Chapter IV: Introduction (4)

JOHN MULLIGAN was an altitudinous comedian, and in the old nigger acts with performers of immature stature, in the ludicrous make-up he invariably affected, he was screamingly funny. His first professional appearance was with Raymond and Waring’s Circus; his first minstrel engagement was with the Perham Company more than fifty years ago. Mr. Mulligan appeared for several seasons in the various variety houses controlled by George Lea.

In June, 1866, he commenced an engagement at Hooley’s Minstrels in Brooklyn, remaining fifteen months; subsequently he was with the San Franciscos in New York.

January 2, 1871, when Hooley invaded Chicago, Mr. Mulligan was with his company.

Mr. Mulligan was most happily married, and his domestic life was an ideal one.

John Mulligan was born in New York City, 1827, where he died July 28, 1873.

CHARLES CHRISTIE, who had various companies bearing his name, notably one in England about 1866, died in Kansas City, Mo., February 12, 1897; age 69 years.

FRED WILSON. The distinction of being the oldest living minstrel undoubtedly belongs to the subject of this sketch, who made his first appearance about 1843, and for four or five years allied himself with many of the various minstrel companies that sprang up after the success of the parent organization.

In 1848 he joined “Bije” Thayer’s Minstrels, a prominent Boston Company.

While Mr. Wilson was not the first to do clog dancing in this country, he was undoubtedly the first to do so in a minstrel company.

In the Fall of 1858 he joined Bryant’s Minstrels in New York, and about December 1, that year, made his first appearance in Boston with the Morris Bros., Pell and Trowbridge’s Minstrels, where he made a lengthy stay.

April 29, 1861, he opened with Lloyd’s Minstrels in New York, closing May 25, following. Later he went to China in a government capacity, but not liking the cooking in the Celestial Empire, returned to the United States, arriving January 25, 1864.

(Charley) Morris and Wilson’s Minstrels opened at their permanent home in St. Louis, April 10, 1865; the partnership was dissolved in February, 1867.

Fred Wilson’s Minstrels toured for two or three years, and then Mr. Wilson made another foreign trip; but returned in the Summer of 1871.

In 1872 he was with Cal. Wagner’s Minstrels, and in 1875 made another foreign invasion, remaining abroad five years, returning in 1880 and joining Haverly’s Minstrels. Subsequently Mr. Wilson, whose specialty for many years had been clog dancing, except in 1852 when he was a clown in a circus, took up executive duties with many minstrel and other organizations. He also promoted several attractions of his own.

Fred Wilson was born in Boston, Mass., November 9, 1827.

SAM HAGUE, the famous English minstrel manager, began his career as a clog dancer.

He visited the United States in 1850 with his brothers Thomas and William; later he was a partner of Dick Sands, also Tim Hayes.

He toured the United States for several seasons with Hague’s Concert Company, and in 1865, with Cal. Wagner, formed Wagner and Hague’s Minstrels.

He also organized Hague’s Georgia Minstrels, a company of negro performers, and gave the first performance at Macon, Ga.

Later they sailed for England, and opened at Liverpool, July 9, 1866, and scored a failure. Subsequently Mr. Hague engaged white performers for the principal parts, and retaining some of the colored men, gave a performance that achieved success.

He organized a permanent minstrel company in Liverpool, and opened there in St. James Hall, October 31, 1870, and remained eighteen years, after which they made brief tours, up to the time of Mr. Hague’s death.

He visited the United States with Hague’s British Operatic Minstrels, opening in Philadelphia, September 12, 1881.

Sam Hague was born in Sheffield, England, in 1828; he died in Liverpool, England, January 7, 1901.

GEORGE L. HALL has the distinction of being the oldest living minstrel balladist. His first appearance was at Georgetown, D. C., October 14, 1848, with the Beck Family.

Mr. Hall has long since retired from active theatricals, but during his long career as a vocalist he was associated with some of the most famous organizations in minstrelsy.

Among the most prominent ones that may be mentioned are: Sanderson’s, in Baltimore; Sanford’s, in Philadelphia; George Christy’s, and Bryant’s, in New York; Skiff and Gaylord’s, Johnny Booker’s, Sam Price’s and Boyce and Mudge’s.

Wm. D. Hall, the well-known minstrel and author, in Philadelphia, is a son of Mr. Hall.

Geo. L. Hall was born in Baltimore, Md., May 5, 1828.

CHARLEY FOX was one of the most popular comedians and banjoists of his day.

His first appearance was in 1848. About 1854 he came to New York, and for many years was identified with the best permanent organizations. He was of the original company of Bryant’s Minstrels, New York, February 23, 1857.

BILLY WELCH

JOHNNY RICE

(WELCH & RICE.)

EDDIE GIRARD

WILLIE GIRARD

(GIRARD BROS.)

J. MELVILLE JANSEN

GUS. BRUNO

(KNOWN AS JOHNSON & BRUNO.)]

He was with Lloyd’s Minstrels in 1861, and several seasons with Wood’s Minstrels; all in the metropolis. His last appearance was December 22, 1864.

Charley Fox was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., November 15, 1828; he died in New York City December 26, 1864.

GEORGE H. COES was a splendid “straight man”, possessed a fine voice, and was an excellent banjoist.

He went to California about 1852 from the east, and identified himself with several minstrel companies there. He remained a few years, and then returned to New York, where he opened with Wood and Christy’s Minstrels, October 15, 1857. In the Spring of the following year he again went to California, where he appeared with George Christy’s Minstrels. In 1859, with Sam Wells, he organized Coes and Wells’ Minstrels in California.

A few years later he again came East, subsequently joining the Morris Brothers’ Minstrels in Boston. He left them February 13, 1866, and on the following March 5, he was at the opening of Seaver’s Minstrels in Brooklyn, N. Y., in the theatre that is now known as the Novelty. A year later, with S. S. Purdy and Frank Converse, Purdy, Coes and Converse’s Minstrels were organized.

