Chapter VII: Introduction (7)

About 1870 he left minstrelsy, and after a period in opera, played several years in variety houses. In 1868 he played Topsy in “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” and in 1878 was manager of the Melodeon in Philadelphia.

His last appearance was with his own company.

Rollin Howard was born in New York City about 1840; he died in Boston, Mass., June 19, 1879.

MASTER BARNEY (Bernard Scholar) was one of the greatest dancers in minstrelsy. His first appearance was at Burtis’ Varieties in Brooklyn, N. Y., about 1858; he met Add. Weaver here, and was associated with him several years.

In 1859 he joined Campbell’s Minstrells, and subsequently with such well-known organizations as Morris Brothers, Pell and Trowbridge, Mrs. Matt. Peel’s, Hooley and Campbell’s and others.

July 17, 1869, was organized Dougherty, Wild, Barney and Mac’s Minstrels; subsequently Hughey Dougherty retiring, the company continued for a brief period.

In 1871 it was Hart, Ryman and Barney’s Minstrels.

About that time Master Barney formed a partnership with Sam Rickey, playing sketches, of which “Bad Whiskey” was the most successful.

They separated about 1877, and later he formed an alliance with Barney McNulty, being known as the Two Barneys.

“Master” Barney was born in Buffalo, N. Y., December 29, 1839; he died in Brooklyn, N. Y., February 25, 1886.

JAMES GLENN (McDonald) was a well-known vocalist in the good old days of minstrelsy.

His first appearance was made with Sam Sanford’s Minstrels in 1858; he continued with him, chiefly in Philadelphia, until 1862, when he joined Wood’s Minstrels in New York, with whom he remained a lengthy period.

Subsequently he was with the San Franciscos in New York, and Hooley’s in Brooklyn, N. Y.

James Glenn was born in Philadelphia in 1839; he died in New York, February 26, 1870.

BILLY MANNING. Minstrels may come and go, but like the brook, the name and fame of this brilliant performer seems destined to live forever; for while more than three decades have passed since Billy Manning passed away, each generation in his native city seems as familiar with his former stage triumphs as those that were contemporaneous with him.

His career started in 1859, on the boat “Dixie”; where Manning, who was very proficient with the “bones,” played an end with a minstrel show.

In the fall of 1862 he was with Campbell’s Minstrels, and on November 23, 1863, he joined Morningstar’s company. The engagement was a brief one, and he next opened with Rumsey’s Minstrels, with whom he closed May 27, 1864; opening with Hooley in Brooklyn, three days later.

That same year he was with Morris and Wilson’s Minstrels, and in 1865 with Dan Shelby’s Company. Engagements with Kunkel’s Nightingales; Haight and Chamber’s Circus and LaRue’s Minstrels followed.

LUKE WEST

NED WEST

“LOOKING WEST.”

ARTHUR RIGBY

ARTHUR DEMING

A PAIR OF ARTISTIC ARTHURS

MASTER BARNEY

SAM RICKEY

THEY WERE ALWAYS MASTERS.]

In September, 1867, he joined Newcomb’s Minstrels, continuing with this company until the following Summer, when he left Newcomb, and in association with Billy Emerson and Johnny Allen, formed a minstrel company bearing their names.

May 22, 1869, Mr. Allen dropped out of the organization, which was thereafter known as Emerson and Manning’s. In January, 1870, in Chicago, the partners separated, and Manning continued at the Dearborn Theatre in that city with Manning’s Minstrels, where he remained several months.

Under the financial management of Tom Foley, of Chicago, the company went on tour in the Fall of 1871, giving their first performance at Xenia, Ohio, October 19.

July 6, 1872, Mr. Manning severed his association as head of the company, which subsequently was known as Newcomb’s Minstrels, in Cincinnati. September 2, 1872, in that city, he began a brief engagement with Wm. Henry Rice’s Minstrels, and on October 28 he opened with Frank Moran’s Minstrels in Philadelphia.

At the end of the season Mr. Manning became associated with Moran, and opened in Pittsburg, Pa., April 21, 1873, as Moran and Manning’s Minstrels. Mr. Manning then went to San Francisco, where, June 30, he began an extended engagement with Maguire’s Minstrels, terminating February 21 following. April 6, he made his first appearance with Simmons and Slocum’s Minstrels in Philadelphia, where he finished the balance of that season.

