Jerry McMillan, once known as “Master Jerry,” was one of the best jig dancers of his day.
He was identified with the San Francisco Minstrels in New York City for a considerable period.
He died in Philadelphia, September 9, 1873.
A. Bamford, a capable female impersonator who was prominent at one time at Hooley’s Minstrels in Brooklyn, and also played a European engagement in the 60’s, died at San Francisco, April 5, 1871. Mr. Bamford also did specialties with Harry Norman.
Harry J. Clapham. This gentleman’s name will always rank with the great managers of minstrelsy.
His career began on the 30th anniversary of his birth, at Syracuse, N. Y., with Cal. Wagner’s Minstrels, as a balladist. Six weeks later he was programme agent, and in six months was “press agent”; in 1910 we would call that “making good.” Later he became general agent, continuing in that capacity for 18 months. When Haverly’s Minstrels were organized in the Fall of 1873, he became agent; a year later he was manager, in which capacity he served for several years.
Leaving Mr. Haverly he took a much-needed rest for six months, and then assumed the management of Barlow, Wilson, Primrose and West’s Minstrels; in about two years he turned into the company $100,000 in profits; this was “going some” about 30 years ago.
John T. Raymond and Mr. and Mrs. McKee Rankin claimed his executive attention for three years; he then assumed management of the Barlow, Wilson & Co. Minstrels, remaining three years.
After the Barlow, Wilson & Co. Minstrels, Mr. Clapham took out a repertoire company; his leading man being no less a personage than that excellent actor of to-day, Mr. Thos. E. Shea, who had previously occupied a mercantile position in Boston.
A four years respite found Mr. Clapham equal owner with Lew Dockstader’s Minstrels (road company); the alliance lasted three seasons, which were very successful; the first 40 weeks profits were $24,000.