John Lang, a well-known and popular tenor vocalist, who was with Arlington, Cotton and Kemble’s Minstrels in Chicago, died in that city, December 5, 1874.
Hugh Hamall was the fourth son of the late Arthur Hamall, and a singer of more than ordinary merit. Previous to his death he had been a member of Hamall’s Serenaders.
Mr. Hamall died in Montreal, Canada, October 10, 1875.
J. C. (“Toothless”) Murphy, the old-time comedian and “Excelsior Bone Player,” was with Harry Robinson’s Minstrels in 1874, and other prominent organizations subsequently. Mr. Murphy was the husband of Marie De Von, from whom he separated in Chicago, April 6, 1877. Mr. Murphy is still active, and a resident of Nashville, Tenn.
Delehanty and Hengler—These truly wonderful artists were the greatest in their line that the world ever knew, or ever will know, in all probability.
William H. Delehanty made his first appearance in his native city at the old Green Street Theatre, at the age of 14; he did a bone solo, and incidentally it may be remarked that in their manipulation he ranked with the best in minstrelsy.
About 1865 he joined Skiff and Gaylord’s Minstrels, where he did songs and dances with John H. Ward, under the team name of Delehanty and Ward; they continued with this company until November 11, 1866, when Mr. Delehanty severed his business relations with Ward, and just one week later, joined T. M. Hengler with Dingess and Green’s Minstrels at Champaign, Ill.; this season closed at Penn Yan, N. Y., January 7, 1867.
Their first New York appearance was with Kelly and Leon’s Minstrels, August 12, 1867.
On September 22, 1869, (Johnny) Allen, Delehanty, Hengler and Pettengill’s (Charley) Minstrels gave their first performance in Brooklyn, N. Y.
Previous to this, and for several years subsequent, they had their own variety companies; in addition to playing the best variety theatres in the land; likewise were they identified with some of the foremost minstrel organizations; they also made a trip to Europe, playing England and Ireland.