. Other minstrel companies he was identified with were—Cool White’s Broadway Minstrels; Hooley’s, New York City (201 Bowery); Cotton and Sharpley’s, New York City; return to Hooley’s, Brooklyn, 1869; Kelly and Leon’s, New York City; Sam Sharpley’s, and Kelly and Leon’s, Chicago.
Mr. Ralph was a popular end man, being equally proficient with the bones or tambourine; but it was as a dancer that he excelled; his “Essence” and “George, the Charmer,” are well remembered by many; he was likewise a versatile musician.
Mr. Ralph appeared some years ago in the drama, “Our South,” with success.
Dick Ralph was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., March 22, 1844—but not on Good Friday, as he avers; that day fell on April 5, that year.
Melvin S. Kurtz was a comedian and song and dance performer; his first appearance was in Philadelphia about 1862.
He was the husband of Marie Van Zandt, actress, whom he married about 1874.
Mr. Kurtz’s last appearance was October 15, 1881.
He was horn in Lancaster, Pa., July 29, 1844; he died in Philadelphia, March 20, 1882.
“Ricardo” (Foley McKeever) well and favorably known as a clever female impersonator, was with Mrs. Matt. Peel’s Minstrels about 1863.
Subsequently he appeared with the Associated Artists of Kelly and Leon in 1869. Early in 1870 he joined Billy Emerson’s Minstrels, and on April 10, 1871, made his debut with Manning’s Minstrels in Chicago.
He was a member of Haverly’s Minstrels in November, 1873, after the latter withdrew from Cal. Wagner. Later he was associated with some of the principal minstrel organizations.
“Ricardo” was born in Ireland, about 1844; he died in New York City, October 30, 1883.
John Unsworth is the only living representative of Anderson’s Minstrels, organized in Boston late in 1859.
Mr. Unsworth was associated with his brother, James Unsworth, and “Eugene” practically their entire professional careers.
He was born in Liverpool, England, January 12, 1844—and is not sorry.
Johnny Allen (George Erb) was an excellent comedian and dancer, and especially well remembered for his “Nicodemus Johnson,” a song and dance. His first appearance in black-face was in 1861. October 23, 1865 he joined Hooley’s Minstrels in Brooklyn, N. Y. March 5, 1866 he was at the opening of Seaver’s Minstrel Hall, same city, and October 1, he was also at the initial performance of Kelly and Leon’s Minstrels in New York; Emerson, Allen and Manning’s Minstrels gave their first performance in Brooklyn, N. Y., in June, 1868. Mr. Allen seceded from the organization May 22, following, and a month later helped to organize Allen and Sam Sharpley’s Minstrels.
Brooklyn, N. Y., also saw the first performance of Allen, Pettengill, Delehanty and Hengler’s Minstrels, September 22, 1869; a few months later it was Johnny Allen’s Minstrels. Mr. Allen next branched out as a German comedian in the play of “Schneider.” He continued alternately with this and minstrel engagements until the early 80’s; the first performance of “Schneider” was on March, 24, 1871. April 6, 1874, he opened with Hart and Ryman’s Minstrels and a few weeks later Johnny Allen’s Cosmopolitan Minstrels toured briefly. When Dan. Bryant died, April 10, 1875, Mr. Allen sat in the latter’s chair in New York, and when May 3, following, Neil Bryant’s Minstrels were organized, Johnny Allen was with them. September 18, 1876, he re-appeared with Kelly and Leon’s Minstrels in New York. Johnny Allen was born in Newark, N. J., April 20, 1844; he died there January 16, 1885.
Charley Sutton (Leman). This well-known performer of the past was a member of the “Young Campbell’s Minstrels,” a famous amateur organization of Boston, about 1860.
Mr. Sutton was a comedian of unquestionable ability, and had been with most of the prominent minstrel organizations of his time, notably Emerson’s Minstrels in San Francisco, later going to Australia with that company, opening at Melbourne, August 2, 1873. He was with Charley Morris’ Minstrels in 1877, and afterwards with Hooley’s.
