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.