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.