Mr. Coes flayed stock engagements at Pastor’s, Bob Butler’s and John Hart’s theatres in New York City for many years. He formed a partnership with Luke Schoolcraft in 1874, which terminated in 1889.

George H. Coes was born in Providence, R. I., about 1828; he died in Cambridge, Mass., March 16, 1897.

* * * * *

Arthur Moreland, Bobby Newcomb and Luke Schoolcraft were born on three successive days, respectively, in 1847.

* * * * *

JERRY BRYANT (O’Brien) was the oldest of the famous Bryant Brothers; he was an excellent comedian, and was especially good on the “bone end” of the minstrel first part.

He made his initial appearance as a ballad singer in 1842. Billy Whitlock, the “father of minstrelsy,” first brought him before the public.

In 1844 he became a member of the Ethiopian Serenaders, subsequently appearing with the Operatic Brothers and Sisters. In June, 1847, he formed one of the _original_ Campbell’s Minstrels, organized in New York City.

The following year he played in London, England, with Major Dumbleton’s Ethiopian Serenaders. In 1849 he returned to America and made a tour of the country, and on April 8, 1850, he opened with Earl Pierce’s Minstrels at No. 442 Broadway, New York City; subsequently he went to Boston, where he met with much success with Ordway’s Aeolians.

When George Christy seceded from the E. P. Christy Minstrels, in New York, October 1854, Jerry Bryant took his (Christy’s) place, and remained with the company until it disbanded, on July 15, 1854; in September, the same year, he went with E. P. Christy’s Minstrels to California, and continued until the final dissolution of that company took place, a short time after their arrival. In San Francisco he next managed the San Francisco Minstrels, in conjunction with Eph. Horn and Sher. Campbell. In 1855 they went to Australia, subsequently returning to the United States, and on Monday, February 23, 1857, in conjunction with his brothers, Dan and Neil, and about ten others, the first performance of Bryant’s Minstrels was given in New York City, at Mechanics’ Hall, No. 472 Broadway.

Mr. Bryant was married in the Spring of 1859; his widow subsequently became the wife of Thomas Donaldson, proprietor of the London Theatre, New York.

Of Jerry Bryant it may be truthfully said that he was one of the most capable and popular performers that ever blacked up.

His last appearance was with his own company, April 2, 1861.

Jerry Bryant was born in Chesterfield, N. Y., June 11, 1828; he died in New York City April 8, 1861.

MICKEY WARREN was one of the most famous of the early jig dancers. He appeared with Charley White’s Minstrels in New York City in 1849, and was for a long time with Bryant’s Minstrels in the same city.

He died in New York City May 14, 1875; age 47 years.

HY. RUMSEY was one of the greatest banjoists of his day. In the middle 50’s he joined Campbell’s Minstrels, and continued with them until 1857, when, with W. W. Newcomb, he organized a company bearing their names, which traveled in the United States and Europe until 1862.

Mr. Rumsey subsequently organized Rumsey’s Minstrels, and traveled with it for several seasons.

He was one of the earliest performers to give imitations of the bell chimes on the banjo, and unlike most of his contemporaries, Mr. Rumsey invariably played while in a standing position.

Hy. Rumsey was born July 12, 1828; he died in Newburgh, N. Y., September 9, 1871.

THOMAS L. MOXLEY was known as “Master Floyd” in his earlier career, which began with Kunkel’s Nightingales in the 50’s; he remained with them several seasons, chiefly as a female impersonator. He was the last survivor of that famous company.

He was born in Baltimore, Md., and died there July 7, 1890; age 62 years.

JAMES CARROLL was a capable and efficient “middle man” and vocalist of Bryant’s Minstrels in New York City at the time of his death there, April 11, 1861; age 32 years.

G. W. H. GRIFFIN was one of the prominent men of minstrelsy; he excelled as an interlocutor, had a fine voice, was an actor of merit and was intellectual to a degree.

His first appearance was in 1850 with the Boston Harmonists in Palmyra, N. Y. In 1853 he joined Wood’s Minstrels in New York, and continued with them when the organization, a few months later, was known as Wood and Christy’s Minstrels. With the latter company he remained until May, 1854, when he went to California with George Christy’s Minstrels. A year later he returned East, and on February 6, 1860, in conjunction with Sher. Campbell and R. M. Hooley, he organized Hooley and Campbell’s Minstrels. This company continued until July 13, 1861.

October 28, following, Mr. Griffin and Mr. Hooley organized the famous Hooley Minstrels, giving the first performance in New York on that date.

Mr. Griffin severed connection with this company in August, 1862.

Season of 1862-63 he was with Bryant’s Minstrels in New York, and the following one with Hooley in Brooklyn, N. Y., and continued with him until 1866.

Early in 1867 Mr. Griffin and George Christy’s Minstrels were established in New York, where their final appearance was made September 23, same year.

Later Mr. Griffin was identified with the following well-known minstrel organizations: Kelly and Leon’s; Hooley, in Chicago, and Unsworth’s.

His last minstrel appearance was in Brooklyn, N. Y., January 8, 1875, with a venture of his own.

Subsequently he appeared in the variety theatres. His last engagement was with Harrigan and Hart Company, in Boston, Mass., June 7, 1879.

G. W. H. Griffin was born in Gloucester, Mass., March 21, 1829; he died in Brooklyn, N. Y., July 11, 1879.

JOSEPH JEFFERSON.--This famous American comedian, whose long association in the character of Rip Van Winkle endeared him to the hearts of thousands, at the age of four years, in Washington, D. C., was brought on the stage by the immortal “Daddy” Rice, and danced Jim Crow before an admiring audience.

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.

Now and for nearly sixty years a home of permanent minstrelsy.]