He sailed for Europe April 24, 1880, and joined Moore and Burgess’ Minstrels, in London, and remained there for some time. About 1885 he became one of the team of Bunth and Rudd, doing a grotesque act in white-face; he was thereafter known as Hugo Bunth.
Charles Sutton was born in Boston, Mass., in 1844; he died in Moscow, Russia, January 27, 1904.
Billy Wild, the old-time black-face performer, made his first professional appearance at the Bella Union Theatre, San Francisco, about 1866, doing a black-face song and dance. In 1871 he was with Unsworth’s Minstrels. Later he formed a partnership with Charley Armstrong; they played an engagement with Simmons and Slocum’s Minstrels about 1873, in Philadelphia.
Mr. Wild’s last black face appearance was at the Howard Athenæum, in Boston, in 1886. Billy Wild was born in New York, January 21, 1844.
Neil Rogers, a capable and clever comedian, and a brother of Stevie Rogers, had a comparatively brief career as a minstrel.
His last appearance was at Pastor’s Theatre in New York. He was born in Elmira, and died in New York, February 28, 1873.
Harry Bloodgood (Carlos Moran) was one of the most accomplished and versatile performers that ever blacked his face; good in everything he undertook; he could sing, dance and act.
He made his first New York appearance at the American Theatre, and remained there one year. In May, 1866, he joined Boyce and Mudge’s Minstrels; subsequently appearing with Sam Sharpley’s, and later with Joseph Trowbridge, he had the Bloodgood and Trowbridge’s Minstrels; their season ended July 16, 1871; Mr. Bloodgood then taking his own show, with which he traveled intermittently for several seasons.
In 1869 he also was associated with Delehanty, Hengler and Bloodgood’s Minstrels.
Mr. Bloodgood was without exception the most pronounced favorite that ever played the old Howard Athenæum in Boston; he was in the stock there at various times, covering a period of several years.
About 1881 he wrote and appeared in the play, “Hix’s Fix,” sharing the lead with W. A. Mestayer; the piece was afterwards called “Wanted, A Partner.”
Mr. Bloodgood married Helene Smith, the danseuse, about 1864; they were divorced in the spring of 1867; and on January 20, 1870, in Boston, he married Clara Gettis, also a dancer. It was not until about three years later that he found connubial blessedness, when he married Lisle Riddell, with whom he lived most happily the balance of his life.
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| FRANK GEYER (of Turner & Geyer) | HEN. ALLEN (of Devere & Allen) | ARTIE HUGHES (of Foster & Hughes) |
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| EDW. SANDS (of Keating & Sands) | JOHN BOWMAN (of Bowman & Harris) | TOMMY TURNER (of Three Turner Brothers) |
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| FRED BRYANT (of Bryant & Hoey) | EDDIE BOGERT (of Bogert & O’Brien) | BILLY WILLIAMS (of Williams & Sully) |
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| CHARLEY SEAMON (of Seamon & Sommers) | JOHN D. GILBERT (of Courtright & Gilbert) | EDW. KENNEDY (of Cheevers & Kennedy) |
| “ALL ALONE”; THEY PINE FOR THEIR PARTNERS. | ||
Mr. Bloodgood made a distinct hit playing Uncle Tom at the Boston Theatre, with an all-star cast.
Harry Bloodgood was born in Savannah, Georgia, March 31, 1845; he died in N. Conway, N. H., June 12, 1886.
Lucius M. Phelps, of the well-known song and dance team of Stiles and Phelps, also Armstrong, Stiles and Phelps, had been out of the profession about four years prior to his death, which occurred in Springfield, Mass., about August, 1876.
He had been with Unsworth’s Minstrels in 1871; Moran and Dixey’s in 1872, and also with the companies of Skiff and Gaylord, Carncross and Dixey, and Hooley’s.
Ned Fox was a brother of Jim Fox, of Goss and Fox, and was very well known during his comparatively brief career, as a comedian of more than ordinary merit.
