William Gray (his correct front name is “Billy”), prominent for several years past as playwright and manager, and author of the “Volunteer Organist,” was one of the Glenroy Brothers, a black-face act twenty odd years ago when they played an engagement with Carncross’ Minstrels in Philadelphia.
Tom Lewis (McGuire). One night about ten years ago, Tom Lewis blacked his face for the last time, and at that precise moment minstrelsy lost one of its most brilliant lights and able entertainers. Mr. Lewis is an unctuous comedian; and that tells the story.
He made his first appearance professionally with Charley Wilkinson’s “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” in the late 70’s with Jimmy Pell; and as Pell and Lewis they did a black-face act for several years, with no fears, as the “Hottentot Musketeers.” Later, and for two seasons he was one of the American Four.
Mr. Lewis then went into the partnership business, first with Tom Martin; then Tom LeMack, then Charley Ernest, and finally Sam J. Ryan; with all of these he did black-face. Some of his more prominent minstrel engagements were—George Wilson’s; Cleveland’s; Haverly’s in Chicago; Carncross’, in Philadelphia, and with William H. West’s Minstrels, which was the last, season of 1899-1900.
For the past few years he has been extraordinarily successful in “Little Johnny Jones” and the “Yankee Prince.” As Steve Daly in the latter play, Mr. Lewis has given to the stage a piece of clever, comedy characterization that is in a class by itself.
Tom Lewis was born in St. Johns, N. B., May 18, 1860.
Herbert Cawthorne, with his brother Joe did a black-face act at the Grand Central Theatre, Philadelphia, in April, 1876.
Several years later he was again “A Cork Man.”
BERT. WILLIAMS.