Chapter X: Introduction (10)

Early in 1867 Mr. Hughes and his partner joined Griffin and Christy’s Minstrels in New York. Subsequently they appeared successfully with Hooley’s Minstrels in Brooklyn, N. Y., and with Bryant’s, also Kelly and Leon’s in New York. In 1869, with Mr. Hogan, he joined Buckley’s Serenaders for the season.

In 1870 Mr. Hughes began an engagement with Manning’s Minstrels in Chicago, where a few months later he was taken sick and finally forced to separate from Mr. Hogan.

The death of Mr. Hughes on the threshold of manhood robbed minstrelsy of one of its most brilliant luminaries.

Ruey Hughes was born in New York City; he died there, November 10, 1871; age 23 years.

SAGE RICHARDSON began his professional career as a member of the famous Holman troupe in 1864, at Toronto, Canada. His first minstrel engagement was with Cool Burgess’, later appearing with LaRue’s Minstrels.

Subsequently he joined hands with his brother John, and they played the variety houses until 1880, when he doubled with Charley Young, later playing an engagement with Cal. Wagner’s Minstrels; at the end of the season Mr. Richardson returned to California, and afterward reappeared in variety houses with his brother.

Sage Richardson was born in New York City: he died in San Francisco, March 8, 1883; age about 35 years.

I. W. BAIRD, who was proprietor and manager of the organization that bore his name for several seasons, commenced his professional career as a trick bicycle rider in 1866. In 1867 he joined Johnson’s Circus at Galesburg, Ill., and in 1872 was part proprietor of Smith and Baird’s Circus; in 1874 he controlled the privileges of the Great Eastern 6 Tent Shows.

In 1875 he organized the Baird-Howell Show, and the following year the first performance of I. W. Baird’s Mammoth Minstrels was given, and continued as an organization until 1889; Mr. Baird subsequently engaging in the real estate business in Portland, Ore.

I. W. Baird was born in Salem, Ohio; he died in Portland, Ore., January 2, 1908.

JERRY COHAN. It will be a surprise to most of the present generation to know that the daddy of the famous George M. Cohan ever appeared in black-face, but he did, and as a general dancer he ranked with the best; Mr. Cohan also could do things with the tambourine.

His first minstrel engagement was with Campbell and Huntley’s Minstrels as late (or early) as May, 1868. He joined Kelly and Leon’s Associated Artists in Baltimore, in the Summer of 1869; other engagements of a “dark” nature were Sam Sharpley’s and LaRue’s.

His last offense was the California (Joe Norcross’) Minstrels, which he joined at Springfield, Mass., December 5, 1879.

Jerry Cohan was born in Boston, Mass., January 31, 1848.

W. W. BARBOUR, well and favorably known as one of the prominent “leaders” of minstrelsy, began with Cal. Wagner’s Minstrels in the 70’s; subsequently he joined Haverly, and was with him for twelve years. Later he was a member of Cleveland’s Minstrels for two years, and with Geo. Wilson for three years.

He was also leader at Sam Jack’s Theatre in Chicago, and Frank Hall’s Casino in the same city.

His last engagement was at the Grand Opera House, New York.

W. W. Barbour died in Brooklyn, N. Y., September 5, 1899; age 51 years.

BILLY COURTRIGHT (Albert Courtright), the original “Flewy Flewy,” and one of the most versatile performers on the minstrel stage, began his professional career more than forty years ago. He was part owner of Blaisdell Bros. and Courtright’s Minstrels, who gave their initial performance at Rock Island, Ill., March 8, 1871.

Mr. Courtright subsequently joined John D. Gilbert in a black-face act called “Big and Little,” of which they were the originals; their first appearance in New York was at Charley White’s October 12, 1872. In November, 1873, Mr. Courtright joined Haverly’s Minstrels, and a few months later became a member of Arlington, Cotton and Kemble’s Minstrels in Chicago. Mr. Courtright was with Kelly and Leon’s Minstrels in 1877, and the following year went to Australia with them.

He subsequently rejoined Haverly’s. In the Fall of 1882, Courtright and Hawkin’s Minstrels opened in Philadelphia, as a permanent company. Mr. Courtright has been giving white face specialties in vaudeville for several years.

Billy Courtright was born in New Milford, Ill., March 10, 1848.

ROWLAND H. MAYLAND was well known as a flute soloist with many of the best minstrel organizations.

His first professional engagement was at Mrs. John Wood’s Theatre, New York, in 1864. Subsequently he joined M. C. Campbell’s Minstrels, later appearing with Hooley’s in Brooklyn, N. Y.; Buckley’s; Kelly and Leon’s; Geo. Christy’s, and Seaver’s Minstrel Hall, Brooklyn, N. Y.

He last appeared professionally with Neil Bryant’s Minstrels about thirty years ago.

Rowland H. Mayland was born in New York, February 16, 1848.

LEW PARKER, the present manager of the Crescent Theatre in Brooklyn, N. Y., 1910, was an acrobat in 1860. Doesn’t time fly?

This 1860 “affair” was with the Myers and Madigan Circus, which, Mr. Parker declares, was the first railroad show in America.

About 1863 he joined Skiff’s Minstrels; subsequently Mr. Parker was with the Oriental Minstrels; as might be surmised, this was a “turkey” show.

A tour of South America with Pickering’s Minstrels followed.

Other black face organizations that were graced by the presence of Mr. Parker were Johnny Thompson’s Minstrels, and the California Minstrels; with the latter he sat on the end opposite “Kerry Gow” Joe Murphy.

The team of Lew and Pauline Parker played the variety houses from 1873 to 1885.

About twenty-five years ago Mr. Parker became general agent for the Buffalo Bill Wild West Show, in which capacity he traveled for several seasons.

Lew Parker was born in Savannah, Ga., May 12, 1849.

WALTERS and MORTON formed a partnership at East Saginaw, Mich., where they first performed August 12, 1872. As an acrobatic song and dance team they were ranked with the best. They played engagements with Arlington, Cotton and Kemble’s Minstrels in Chicago in 1874; subsequently with Neil Bryant’s Company.

Early in 1876 they were with Kelly and Leon’s Minstrels, where they continued about two years. In the Summer of 1876 they separated briefly, Mr. Walters joining Andy McKee August 28, that year, for a few weeks. Subsequently they came together, and continued until July 25, 1877, when they last performed jointly in Buffalo, N. Y.

Mr. Walters’ first appearance were with circuses; in 1864 he joined Rumsey’s Minstrels.