472 Broadway, New York City; for many years the home of Bryant’s Minstrels. Only a memory now.

TWO FAMOUS MINSTREL EDIFICES; PAST AND PRESENT.]

P. S. GILMORE, who organized and led for many years the famous band bearing his name, was a member of Ordway’s Aeolians in Boston, 1851, where he sat on the end and played the tambourine. June 24, 1851, he began an engagement in Hartford, Con., with the above company.

P. S. Gilmore was born near Dublin, Ireland, December 25, 1829; he died at St. Louis, Mo., September 24, 1892.

“DAD” SARRISSEY (William H. Blackledge), an old-time banjoist and comedian, played several engagements at Charley White’s in New York, also Bryant’s Minstrels in the same city. His last appearance was about 1869.

He was born in New York City in 1829; he died there December 15, 1889.

BEN MALLORY was especially well known as a dancer. He was with E. P. Christy’s Minstrels in New York, and in the same city was one of the original members of Bryant’s Minstrels in 1857.

He was born in New York in 1829; he died in Savannah, Ga., November 2, 1859.

BEN COTTON. One of the truly great names in minstrelsy was Ben Cotton--not so great in 1845, when running away from home, yet early in his teens, he joined the Amburgh Circus, as in 1906 he made his final appearance at Tony Pastor’s, New York City, doing, not the aged darky act, by which character he was most familiarly known, but the dandy of the present; the beard he had been wont to wear for many years was shorn for this occasion. It was no longer “old Ben Cotton,” but “young Ben Cotton” that the audience received and applauded. Only the initiated could have known that the “darkey” before them was 76 years of age, and it is the writer’s proud boast that he was at Pastor’s to give Ben Cotton a “hand” on his entrance, and remaining until the evening performance, again led with the veteran’s reception; and Ben Cotton “made good.”

When Julian’s Serenaders opened the famous Eleventh Street Opera House (then known as Cartee’s Lyceum), in Philadelphia, December 4, 1854, he was a member of the company. His next prominent engagement was with Matt Peel’s Minstrels. Here he made a big success as “Old Bob Ridley”, a character portraying the aged negro, which he did with remarkable fidelity. Afterwards he was on the steamer “Banjo”, which plied the Mississippi River, giving entertainments on board, stopping at the various towns on its course. This engagement gave him an opportunity to study the negro at close range, which he was quick to take advantage of, and it served him in good stead during his entire career.

Returning to New York, Birch and Cotton’s Minstrels played a successful engagement at No. 444 Broadway; and in 1862 they went to San Francisco, this being Cotton’s first appearance there. He remained under Tom Maguire’s management for three years.

With Joe Murphy, Cotton and Murphy’s Minstrels were organized about March 1, 1865; the organization continued two years, when, Murphy retiring, it became Cotton’s Minstrels.

In 1870 he joined Manning’s Minstrels in Chicago, playing an extended engagement there. Later Arlington, Cotton and Kemble’s Minstrels were launched in the same city, and met with such success that a theatre was built especially for them. Accordingly, Myers Opera House, Chicago, was opened with this company September 23, 1872.

Early in 1875 he was with Billy Emerson’s Minstrels at Hooley’s Theatre, Chicago, and that same year, with Dave Reed, opened the Twenty-third Street Opera House, New York, which had lately been vacated, owing to the death of Dan Bryant. The company was known as Cotton and Reed’s Minstrels.

A short season of management at Wood’s Museum, Chicago, not proving successful, with his wife and daughter he produced and played for many years “Faithful Bob”; later this play was known as “True Devotion”.

In 1878 he returned to minstrelsy for a few months, forming an alliance with Cal Wagner, known as Cotton and Wagner’s Minstrels.

In 1886 Birch and Cotton’s Minstrels again took the road; following this, he played a few seasons in California with a repertoire company.

Engagements of late years were character parts in “The War of Wealth”, “The New South” and “As Ye Sow”.

Ben Cotton was thrice married.

Ben Cotton, Jr., who is dead, and Idalene Cotton, who is the wife of Nick Long, are his children.

Ben Cotton was born in Pawtucket, R. I., July 27, 1829; he died in New York City, February 14, 1908.

ANTHONY NISH was well known for many years as a minstrel “leader.”

His first theatrical appearance was in the 50’s, with Parham’s Minstrels. July 11, 1857, he sailed for England with Raynor and Pierce’s “Christy” Minstrels, opening in London, August 3, following.

He continued with this company for a lengthy period, later organizing a troupe of his own. He finally returned to London, and was with Moore and Burgess’ Minstrels for many years.

He was born in New Castle, England; he died in London, England, October 3, 1874; age 39 years.

J. B. MURPHY was a well-known composer, vocalist and manager. He had been with Beler’s Campbell Minstrels in 1861, and with Lloyd and Bidaux’s, where he commenced an engagement January 21, 1867.

He died in Jersey City, N. J., July 13, 1871.

GEORGE W. HERMAN (Simonson), well and favorably known as a black-face comedian and banjoist, and a brother of J. A. Herman, died in Brooklyn, N. Y., about August, 1882.

JOSEPH MORTIMER (Mocherman) began his professional career in the variety theatres as a black-face banjo player; later he was with Gardner and Forepaugh’s Circus.

His first managerial experience was with the Canterbury in Philadelphia in 1864.

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.

Subsequently, through the death of Pell and the retirement of Trowbridge, the company was known as the Morris Minstrels, and as such they opened in St. Louis, Mo., November 6, 1867.

About two years later the organization disbanded, and Lon and Billy Morris took up other pursuits.

Both were comedians of ability; Lon was the tambourinist and Billy the bones of the troupe.

CHARLEY MORRIS, who was at various times agent, performer and manager, began his theatrical career simultaneously with his brothers in 1845, and was associated with them practically until July 27, 1861, when, in conjunction with W. H. Brockway and John E. Taylor, he organized a company, opening at Gloucester, Mass.

