Subsequently he assumed control of what is now known as the National and Casino Theatres in the same city, the former on February 6, 1871; the latter August 23, 1873.
He retired from the management of the Grand Central Theatre, June 24, 1876, and took the management of Matt Morgan’s Variety Company. This was his last theatrical enterprise.
Mr. Mortimer was twice married—first to Effie Walters, who was later known as Florence Stover, and later to Ida Morris; both were professional ladies.
Wm. A. Mortimer, the well-known actor of Corse Payton’s Stock Company, is his son.
Joseph Mortimer was born in Harrisburg, Pa.; he died there January 6, 1880.
THE MORRIS BROTHERS.
The careers of Lon and Billy Morris were practically contemporaneous.
Their first professional appearance was made at Charlotte, N. Y., in 1845, at a very early age.
About 1852 they joined Ordway’s Aeolians in Boston, where they remained five years, and met with such success that, in conjunction with Johnny Pell and J. T. Huntley, they organized a company bearing their names, and opened at the Howard Athenaeum in Boston, December 25, 1857.
Early in 1859 Mr. Huntley withdrew from the organization, and Jos. Trowbridge was taken as a partner.