J. C. Campbell was born in Frederick, Md.; he died in Brooklyn, N. Y., January 26, 1875; age 31 years.
Geo. Frothingham, the famous basso, who created and played Friar Tuck in “Robin Hood,” more than 3,000 times, was many years in the minstrel profession, and as far back as 1869 was with Dougherty, Wild, Barney and Mac’s Minstrels, also Sharpley’s, Billy Morris’ and Swayne Buckley’s Minstrels.
In the late 70’s and early 80’s he sat in the middle with Carncross and Dixey’s and Carncross’ Minstrels, respectively, in Philadelphia.
An interesting photo of Mr. Frothingham will be found [elsewhere] in the book.
George Frothingham was born in Boston, Mass., April 12, 1844.
Dick Ralph. This good old-timer made his first appearance at Burtis’ Varieties, Brooklyn, N. Y., under the name of Master Tommy, in 1860, doing a jig and the “Essence”; in 1861 he was with Christy’s Minstrels under the name of Mast. Dick Reynolds; a year later he was “Mast. Brigg” with Campbell’s Minstrels, in New York City.
In 1863 he decided that his own name was good enough, and as such he opened at Hooley’s Minstrels, Brooklyn, N. Y. Other minstrel companies he was identified with were—Cool White’s Broadway Minstrels; Hooley’s, New York City (201 Bowery); Cotton and Sharpley’s, New York City; return to Hooley’s, Brooklyn, 1869; Kelly and Leon’s, New York City; Sam Sharpley’s, and Kelly and Leon’s, Chicago.
Mr. Ralph was a popular end man, being equally proficient with the bones or tambourine; but it was as a dancer that he excelled; his “Essence” and “George, the Charmer,” are well remembered by many; he was likewise a versatile musician.
Mr. Ralph appeared some years ago in the drama, “Our South,” with success.
Dick Ralph was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., March 22, 1844—but not on Good Friday, as he avers; that day fell on April 5, that year.