In August, 1877, he became a member of the Big Four; Smith, Waldron, Morton and Martin; Mr. Martin continued a member of the Big Four through its many changes, for nearly a quarter of a century.
In the Summer of 1879 the Big Four Minstrels opened in New York City.
Mr. Martin has been associated also with Simmons and Slocum’s; Dockstader’s, Rice and Sheppard’s, Cleveland’s, and Haverly’s Minstrels; the latter in 1898. In his earlier career “Master” Martin was famous for his impersonation of the monkey; and for five years he played Dragonfin in “The Black Crook.”
CHAS. AND GUSTAVE FROHMAN AS MINSTREL MAGNATES; 1883.
He also played black-face parts in “Easy Dawson”; “The Ninety and Nine,” and the “Millionaire’s Revenge.”
He likewise created the character of Banty Tim, a dumb negro in “Jim Bludso.” Mr. Martin’s playing of this most difficult pantomimic role was most artistic.
“Master” Martin was born in New York City, August 27, 1858.
James Ten Brooke (Sheridan), first appeared professionally in 1876; Brooklyn, N. Y., was where it happened.
A year or so later he joined Larry Dooley in a “nigger act,” and continued with him until 1881; in 1880 they were with the Big Four Minstrels. Mr. Ten Brooke subsequently played stock engagements for several seasons, and in 1898 rejoined his former partner, and later played an engagement with Primrose and Dockstader’s Minstrels; with this organization Mr. Ten Brooke officiated as interlocutor; and he is one of the best.