July 27, 1908, at Atlantic City, N. J., he opened with Cohan and Harris’ Minstrels at the inaugural performance, heading the company.
About March, 1910, at Newark, N. J., Mr. Evans became sole owner of the organization.
He is the author of several popular songs, notably—“Standing on the Corner, Didn’t Mean No Harm;” “Come Take a Trip in My Airship,” and “Down Where the Watermelon Grows.”
George Evans was born in Pontotlyn, Wales, March 10, 1870.
Billy S. Clifford, whose impersonations of the “chappie” have made him famous the country over, made his first appearance with Hi. Henry’s Minstrels in 1882, as a drummer, and a black one. The next season he was one of the song and dance men with the Barlow, Wilson Company Minstrels; following this came engagements with Robinson’s Circus, and Miles Orton’s Circus, appearing in black-face songs and dances.
In 1888 Mr. Clifford joined George Fuller Golden, and as Golden and Clifford they did a black-face song and dance act for two years, stopping only for meals and sleep.
In 1888 he joined Al. G. Field’s Minstrels as an end man and comedian; it was here that he conceived the idea of the stage dude, which he did in black-face, and which has ever since been part and parcel of his performances.
Mr. Clifford made his first appearance in white-face about twenty years ago, since which time he has starred successfully in “Courted Into Court”; “The Jolly Baron” and many others.
He married Maud Huth, July 28, 1891, at Buffalo, N. Y.
About six years ago he built and has since conducted the Urbana Theatre, in his native town.