Subsequently he joined the DeHaven and Hutchins Show, touring Europe; other circus engagements were the John Robinson Company and Mike Lipman’s.
In 1870 he joined Cal. Wagner’s Minstrels at Syracuse, under “Jack” Haverly’s management; three years later Haverly started his own organization; but Mr. Brown remained faithful to his first love; and subsequently he toured with his own organization.
One of Mr. Brown’s feats in his earlier days was to do a jig with a glass full of water on his head, without disturbing the water—or his head; later on he danced with a plough on the same place where the glass was wont to rest.
In 1878 he married, and a couple of years later he settled down in St. Louis, Mo., where he resided until his death.
Ben Brown was born in Chicago, March 17, 1846; he died in St. Louis, Mo., June 10, 1910.
Neil Burgess, who won fame and fortune as Aunt Abigail in the “County Fair,” was a black-face performer for several years.
In 1875 he made a brief tour with Neil Burgess’ Minstrels; they closed at Brockville, Canada, June 14, that year.
Neil Burgess was born in Boston, Mass., June 29, 1846; he died in New York, February 19, 1910.
John Prendergast was a clever song and dance performer, and the first partner of John Hogan, with whom he played a season’s engagement at Bryant’s Minstrels in New York City.
He joined Hogan in 1865. He died in Pittsburg, Pa., August 15, 1869; age 23 years.