George Lea, one of the pioneers of the variety theatre business in New York City, was the proprietor of Lea’s Minstrels at 185 Chatham Street, in the Fall of 1853.
He died at Port Jervis, N. Y., August 20, 1902.
“Picayune” Butler (John Butler), one of the best of the early banjoists, and who made famous the song “Picayune Butler’s Comin’ to Town,” had considerable vogue in the 50’s.
He died in New York City, November 18, 1864.
George A. Harrington was one of the members of the Ethiopian Serenaders who appeared in New York, September 15, 1845. The following year they appeared in London, England.
He was a good bass singer and banjoist, and was the first to sing “Lucy Neal.”
He died in Philadelphia, January, 1859.
William Parrow, who was with Joe. Sweeney’s Minstrels in the 40’s, and was said to be the original Old Bob Ridley, was murdered at Lebanon, Tenn.; he died November 29, 1870.
Wm. Henry Rice, long famous for his burlesque female impersonations, sat on the end with his own minstrel company in Cincinnati, September, 1872.