Wm. F. Hoey, better known to later generations of playgoers as “Old Hoss,” was one of the cleverest of black-face musical comedians. His first appearance was in his native city at the Thirty-fourth Street Theatre in 1873.
In 1875 he formed a partnership with John F. Fields, and as Fields and Hoey continued until 1878; during this period they played an engagement with Cal. Wagner’s Minstrels in 1876.
In 1878 they dissolved partnership, and Mr. Hoey subsequently and for several seasons did an excruciatingly funny act with Fred Bryant.
Bryant and Hoey played with Thatcher and Ryman’s Minstrels in Philadelphia, and the San Francisco Minstrels in New York.
In 1882 Mr. Hoey, Bryant, and Charles E. Evans formed the “Meteors,” Hoey appearing in a sketch called the “Book-Agent,” as a tramp; this was the inception of the “Parlor Match,” with which he was identified for several years.
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| W. S. BUDWORTH | E. M. HALL |
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| LEW. BRIMMER | TOM. WARFIELD |
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| DANA H. CLAUDIUS | HARRY STANWOOD |
| BRILLIANT BANJOISTS OF MINSTRELSY. | |
Mr. Hoey was married to Helena French, of the French Twin Sisters, and was a brother of James F. Hoey.
William F. Hoey was born in New York City, January 1, 1855; he died there June 9, 1897.
The Russell Bros., famous for many years in practically every variety and vaudeville theatre in the land for their great act, the “Irish Servant Girls,” began their professional career in January, 1877, doing the old-time specialty of changing from white to black in full view of the audience.
About 1880 they joined Woodson and Allen’s Minstrels, James doing an end, and John singing in the first part.