In 1883 the boys, in conjunction with their father and mother formed the 4 Brass Monarchs 4, traveling under this title for four years. In 1887 their father, Prof. R. D. Eldridge, organized the Eldridge Comedians and Concert Company, consisting of a first-part and variety; both Bobby and Billy made their debut as black-face performers here, each doing an end.
In 1893 the family separated; the boys at this time taking the name of De Rue, by which they have since become so prominently identified. They subsequently appeared with such well-known minstrel organizations as Cleveland’s; J. H. Haverly; Hi. Henry; Gorton’s; Culhane, Chace and Weston’s; Hi Tom Ward and the Fulton Bros.; Ted E. Faust’s, and Washburn’s Big Double Minstrels. They likewise appeared successfully in vaudeville.
July 15, 1904, De Rue Bros. Ideal Minstrels were launched, each successive year bringing them new friends and laurels.
Billy De Rue was born March 6, 1873, at Conajoharie, N. Y.
Bobby De Rue was born at Little Falls, N. Y., May 21, 1877.
Doc. Quigley (Dockery Quigley) enjoys the unique distinction of having spent his entire professional career in one minstrel company.
Mr. Quigley joined Al. G. Field’s Minstrels at the age of sixteen as a song and dance performer. Since then he has been stage manager, comedian, producer and manager; and equally successful in each capacity; but Mr. Quigley’s grotesque dancing is a feature that one remembers for a long time.
Doc. Quigley was born in Columbus, Ohio, July 17, 1873.
Frederick V. Bowers. The success of this young man lies in the fact that he is an actor that can act, a singer that can sing, and a dancer that can dance; truly a rare trinity of theatrical virtues.
Mr. Bowers sang in the Grace Episcopal Choir in Boston, before starting out on his professional career, which began at Keith’s Old Theatre (Bijou) in his native city in 1888.