Harry Budworth (John B. Kearney) was well known as a capable comedian, and was associated with some of the best minstrel organizations.
His professional career began in the early 70’s, and ended shortly before his death, when he achieved considerable success appearing in vaudeville in Charles Horwitz’s “A Royal Visitor.”
Harry Budworth died in Philadelphia, April 2, 1901.
James H. Decker began his professional career in an executive capacity with Cooper and Bailey’s Circus in 1879, and continued with them for three seasons.
Minstrelsy first knew him also in 1879, when he was with Hooley and Emerson’s Megatherians. In 1881 he joined Sells Brothers Circus, and the following year was assistant agent with Leavitt’s Gigantean Minstrels.
In 1883 he returned to Sells Brothers, and continued with them three years. Mr. Decker was so highly esteemed by his associates, that in November, 1883, they presented him with a gold watch charm.
At the conclusion of the circus season in 1886, Mr. Decker finally decided to cast his lot with minstrelsy. Accordingly on December 20, 1886, he joined McNish, Johnson and Slavin’s Minstrels as general agent; he continued with this company until the end of the following season, when he joined Thatcher, Primrose and West’s Minstrels; subsequently he was with Primrose and West’s Company, severing his connection with them December 21, 1889.
His next engagement was with George Thatcher’s Company, and in 1892, in conjunction with Al. Primrose, formed Decker Brothers Minstrels. Since then he has been identified in a managerial capacity successively with Primrose and West’s; Primrose and Dockstader’s; Primrose’s, and lastly Dockstader’s Minstrels.
At the present time he is General Manager of the booking department of the Shubert theatrical forces.
Mr. Decker, who is an indefatigable worker, can see nothing in minstrelsy except that which he is identified with at that precise moment, and like most successful men, has enemies galore.