In 1863 Mr. Morris was associated in the management of the Morris Minstrels with Add Weaver; April 10, 1865, with Fred Wilson, he opened in St. Louis, Mo., a permanent minstrel company that was successfully run until the dissolution of the partnership, February, 1867.

Mr. Morris subsequently conducted his own minstrel companies until about 1878, and about a year or so later retired from active management.

Mr. Morris excelled as a banjoist.

Lon Morris was born in Fort Erie, N. Y., May 15, 1830; he died in New York, May 6, 1882.

Billy Morris was born in Rochester, N. Y., April 11, 1831; he died in Boston, Mass., October 11, 1878.

Charles A. Morris was born in Rochester, N. Y., March 27, 1834; he is now a guest of the Actors Home in Staten Island, N. Y.

* * * * *

SAM SHARPLEY, NELSE SEYMOUR, JAMES UNSWORTH, JAMES BUDWORTH and DAN BRYANT--all died within a hundred days in 1875.

* * * * *

“POP” REECE (Lewis M. Reece) was an old-time performer. As early as June 18, 1856, he was a member of Dave Reed’s Minstrels on the steamer “James Raymond.”

He died in Brooklyn, N. Y., December 18, 1890; age about 60 years.

HANK. GOODMAN

MATT. PEEL

W. W. NEWCOMB

JOHNNY BOOKER

FAYETTE WELCH

NELSE. SEYMOUR

JOHN A. MACK

“PONY” MOORE

NEIL. BRYANT

THE OLD GUARD.]

DAVE BRAHAM, whose catchy melodies did so much to make Harrigan and Hart’s series of plays so successful, was long in the minstrel business, and as early as May 13, 1862, played at the Academy of Music, New York.

He was born in England, and died in New York City, April 11, 1905; age 65 years.

“YOUNG DAN EMMETT” (Harry Huntington), a comedian who was with several minstrel companies, died in Elmira, N. Y., July 15, 1861.

DENNY GALLAGHER, one of the best known of black-face performers about fifty years ago, entered the profession about 1848, doing Irish songs and dances in white face.

In conjunction with Andy Leavitt and John Mulligan, they formed a trio which for genuine black-face comedy has never been excelled. They played three years at the Melodeon in New York.

Denny Gallagher was born in New York in 1830; he died in Philadelphia, November 23, 1868.

MIKE MITCHELL was one of minstrelsy’s greatest dancers.

He had his own minstrel company on the road in the 50’s, and had been associated with many first-class organizations.

He died in Victoria, B. C., January 13, 1862; age 32 years.

CHARLES KOPPITZ, a famous musician, who achieved prominence in other lines, was with George Christy’s Minstrels in California in 1858 in the capacity of musical director.

He was born in Holstein, Germany; he died in St. Johns, N. B., June 22, 1873; age 43 years.

DAVE CARSON was another performer and manager who was best known abroad. He sailed for Australia in 1853, and for many years played in every section of that country.

He returned to New York about 1869, and after appearing here for a while he again went abroad.

He was born in New York about 1830; he was living as late as 1875.

DAN HOLT, a well-known black-face performer in the South many years ago, died in New Orleans, La., October 10, 1867.

TOM PRENDERGAST was a prominent tenor vocalist.

He was one of the original members of Bryant’s Minstrels in New York, opening February 23, 1857. In 1864 he was with Hooley in Brooklyn, and had been associated in minstrel ventures with Cool. Burgess, Archie Hughes and D. C. La Rue.

He retired about a year previous to his death, which occurred in Utica, N. Y., March 6, 1869; age 39 years.

ALBERT JONES (Silcox) was a good comedian and general performer; in Boston and Chicago, he was especially well known, having been connected with prominent companies in those cities.

He died in Boston, Mass., November 25, 1866; age 36 years.

WILLIAM N. SMITH at the time of his death was considered one of the greatest bone players in minstrelsy.

He had played many engagements with various companies. He was the first to give imitations of the snare drums with the bones.

Owing to an accident, he was compelled to retire from the profession, which he did April 18, 1867. He died in New York, February 4, 1869.

MIKE O’BRIEN, an old-time banjoist and ballad singer, who had been with Sanford’s and other minstrel companies, died at Algiers, La., April 28, 1869.

EDWIN HOLMES, a popular minstrel tenor, who was with Duprez and Green’s and later Duprez and Benedict’s Minstrels for about six years, commencing in 1862, died in Boston, Mass., July 11, 1879.

NED GREENLAND was one of the best beloved characters in theatredom. Though many years dead, his praises are yet sung to-day. He was treasurer and business agent for Hooley’s Minstrels in Brooklyn, N. Y., for several seasons.

He died in Brooklyn, N. Y., August 4, 1883.

MIKE KANANE, a famous dancer in the good old minstrel days, died in San Francisco, Cal., December 7, 1886.

STEPHEN B. BALL was a famous vocalist of Ordway’s Aeolians in Boston as early as 1851; he retired about 1856, and became director of the choir of the Old School Street Church in that city. He was a fine singer and vocal teacher.

He died in Boston, Mass., September 27, 1881.

HARRY LEHR. Of this famous minstrel’s talents and abilities there was no divergence of opinion; manager, critic and performers were unanimous in their verdict that he never had a superior as a comedian. One manager, John L. Carncross, went further and declared that he never had an equal.

His first professional appearance was with a small minstrel company in Camden, N. J., February 22, 1846.

At the age of 16 he organized a troupe of his own.

In 1852 he was with Kunkel’s Nightingales, and subsequently with Rumsey and Newcomb’s Minstrels, with whom he remained until the Spring of 1861. Subsequently he became a member of Hooley’s Minstrels in Brooklyn, N. Y., and in 1864 joined Carncross and Dixey’s Minstrels in Philadelphia and remained there for seven seasons.