His debut with Kelly and Leon’s Company in Chicago was made August 31, 1874, where, with only a slight break, he played all that season.

July 12, 1875, he commenced a brief engagement with Neil Bryant’s Minstrels, and on November 8, Billy Manning, who was then far from being a well man, began what was destined to be his last engagement, with his old partner, Billy Emerson, with the latter’s minstrels.

January 9, 1870, he married Mollie Williams, a well-known actress.

Billy Manning was born in Piqua, Ohio, May 15, 1839; he died in Chicago, Ill., May 19, 1876.

CHARLEY GARDNER (Bumberry), known as “Hop Light Loo” Gardner, from the fact that he originated the black-face song and dance of that name for the first time at an amateur minstrel performance in Augusta, Ga.; this was in the late 50’s.

In 1861 he was with Duprez and Green’s Minstrels, and later with Burgess, Prendergast and LaRue’s Minstrels. Early in 1867 he toured with “Cool” Burgess with a minstrel company bearing their names.

Mr. Gardner played a brief engagement with the San Francisco Minstrels in New York, and with Emerson and Manning’s Company in Chicago.

He was the author of the following songs: “Sift Sand Sal,” “Walk Dad Lou” and “Over in Jersey.”

Charley Gardner was born in Toronto, Canada, July 24, 1839; he died in Long Island City, N. Y., May 17, 1909.

DICK MCGOWAN was well-known as a banjoist and a comedian in the 60’s; during which period he was with Yankee Hill’s Minstrels, Harris and Smith’s, Dick McGowan’s, and some more. As Mr. McGowan failed to keep his promise and give the author more data, this sketch must necessarily be curtailed. Sorry. Mr. McGowan was born in New York, December 28, 1839.

JOHNNY “FROGGY” PIERCE (Owens) was a well-known comedian and had been identified with various prominent minstrel companies, notably Ordway’s, in Boston, in 1859; Lloyd’s, 1861; Rumsey’s, 1864; Coes, Purdy and Converse’s, 1867; Emerson’s, 1870, and many others. He died in New York, June 2, 1892; age 53 years.

JOHN W. THOMPSON (Fitzpatrick), known of late years as a manager only in the South and Southwest; in his early days was a well-known black-face performer, and a great jig dancer at a time when that style of dancing prevailed.

Mr. Thompson’s first appearance was made in Buffalo, N. Y., about 1860. At one time he was associated and did an act with Oscar Willis.

He was manager at various times of theatres in Memphis, Tenn.; Vicksburg, Miss., and Dallas, Texas, covering a period of 28 years.

John W. Thompson was born in Dublin, Ireland, June 4, 1839; he died at Dallas, Texas, February 27, 1907.

JAMES GAYNOR made his first professional appearance with Sharpley’s Minstrels about 1859, as second violinist.

He played several engagements at Hooley’s Minstrels in Brooklyn, during the 70’s, where his banjo playing met with pronounced success; he was equally prominent during the same period at the Howard in Boston. November 29, 1876, Gaynor and Mudge’s (Hank) opened at Butler, Pa.

Mr. Gaynor was also with Mrs. Matt. Peel’s Minstrels in May, 1860.

James Gaynor was born in Troy, N. Y., about 1839; he died in Brooklyn, N. Y., May 29, 1906.

JOHN T. BOYCE was one of the best black-face comedians of his day, and one of the earliest performers to sing an Irish song on the end.

His first appearance was with Birch, Bowers and Fox’s Minstrels in California, about 1857; later he was a performer on the steamer “Banjo,” which plied the Mississippi. Mr. Boyce afterward appeared with such well-known organizations as Woods, in New York; Hooley’s, in Brooklyn, and Sanford’s.

May 7, 1866, with Hank Mudge, he launched Boyce and Mudge’s Minstrels, and later was a member of Griffin and Christy’s Minstrels.

His last appearance was in June, 1867.

John T. Boyce was born in Covington, Ky., about 1839; he died in Brooklyn, N. Y., June 11, 1867.

