He was associated with several first-class minstrel companies, notably Al. G. Field’s, with whom he was associated at the time of his death, which occurred at Pt. Pleasant, W. Va., December 29, 1907. He was about 35 years of age.
Matt. Keefe. Minstrelsy has produced some very good Yodlers in the past; but old-timers, who should know, say that Mr. Keefe compares favorably with any of them.
If Matt. Keefe had developed into a comedian instead of a vocalist, no one would have been surprised, because the honor of having been born next door to the house Mark Twain used to live, belongs to Mr. Keefe.
He made his first professional appearance at Leadville, Colo., in 1887. Al. Fields Company was his first minstrel engagement; he was with Primrose and Dockstader, and Dockstader’s Minstrels, totaling six years.
Season of 1908-09 saw him with Cohan and Harris’ Minstrels; and for two years he was with Tony Pearl in vaudeville.
Matt. Keefe was born in Hannibal, Mo., August 13, 1867.
Edwin Guy, one of the famous Guy Brothers, has been a member of that minstrel organization many years. Mr. Guy is an eccentric comedian of unique methods.
He was born in New York, May 4, 1867.
Tierney and Wayne formed a partnership in the early 80’s, doing black-face songs and dances.
In 1885 they were with Barlow, Wilson and Rankin’s Minstrels; they continued in black-face until 1888 when they played white-face parts with “Zig-Zag.”