In 1871-72 he was with Simmons and Slocum’s Minstrels, also in Philadelphia. In 1872 he re-joined Carncross and Dixey, and continued with them until November, 1875, when he made his final stage appearance.

Mr. Lehr was thoroughly legitimate in each character he portrayed; he was the “darky” in life as well as color.

Harry Lehr was born in Philadelphia, October 7, 1830; he died there September 10, 1881.

DAVE REED. The career of this famous old-timer practically began with minstrelsy itself.

He it was, with Dan Bryant, who did so much to popularize “Shoo Fly” more than forty years ago; and “Sally Come Up” will always be identified with his memory.

But as a bone player, Dave Reed is probably best remembered; his imitations of drums, horses running and the like were wonderful; the art practically died with him. Mr. Reed’s career began about 1844 with a small traveling company. He played in and around New York for several seasons and later went West.

June 18, 1856, Dave Reed’s Minstrels were the feature performance on board the steamer “James Raymond”, plying the Mississippi.

Mr. Reed was with Hooley’s Minstrels in New York in 1861; subsequently with the latter in Brooklyn. He joined Bryant’s Minstrels in New York in 1863; he was there when Dan Bryant died, April 10, 1875. In between, about 1868, he was with Kelly and Leon, also in New York.

About twenty-five years ago Dave Reed, his wife and four clever children made their appearance in vaudeville as the Reed Family; later they were known as the Reed Birds. He retired in 1903.

Dave Reed, Jr., the popular song composer, is his son.

Dave Reed was born in New York, November 18, 1830; he died there December 5, 1906.

BILLY BIRCH was a name to conjure with for many years, especially in the Metropolis. He made his first appearance in New Hartford, N. Y., in 1844 with a minstrel show, as an amateur.

His initial professional appearance was with the Raymond Minstrels at Stamford, Conn., in 1846.

Subsequently he was identified with many prominent organizations until 1850, when he appeared first in New York with Fellowe’s Minstrels.

When Wood and Christy were running two houses on Broadway, 444 and 472, Birch and Geo. Christy would simultaneously appear at their respective theatres in the first part, and would then proceed to the other theatre and finish their performance for the evening; this was about 1855. In 1851, with Sam Wells and Dick Sliter, he opened in San Francisco with Birch, Wells and Sliter’s Minstrels, and remained six years; under the management of Tom Maguire.

August 20, 1857, Mr. Birch sailed for New York, and a few days later was wrecked off the coast of Charleston, S. C.; he finally made his way to New York, where he played a brief engagement with Bryant’s Minstrels, commencing September 28.

In February, 1858, Birch’s Minstrels opened in Chicago; subsequently he was one of the performers on the steamer “Banjo,” which plyed the Mississippi River. Afterwards Mr. Birch was associated in several minstrel ventures with J. B. Donniker, Joe Murphy, Sam Sharpley and Ben Cotton. With the latter he formed Birch and Cotton’s Minstrels in San Francisco in 1862; likewise nearly a quarter of a century later (July, 1886) did these old minstrels reunite, and the great California metropolis again saw Birch and Cotton’s Minstrels.

September 15, 1864, Birch, Dave Wambold and Charley Backus opened in San Francisco as the San Francisco Minstrels, and in January, 1865, Wm. H. Bernard joined the organization. In March following they sailed for New York, and on May 8th, 1865, gave their first performance at 585 Broadway; four days previous they appeared in Newark, N. J.

The company continued at 585 until April 27, 1872; on August 28, 1872, as Birch, Wambold and Backus’ Minstrels, they opened at St. James Hall, the present site of the 5th Avenue Theatre; season of 1873-74 the company traveled, and on September 3, 1874, they opened at their own new theatre on Broadway, until when recently demolished, known as the Princess Theatre.

Their full names were, respectively, Gilbert W. Pell, Geo. A. Harrington (not Geo. Christy), Wm. White, Moody Stanwood, Francis Germon.]

They continued until 1880, when the company was known as Birch and Backus’ Minstrels, and remained as such until late in 1882, when it became Birch, Hamilton, and Backus’ Minstrels; this alliance was short lived, and the season of 1882-83 finished as Birch and Backus’ Minstrels.

August 27, 1883, Birch’s San Francisco Minstrels opened; December 3, “Jack” Haverly became a partner, but on December 29, 1883, the last performance of the famous San Francisco Minstrels was given in New York.

In the fall of 1884 with Harry Kennedy he again launched Birch’s San Francisco Minstrels, but lasted only a few weeks; in November, 1886, he returned to his “old home” as a member of Lew Dockstader’s Minstrels, for a short sojourn. In 1889 with Frank Moran he organized Birch and Moran’s Minstrels, and on July 17, 1890, he began his last minstrel engagement with Wm. Henry Rice’s World’s Fair Minstrels.

Birch was a typical comedian of the old school of minstrelsy.

Billy Birch was born in Utica, N. Y., February 26, 1831; he died in New York City, April 20, 1897.

CHARLES BACKUS, of the famous San Francisco Minstrels “quartette,” and one of the principal comedians of the organization, achieved wide fame for his impersonations of prominent actors, in which he was an adept.

He went to California in 1852, and two years later organized Backus’ Minstrels there; in 1855 he took the company to Australia, and a few years later organized Horn and Backus’ Minstrels; in 1859 he again went to Australia, and appeared as a negro clown in Burton’s Circus.

He returned to San Francisco in 1861, and after playing several engagements there, on September 15, 1864, was one of the organizers of Birch, Wambold and Backus’ Minstrels; his career from that time until his death was linked with that of Billy Birch.

Mr. Backus was married to Leo Hudson, the famous equestrienne; he was divorced in March, 1866; subsequently he married Miss Kate Newton, the well-known actress.

On October 17, 1876, in Philadelphia, he married Miss Tizzie Mason.

Charles Backus was born in Rochester, N. Y., in 1831; he died in New York City, June 21, 1883.

