Joseph Jefferson was born in Philadelphia, February 20, 1829; he died at Palm Beach, Fla., May 23, 1905.
Billy Coleman, a good general black-face performer and banjoist, a favorite of Charley White’s Melodeon in New York City in the 50’s, at one time associated with George W. Charles, the wench dancer, died in New York City June 4, 1867; age 38 years. He had retired from the profession about five years prior to this.
Sher. Campbell (Sherwood Coan) was conceded to be the greatest baritone singer that minstrelsy ever knew, although in his earlier days he had a fine alto voice. His first appearance was with Campbell’s Minstrels in 1849, in New York City, where he remained several years, subsequently joining Murphy, West and Peel’s Minstrels, with whom he continued a few seasons; later he was with E. P. Christy’s Minstrels in New York, and went to California with them in 1854, afterwards joining Backus’ Minstrels there, going to Australia with that company.
Returning to San Francisco in 1856, he remained there with different companies until 1858, when he joined George Christy’s Minstrels, returning to New York in May, 1859. The following year, with G. W. H. Griffin and R. M. Hooley, they organized Hooley and Campbell’s Minstrels.
August 5, 1861, he opened with Bryant’s Minstrels in New York; he remained two years; this was his last minstrel engagement. Later the Castle-Campbell Opera Company was organized, and Mr. Campbell’s success in that form of entertainment was in every respect equal to his minstrel triumphs.
Sher. Campbell was born in New Haven, Conn., May 16, 1829; he died in Chicago, November 26, 1874.
George W. Bailey, one of the early minstrel performers, who was with Sharpley’s and other first-class organizations, and who was a clever “straight” man and interlocutor, died at Milford, Mass., July 2, 1891; age 62 years.
The 11TH ST. OPERA HOUSE, PHILADELPHIA.
Now and for nearly sixty years a home of permanent minstrelsy.
