The company originally consisted of the four members of the family; later they were augmented by Sam Sanford and J. C. Collins; this was about 1846; in after years many of the prominent lights of the minstrel profession appeared on their roster. Mr. Jas. Buckley was the only member of the organization who was not active up to the time of his death.
James Buckley was born in Manchester, England, 1803; he died in Quincy, Mass., April 27, 1872.
R. Bishop Buckley, began his career in 1843 in Boston as member of the original Buckley Serenaders.
He was an excellent mimic, accomplished musician and good actor.
He was best known for his performance on the Chinese fiddle, which was never equaled except by a native Chinaman. He was the possessor of a good tenor voice, which he used easily and gracefully.
Mr. Buckley was known as J. C. Rainer in the late 40’s while in Europe and shortly after their return.
R. Bishop Buckley was born in England, 1826; he died in Quincy, Mass., June 6, 1867.
George Swayne Buckley, the most versatile of the famous Buckley family, made his first appearance as a prodigy at Harrington’s Museum in Boston, in 1840.
Later, while learning to play the banjo, the famous Joe. Sweeney took an interest in him, and “starred” him for a lengthy period through the country as “Young Sweeney,” which title he used as late as May 15, 1845.