J. K. Buckley (Kiley), noted for his splendid execution on the banjo, an the use of the supplementary fifth string, first played the banjo in 1861. On June 6, 1868, he launched Buckley’s Minstrels at Newark, N. J.
He was one of Haverly’s 12 banjoists, and went to Europe with the Mastodons, opening at Drury Lane Theatre, London, July 31, 1880.
He was associated with the late John M. Turner for a considerable period; the partnership dissolved November 11, 1876.
J. K. Buckley was born in New York City January 21, 1839.
Joseph H. Childs was equally well known to dramatic, variety and minstrel patrons, and up to about ten years before his death was considered one of the best clog dancers before the public.
In 1877-78 he was in the stock at the National Theatre, Cincinnati.
Jos. H. Childs was born in England; he died in Cincinnati, Ohio, November 10, 1880; age 41 years.
Wally Thomas, prominent as a jig and clog dancer, a fine drummer and a good all-round general performer of Sharpley’s Minstrels in the early 60’s, died at Lowell, Mass., May 29, 1864; age 25 years.
Lewis J. Donnelly, well-known in his day as a first-class black-face female impersonator, died in New York City, October 26, 1869; age 30 years.
Gus Howard was a pupil of George Christy, and made his first appearance with Wood and Christy’s Minstrels in New York in 1855.