After separating from Mr. Morton he formed a partnership with Mark Hughes, making his last appearance with him at Cincinnati September 15, 1877. J. W. Morton formed a partnership with Billy Ashcroft about 1870, doing black-face song and dances for about one year. August 11, 1876, he became one of the Big Four, and continued as such about five years, part of which the Big Four Minstrels toured. Later, Mr. Morton had his own organization.

HARRY WOODSON

ARCHIE WHITE

CARROLL JOHNSON

NO DEARTH OF “DARKYS” HERE.]

He subsequently went to England and Australia, and formed a partnership with Tom Sadler. In 1890 he was conducting a hotel in New Zealand.

Charley Walters was born in Cardiff, Wales, May 17, 1849; he died in New York City January 31, 1878.

J. W. Morton (Sheppard) died March 30, 1907.

WELCH and RICE were two of the best exponents of neat songs and dances in minstrelsy.

About 1863 they attracted the attention of Jake Budd, who adopted them professionally, and named them Johnny and Willie Budd, the “Empire Boys.”

They had appeared before the public individually prior to the above event, each with Sanford’s Minstrels in Harrisburg, Pa.; Johnny Rice was with Charley Petrie before joining Welch.

With Jake Budd they played several seasons with Skiff and Gaylord’s Minstrels, and Buckley’s Serenaders.

They then left Budd, and opened with Simmons and Slocum’s Minstrels in Philadelphia, March 6, 1871, and continued intermittently with that company about six years.

They were with Haverly’s Minstrels in the Spring of 1878, and in the Fall of that year they were members of the original Mastodons, with whom they went to London in 1880, where they separated.

Mr. Welch embarked in the hotel business in England for awhile, but later returned to the United States, and assumed the management of Callender’s Minstrels for the proprietors, Charles and Gustave Frohman.

Mr. Welch’s last engagement was with Dockstader’s Minstrels in New York, April 29, 1887.

He was the author of several musical sketches, and was an intellectual performer.

Johnny Rice played variety and minstrel engagements after separating from Welch.

Billy Welch was born at sea, December 20, 1849; he died in New York City, May 7, 1887.

John Cornelius Rice was born in Harrisburg, Pa., November 6, 1852; he died in Chicago, November 23, 1887.

MASTER TOMMY (Thomas Henry Ryan) gave promise of attaining a high position in his chosen profession.

As a dancer and comedian he had already achieved prominence.

He died in New York, June 22, 1869; age 20 years.

GEORGE W. WOODS, famous as a great bone player with Haverly, also the San Francisco Minstrels, and who in 1892 did an act with J. H. Mack with the Muldoon Specialty Company, died in New York City, June 19, 1898; age 50 years; he was born in England.

* * * * *

BILLY WEST, BILLY EMERSON and BILLY RICE, minstrelsy’s three great “Billy’s,” died within fourteen days--exactly one week apart in 1902.

* * * * *

CHARLES F. LORRAINE made his first appearance on the stage in pantomime at the Brittania Theatre, London, England, in 1855, as a child, and while still a child gave a season of popular concerts at the Music Hall, Leeds, England.

His minstrel career began in 1867 as a member of Charles Christie’s Minstrels; next season he piloted his own troupe; other organizations were the Livermore Bros. Minstrels, where he remained some time; subsequent minstrel engagements were with Matthews Bros., and Sam Hague’s, all in England.

In 1882, Thatcher, Primrose and West; then Carpenter and Lorraine’s Minstrels; Barlow and Wilson; Barlow, Wilson and Rankin’s; Emerson’s; Cleveland, and Haverly’s.

Mr. Lorraine, in addition to being a vocalist, was an interlocutor of merit.

He married Miss St. George Hussey, who died in Detroit, Mich., October 9, 1910.

Charles F. Lorraine was born December 11, 1849.

GEORGE T. CLAPHAM, brother of Harry J. Clapham, joined Haverly’s Minstrels in 1875 as advance agent, remaining about one year; subsequently going to Haverly’s Adelphi Theatre in Chicago as advertising agent, where another year was spent.

In the early 80’s he assumed management of Thatcher, Primrose and West’s Minstrels, remaining in that capacity five years.

Later he was with Hoyt & Thomas, one season, and part of another was with H. R. Jacobs in Albany. After this he was agent for Lew Dockstader’s (road) Minstrels about three seasons; then with Archie Boyd.

Mr. Clapham was with J. H. Haverly’s Minstrels on their last tour, about 12 years ago.

George T. Clapham was born in Albany, N. Y., April, 1849.

JOSEPH H. MACK was well known as a prominent minstrel agent and manager of such organizations as Kelly and Leon’s, Emerson’s California Minstrels and Hart, Ryman and Barney’s Minstrels, also manager of the Cleveland Baseball Club in 1880.

Joseph H. Mack was born in Buffalo, N. Y., May 10, 1849; he died at Hewitt, N. J., November 14, 1892.

HARRY FISHER, famous in the old Harrigan and Hart days for his unique German characterizations, played Uncle Tom in the latter’s “cabin,” in New York at the Olympic Theatre, in April, 1878.

Harry Fisher was born in New York City, July 21, 1849, and doesn’t care who knows it.

CHARLES DOCKSTADER was one of the most prolific producers in minstrelsy. He was something besides being a good song and dance performer, and was the author of many sketches, acts and songs.

His first appearance on the stage was in his native city as the child in “Pizarro,” with Edwin Forrest; his debut as a minstrel was also made in Cleveland some years later.

In September, 1878, he formed a partnership with Lew Clapp, opening in Jersey City, where they remained several weeks at a variety theatre as the Dockstader Bros. December 30, same year, they played their first minstrel engagement with Jerry Thomas’ Company in New York.

They began the season of 1880 with Carncross’ Minstrels in Philadelphia, and remained there, until December, 1881, when they opened with George Thatcher’s Minstrels in Philadelphia for a brief engagement. Subsequently they were with Haverly, and a return to Carncross, where early in March, 1883, owing to Mr. Dockstader’s illness he was compelled to separate from Lew Dockstader.

Later he did an act with William Lee as the “Dockstader’s;” also a sketch with Billy and Ella Watson in 1889. Of late years previous to his retirement he had been with dramatic companies.

Charles Dockstader was born in Cleveland, Ohio, September 28, 1849; he died in Pleasantville, N. J., October 20, 1907.

FRANK “POP” WARD, known everywhere as the “Terrible Judge” of vaudeville, began his professional career with Lent’s Circus in Newark, N. J., in 1871 as a trapeze performer.