DAVE WAMBOLD, universally conceded as minstrelsy’s greatest balladist, made his first appearance with a small minstrel company in 1849; his New York debut was made with Donaldson’s Minstrels four years later; he subsequently appeared with Charley White’s Minstrels in the same city for two years.

In August, 1857, he opened with Raynor and Pierce’s Minstrels in London, England, and remained in Europe with various organizations for several years.

In addition to being a remarkable singer, it is not generally known, but nevertheless a fact, that Mr. Wambold was the first performer to do a Dutch part in black-face; his dialect was one of the best.

September 15, 1864, he organized with Birch and Backus the San Francisco Minstrels, opening in New York in May, 1865; he continued with the organization until May 1, 1880, when owing to ill health, he retired from minstrelsy, at Holyoke, Mass.

Mr. Wambold married Miss Isabella Young in Philadelphia, April 25, 1859.

Dave Wambold was born in Elizabethtown, N. J., April, 1836; he died in New York City, November 10, 1889.

* * * * *

Tom Lewis says that when making the parade in Lynchburg, Va., about ten or twelve years ago, a “rube” asked him (Lewis) what “society” it was. “Sons of Poor Parents,” replied Lewis.

Billy West, who happened to overhear the retort, also said something.

* * * * *

WM. H. BERNARD (White) was the greatest interlocutor, or middle-man, that minstrelsy has ever known.

He is credited with having organized the first minstrel company in San Francisco; this was in August, 1849; performances were in the Parker House, and patrons gladly paid $5.00 per ticket for the privilege of seeing the minstrels. “Those were the happy days.”

In the winter of 1849 he made a trip to the Sandwich Islands as one of the “New York Serenaders,” and in 1850 he went to Sydney, Australia, and gave the first minstrel performance that the big island ever saw; subsequently he went to India, and was the first to introduce minstrelsy there.

In January, 1865, he joined Birch, Wambold and Backus with their company in San Francisco, and until the Spring of 1872, when he retired permanently from the profession he so long and ably graced, he was associated in partnership with those gentlemen.

William H. Bernard was born in New York City, in 1830; he died there January 5, 1890.

CHARLES A. MORNINGSTAR, a well-known agent and manager of the 60’s, and proprietor of Morningstar’s Minstrels in 1863, was murdered near Mobile, Ala., December 27, 1871.

FRANK KENT was one of the early female impersonators, or wench dancers, as these performers were originally known.

In December, 1842, at the Franklin Theatre in New York, Master Kent appeared in a variety entertainment.

For many years he appeared with the various minstrel companies, notably Howard Burlesque Opera Troupe; San Franciscos in New York; Duprez and Benedict, in Philadelphia; Duprez and Green’s; Arlington, Cotton and Kemble’s in Chicago, and Morris Brothers, Pell and Trowbridge, in Boston. In all probability his last appearance in minstrelsy was with Wm. Henry Rice’s Company, commencing July 17, 1890.

Frank Kent was born in Salem, Mass.; he died in Cooperstown, N. Y., August 15, 1906; age about 75 years.

THOMAS P. BROWER, a brother of Frank Brower, one of the organizers of the first minstrel show, and himself a performer of ability, died in Philadelphia, March 15, 1867; age 37 years.

DUKE MORGAN, an old-time violinist and musician of the real early days of minstrelsy, died in New York City in October, 1881.

OTTO BURBANK was one of the best jig dancers in the early minstrel days, likewise a good comedian. He was prominently identified with some of the best minstrel organizations, notably Collins’ “Christy” Minstrels, in London, England, in 1862.

He died at Peoria, Ill., February 13, 1882.

HARRY PELL, an old-time black-face comedian, who was an excellent stump orator, played several minstrel engagements, notably with the Morris company in 1863.

He died in New York City, June 1, 1866.

JOHN CLUSKEY, at one time rated as one of the best dancers of his day, died at Albany, N. Y., September 17, 1864.

ALEXANDER ZANFRETTA, the famous pantomimist, played important minstrel engagements, notably with Simmons and Slocum’s, in Philadelphia, and with Haverly.

He died in Brooklyn, N. Y., May 14, 1899.

CHARLES H. DUPREZ was one of the great managers of early minstrelsy.

In 1852 he made his _entre_ into the profession at New Orleans, La., with the company that was afterwards known as Carle, Duprez and Green’s Minstrels. In 1858 the organization was known as Duprez and Green’s, and it remained as such until 1865 at Green Bay, Wis., when Mr. Green retiring, Lew Benedict purchased his interest, and Duprez and Benedict’s Minstrels were organized; Mr. Benedict retired from the company in 1876; Mr. Duprez continued on with the same trade-mark until about 1885, when retiring from minstrelsy he went into the hotel business in Lowell, Mass.

Charles H. Duprez was born in Paris, France, March 13, 1830; he died in Providence, R. I., August 31, 1902.

J. A. BASQUIN, a well-known minstrel singer, who was also known at various times as J. J. Roberts and J. Waterman, was a prominent member of Buckley’s Serenaders in the 60’s and early 70’s, also with Unsworth and Eugene in England in 1868.

J. A. Basquin was born in France; he died in Brooklyn, N. Y., January 27, 1872; age 42 years.

JOHN SIMPSON, prominent for many years as business manager of Bryant’s Minstrels, in New York City, died November 15, 1881.

WM. T. BRYANT (O’Brien), a brother of Dan, Neil and Jerry, a mediocre performer, was with Bryant’s Minstrels in New York at the time of his death, September 23, 1865.

JOE BROWN, one of the world’s greatest jig dancers, made his first appearance at Albany, N. Y., in 1844. His first New York engagement was in the fall of 1852; August 3, 1857, he opened with “Christy’s” Minstrels in London, England, remaining with, them until about 1860, when he joined Nish’s “Christy” Minstrels, opening in Cape Town, South Africa, August 20, 1862. Prior to the opening he and the company were shipwrecked, losing everything except his clothes; a handsome silver belt he won from Dick. Sliter in 1856 was amongst the things lost.

