He was associated with minstrel and circus organizations for forty years, and was the first black-face clown to appear in a ring.
Like most performers of his day, he played the banjo; but Mr. Donaldson created a sensation by playing it with his left hand.
His professional debut was made in Poughkeepsie, N. Y., in 1836, as “Young Jim Crow,” after the style of “Daddy” Rice. In June, 1847, he was one of the five original members of the first Campbell’s Minstrels.
About three years before his death he became proprietor of the Lockwood House in Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
William B. Donaldson was born October 13, 1822; he died in Poughkeepsie, N. Y., April 16, 1873.
Bob Edwards (Dean) was one of the earliest bone players, and in his youth was known as “Master” Edwards.
In 1841-42 he traveled though Pennsylvania as a jig dancer. In 1843 and 1844 he was a member of the famous Ethiopian Serenaders, a group picture of which will be found on [another page].
Subsequently he withdrew from that company, and joined Sanford’s Minstrels in Philadelphia, where he remained for a long time.
In 1862 he had the Gayety Music Hall in Harrisburg, Pa., and a few years before his death was proprietor of his own company.
Bob Edwards was born in Philadelphia in 1822; he died in Buffalo, N. Y., July 24, 1872.