In 1873 he became a member of the Orpheus Quartette, and remained with them until he organized the original Clipper Quartette in 1879, opening at Tony Pastor’s in New York City. Mr. Ward continued with the quartette through the various changes until its dissolution, about 1893, playing with Snellbaker’s “Majestics”; Hyde and Behman’s Company; McIntyre and Heath’s Minstrels; Thatcher, Primrose and West’s Minstrels; Nat Goodwin and many high-class farcical organizations.

Mr. Ward formed a partnership with John P. Curran in 1893, since which he has been most successfully appearing in vaudeville.

“Pop” Ward is considered a wonder in the profession he so ably represents, possessing all the energy and vim of a performer of half his years.

Francis T. Ward was born in New York City, January 4, 1849.

FRANK TURNER (Trainor) was one of the Three Turner Brothers who appeared successfully in the variety theatres for several seasons.

In Cincinnati, September 3, 1877, he formed a partnership with Albert Geyer, one of the three Geyer Brothers, doing black-face song and dances. His last appearance was at the Olympic Theatre, New York, November 12, 1877.

He died in New York City, November 17, 1877.

DENT. DELMANNING was one of the well-known Delmanning Brothers, a prominent song and dance team, who entered the profession about 1871.

They were with Whitmore and Clark’s; Cal. Wagner’s; Barlow, Wilson and Rankin’s and other well-known minstrel organizations.

He died in Brooklyn, N. Y., February 4, 1901.

AL. HAYMAN, of the great theatrical syndicate, was in minstrelsy, though the author has no record of his ever “blacking up.”

MRS. JAS. BUDWORTH

MRS. BOBBY NEWCOMB

MRS. E. N. SLOCUM

MRS. FRED BUCKLEY

MRS. “JACK” HAVERLY

MRS. DAN. BRYANT

MRS. J. R. KEMBLE

MRS. JOHN MULLIGAN

MRS. CHARLEY PETTENGILL

MRS. BILLY EMERSON

MRS. BILLY MANNING

MRS. BILLY RICE

WIVES OF FAMOUS MINSTRELS.]

Hiscox and Hayman’s Minstrels were organized in Australia in the Spring of 1880.

For further particulars see Willis P. Sweatnam.

BILLY FREAR, was an unusually versatile black-face performer, being equally proficient as a dancer, banjoist or comedian; as an end man he was especially clever. His first minstrel engagement was with Duprez and Benedict’s, about 1865; he was quite popular with this company, and equally so with Carncross and Dixey in Philadelphia subsequently.

His first wife was Millie Blair, a well-known song and dance artist; later he married a Miss Rogers. He died in Poughkeepsie, N. Y., December 28, 1888; age 41 years.

CHARLES W. COGILL made his first appearance with his brother in San Francisco; later he formed a partnership with Fred Cooper.

In May, 1877, Cogill and Cooper built and opened the Adelphi Theatre in the California metropolis, and conducted it for several months.

Mr. Cogill subsequently joined George Reynolds after the death of the latter’s brother in 1878; the alliance did not last long, and again he joined his brother, together they went to Australia, where they were great favorites. They opened in Sydney in April, 1885, later going to Melbourne, where they had their own theatre, and where they remained twelve years.

About 1900 Mr. Cogill returned to America, and rejoined Cooper in a song and dance act.

Charles W. Cogill was born in New York; he died in San Francisco, March 16, 1903; age 53 years.

JOHN M. TURNER (McTurney), a really great banjoist, formed a partnership with J. K. Buckley in a banjo act in the middle 70’s; they severed their business relations November 11, 1876.

Mr. Turner was married in 1872.

For several years prior to his death he had not been actively engaged in his profession.

John M. Turner was born in New York about 1850; he died there September 4, 1907.

“BERNARDO” (Thomas White), a prominent female impersonator in the “good old days,” according to Frank Dumont, appeared as early as 1867 with Ned Davis’ Olio Minstrels as Master J. Buckley.

He was with Hooley’s Minstrels in Brooklyn, N. Y., two years later, playing under his own name, Thos. White.

He joined Lew Benedict’s Minstrels in July, 1872, subsequently he was associated with the San Francisco Minstrels in New York in 1875; the same year he joined Hooley’s Minstrels in Brooklyn, N. Y., and in 1878 was a member of Charley Morris’ Minstrels. He was with Bryant’s in New York, also Haverly’s Minstrels.

In May, 1877, with Charley Sutton, Francis Wilson and Jimmy Mackin, he launched Mackin, Wilson, Sutton and Bernardo’s Minstrels.

“Bernardo” died in Brooklyn, N. Y., November 21, 1880.

CHARLEY GLIDDEN was an “Oyster Can Moke” with the late Fred. Huber in 1879.

He is now a successful citizen of Seattle--and Seattle is said not to be sad.

GEORGE GALE, famous for many years with many companies as a burlesque lyric artist and tenor vocalist, made his professional debut with Harry Robinson’s Minstrels at Coldwater, Mich., about 35 years ago; probably a little less than that--at any rate, he later joined Haverly’s Minstrels, and afterward Barlow, Wilson, Primrose and West’s organization.

While with Hyde and Behman’s Minstrels he was one of the members of the Clipper Quartette.

Mr. Gale was located in Philadelphia with Carncross’ Minstrels, and in Chicago with Haverly’s Home Minstrels.

Mr. Gale was also with McNish, Johnson and Slavin’s Minstrels, as well as various high-class farcical companies.

At present he is now of the Clipper 3--Gale, Wensley and Manchester.

George Gale is a finely preserved man for his age--which was “accidentally” not given to the author.

JAMES B. FREAR was several years a minstrel, but abandoned that profession some time before his death for the more domestic one of barber.

He died in Poughkeepsie, N. Y., January 6, 1885.

NED WAMBOLD, the well-known comedian, and who was a nephew of Dave Wambold, made his first appearance in his native city with the Congo Minstrels, July 1, 1869.

He was associated in the management of his own company with E. M. Hall and E. M. Kayne; the organization bore their names and started from Chicago, April 10, 1875. In the Fall of 1879 he joined Joe Norcross’ California Minstrels, and late in December the following year he was a member of Kyle’s “Christy” Minstrels, who endeavored unsuccessfully to revive minstrelsy in Boston. He was also connected with several variety and other minstrel shows during his comparatively brief, but very successful career as a comedian.

Ned Wambold was born in Newark, N. J.; he died there April 18, 1882.

GEORGE F. MOORE was the originator of the noiseless Essence dance, and a performer versatile to a degree.

His first appearance was made with Hooley’s Minstrels in Brooklyn, N. Y., at the age of fourteen. At 18 he married Kittie Henderson, and they did sketches for several years, when the act was augmented by “Baby” Moore. November 12, 1879, he married Kittie Parker, the banjoist, in Denver, Colo.

