Mr. Thompson was also the oldest living musical moke.
Johnny Thompson was born in New York, July 4, 1843.
Frank Kerns was born in Philadelphia, 1844; he died in New York, September 21, 1877.
Charles Bortell was well-known as a capable and bass singer and interlocutor. His last minstrel engagement was with I. W. Baird’s Company.
At one time he was a member of the police force in Saratoga, N. Y.; he died there November 26, 1888; age 45 years.
Oscar Willis (McLain) was well-known as a banjoist and comedian chiefly on the variety stage.
His first appearance was made in his native city in 1858.
In 1871 he was end man and comedian with Unsworth’s Minstrels. November 16, 1867, he married Gussie Lamoreux, a well-known dancer, at Baltimore, Md.
Mr. Willis was born in Pittsburg, Pa., July 14, 1843; he died at Bismarck, Dakota, August 19, 1881.
John Wild. This truly great impersonator of the colored man was rather an unique performer; for whereas most of his contemporaries portrayed the black man of the plantation, John Wild’s characterizations were generally those of the town negro, of which he made an especial study from New York City life.