Mr. Mudge subsequently played an extended engagement with Moore, Crocker and Ritter’s Minstrels in the British metropolis.
In 1866 Boyce and Mudge’s Minstrels made a bid for favor; later Hogan and Mudge’s troupe did likewise, and in 1876 Mudge and Gaynor’s Minstrels toured.
Mr. Mudge’s last tour was in connection with Dave Reed’s New York combination in 1887.
Hank Mudge was born in Troy, N. Y., March 12, 1840.
D. L. Morris, one of the greatest German comedians there ever was, played with Haverly’s Minstrels in 1875; and as Haverly’s “Black Dutchman” scored a big success; he was also with another minstrel organization.
He died at Cape Girardeau, Mo., August 5, 1879.
Robert McWade, whose great characterization of Rip, in “Rip Van Winkle” has made him world famous, wrote a burlesque on P. T. Barnum’s “What Is It?” for Hooley and Campbell’s Minstrels in New York, which was produced December 3, 1860.
During the week, owing to the indisposition of James Unsworth, Mr. McWade assumed the title role of “Africanus Barnum O,” and played it in black face; and ’tho fifty years have elapsed, Mr. McWade still speaks of this occasion with evident relish and satisfaction.
John H. Ward was a splendid dancer, and in the early 60’s partner of Wm. H. Delehanty, prior to the latter’s association with Thos. Hengler.
He died in East Saginaw, Mich., March 15, 1874.