He had several companies of his own prior to going to England in July, 1887, where he played the music halls until his death.

George F. Moore was born in Cambridge, Mass., July 6, 1850; he died in Liverpool, England, October 21, 1890.

THE AMERICAN TEAM were originally two distinct song and dance acts, WAYNE and LOVELY, COTTON and BIRDUE. They formed an alliance in the Spring of 1876, and after a few brief engagements in the United States, sailed for England, opening in London, June 26, 1876.

They were a sensation in the English capitol, also in Paris. Early in 1878 the four disbanded.

Ben Cotton, who was a son of the noted minstrel of that name, married Mrs. Mary E. Marshall in London, June 28, 1877, and about a year later returned to the United States, and appeared with Ward and Webb’s Minstrels in the Spring of 1879, and Norcross’ California Minstrels in the Fall of the same year.

As early as 1865 he was with Cotton and Murphy’s Minstrels as Master Bennie.

Birdue and Wayne formed an alliance and played with Hague’s Minstrels in the Fall of 1878.

Bob Birdue had various partners before associating with Ben Cotton, notably Richard Golden and Edw. B. Daily, well-known now in Boston.

Burt Wayne (Bout) died in Liverpool, England, March 13, 1879.

Joe Lovely died at Manchester, England, May 21, 1882; age 35 years.

Ben Cotton, Jr., died in Bristol, R. I., October 26, 1880; age 26 years.

Bob Birdue died in Liverpool, England, October 8, 1879.

HARRY WATSON, one of the funniest Dutchmen on the vaudeville stage, began his professional career in Milwaukee, Wis., in 1859, doing a black-face song and dance for John Ryan. Mr. Watson worked for his board only, and got it.

Subsequently he played many engagements in black-face; we’d like to see him do it now.

GOSS and FOX were one of the best black-face song and dance teams in minstrelsy.

They formed an alliance in the early 70’s, and were with Haverly’s Minstrels at the organization of that company in November, 1873. In January, 1878, they were with Simmons, Slocum and Sweatnam’s Minstrels in Philadelphia. The following season they joined Harrigan and Hart’s Company in New York and remained with them several seasons.

Mr. Goss’ partner prior to meeting Mr. Fox was Lew Hallett; and as Hallett and Goss played an engagement with Cal. Wagner’s Minstrels, closing December 31, 1871.

Mr. Goss’ first appearance was at Acker’s Garden, Troy, N. Y.

Ned. Goss was born in Cohoes, N. Y., September 4, 1848; he died in New York City, April 16, 1882.

James Fox, who was a brother of Ned Fox, was born at Little Falls, N. Y., March 28, 1853; he died at Amsterdam, N. Y., November 10, 1887.

PAUL DRESSER, whose many songs were widely sung with many minstrel companies, was a member of Billy Rice’s Minstrels about 1885.

He was born in Terre Haute, Ind.; he died in New York, January 30, 1906.

H. Livermore, G. Livermore, C. Livermore, C. F. Lorraine, L. Livermore.]

November 3, 1886.]

AL. G. FIELD (Alfred Griffith Hatfield) has been a name to conjure by in various parts of the Union for a period of nearly a quarter of a century; merely to announce that the famous minstrel and his company were to appear at a given place was practically saying that the minstrel loving population would turn out _en masse_ to greet them.

Nearly everyone knows all about Mr. Field’s career from the inception of the Fields’ Minstrels to date; but how many are aware of the famous comedian’s early struggles he went through before he reached the goal of success? It is a pleasure for the author to recount them.

Al. G. Field first appeared professionally at Jeffries Hall, Brownsville, Pa., about 1871; he performed in the old nigger act of “Handy Andy”; he attracted the attention of that famous minstrel Sam Sharpley, and became a member of his company, officially known as Sharpley, Sheridan, Mack and Day’s Minstrels; this was in the Winter of 1871. The following season he joined Bidwell and McDonough’s “Black Crook” Company; subsequently he appeared with the California Minstrels, and Tony Denier’s “Humpty Dumpty.” In November, 1876, he became a member of Haverly’s “Blackbirds of a Nation,” one of the many minstrel companies controlled at one time by that astute manager.

Mr. Field’s other minstrel engagements were with Simmons and Slocum’s in 1877, and Duprez and Benedict’s, in 1883. In May, 1875, he paid a visit to Peter Sells’ and his circus, and in conjunction with McIntyre and Heath put on a minstrel first part, also did a monologue. Mr. Field’s success was so pronounced on this occasion that he not only continued during the balance of the season, but for ten consecutive years was associated with the famous Sells organization during the tenting seasons, in the capacity of performer, also filling responsible executive positions.

In the Spring of 1884 Mr. Field organized what is now the Hagenbeck-Wallace Show, opening at Peru, Ind., April 27; he remained with them as manager until September 9, 1886.

On the sixth day of October, 1886, the Al. G. Field’s Minstrels were organized; the company numbered 27 persons, and gave their initial performance at Marion, Ohio. The rest we all know.

Mr. Field claims that his minstrel company was the first to carry their entire stage setting and scenery, and the first to build and operate a special train of cars.

May 10, 1910, the company was incorporated.

Al. G. Field was born near Morgantown, W. Va. (but at the time Virginia), November 7, 1850.

SEAMON and SOMMERS were an excellent black-face song and dance team who formed an alliance in the middle 70’s.

In the Fall of 1877 they were with Neil Bryant’s Minstrels; subsequently they were with other first-class organizations until December, 1880, when with the Girard Bros, as the “Grotesque 4” they began an engagement with Thatcher and Ryman’s Minstrels in Philadelphia. Early in 1882 Seamon, Sommers and the Girard Bros., in conjunction with Lester and Allen, formed the “Funny 6.”

Charley Seamon met with great success as Reuben Whipple in “Way Down East”; he was equally successful with Russell’s famous “City Directory” prior to that.

Tom Sommers was the husband of Carrie Boshell, of the well-known Boshell Sisters, once of Carter’s Zouaves.

Charles V. Seamon died at Sheffield, Mass., July 27, 1898.

Tom Sommers (Thos. Eugene Sommerville) died at St. Paul, Minn., September 12, 1891.

FRED BRYANT (Snyder) began his professional career with Charley West about 1875, doing a musical act as Bryant and West; they continued as partners about three years.

In 1878 he joined William F. Hoey, and as Bryant and Hoey they gave one of the greatest black-face musical acts ever seen.

