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.