“Jim” Johnson (Gallagher), an old-time banjoist, well known in his day and popular on the steamer “Banjo”, was born in New York about 1825; he died in New Orleans, La., November 22, 1875.
Dick Sliter was one of the world’s greatest jig dancers. His professional career commenced in the late 30’s, and he had been with many of the early famous organizations, notably Sanford’s Minstrels in 1859.
He also, with Johnny Booker, organized Booker and Sliter’s Minstrels, which was quite successful. Dick Sliter died in Jackson, Mich., May 21, 1861.
Jasper H. Ross was famed as a musical director and composer. His professional career began in 1847 with Spalding and Rogers’ Circus. Subsequently he played extended engagements with the minstrel companies of Carncross, Bryant’s, White’s, Rumsey and Newcomb’s and the San Franciscos.
He was born in Northampton, Mass., in 1826; he died in New York, September 8, 1889.
Jimmy Wells, once well-known as a manager, was a member of Ordway’s Aeolians in Boston for a lengthy period in the early 50’s.
He was born in New York in 1826; he died in Grand Rapids, Mich., March 16, 1893.
Sam Wells was prominent as a bass vocalist and interlocutor. He went to Europe in the middle 40’s with the Ethiopian Serenaders, and they created a sensation.
He was with several prominent minstrel companies located in New York up to 1855, when he sailed for California, where he was located with George Christy’s and other minstrel companies until December, 1863, when he went to New York, and after playing one week with Bryant’s Minstrels, returned to California.
Mr. Wells’ death was caused by being thrown from a horse in California, August 27, 1864; he was 38 years of age.