It has been stated that Mr. Long joined this company when he was ten years of age; this is clearly erroneous, as the little band was not organized until 1843, probably in the late Spring or early Summer.
Mr. Long played a banjo, one of his own making.
Charles G. Long was born in Carlisle, England, December 20, 1827; he died in Selma, Ala., January 28, 1908.
Fred Burgess was for many years co-proprietor with “Pony” Moore at St. James Hall, London, England, of Moore and Burgess’ Minstrels.
Mr. Burgess was a shrewd business man, and possessed intellect out of the ordinary. At one time he was a member of Kunkel’s Nightingales, an early minstrel company in the United States.
| CLARENCE BURTON | HY. RUMSEY |
| BILLY HUNTLEY | EDWIN FRENCH |
| OSCAR WILLIS | EDMOND G. CORBIN |
BRIGHT LIGHTS OF THE BANJO.
In the fall of 1864, at Glasgow, Scotland, he was engaged as agent for Moore, Crocker, Hamilton and Ritter’s Minstrels; about a year later he secured St. James Hall, in the British metropolis, and a few years later, “Pony” Moore having bought out Hamilton and Ritter, and the death of Crocker paved the way for a partnership; the organization subsequently and for many years was known as Moore and Burgess’ Minstrels.
Mr. Burgess was twice married; his second wife was Miss Ellen Meyrick.
Fred Burgess was born in Providence, R. I.; he died at Finchley, England, July 26, 1893; age 66 years.