After his death, the following lines by Billy Devere, were dedicated to his (Fox’s) widow:
“Another old-timer gone they said.
As I came to the green-room door to-night;
Another “old pard” has passed away
To that beauteous land of joy and light—
Buoyed aloft by a Saviour’s love,
Searching the home of the good and true
As Noah from the Ark sent the carrier dove
Out of the old world into the new.”
Ned Fox died at Hartford, Conn., March 28, 1875; age about 30 years.
W. S. Mullally was one of the best and most prominent of minstrel leaders.
As early as when he was fifteen years of age he was leader at a Boston theatre. His final minstrel engagement was about 1864 with Hy. Rumsey’s Company.
The following year he joined the San Francisco Minstrels in New York, and continued with them about fifteen years. In the summer of 1869 he played in Liverpool, England, with Smith and Taylor’s Minstrels. He was with Charley Reed’s Minstrels in San Francisco in 1884.
Subsequently he played an extended engagement with Dockstader’s Minstrels in New York, and later was with several legitimate and farcical attractions. He had composed considerable dramatic and popular music, and was the author of “Mottoes That Are Framed Upon the Wall.”
He was born in Manchester, England, in 1845; he died in Westboro, Mass., August 2, 1905.
Harry Percy (John H. Peabody) a prominent vocalist of many important minstrel companies, died at Jersey City, N. J., January 2, 1880.
Charles Goodyear was well-known as a capable and clever comedian.
He entered the profession when a boy, and had been prominently associated with such well-known minstrel organizations as Haverly’s, Primrose and West’s, and Cleveland’s. He was also co-proprietor of Goodyear, Cook and Dillon’s, and Goodyear, Schilling and Elitch’s Minstrels.
He was especially instrumental in the planning and building of Elitch’s Garden in Denver, Colorado, and had been connected with it since its opening.
Charles Goodyear was born on Staten Island, N. Y., February 18, 1845; he died in Denver, Colorado, May 13, 1897.
Johnny Shay, who excelled in the delineation of negro characters, began his professional career in Louisville, Ky.
He was several seasons with Harrigan and Hart in New York, where he enjoyed wide popularity.
He was born in Liverpool, England, in 1845; he died in New York, October 20, 1879.
Johnny McVeigh entered the variety profession about 1858; he was a good black-face performer and dancer.
He was born in Bambury, England, in 1845; he died in New York, January 20, 1883.
“Lotta” (Lotta Crabtree), one of the greatest and most famous soubrettes of the American stage, “blacked up” many times in her early career. In October, 1863, she was a member of a minstrel company playing Virginia City, California, at Maguire’s Theatre.
Barry Maxwell says that when he was with Spalding and Manning’s Minstrels more than four years ago, a colored boy in Columbia, Tenn., came up and asked for the boss; having found him, he inquired if he wanted anyone to “tote catalogues.” He wanted to pass bills.
Willis Palmer Sweatnam, long known to his familiars as “Billy,” began his theatrical career at the age of seven years, playing comedy parts in white-face with a juvenile company called the Union Children.
His first black-face appearance was at the Western Museum in Cincinnati, four years later, occupying the bone end in a minstrel show.
Mr. Sweatnam entered minstrelsy proper at the age of fifteen, when he was a member of a boat show plying the Little Miami Canal in Ohio; the boat was the “Huron,” and was the fastest boat of that name that traveled the canal. Mr. Sweatnam shortly after this went South, and became lessee of the Savannah Theatre, where minstrel performances were given.
Subsequently he became a member of Fred Wilson’s Minstrels in St. Louis, Newcomb’s Minstrels in Cincinnati, Skiff and Gaylord’s, and Morris Brothers.
