He was with some notable organizations, including Shorey’s Minstrels in 1863.
Bob Sheppard was born in Philadelphia, in 1821; he died there August 15, 1898.
Andy Leavitt made his first stage appearance April 8, 1837.
In 1842 he leased Bleeker Hall in Boston and transformed it into Leavitt’s Opera House. As early as 1858 he traveled with Leavitt’s Ethiopian Troupe, and that same year he opened a small theatre at 22 Beaver Street, Albany, N. Y.
March 30, 1859, he leased the Gayety Theatre on Green Street, in the same city. In the early 70’s he went to the Howard Athenaeum in Boston, where for many years he remained. He was especially clever in the acts with Harry Bloodgood; the latter doing the comedy.
Andy Leavitt was an unusually intelligent performer, and was the author of several negro farces that were widely used.
He was likewise responsible for the song “Ham Fat,” that achieved great vogue several years ago.
In 1882 and 1889 he played white-face parts with “Joshua Whitcomb” and “Two Sisters” respectively; his stage career ended about this time. About 1891 he secured a position as stage door man at the Hollis Theatre, Boston, which he retained five years.
Andy Leavitt was born in Boston, Mass., in 1822; he died there February 1, 1901.
William B. Donaldson was the inventor of the jawbone used as a musical instrument by black-face performers several years before the first minstrel performance was given.