In 1882 the combination of Evans, Bryant and Hoey formed a company called the “Meteors.”

About two years later Mr. Bryant withdrew, and subsequently played mostly in the variety houses.

As a cornettist he ranked with the best.

Fred Bryant died in New York City, June 22, 1894.

JOSEPH BROOKS, the well-known theatrical magnate, now located in New York City, was formerly a minstrel magnate. When? August 24, 1881, the season of Brooks, Dickson and Clapham’s Minstrels was inaugurated.

FRANK HOWARD (Parlimenta), once of the Clipper Quartette, and also of the famous minstrel act of Adams, Casey and Howard, is in business in New Jersey.

DAVE FOY was several years as a clown with Robinson’s Circus, commencing about 1876; subsequently he was with the “Two John’s” Company; as late as 1887, with Lizzie Foy, he played the principal vaudeville houses.

Season of 1891-92 he was with Primrose and West. In 1890 he joined Carncross’s Minstrels in Philadelphia; during the World’s Fair in Chicago, he played with Haverly; subsequently returning to Carncross, where he was quite popular; his excessive avoirdupois contributed in a small measure to his success.

Dave Foy was born in Philadelphia, where he died October 16, 1900.

JABEZ FREETH, interlocutor and bass singer in the California Quartette, was prominently identified with the minstrel companies of Haverly, Emerson and several others.

He died in San Francisco, Cal., July 11, 1882.

ADAMS AND LEE were a prominent black-face musical team who formed a partnership in the 70’s. In 1878 they were with Haverly’s Mastodons.

Mr. Adams was subsequently of the team of Adams, Casey and Howard.

Mr. Lee later did considerable concert work with Billy Huntley. As a banjoist Mr. Lee excelled.

James E. Adams died in New York, December 4, 1897.

John H. Lee died in San Diego, Cal., September 7, 1890.

JOHN E. HENSHAW, famous for many moons for his comedy work in various successful productions, played the tambourine on the end with a minstrel show in June, 1871.

The following year he was with Harry Robinson’s Minstrels, and for several seasons was of the black-face song and dance teams of Henshaw and Lawton, and Henshaw and Ginniven. In 1879 he was with the California Minstrels. So you see Mr. Henshaw has qualified to become a permanent resident of “Monarchs of Minstrelsy.”

WALLY GIBBS, a well-known black-face comedian, who was with the Megatherian Minstrels in 1879, died in Warwick, Mass., April 22, 1893.

BARNEY FAGAN (Bernard J. Fagan) is justly recognized as the world’s greatest general dancer; as a producer, he ranks second to none.

Mr. Fagan made his first professional appearance in his native city at the famous Howard Athenaeum in 1860, as the Cabin Boy in the “Pilot of Brest.” He remained at this theatre several seasons. In 1865 he played his first minstrel engagement with the Morris Brothers in Boston. In 1870 Mr. Fagan went to St. Johns, N. B., and appeared with Pete Lee’s Minstrels.

In 1873 he joined Buckley’s Serenaders in Boston, and took Joe Parks as a partner; the next three years, Fagan and Parks, known as the American Lads, played variety engagements.

In 1876 he did the famous Heifer dance with Richard Golden in “Evangeline.” Mr. Fagan next joined John Fenton in a dancing specialty, and continued with him until 1878, when he formed a partnership with Lizzie Mulvey, which lasted one season.

Mr. Fagan in 1879 allied himself with Barlow, Wilson, Primrose and West’s Minstrels, and continued with them until the company’s dissolution in June, 1882; with this organization he was general producer and soloist.

Probably Mr. Fagan’s greatest achievement was in organizing and producing Sweatnam, Billy Rice and Fagan’s Minstrels, which gave their first performance at Albany, N. Y., July 25, 1887; this was the largest minstrel company that had ever traveled; 105 persons on parade; 88 in the regular company; incidentally that show was just twenty-three years ahead of its time; in other words, Sweatnam, Rice and Fagan’s minstrels are about due again.

Subsequently Mr. Fagan was with Thatcher, Primrose and West; Barlow, Wilson and Rankin’s; and Cleveland’s Minstrels; with the latter organization sitting on the opposite end to Luke Schoolcraft.

Outside of minstrelsy Mr. Fagan has appeared successfully in white-face in such plays as “Paradise Alley,” and his own company, “A High Roller,” the latter in 1890.

Some notable marches were the “West Point Cadets”; the “Phantom Guards” and “The Dance of the Popinjays”; the latter being one of the cleverest conceits ever seen in minstrelsy.

Mr. Fagan was general producer for Corinne for several seasons, also with other notable companies.

As a song writer he is no less prominent; “Everybody Takes Their Hat Off to Me,” and “A High Born Lady,” each enjoyed great popularity.

SIG. RAFAELLE ABECCO

CHAS. HENRY

CHAS. MELVILLE

CHAS. TEMPLETON

J. B. MURPHY

“JACK” HERMAN

GEO. GRAY

TOM PRENDERGAST

OTIS CARTER

CHAS. LOCKWOOD

TOM LESLIE

JOHN F. OBERIST

SINGERS OF THE 60’s.]

Likewise did this versatile genius write some very clever plays, notably--“The Land of Fancy,” “The Game of Love” and several others. Mr. Fagan has been playing with Henrietta Byron, of the Byron Sisters, since 1895.

Barney Fagan was born in Boston, Mass., January 12, 1850.

“EUSTACHE” (George Worrell Culbertson), until February, 1878, was known as George Robinson. He attained prominence as a female impersonator, and made his first appearance with Dan Shelby, at his variety house in Buffalo, N. Y.

His principal minstrel engagements were with Harry Robinson, and Cal. Wagner’s.

“Eustache” is said to be a native of Piqua, O.; he died at Buffalo, N. Y., April 30, 1884.

WILL H. MORTON (Bushman), well known as an able interlocutor and singer of motto songs, was one of the original members of Haverly’s Minstrels of 1873; subsequently he did sketches with “Bernardo.”

Mr. Morton was the husband of Lily Post, the favorite light opera singer.

Will H. Morton died in Pittsburgh, Pa., November 2, 1895.

EDWIN HARLEY, a well-known vocalist of the old Haverly days, made his first appearance as a member of Maguire’s Minstrels in San Francisco, February 23, 1874. Mr. Harley is said to be comfortably situated in the railroad business in the great Northwest.

EDDID FOY (Fitzgerald), the “famed farceur with the funny face,” was a black-face song and dance man more than thirty years ago. He was of the team of Foy and Thompson; they began an engagement at Carncross’ Minstrels in Philadelphia, as late as January 22, 1883. This was before Mr. Foy had dark designs of donning the habiliments of Hamlet.