Mr. Sweatnam was the principal comedian of Simmons and Slocum’s Minstrels at the opening of that famous organization in Philadelphia. September 6, 1875, he was taken in as a partner, the firm name being Simmons, Slocum and Sweatnam’s Minstrels, by which it was known until October 28, 1876, after which it became Sweatnam’s Minstrels, and later, December 25, 1876, Sweatnam and Fraser’s Minstrels. Mr. Sweatnam played several engagements in San Francisco with Charley Reed’s, Emerson’s, and Maguire’s Minstrels; with Dockstader’s, and Birch and Backus in New York; with Haverly in Chicago, also in Europe; Moore and Burgess in London, England, and Carncross in Philadelphia.
In 1887, commencing July 25, at Albany, N. Y., Sweatnam, Rice and Fagan’s Minstrels were organized; this was one of the most magnificent companies of its kind the world ever saw.
Mr. Sweatnam subsequently played an extended engagement with Cleveland’s Minstrels, and shortly afterwards made his appearance in the “City Directory,” a famous farce of twenty years ago; he was with this company three seasons; several more under the management of Charles E. Blaney, and then with the “County Chairman” for three years.
He was next seen in “George Washington, Jr.”; in all of these plays Mr. Sweatnam’s art shone forth resplendently.
As a delineator of the negro character he is alone and without a peer; there is but one Sweatnam, nor is it likely we will ever have another. During the present season of 1910 he played a black-face part with the “Summer Widowers.”
Willis P. Sweatnam was born in Zanesville, Ohio.
Frank Howard (Martindale), famed as one of minstrelsy’s greatest tenors, and who was with McNish, Johnson and Slavin’s; Thatcher, Primrose and West’s, and Barlow, Wilson, Primrose and West’s Minstrels in the 80’s; is said to be living in Chicago.
Charles Fostelle (Stephens) of late years was best known for his portrayal of eccentric female characters, but long before—well, just read on.
His first appearance was made in Detroit, Mich., in dramatic stock. The year following he made his first appearance in black-face with Cal. Wagner’s Minstrels, as a wench dancer.
Subsequent minstrel engagements were with Billy Arlington’s; Dingess and Green’s; Harry Robinson’s; Simmons and Slocum’s, (Philadelphia); (Wm. Henry) Rice’s, in Cincinnati; Purdy and Vincent’s; Arlington, Cotton and Kemble’s; Allen, Delehanty and Hengler’s, and his own company, Purdy, Scott and Fostelle’s Minstrels, opening at Denver, Colorado, March 4, 1872. His last minstrel engagement was with Sweatnam, Rice and Fagan’s Minstrels, season of 1887-88.
Since then Mr. Fostelle has appeared with Corinne for ten years; starred in “Mrs. Partington” for five years, and for a season was located in New York City with the Weber & Field’s Company.
Charles Fostelle was born in New York City, and he’s there now.
John S. Stout (Shafer) is one of the best-known singers in minstrelsy.
He first appeared with Rumsey’s Minstrels in 1864, and has appeared successfully, if not successively with such well known companies as Skiff and Gaylord’s; Buckley’s; Simmons and Slocum’s; Haverly’s; Barlow, Wilson, Primrose and West’s; Sharpley’s; Duprez and Benedict’s; Cal. Wagner’s and many others.
His last minstrel engagement was with the Barlow, Wilson Company.
John S. Stout was born in Dayton, Ohio, July 4, 1845.
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| JOE. BUCKLEY | BOB. SHEPPARD |
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| JOHN L. CARNCROSS | BOB. FRASER |
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| JAMES GLENN | EPH. HORN |
| A PAGE OF PHILADELPHIANS. | |
Robert J. Filkins, at one time one of Haverly’s most valued executives, got his early schooling with John Robinson’s circus; with which organization he became identified with in about 1867.
In 1874 he met Col. Haverly in New Orleans, and at once joined the latter’s forces, and continued under the Haverly banner for three years.
In 1879 he was in charge of the business management of the present 14th Street Theatre, New York, at that time Haverly’s Theatre.
Grace Filkins, the present well-known actress, was his wife.
Robert J. Filkins was born in Michigan; he died in Wichita, Kansas, April 19, 1886; age about 40 years.
Ike Withers was one of the early ones to do a musical act in a minstrel show.
