John Queen made his first appearance as a clog dancer in Boston with Morris Bros., Pell and Trowbridge’s Minstrels. While with that company, he, in conjunction with R. M. Carroll, did the first double clog dance ever seen in minstrelsy.
William West began his theatrical career in 1857 as a black-face performer, and until about 1863 played mostly with circuses.
His first minstrel engagement was with Duprez and Green. Subsequently he played with Hooley at the Novelty Theatre in Brooklyn; with the San Franciscos in New York, and with Bryant’s, Wood’s, and Morris Brothers.
Mr. West’s last stage appearance was about 1901.
John Queen (McQueeny) was born in St. Albans, Vt., November 19, 1843; he died in New York, February 11, 1884.
William West (Cox) was born in Leicester, England, May 3, 1837.
Charles E. Gibbons, an excellent clog dancer, was with Carncross and Dixey’s Minstrels in Philadelphia, in 1869; subsequently he joined the San Franciscos in New York, where he remained several years. His wife was Effie Germon, the well-known actress.
He died in New York City June 27, 1882; age 40 years.
Ned Reed was well-known mostly in the middle west, as a capable comedian. His first appearance was made in his native city about 1860.
In 1862 he organized a minstrel company, and subsequently he traveled with John Robinson’s Circus, remaining about four years, after which, in 1866, he appeared with Kelly and Leon’s Minstrels in Chicago. About 1867 Mr. Reed married Miss Ada St. Clair.