J. A. BASQUIN

A. BAMFORD

FRANK GIRARD

BILLY BARRY

“LITTLE MAC”

BILLY RICE

“MERRY MINSTREL MEN.”]

Returning to England in 1863, he organized Joe Brown’s “Christy” Minstrels, visiting Egypt and India; returning to London, opened at St. James Hall, June 11, 1866. In 1868 he paid a brief visit to the United States, then returned to England.

Joe Brown was born in Buffalo, N. Y., January 2, 1830; he died in Glasgow, Scotland, October 25, 1883.

C. D. ABBOTT was a prominent musician of the early days of minstrelsy, when those performers were artists in their respective lines, and each one was a soloist.

He died at La Salle, Ill., May 20, 1864.

* * * * *

WM. HENRY RICE made his first minstrel appearance September 19, 1859; “Daddy” Rice died exactly one year later.

* * * * *

BILLY BLAIR, the old-time general minstrel performer who was with Christy’s Minstrels as early as May, 1856, also many other organizations, was a good “Bob Ridley” and end man. He died in Brooklyn, N. Y., January 19, 1888.

JOHNNY BOOKER (Sam. Roberts), was one of the early minstrel comedians and managers.

In the middle 50’s he toured with Booker and Evart’s Minstrels; subsequently Booker and Sliter’s and intermittently with Johnny Booker’s Minstrels. In the early days he made famous a song that had great vogue called “Meet Johnny Booker at the Bowling Green.” He was a member of Dave Reed’s Minstrels on board the Steamer “James Raymond,” June 18, 1856. Among the notable minstrel organizations he was with were Hooley’s, in Brooklyn, N. Y., 1862; Lloyd and Bidaux’s, 1867, and Arlington’s, in 1870.

Johnny Booker was born in Bowling Green, Ky., October, 1830; he died at Dayton, Ohio, October 25, 1898.

HENRY WOOD was one of the most famous of New York City minstrel managers. He entered the theatrical field at 444 Broadway, in 1851, with Jerome B. Fellowe, and conducted Wood and Fellowe’s Minstrels until February, 1852, when he had the show to himself.

Wood’s Minstrels continued there until October 31, 1853, when he formed an alliance with George Christy, and as Wood and Christy’s Minstrels they flourished until May, 1858.

“444” burned down December 2, 1854, the company then going shortly after to “472” Broadway.

Later, for a brief period, both houses were run simultaneously.

October 1, 1855, “444” reopened, and on October 31, 1857, they moved to their new Marble Palace, 561-63 Broadway; this house was closed September 3, 1859. Nine days later Mr. Wood returned to “444,” where he remained practically until July 7, 1862, when he moved his company to 514 Broadway.

Wood’s Minstrels ceased as an institution about 1866.

Mr. Wood was a brother of Fernando Wood, once Mayor of New York.

Henry Wood is _said_ to have died about twenty-eight years ago; he is also said to be living.

PETE LANE was a great jig and a good general dancer. He was with Sanford’s Minstrels in Philadelphia in 1856; he died there June 27, 1858.

CHARLES NOBLE, the well-known minstrel bass singer who was with Thatcher, Primrose and West’s, and other well known minstrel organizations, died in New York City, June 8, 1892; age 62 years.

BOB SMITH, the old-time minstrel performer, was associated with many of the best performers of his day.

As a tambourine manipulator he achieved particular prominence, and ranked with the best.

He died at St. Johnland, Staten Island, N. Y., April 20, 1900; age about 70 years.

BILLY WRIGHT, an old-time comedian, had some prominence as a “knife thrower.” His chief claim to fame lies in the fact that he was instrumental in obtaining an opportunity for the embryonic talents of Francis Wilson to be given recognition, which he did about 1865.

He died in Philadelphia, March 10, 1879.

MATT. PEEL (Flannery). There are few who are alive to-day who remember the performances of this sterling young versatile performer, whose first professional appearance was made in New York in 1840. A few years later he joined Campbell’s Minstrels, the only organization at that time bearing that name.

He continued with this company several years, and on July 17, 1850, in company with James Norris, Jos. D. Murphy, and Luke West, organized another company; with the exception of the first named, all were performers. Subsequently and for a few years the organization was known as Murphy, West and Peel’s Minstrels, and later Matt. Peel’s Minstrels, by which it was known until the death of Mr. Peel.

Mr. Peel was one of the first minstrel performers to sing an Irish song on the end.

Matt. Peel was born in New York, January 15, 1830; he died in Buffalo, N. Y., May 4, 1859.

CHARLEY O’NEILL, a well-known comedian who was with Unsworth’s Minstrels in 1861, and subsequently with Hooley in Brooklyn, N. Y., committed suicide by drowning, in St. Louis, Mo., July 21, 1863.

JOHN HOOLEY, a brother of the famous manager, R. M. Hooley, ran a minstrel company in Brooklyn, N. Y., in 1873.

He died there April 12, 1891.

MERT. SEXTON was prominent as a comedian and dancer; his chief fame rested in his ability to dance the “Essence of Old Virginia.” He played with many famous organizations, notably Matt. Peel’s in 1858; Fox and Worden’s in 1859, and Collins’ “Christy” Minstrels in 1862; the two latter companies were in England.

Mert. Sexton is said to have died in Long Island City, N. Y., in May, 1866.

SETH HOWARD, one of the old-time interlocutors and straight men, who was one of the original Bryant’s Minstrels at Mechanics Hall in New York City in 1857, died at Hornellsville, N. Y., February 11, 1860.

GEORGE LANGDON, an aged darky impersonator and singer, and who sang duets with John L. Carncross in Philadelphia before Carncross joined Sanford’s Minstrels in that city, died at Pawtucket, Mass., May 12, 1859.