His first professional appearance was with Bryant’s Minstrels in New York in 1862.
Subsequent minstrel engagements were with Wilson’s Minstrels in St. Louis; Kelly and Leon’s; Newcomb and Arlington’s; Skiff and Gaylord’s; Sharpley’s; Simmons and Slocum’s, and the San Franciscos, in New York, where he remained thirteen years.
Ike Withers was born in Palmyra, N. Y., July 29, 1845; he is now a guest at the Actors’ Home, Staten Island, N. Y.
James Sharpley was the last surviving member of the three Sharpley’s; Fred, Charles and James; a prominent musical act of the 70’s.
Mr. Sharpley, who had been blind some time previous to his death, was an exceptionally clever performer on the concertina.
He was born in Liverpool, England, and died in New York City, May 12, 1902; age 57 years.
William H. Crane, one of America’s foremost legitimate comedians, appeared in black-face with an amateur organization called the “Young Campbell” Minstrels; Mr. Crane fixes the date in the fall of 1860.
The little band were offered $2.50 a piece to play the small town of Stoughton, Mass., irrespective of the fact that the comedians services might possibly be rated higher than one of the musicians. Nevertheless the juvenile “corkers” accepted; the $30.00 went into the coffers of the most popular restaurant to be found that same evening.
William H. Crane was born in Leicester, Mass., April 30, 1845.
R. G. (“Boots”) Allen was an excellent banjoist and in conjunction with Fred. Huber in 1878-79, played the principal variety houses.
In the Spring of 1880, with Harry Woodson, he formed Woodson and Allen’s Minstrels, which continued at intermittent periods for about two or three years.
In December, 1881, he played an engagement with Emerson’s Minstrels in San Francisco, and in the summer of 1886 Allen’s Banjo Minstrels inaugurated a brief season.
R. G. Allen died May 21, 1892; age 47 years.
B. C. Hart, who has so long and ably represented the New York Morning Telegraph, and who is personally known to nearly every vaudevillian in the country, did a black-face act with the late Billy Barry in Memphis, Tenn., in 1868; that was the first. Since then and as late as 1881, Mr. Hart met with flattering success in his portrayal of “Old Black Joe” and in the sketch of the “Old Servant’s Return.”
As a “bingler on the bones,” and “thumber of the tambourine,” Mr. Hart has often responded to “Gentlemen, be seated.” Now for a secret. B. C. Hart was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, September 10, 1845. Wouldn’t believe it would you?
Sheridan and Mack were a great protean character sketch team. They never had their superiors, and it is doubtful if their equal was known during their partnership, which was formed in the middle 60’s, doing black-face songs and dances. They soon left off burnt cork and were the first recognized black-face team to do so. They played innumerable minstrel engagements, and were always in demand. Mr. Sheridan’s first professional appearance was April 12, 1864. After separating from Mr. Mack he played minstrel engagements, doing a single specialty. Later he went to Australia where he met with phenomenal success playing a female Irish part in “Fun on the Bristol.”
John F. Sheridan was born in Providence, R. I.; he died in Sydney, Australia, December 25, 1908.
James H. Mack (McGrath) was born in Providence, R. I.; he was the husband of Ada Boshell, the well-known actress.
Mr. Mack died in New York, December 24, 1889; age 41 years.
E. M. Hall was one of minstrelsy’s greatest banjoists, and a good comedian. His career began in 1865, doing a song and dance with Sharpley’s Minstrels; subsequently he did banjo duets with Harry Stanwood. Later he was identified with such well-known minstrel organizations as Emerson’s, in San Francisco; Manning’s, in Chicago; Carncross’, in Philadelphia; and Moore and Burgess’, in London, England, in 1880. In the latter city he joined Haverly’s Minstrels, with whom he was a star feature for several seasons. In 1875 he was associated with E. M. Kayne and Ned. Wambold in a minstrel venture bearing their names. December 30, 1903, Mr. Hall purchased a ticket for the matinee performance at the Iroquois Theatre in Chicago; that was the date of the fearful holocaust, and he has never been seen since.