HARRY BUDWORTH (John B. Kearney) was well known as a capable comedian, and was associated with some of the best minstrel organizations.

His professional career began in the early 70’s, and ended shortly before his death, when he achieved considerable success appearing in vaudeville in Charles Horwitz’s “A Royal Visitor.”

Harry Budworth died in Philadelphia, April 2, 1901.

JAMES H. DECKER began his professional career in an executive capacity with Cooper and Bailey’s Circus in 1879, and continued with them for three seasons.

Minstrelsy first knew him also in 1879, when he was with Hooley and Emerson’s Megatherians. In 1881 he joined Sells Brothers Circus, and the following year was assistant agent with Leavitt’s Gigantean Minstrels.

In 1883 he returned to Sells Brothers, and continued with them three years. Mr. Decker was so highly esteemed by his associates, that in November, 1883, they presented him with a gold watch charm.

At the conclusion of the circus season in 1886, Mr. Decker finally decided to cast his lot with minstrelsy. Accordingly on December 20, 1886, he joined McNish, Johnson and Slavin’s Minstrels as general agent; he continued with this company until the end of the following season, when he joined Thatcher, Primrose and West’s Minstrels; subsequently he was with Primrose and West’s Company, severing his connection with them December 21, 1889.

His next engagement was with George Thatcher’s Company, and in 1892, in conjunction with Al. Primrose, formed Decker Brothers Minstrels. Since then he has been identified in a managerial capacity successively with Primrose and West’s; Primrose and Dockstader’s; Primrose’s, and lastly Dockstader’s Minstrels.

At the present time he is General Manager of the booking department of the Shubert theatrical forces.

Mr. Decker, who is an indefatigable worker, can see nothing in minstrelsy except that which he is identified with at that precise moment, and like most successful men, has enemies galore.

James H. Decker was born in Albany, N. Y. See records for exact date.

CHARLES M. ERNEST (McClenehan) was an extraordinary brilliant black-face performer, and as a straight man in acts was especially clever.

He was prominently identified with William H. West’s Minstrels in the late 90’s, and at one time was a partner of Tom Lewis.

Shortly previous to his death, in conjunction with George Thatcher, he gave a mythical minstrel first part scene in vaudeville with pronounced success.

He was once the husband of Cora Beckwith, the well-known swimmer.

Charles M. Ernest was born in Jackson, Tenn.; he died in Harrison, N. Y., May 21, 1907.

FRED FREAR joined Moore and Burgess’ Minstrels in London, England, at the age of seven years as a ballad singer; later he developed into a fine song and dance performer and female impersonator. He was with that company for fourteen years.

He died in London, England, August 12, 1889; age 25 years.

SHARPLEY AND WEST, the well known black-face musical act, made their appearance as a team in Hoboken, N. J., about 1878, and continued until the death of the former; during which period they played the best variety houses and organizations.

Previous to forming a partnership with Fred. Sharpley, Mr. West had been associated with Charley Hanson, whom he joined in 1872.

Later he did an act with Sam Dearin, the latter was then known as Billy Bryant.

Mr. West subsequently joined Fred Bryant, and as Bryant and West were associated about three years; then came Sharpley and West.

Fred Sharpley was born in Montreal, Canada, January 17, 1856; he died in Chicago, Ill., March 23, 1888.

Charley West was born in New York City, June 18, 1850.

ARCHIE BALDWIN (Stockmar), famous as one of the team of Baldwin and Daly, whose “Happy Hottentots” was one of the best black-face acts on the variety stage, died in Havana, Cuba, January 7, 1900; age 47 years.

HARRY LANSING (Zebley) an old-time female impersonator, was with Simmons and Slocum’s Minstrels in Philadelphia in 1874; in 1879 he was with Haverly’s Minstrels.

About the middle 80’s he had as a partner, Harry Constantine; together they played the variety theatres.

Harry Lansing died (murdered) in Philadelphia, February, 1887.

NOLAN KELLY, of the black-face song and dance team of Sarony, Waters and Kelly, also Waters and Kelly, died in London, England, April 15, 1893.

WM. H. BRYANT (O’Brien), a nephew of Dan, Neil, Jerry and William T. Bryant, and the son of a father who was a non-professional, played with Neil Bryant’s Minstrels in 1878; he was a comedian.

He died in Portland, Me., April 29, 1890; age 38 years.

EMIL AMES. This clever performer was of diminutive stature, and a good comedian. He was with Jerry Thomas’ Minstrels in 1878, and with Haverly in Chicago a few years later, also other prominent organizations.

Emil Ames died in Chicago, Ill., March 3, 1892.

BILLY RICHARDSON won fame as a stump speaker, but was likewise a good end man, or corner man, as they call them in England, where Mr. Richardson’s professional career was chiefly spent as a member of Sam Hague’s Minstrels. He came to the United States with the latter organization, and made his first New York appearance January 2, 1882.

The following year he was with Haverly’s Minstrels; subsequently he returned to his native land.

He married Miss Mary O’Hagan, May 17, 1871.

Billy Richardson was born in England about fifty-five years ago, maybe sixty; we hope it is no worse.

THE DEVERE BROS. joined hands about 1876, and up to the time of Tommy Devere’s death played the principal variety theatres; William Devere then joined Robert Wilson, appearing as Devere and Wilson; after a brief season William Devere joined George DeVere, and as the Devere Brothers continued until December 2, 1882, William Devere then taking the business management of the National Theatre in Hackensack, N. J.

William Devere (Bell) died in New York City, December 14, 1882.

Tommy Devere (Braun), died in New York City, April 2, 1880; age 24 years.

CHARLEY ATKINS, who has long since retired from active theatricals, and embarked in mercantile pursuits in New York City, was once the partner of Joe Fox, of Fox and Ward; this was in the late 60’s; though Mr. Atkins doesn’t look it.

SHER. CAMPBELL

J. K. CAMPBELL

J. C. (“POMP”) CAMPBELL

TOM WILLIAMS

DICK RALPH

HARRY ARMSTRONG

THE “CAMPBELLS ARE HERE,” ALSO TOM, DICK AND HARRY.]

“CINCINNATUS” (Michael O’Connor), one of the best neat song and dance men in minstrelsy, began life as a newsboy in Cincinnati. He was a regular attendant of Newcomb’s Minstrels in the Queen City; it was here that he first saw Billy Emerson, and at once became an ardent admirer of him. Young O’Connor attracted the attention of manager W. W. Newcomb, who gave him an opportunity to appear, which he did week of October 12, 1868, under his own name, as a jig dancer, but taking that of “Cincinnatus” in the songs and dances.

