Sam Sharpley (Sharpe) was one of the most famous minstrel comedians and banjoists of his day. He first appeared professionally at the age of 16.
In 1858 he went to Sanford’s Minstrels in Philadelphia, where he became a great favorite. In 1860 he associated himself with John L. Carncross in Carncross and Sharpley’s Minstrels; that same year he also was partner with Birch and Sharpley’s Minstrels.
In the Fall of 1862 he launched his famous “Iron Clads” Minstrels. From 1865 to 1867 he was associated with Tony Pastor in the management of what is now known as the People’s Theatre in New York. In 1872 he formed an alliance with Swaine Buckley, and subsequently with Sheridan and Mack in minstrel organization bearing their names. He was a natural wit and a great entertainer.
| FRANK CUSHMAN | HARRY C. SHUNK |
| NAT. HAINES | CHAS. J. STINE |
A QUARTETTE OF CORKERS.
Sam Sharpley was born in Philadelphia, June 13, 1831; he died in Providence, R. I., January 1, 1875.
Harry Leighton, long and favorably known as a vocalist, did an end with Vogel’s Minstrels, April 16, 1908.
Archie Hughes (Arthur Hughes), was one of the biggest favorites of Hooley’s great minstrel company in Brooklyn, N. Y., many years ago.