E. M. Hall was born in Chelsea, Me., about 1845.
John Lang, a well-known and popular tenor vocalist, who was with Arlington, Cotton and Kemble’s Minstrels in Chicago, died in that city, December 5, 1874.
Hugh Hamall was the fourth son of the late Arthur Hamall, and a singer of more than ordinary merit. Previous to his death he had been a member of Hamall’s Serenaders.
Mr. Hamall died in Montreal, Canada, October 10, 1875.
J. C. (“Toothless”) Murphy, the old-time comedian and “Excelsior Bone Player,” was with Harry Robinson’s Minstrels in 1874, and other prominent organizations subsequently. Mr. Murphy was the husband of Marie De Von, from whom he separated in Chicago, April 6, 1877. Mr. Murphy is still active, and a resident of Nashville, Tenn.
Delehanty and Hengler—These truly wonderful artists were the greatest in their line that the world ever knew, or ever will know, in all probability.
William H. Delehanty made his first appearance in his native city at the old Green Street Theatre, at the age of 14; he did a bone solo, and incidentally it may be remarked that in their manipulation he ranked with the best in minstrelsy.
About 1865 he joined Skiff and Gaylord’s Minstrels, where he did songs and dances with John H. Ward, under the team name of Delehanty and Ward; they continued with this company until November 11, 1866, when Mr. Delehanty severed his business relations with Ward, and just one week later, joined T. M. Hengler with Dingess and Green’s Minstrels at Champaign, Ill.; this season closed at Penn Yan, N. Y., January 7, 1867.
Their first New York appearance was with Kelly and Leon’s Minstrels, August 12, 1867.
On September 22, 1869, (Johnny) Allen, Delehanty, Hengler and Pettengill’s (Charley) Minstrels gave their first performance in Brooklyn, N. Y.
Previous to this, and for several years subsequent, they had their own variety companies; in addition to playing the best variety theatres in the land; likewise were they identified with some of the foremost minstrel organizations; they also made a trip to Europe, playing England and Ireland.
In the Summer of 1875, Delehanty and Hengler separated in Pittsburg. Mr. Delehanty then formed a partnership with James Cummings, and as Delehanty and Cummings they made their first appearance at the Theatre Comique, New York, August 23, 1875.
December 4, 1876, Delehanty and Hengler, who were something more than business associates, again formed a partnership, reappearing at the Howard Athenaeum in Boston; the alliance was broken by the death of Delehanty.
William H. Delehanty was more than a good dancer; he was a thorough musician, and a man of intellect. He composed most of the songs and dances that the team used, notably “Little Bunch of Roses,” “Apple of My Eye,” “I Hope I Don’t Intrude,” “Strawberries and Cream” and many others. Delehanty and Hengler were the original “Happy Hottentots,” though this act was extensively copied.
T. M. Hengler came to this country at the age of three months, and at the age of two years his family settled in Albany, N. Y., where ten years later he made his first public appearance at the Green Street Theatre; subsequently he was with W. W. Newcomb’s Minstrels for three seasons; later he was with Sharpley’s Minstrels.
He joined W. H. Delehanty in 1866, and continued as his partner until 1875, after which time he did a single act, and was known as “The Merry Minstrel.”
In December, 1876, he rejoined Delehanty, and continued with him until the latter’s death.
When Mr. Delehanty died, Mr. Hengler seemed to lose all ambition for the stage; he mourned his old friend sincerely, and played infrequently; in the name only was he the “Merry Minstrel.”
Tom Hengler was likewise the author of several songs, notably “Sweet Aleen” and “My Pretty Little Kittie,” also the musical sketch “Fun in the Kitchen.”
Mr. Hengler married Miss May Fanning in 1870; they had two daughters who have helped to perpetuate their father’s name and fame—Flo and May Hengler.
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| FIRST PERFORMANCE OF “I WISH I WAS INDIXIE” | OLD LIVERPOOL, ENG., BILL |
| TWO RARE PROGRAMMES. | |
William H. Delehanty was born in Albany, N. Y., September 25, 1846; he died in New York City, May 13, 1880.
