Their first joint appearance was in 1870. About 1874 they joined Washburn’s Last Sensation, remaining two seasons.
September 27, 1875, they made their first appearance with Hooley, Haverly and Maguire’s Minstrels in Chicago.
Subsequently they were members of Kelly and Leon’s Company, and then—and then—unable to wait another day—they launched forth Manchester and Jenning’s Minstrels in the Spring of 1878. Without going into details, it may be said that the season was a backward one that year.
The partnership lasted until the death of Johnny Jennings.
Bobby Manchester made his debut on the stage in 1865 with Newcomb’s Minstrels. September 24, 1886, he gave the first performance of his “Night Owls” Burlesque Company; since which date he has been prominently identified with the burlesque world.
Johnny Jennings was an exceptionally clever dancer; he made his first appearance in his native city at old Farrar Hall about 1864. About a year later he joined Morris Brothers, Pell and Trowbridge’s Minstrels in Erie, and subsequently appeared with them in their Boston theatre. He continued with this company for an extended period, part of which time as Collins, Queen and Jennings, they did an act called the “Alabama Triplets.”
Mr. Jennings is reputed to have been the original skate dancer, in which he was marvelously adept.
Bob Manchester (Aaron Mills), was born in Gloversville, N. Y., July 2, 1853.
John Jennings was born in Erie, Pa., about 1857; he died there, November 7, 1888.
George F. Campbell was one of the original members of the Clipper Quartette, who made their first appearance at Tony Pastor’s Theatre in New York, in 1879.