Jas. B. Gentry whose performance as the rube sheriff in “Hoss and Hoss” is yet remembered, began his career about 1881, at Yorktown, Va., doing a black-face song and dance with George Leslie; they continued as partners for one year.
About 1883 with Jack Noon he formed an alliance, and for one and a half years they played principal variety houses, doing black-face songs and dances. Another year and a half with Charles Johnson ended Mr. Gentry’s black-face career, since which time he has devoted his talents to characterizations which have placed him on a high place in his profession.
James B. Gentry was born in Richmond, Va., October 8, 1862.
Jas. B. Bradley, well and favorably known as one of the best lyric tenors in present-day minstrelsy, began his professional career in 1884 at Memphis, Tenn., with the Ford Opera Company, in the chorus; following this came an engagement of five years with “The Hustler.”
His first minstrel engagement was with Barney Fagan’s Minstrels; subsequently he was with such well-known companies as Al. G. Field’s; Primrose and Dockstader’s; Dockstader and Cleveland’s (Chicago, 1901).
Mr. Bradley has been quite successful with a tabloid minstrel company in vaudeville.
James B. Bradley was born in Charleston, S. C., November 9, 1862.
Lew Sully (Chas. Sullivan) began “cutting up” in theatres at Omaha, Neb., about thirty years ago; after he learned all about Omaha, he went across the river to Council Bluffs, Iowa, and engaged as stock comedian.
Mr. Sully’s first minstrel experience was with the Beach and Bowers Company, and it sure was an experience. His salary was to be $15.00 per week and “cakes” if he was good. While he really went bad in Dixon, Ill., he stood on the streets and told the population how good he was.
Mr. Sully candidly admits that at that period he was a profound drinker; subsequently he became a profound thinker. Later he played successful minstrel engagements with Al. G. Field’s; Primrose and West’s; Primrose and Dockstader’s; Wm. H. West’s, and Dumont’s Minstrels. Also did he spend a period of five years intermittently with Carncross’ Minstrels in Philadelphia, and a season with Haverly’s Company.