T. M. Hengler (Slattery) was born in the town of Cashel, Ireland, in 1844; he died in Brooklyn, N. Y., August 21, 1888.
Billy Emerson (Redmond) was a unique figure in minstrelsy, for he stood absolutely alone in his chosen profession; never before his advent had his equal been seen, nor will we ever again.
The acme of versatility, the personification of grace, the quintessence of greatness, such was Billy Emerson, who was gifted with a voice that an opera singer might have envied, and endowed by Nature with talents that are but seldom given to man.
His very early days were spent in Oswego, N. Y., but soon with his family moved to Washington, D. C., where he made his first professional appearance with Joe Sweeney’s Minstrels about 1858. From 1860 to 1864 he played chiefly in the music halls; in that year he joined Robert’s and Wilson’s Minstrels; also in 1864 he was with Sanderson’s Minstrels.
His first prominent minstrel engagement was with Newcomb and Arlington in 1866. December 3, 1866, he made his initial New York appearance at Pastor’s Theatre. In 1867 he joined Newcomb’s Minstrels, and continued with them (barring a brief interval when he was with Spalding and Bidwell) until the organization of his own company, June, 1868, when Emerson, Allen and Manning’s Minstrels gave their initial performance in Brooklyn, N. Y.
May 22, 1869, Johnny Allen withdrew, and the company continued as Emerson and Manning’s Minstrels until January, 1870, when the two partners separated. February 11, 1870, the first performance of Emerson’s Minstrels was given, and on November 23, same year, he made his bow under the astute management of Tom Maguire, in San Francisco, the city which to this day reveres the memory of Billy Emerson.
Later the company moved to the Alhambra, and after a trip East, he returned and the name was changed to Emerson’s Minstrels.
May 12, 1873, with his company, he sailed for Australia, opening at Melbourne, August 2; subsequently Mr. Emerson made two other trips to the Antipodes.
On January 14, 1878, he took the management of the Olympic Theatre, New York, installing his company; the engagement was a brief one, and on the following February 28, in conjunction with Smith, Waldron, Lester and Allen, “Emerson and the Big Four Minstrels” were organized and traveled for several months.
In Chicago, June 30, 1879, with R. M. Hooley, the famous Megatherian Minstrels gave their first performance, and continued for a season.
Mr. Emerson was a member of Haverly’s Minstrels when they opened in London, England, July 31, 1880.
San Francisco welcomed its idol on October 17, 1881, when Emerson’s Minstrels opened at the Standard Theatre, and remained until the Spring of 1884.
Later he was with the Haverly-Cleveland Minstrels, and afterwards the Cleveland organization.
April 2, 1888, he became an equal partner with Frank McNish and Carroll Johnson with McNish, Johnson and Slavin’s Minstrels, owing to the indisposition of Bob Slavin, who was not appearing with the company. August 6, 1888, he again opened in San Francisco with Emerson’s Minstrels.
In the Summer of 1898 he was with the Wilson-Cleveland Minstrels a few weeks, and then played an engagement with William H. West’s Minstrels. Emerson’s career practically ended with this company.
Let us think of him only for his neat songs and dances, of which he was one of the pioneers, and in which he never had an equal.
Let us remember him for his “Big Sunflower,” written by another, but popularized by Emerson; for “Moriarity” will never be forgotten, and we hope that after the trials and vicissitudes of this world, he has “Backed the Winner” in the next.
He married Miss Maggie Homer, at Covington, Ky., June 25, 1869.
Billy Emerson was born in Belfast, Ireland, July 4, 1846; he died in Boston, Mass., February 22, 1902.
E. M. Kayne (Kerr), was a well known and capable interlocutor and bass singer.
His professional career began about forty years ago when he appeared under his own name. April 10, 1875, in conjunction with E. M. Hall and Ned. Wambold, he organized a minstrel company which had a brief existence.
