Mr. Mackin played various variety engagements after this until his death.
Francis Wilson first made the acquaintance of burnt cork in his native city in the middle 60’s; Mr. Wilson’s parents was not made aware of the acquaintance until some time later. It was not all honey, and not all jam in those days, as Mr. Wilson will Frankly admit (jest).
It was not until October 29, 1868, that he saw his name in print, for it was on that date that the first performance of the “Amateur Minstrels” at the Assembly Buildings in Philadelphia was given; the entertainment closed with the “Grand Duchess, 2d.” Whether or not Mr. Wilson was the Duchess on this august occasion, history does not state.
After severing relations with Mackin, Mr. Wilson entered the ranks of the Chestnut Street Theatre Stock Company in Philadelphia, where, on September 9, 1878, he played his first part in white-face; that of Cool, in “London Assurance.”
He made rapid strides in his new field of endeavor, and continued as a member of the stock until February 21, 1880; two days later he joined “Our Goblins,” a musical comedy, playing the role of Octavius Longfellow Warbler. Subsequently Mr. Wilson purchased an interest in the company, and played the more important part of Alfred Comstock Silvermine.
August 1, 1881, he began a two weeks’ engagement at the Walnut Street Theatre, Philadelphia, as Moe Jewell, in the “World.”
Mr. Wilson afterwards returned to “Our Goblins,” and he also played Templeton Fake with Annie Pixley in “M’liss.” His subsequent career in light opera and other amusements are too well known to require further mention.
Probably no one man in the annals of theatricals has achieved more in his chosen profession than Francis Wilson.
When Mackin and Wilson dissolved partnership the team were getting a good salary; and when Mr. Wilson applied for a small position in the stock company in Philadelphia he was told he would have to begin all over again; Mr. Wilson, however, was willing; and the weekly stipend was just about 25 per cent. of what he received as a song and dance performer. But Francis Wilson had the courage of his convictions, for he never considered his minstrel and variety days in any other than a school for the talents he later intended to develop.
Mr. Wilson was always a student; and when his companions would invite him to participate in their nightly dissipations, he would politely but firmly refuse; study was more to his liking.