His first professional appearance was as a vocalist in New York City about 1845. In June, 1847, Mr. Raynor was one of the original members that comprised the first Campbell’s Minstrels.
Not long after this he joined E. P. Christy’s Minstrels in New York City, and continued with them until the dissolution of the company in that city, July, 1854. Mr. Raynor then organized a “Christy Minstrels” and for three years traveled successfully in the United States and Canada. July 11, 1857, in partnership with Earl Pierce, he sailed with a company for England, where they opened in London, August 3, following.
He met with immediate and lasting success, and exactly three years from the date he left America, Mr. Raynor announced his retirement, and returned to the United States, arriving August 15, 1860.
Less than four years later the old fever came back to Mr. Raynor, and he organized another “Christy’s” Minstrels, and continued at its head until about January 1, 1866, when he laid aside business cares of that nature for good and all, settling down in Paterson, N. J., where he became one of its most honored citizens.
J. W. Raynor was born in Ireland March 31, 1823; he died in North Paterson, N. J., April 5, 1900.
George Kunkel began his career as a black-face performer in 1844. In 1853 he organized a minstrel company that became famous as the Nightingale Serenaders; they traveled until 1855.
In the latter year Mr. Kunkel became manager of a theatre in Baltimore, and continued in such until 1861, when he again reorganized his minstrel company for a tour. In 1866 the company was formed for the third time for a brief engagement, after which Mr. Kunkel played Uncle Tom, and for many years, or until shortly before his death, he appeared in that role, in which he was eminently successful.
He married Ada Proctor, the actress, about 1861.
George Kunkel was born in Green Castle, Pa.; he died in Baltimore, Md., January 25, 1885; aged 62 years.
Joseph T. Trowbridge was prominent as a bass singer and interlocutor.