“Cincinnatus” made no secret of the fact that he imitated Emerson, which he did with great fidelity. He soon attained great popularity in the West. His next engagement was with Lewis and Murphy’s Minstrels, opening at St. Louis, July 24, 1869.

His first New York appearance was with Newcomb and Arlington’s Minstrels, April 17, 1871.

May 5, 1873, the “Cincinnatus” Minstrels took the road for a brief period, opening at Xenia, Ohio. April 15, 1878, he formed an alliance with John Hogan, and as Hogan and “Cincinnatus” they made their first appearance at the London Theatre, New York.

“Cincinnatus” died at Xenia, Ohio, April 25, 1882.

BOOKER AND CANFIELD constituted one of the truly great song and dance teams of minstrelsy. Both performers were short in stature, and each began their careers in the circus business.

In 1871 they formed a partnership, doing an acrobatic song and dance, subsequently they went to South America with Chiarini’s Circus; returning to the United States they became members of Cal. Wagner’s Minstrels, where they were a sensation.

Their success was so great that several managers competed for their services; J. H. Haverly was the lucky bidder, and they joined his company in December, 1873, remaining five years at probably the highest salary ever given a song and dance team, viz: $300.00 per week, and 5 per cent. of the net profits, it is said.

Other prominent organizations they were associated with were--Emerson’s, in Chicago, Welch, Hughes and White in Brooklyn, and Moore and Burgess in London, England.

They are credited with being the first black-face team to play in Paris, France, where they sang “Moonlight in Cape May” in French; subsequently they played in Berlin, Hamburg, Vienna and Madrid, singing the same song in the language of the respective countries.

They also played engagements in India, China, Japan, Java and Australia.

Returning to this country in 1881, they organized their own company, and in May, 1882, the long partnership ceased.

Mr. Canfield was identified for many years with the famous Hoyt farces, and was co-star with George Richards in these plays for several seasons. His last engagement was with David Warfield in “The Auctioneer.” He was a brother of John Canfield, of the vaudeville team of Canfield and Carleton.

Harry Booker did an act with George A. Booker (Dingle), after leaving Mr. Canfield, and at the present time is in vaudeville.

Eugene Canfield (Francis Ramie Canfield), was born in Utica, N. Y., May 3, 1851; he died in New York City, May 4, 1904.

Harry Booker (M. H. Egan), was born near Bowling Green, Ky., July 28, 1850.

JOHN TURNER, a good song and dance performer, at various times was associated with Billy Lester and James Roche in black-face specialties; he was also of the team of Cummings and Turner.

He died at Kansas City, Mo., November 26, 1877; age 27 years.

THE BARLOW BROTHERS were one of the best-known song and dance teams in minstrelsy. In 1867 they were performing at the Bowery Theatre, New York City.

In 1871 they were with Morris Brothers Minstrels, closing February 3, 1872; in September, the following year, they joined Simmons and Slocum’s Minstrels in Philadelphia; they did a plantation song and dance turn there which they called “Quit Dat”: perhaps most of us picture that act. April 10, 1877, at Cynthiana, Ky., saw the first performance of Barlow Brothers Minstrels, an organization that toured the country for about fifteen years.

The Barlow Brothers were with Harrigan and Hart’s Company in 1882; their last joint minstrel engagement was with Ed. Bartlett’s California Minstrels, November and December, 1898.

The following season brother Bill put in at Dumont’s Minstrels in Philadelphia, where he did an act with that “prince of pianists,” Tom Waters.

James Barlow (Arthur), was born at Mount Savanage, Md.; he died at Roscoe, Pa., August 4, 1900; age 51 years.

William Barlow (Arthur), is at present in retirement in Pittsburgh, Pa.

BILLY ARNOLD (Wm. Henry Garrett Arnold) made his first appearance at the Louisville, Kentucky Opera House, doing a sand jig dance at the tender age of eight years, and says he has been dancing ever since--with occasional interruptions for food and sleep.

About 1865 he doubled with his brother Amos, doing songs and dances; and in 1873, the alliance was further strengthened by the addition of the youngest brother, Frank, being known as the Three Arnold Brothers; Eugene Stratton became the fourth “brother” a few years later, and together they played the principal variety companies of the country.

The three Arnolds were with the original Haverly’s Mastodons at the opening at the Adelphi Theatre, Chicago, October 21, 1878; later Billy Arnold’s own minstrels took the road, and he has been with several prominent organizations since, notably Hooley’s Minstrels in 1881, and Billy Rice and Hooley’s Minstrels in 1882.

Billy Arnold is best known to the public as a great tambourine manipulator, and was the acknowledged champion as early as 1877; his feat of spinning two tambourines at one time was invariably encored during the overture on the first part.

Some years ago Mr. Arnold married Lida Gardner, daughter of the famous Dan Gardner. Both are actively engaged in their profession.

Billy Arnold was born in Louisville, Ky., July 10, 1850.

AMOS D. ARNOLD began as a black-face performer with his brother Billy, singing “Sally Come Up” at the age of ten; most of his career was in conjunction with his two brothers.

He was born in Louisville, Ky., February 28, 1855; died at San Francisco, Cal., March 16, 1886.

FRANK ARNOLD (Francisco Virello Fortinetti Arnold) could dance from the time he reached his seventh year. His first professional appearance in conjunction with his two brothers was made at Mortimer’s Varieties (the present National Theatre), Philadelphia, in “The Old Man’s Drunk Again,” a well-known vehicle for many prominent black-face performers; this was in 1873, and with his brothers they likewise met with great success. In 1875 the three brothers played an engagement of seven months at 585 Broadway, New York City.

Frank Arnold was born in Louisville, Ky., June 28, 1858; he died at Denver, Colo., January 22, 1892.

LEWIS H. DAVIS made his first appearance about 1867 with the late Richard Golden, doing black-face songs and dances; they were billed as Masters Lew and Dick. Their first engagement was with Wheeler’s International Circus, following this they were with Smith, Davenport and Golden’s Variety Company. Early in 1868 Allie’s Mexican Knife Throwers Company claimed their services, and part of the season of 1869-70 they played an engagement with Sam Sharpley’s Minstrels. Later with Golden he joined and did songs and dances with Bob Birdue.

After this and until his untimely death, which occurred in the dressing-room just prior to the performance, he was associated with Billy Chace, and as Chace and Davis they played the principal variety houses of the country, also an engagement with Sweet and Thornton’s Lady Minstrels, in the Spring of 1875.

