His last offense was the California (Joe Norcross’) Minstrels, which he joined at Springfield, Mass., December 5, 1879.
Jerry Cohan was born in Boston, Mass., January 31, 1848.
W. W. Barbour, well and favorably known as one of the prominent “leaders” of minstrelsy, began with Cal. Wagner’s Minstrels in the 70’s; subsequently he joined Haverly, and was with him for twelve years. Later he was a member of Cleveland’s Minstrels for two years, and with Geo. Wilson for three years.
He was also leader at Sam Jack’s Theatre in Chicago, and Frank Hall’s Casino in the same city.
His last engagement was at the Grand Opera House, New York.
W. W. Barbour died in Brooklyn, N. Y., September 5, 1899; age 51 years.
Billy Courtright (Albert Courtright), the original “Flewy Flewy,” and one of the most versatile performers on the minstrel stage, began his professional career more than forty years ago. He was part owner of Blaisdell Bros. and Courtright’s Minstrels, who gave their initial performance at Rock Island, Ill., March 8, 1871.
Mr. Courtright subsequently joined John D. Gilbert in a black-face act called “Big and Little,” of which they were the originals; their first appearance in New York was at Charley White’s October 12, 1872. In November, 1873, Mr. Courtright joined Haverly’s Minstrels, and a few months later became a member of Arlington, Cotton and Kemble’s Minstrels in Chicago. Mr. Courtright was with Kelly and Leon’s Minstrels in 1877, and the following year went to Australia with them.
He subsequently rejoined Haverly’s. In the Fall of 1882, Courtright and Hawkin’s Minstrels opened in Philadelphia, as a permanent company. Mr. Courtright has been giving white face specialties in vaudeville for several years.
Billy Courtright was born in New Milford, Ill., March 10, 1848.