Donald Harold (O’Donnell Harrold) was once the “boy tenor”; you wouldn’t think so to see him now, but bear in mind that was in 1872, on the first day of that year at Simmons and Slocum’s Minstrels in Philadelphia.
Mr. Harold continued with the minstrels until August, same year; his voice changing, he also changed his job, and two years and one month later he identified himself with the famous Holman Opera Troupe, remaining until May 20, 1878.
Since that date Mr. Harold has been associated with many musical and farcical productions—but no minstrels.
Donald Harold was born in Philadelphia, December 5, 1855.
Bobby Beach (Anin W. Gardner) entered the theatrical profession at the age of 15, doing a contortion act; subsequently developing into a good dancer.
He was with Barlow, Wilson, Primrose and West’s Minstrels in 1881, and about a year or so later with Otis Bowers formed the Beach and Bowers Minstrels, which were prominent for several seasons.
He was seriously injured while doing a pedestal act.
Bobby Beach was born in Rome, N. Y.; he died in Watertown, Wis., December 1, 1905; age 50 years.
Tommy Harris (McGuigan), one of the very few men left capable of playing the old-time nigger acts, made his first appearance at Fox’s Theatre, Philadelphia, in 1875, with a partner, whose name was Ward; the team name being Ward and Harrison; subsequently they played an engagement in Philadelphia with Skiff and Gaylord’s Minstrels; late in 1876 they separated. His next partner was Jack McNeil; joining Fattie Stewart’s Company, the team was accidently billed as Harris and McNeil; and Harris it has remained ever since. In 1879 they joined the Three Arnold Bros. Minstrels, and while with this company they dissolved partnership; McNeil died about 1902.
Mr. Harris then played variety engagements with his wife, the team being known as the Harrises, until 1889; he then taking a stock engagement at the Odeon, Baltimore, remaining there 10 years.