HARRY EVARTS, who was associated with Johnny Booker with Booker and Evarts’ Minstrels in the 50’s, and was considered a good general performer, was in later years prominently identified with several companies in an executive capacity.

He was killed in a wreck near Hamilton, Canada, April 28, 1889.

DICK (Richard) SILVER, was an early member of the famous Morris Bros., Pell and Trowbridge’s Minstrels in the 60’s.

At the time of his death he had been in the theatrical profession about seventy years.

Mr. Silver was born in Groton, Vt., he died in Traverse City, Mich., October 10, 1909.

LEW RATTLER, long associated in the early days of minstrelsy in California, and a member of an organization of the same name in 1859, was a comedian of merit.

He died in San Francisco, Cal., March 27, 1905.

THEODORE GUSTAVE BIDAUX who ranked with the great baritone singers of minstrelsy, came to America in 1858, and appeared with much success with the following well-known burnt cork organizations--Sanford’s, in Philadelphia; Lloyd and Bidaux’; Duprez and Green’s; George Christy’s; Manning’s; Haverly’s, and Wm. Henry Rice’s in Cincinnati.

Mr. Bidaux married a Mrs. Ayleen in 1867.

Theodore Gustave Bidaux was born near Paris, France, March 12, 1830; he died at Hatboro, Pa., March 5, 1886.

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.

There is a difference of opinion as to when and where he made his first appearance, but it is certain he was with Sam Sanford’s Minstrels, traveling in 1859; and equally certain that one evening during a performance with that company, a man in the audience became so enthused with Hughes’ dancing, that he took his watch from his pocket and gave it to him (Hughes); he finished the season at Sanford’s Theatre in Philadelphia in the Spring of 1860. About June following he joined Mrs. Matt Peel’s Minstrels; subsequently returning to Sanford’s in Philadelphia.

September 29, 1862, he opened with Hooley’s Minstrels in Brooklyn, at the initial performance of the organization.

In November, 1864, he began an engagement with Wood’s Minstrels in New York, and the following year was one of the proprietors of (Cool.) Burgess, (Tom) Prendergast, Hughes and (D. C.) La Rue’s Minstrels.

May 28, 1866, he returned to Hooley’s, and at the ending of the season of 1868-69, he went to England with Smith and Taylor’s Minstrels.

September 12, 1870, with Fayette Welch, and Cool. White, he opened Welch, Hughes and White’s Minstrels in Brooklyn, on the site now occupied by a large carpet store; the organization continued there for several months. In 1873 Mr. Hughes was with Sharpley, Sheridan and Mack’s Company, and two years later he rejoined Hooley in Brooklyn.

In December, 1880, he was a member of Kyle’s “Christy” Minstrels in Boston, and in September, 1881, he began his last engagement with Leavitt’s Gigantean Minstrels.

Mr. Hughes was a splendid comedian and a fine dancer; he specialized singing Irish songs on the end.

Archie Hughes was born in Albany, N. Y., about 1830; he died in Buffalo, N. Y., October 18, 1881.

P. B. ISAACS was one of the early minstrel leaders, and a fine musician. He was one of the original members of Bryant’s Minstrels in New York at their opening, February 23, 1857.

He was born in London, England, 1831; he died in San Francisco, September 6, 1865.

WILLIAM BLAKENEY. The distinction of being the oldest minstrel leader in all probability belongs to William Blakeney, who made his first appearance with the Western Minstrels, an amateur organization in Pittsburg, Pa., in 1847.

He was five years with the Yankee Robinson Circus.

Late in 1860 he joined William Christy’s Minstrels, and in the Spring of 1861, went to Europe with Rumsey and Newcomb’s Minstrels.

Subsequently he was with Morris and Wilson’s Minstrels in St. Louis, and continued with them four years. In Philadelphia he was with Simmons and Slocum’s Minstrels two years. February 2, 1878, he sailed with Kelly and Leon and their minstrel company for Australia; he continued with them until their dissolution, after which he was associated with the Victoria Loftus Troupe.

Mr. Blakeney’s most important engagement was with the San Francisco Minstrels in New York, with whom he remained five years.

William Blakeney was born in Elfin, Ireland, October 30, 1831.

BILLY LAWRENCE, an old-timer who had his own minstrel show in Chicago as early as 1858, and for many years after appeared with other companies, died in Chicago, Ill., August 21, 1900; age 69 years.

J. W. MCANDREWS (Walter James McAndrews), famous for many years as the “Watermelon Man,” the latter appellation being the title of the sketch he performed for about three decades with astonishing success.

His first professional appearance was made in his native city at the Richmond Theatre, at the age of 13, in black-face and singing that early favorite, “Jim Along Josie.”

Subsequently and for many years he did “nigger” acts in circuses and small minstrel companies.

About 1857 he joined Buckley’s Serenaders, remained with them for a considerable period, and went to England with them in 1860. Mr. McAndrews played sundry engagements until he joined Kelly and Leon’s Minstrels. About 1866, while with that company in Cincinnati, “Pastimes on the Levee” was first put on; it was not until three or four years later that the skit got the title that made it so popular; Dan Bryant did the christening, and McAndrews played three years with Bryant’s Minstrels in New York.

He went to England with Haverly’s Mastodons, and opened at Her Majesty’s Theatre, London, July 31, 1880; subsequently, July 17, 1882, he played at the Pavillion in the English Metropolis, opening with great success.

The succeeding years of his career were spent with the many prominent minstrel and variety organizations, as well as playing innumerable engagements in the variety theatres.

J. W. McAndrews was born in Richmond, Va., November, 1831; he died at Elgin, Ill., December 29, 1899.

JAMES BUDWORTH, in addition to being a great minstrel, was a good actor. His debut was made at the Park Theatre, in New York City, in 1848, as vocalist and mimic.