In Chicago, June 30, 1879, with R. M. Hooley, the famous Megatherian Minstrels gave their first performance, and continued for a season.
Mr. Emerson was a member of Haverly’s Minstrels when they opened in London, England, July 31, 1880.
San Francisco welcomed its idol on October 17, 1881, when Emerson’s Minstrels opened at the Standard Theatre, and remained until the Spring of 1884.
Later he was with the Haverly-Cleveland Minstrels, and afterwards the Cleveland organization.
April 2, 1888, he became an equal partner with Frank McNish and Carroll Johnson with McNish, Johnson and Slavin’s Minstrels, owing to the indisposition of Bob Slavin, who was not appearing with the company. August 6, 1888, he again opened in San Francisco with Emerson’s Minstrels.
In the Summer of 1898 he was with the Wilson-Cleveland Minstrels a few weeks, and then played an engagement with William H. West’s Minstrels. Emerson’s career practically ended with this company.
Let us think of him only for his neat songs and dances, of which he was one of the pioneers, and in which he never had an equal.
Let us remember him for his “Big Sunflower,” written by another, but popularized by Emerson; for “Moriarity” will never be forgotten, and we hope that after the trials and vicissitudes of this world, he has “Backed the Winner” in the next.
He married Miss Maggie Homer, at Covington, Ky., June 25, 1869.
Billy Emerson was born in Belfast, Ireland, July 4, 1846; he died in Boston, Mass., February 22, 1902.