Mr. Kayne was one of Haverly’s original Mastodons in 1878, and continued with Haverly for several seasons.
For some time prior to his death, which occurred in Chicago a few years ago, he was employed in that city in a mercantile establishment.
Harry Kernell, one of the greatest Irish comedians the variety stage ever knew, was an end man with Hyde and Behman’s Minstrels in 1885; and for many years before that. He died in New York, March, 1893.
Ed. Marble came from an old theatrical family of the legitimate stage.
He joined Thatcher, Primrose and West’s Minstrels in 1884 as interlocutor, and continued with them several seasons.
He subsequently wrote and produced “Tuxedo” for George Thatcher, and it was a pronounced success. Mr. Marble later played with Mr. Thatcher in vaudeville. His daughter is Mary Marble, well known in vaudeville circles.
Ed. Marble was born in Buffalo, N. Y., September 6, 1846; he died in Brooklyn, N. Y., August 9, 1900.
J. Melville Jansen entered the profession in 1874 at Fall River, Mass., with Gus Bruno, and as Johnson and Bruno, they continued as a black-face acrobatic song and dance team for five years; and they were rated with the best. They played the principal variety houses and some of the best minstrel companies, notably Sweatnam’s in 1878.
Mr. Jansen separated from Mr. Bruno about 1879, and afterwards worked alone, and did a stump speech; he then took his own name, so as not to conflict with Carroll Johnson, who was at that time also known as James Johnson.
About 1882 he formed a partnership with Sam Swain, doing a black-face act, and a few months later he made his appearance at Carncross’ Minstrels in Philadelphia; he remained seven years, after which he joined Primrose and West’s Company, and continued with them for a considerable period.
Mr. Jansen was a fine end man, and very clever in his imitations of a monkey.
J. Melville Jansen was born in Quebec, Can., he died at Downingtown, Pa., November 23, 1896; age about 50 years.
The season of 1882-83 there were thirty-two minstrel companies on the road.
Ben Brown was one of the great jig dancers of his day, when dancers were plentiful and efficient.
Very early he saw his name on the billboards, he said; and in 1865 he won a diamond studded cross containing eleven stones; the contest was at Bryan’s Hall, Chicago; among the competitors were “English” Tommy Peel, Johnny Boyd and Alex Ross; all passed away.
But I’m ’way ahead of my story. His first regular appearance was with Billy Wray at Beller’s Music Hall, Detroit, Mich., playing “Young Scamp.” He was with the Mrs. Matt. Peel’s Minstrels in 1861. Leaving them he joined Booker and Evart’s Minstrels at Jackson, Mich., taking the place of the famed Dick Sliter, who had just died; this was May 21, 1861.
Subsequently he joined the DeHaven and Hutchins Show, touring Europe; other circus engagements were the John Robinson Company and Mike Lipman’s.
In 1870 he joined Cal. Wagner’s Minstrels at Syracuse, under “Jack” Haverly’s management; three years later Haverly started his own organization; but Mr. Brown remained faithful to his first love; and subsequently he toured with his own organization.
One of Mr. Brown’s feats in his earlier days was to do a jig with a glass full of water on his head, without disturbing the water—or his head; later on he danced with a plough on the same place where the glass was wont to rest.
In 1878 he married, and a couple of years later he settled down in St. Louis, Mo., where he resided until his death.
Ben Brown was born in Chicago, March 17, 1846; he died in St. Louis, Mo., June 10, 1910.
Neil Burgess, who won fame and fortune as Aunt Abigail in the “County Fair,” was a black-face performer for several years.
In 1875 he made a brief tour with Neil Burgess’ Minstrels; they closed at Brockville, Canada, June 14, that year.
Neil Burgess was born in Boston, Mass., June 29, 1846; he died in New York, February 19, 1910.
John Prendergast was a clever song and dance performer, and the first partner of John Hogan, with whom he played a season’s engagement at Bryant’s Minstrels in New York City.
He joined Hogan in 1865. He died in Pittsburg, Pa., August 15, 1869; age 23 years.