Lewis H. Davis was born in Bangor, Me.; he died (suicide) at St. Johns, N. B., August 3, 1878.

BILLY BARRY, one of the funniest Irish comedians our stage has ever known, did black-face business for many years before “McKenna’s Flirtation” with Mary Ellen Ryan.

He was with Haverly’s Minstrels in 1868, leaving that organization on December 8, that year.

September 12, 1870, he opened with Welch, Hughes and White’s Minstrels in Brooklyn, N. Y., being billed as the “Great Western Comedian,” subsequently he played an engagement with Simmons and Slocum’s Minstrels in Philadelphia. And for several seasons at Pastor’s Theatre in New York City, he played black-face parts in the stock.

Mr. Barry was married to Miss Fanny Fordham, and at the time of his death was survived by seven children--Lydia, Emma, Clara, Robert, Frank, Charles and William J.

Billy Barry was born in Ireland; he died in Brooklyn, N. Y., April 15, 1898; age 48 years.

BILLY DIAMOND (Bates), a good general performer, was connected with several of the older minstrel organizations, notably the Morris Brothers, with whom he made his first appearance in his native city at the age of 10.

In 1881 he married Minnie Blaich, at Newark, N. J.

He died at Boston, Mass., January 14, 1893.

“PONY” MOORE

EPH. HORN

FRED. WILSON
(The oldest living minstrel)

LEW. BENEDICT

DAN. BRYANT

“GENTLEMEN, BE SEATED.”]

BOBBY MCGOWN was a first-class clog dancer, and was the first partner of George Primrose, whom he joined in E. Saginaw, Mich., about 1870. With Primrose he played the variety houses, and an engagement with O’Brien’s Circus.

He died (drowned), at Holyoke, Mass., August 22, 1875.

ARCHIE WHITE (Moak), known to patrons of minstrelsy for over forty years, began his professional career in the late 60’s, and early took as a partner, Frank White, of Auburn, N. Y., with whom he did double songs and dances; later they formed an amateur minstrel show, visiting nearby towns. His first regular engagement was with the Park Theatre Company of Brooklyn, N. Y.; it lasted one consecutive week.

In 1870 he became a member of Blaisdell Brothers and Courtright’s Minstrels, opening at Portage City, Wis.; it was with this company that chance gave him an opportunity to do an “end”; and he did it well; this engagement lasted thirteen months. Next came a series of variety engagements. In 1873 he became a “member” of the famous Peak Family of Bell Ringers, doing a genteel song and dance.

His next prominent engagement was with Harry Robinson’s Minstrels; with this company he formed a partnership with the late Charles T. Ellis, of “Casper, the Yodler” fame. After this Mr. White played variety theatres for two years, then a short trip with one of Haverly’s Minstrel companies.

After Lew Benedict withdrew from the Duprez and Benedict organization, Mr. Duprez, who continued to use the trade-mark, chose Mr. White as his late partner’s successor; he joined the company at Scranton, Pa., September 17, 1877, and remained eight years.

Of late years Mr. White has been successful in rural drama, appearing in the plays “Joshua Simpkins” and “Uncle Josh, in Chinatown.”

At the present time he is actively engaged in vaudeville, giving his old darky delineations, of which he is a master.

In the early minstrel days Mr. White ranked high as a tambourine manipulator.

Archie White was born in Cherry Valley, N. Y., January 20, 1850.

PRESS ELDREDGE (Preston W. Eldredge), whose sobriquet of “The Commander-in-Chief of the Army of Fun” is known wherever the vaudeville language is spoken, began his stage career at the New Bowery Theatre in 1863, at a benefit for J. W. Lingard; his offering was “Johnny Schmoker,” in Dutch dialect.

His black-face career dates from 1876, at which time he entered the variety business, doing a monologue successfully for two years. In 1878 he made his first minstrel appearance with Harry Bloodgood’s Minstrels, doing an “end,” and as comedian, the tour was a brief one, and returning to New York he resumed his variety engagements until 1880, when he joined Snellbaker and Benton’s Majestic Consolidation, under canvas. In 1881 he opened the American Theatre, New Haven, Conn., as a variety house, remaining until January, 1886, when he went to Koster & Bial’s, 23rd Street Music Hall, New York City, as stage manager and producer. In November, the same year, he made his initial bow at Carncross’ Minstrels in Philadelphia, and continued there until April, 1891, at which time he went to Moore and Burgess’ Minstrels in London, England, and played a year’s engagement. In May, 1892, he joined Haverly’s Home Minstrels in Chicago, and stayed there until the company went on tour in November, 1893.

Then came a riotous round of vaudeville, solid until 1906, when Al. G. Field showed him a handsome parade suit and the diagram of the Field private car--and something else and--well, the season of 1906--and 1907, saw Mr. Eldridge back among 11.45 boys for a period of about ten months; since then, vaudeville. Mr. Eldridge was married some years ago to Louise Sanford, from whom he subsequently separated.

Press Eldredge was born in Philadelphia; guess when.

GEORGE HORN, was sometimes called “Eph. Horn, Jr.” He was a comedian and very well known in Philadelphia, where he died June 28, 1904.

BURT SHEPARD, recognized as a clever female impersonator in his early career, commenced professionally with Haverly’s New Orleans Minstrels about 1874, and continued with them three years. In 1878 he became a member of Sweatnam’s Minstrels in Philadelphia, and at the close of the season joined Billy Emerson and the Big 4 Minstrels; season of 1879 and 1880 was spent with Carncross’ Minstrels in Philadelphia; he then joined the Thatcher, Primrose and West Company, and was with them practically from their inception to their dissolution; later he was identified with Thatcher and Rich and Harris’ “Tuxedo” for two seasons.

1892-93 saw Shepard and Billy Rice’s Minstrels, while a year later Burt Shepard’s Modern Minstrels took the field.

In 1895 Mr. Shepard was with Cleveland’s Minstrels, where he officiated in the middle, in addition to doing a black-face specialty; season of 1896-97 was devoted to vaudeville. In 1897 he went to England, and subsequently to Paris, South Africa and Australia, all the time meeting with unqualified success with his monologue and parodies at the piano.

Burt Shepard was born; of that I am sure, but just when or where, he neglected to state.

FRED B. MALCOLM, the “male soprano,” and an exceedingly clever one, was a protege of the late Jessie Bartlett Davis, and acquired his early musical education from E. L. Bartlett, father of Mrs. Davis.

His professional career began with the Bartlett Sister’s Concert Company, which was brought to a sudden termination by the death of Miss Arabella Bartlett. Two years were then spent in variety theatres.