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.