Jack Talbott (Arthur J. Talbott), well-known as a comedian, began his theatrical career in the late 50’s.
In 1860 he was with Hooley and Campbell’s Minstrels, that same year joining Sanford’s Company in Philadelphia, in which city he remained altogether about ten years with Carncross and Dixey’s, and Carncross’ Minstrels. Early in 1887 he was one of a company at the Criterion Theatre, Brooklyn, N. Y., in an attempt to revive permanent minstrelsy in that city.
Mr. Talbott was an excellent marksman, and was the first to shoot an apple from the head in a theatre.
He first performed this feat at the New Idea in San Francisco, October 21, 1864; Johnny De Angelis, father of the comedian, Jeff De Angelis, held the apple.
Mr. Talbott was a brother of Harry Talbott, the minstrel, and the husband of Emma Miles, danseuse, whom he married in the 60’s.
Jack Talbott was born in Baltimore, Md., October 3, 1840; he died in New York, April 5, 1910.
J. Henry Murphy, the well-known minstrel tenor, was with Mead’s Minstrels in New London, Conn., September 8, 1862.
About February, 1864, he joined Buckley’s Serenaders in Boston, Mass., and was associated with them for several seasons. April 17, 1871, he commenced an engagement with Newcomb and Arlington’s Minstrels in New York, and on January 29, 1872, joined Simmons and Slocum’s Company in Philadelphia.
Later he identified himself with Cal. Wagner’s Minstrels, and was with him some time. Mr. Murphy had not appeared professionally for many years.
J. Henry Murphy died in New London, Conn., April 10, 1910; age about 70 years.