“MARSH” ADAMS (Marshall Anderson), an excellent and most natural delineator of the old Southern darky, began his stage career at the Race Street Varieties, Cincinnati, in the late 60’s; he remained there until 1871, when he joined the Hart, Ryman and Barney Minstrels; for a brief period he did an act with Milt. Barlow. In 1873 he went to the Metropolitan Theatre in Indianapolis, remaining until 1878; subsequently he was identified with various circuses, also Haverly’s Minstrels; and for a time with Walter Le Roy.

It is said that he was the first to sing “Old Black Joe” as a character song.

His last appearance was April 15, 1885.

Marsh Adams was born in Louisville, Ky., January 11, 1839; he died in Indianapolis, Ind., May 11, 1885.

CHARLES E. DOBSON was one of the great banjoists of minstrelsy.

His first appearance was at Winsted, Conn., in 1856, with Sam Hague’s Concert Company.

Subsequently he played in the stock of the old Chatham Theatre, New York, and later played in the orchestra of Wallack’s Theatre, same city, at Thirteenth and Broadway.

In 1867 he went to Europe, under the management of Corbin and Wall; while there he again joined Sam Hague’s Georgia Minstrels, playing London and the provinces. On his return to the United States he played all the principal variety houses, later organized the Dobson Bros. Minstrels. Mr. Dobson was also associated in a business capacity with the Worrell Sisters, the Chapman Sisters, and the Wallace Sisters: with the latter he was with in 1878. March 29, 1879, he married Minnie Wallace. They had a son, Frank Wallace, a clever black-face performer.

About twenty-five years ago Mr. Dobson won a gold medal in a banjo tournament at Madison Square Garden, New York City.

Chas. E. Dobson was born in New York City, July 21, 1839; he died there January 18, 1910.

LEW BENEDICT. The name of Lew Benedict is one of the most prominent in minstrelsy; as an end man and stump speaker he excelled, but he was equally at home in anything he undertook.

Mr. Benedict’s first appearance was in the late 50’s, when he danced the “Essence”; he was then known as Johnny Hodson.

But his real professional career commenced April 6, 1861, when he joined Duprez and Green’s Minstrels; he continued with them until 1865, when he bought out Mr. Green’s interest; the organization was then known as Duprez and Benedict’s Minstrels until 1876, when Mr. Benedict and Mr. Duprez dissolved partnership.

Mr. Benedict then joined Kelly and Leon’s Minstrels in New York City in the Spring of 1876; he remained until September 16; five days later he opened at Newark, N. J., with Benedict’s Minstrels; the company closed at Washington, D. C., December 30, 1876; he subsequently returned to Kelly and Leon’s.

In 1878 he ran a variety theatre in Milwaukee, Wis.

Mr. Benedict was with Leavitt’s Gigantean Minstrels in 1881, and in later years with Cleveland’s, Vogel’s, Gorman Bros., and Great Barlow Minstrels.

April 17, 1871, he married Eva De La Motta, at Mansfield, Ohio, and on February 17, 1881, in New York City, he married Miss Fanny Mouris.

Of late years Mr. Benedict has been playing vaudeville.

Lew Benedict was born in Kingston, Canada, December 6, 1839.

CARL RUDOLPH (Wilbur Fiske Barrell), one of the most prominent balladists in minstrelsy, began his career in St. Louis, Mo., doing concert work; from which it was but a short step to burnt-cork honors.

LEW.--HAWKINS & COLLINS--BEN.

LAMONT & DUCROW

GEO. & WILLIE GUY
(1866)

JNO. P.--HOGAN & HUGHES--RUEY
(1871)]

Mr. Rudolph was one of the original members of Billy Emerson’s Minstrels, February 11, 1870.

In the Summer of 1872 he was with Sam Sharpley in New York, and that same year in the same city rejoined Emerson.

In August, 1877, Mr. Rudolph was with Barlow, Wilson, Primrose and West’s Minstrels at the initial performance of that organization.

Season of 1873 he joined Bryant’s Minstrels in New York City; the major portion of the balance of his theatrical career was spent in Philadelphia with Carncross’ Minstrels.

Carl Rudolph was born in Aspenham, Mass., October 29, 1839; he died in Brooklyn, N. Y., August 8, 1909.

J. K. BUCKLEY (Kiley), noted for his splendid execution on the banjo, an the use of the supplementary fifth string, first played the banjo in 1861. On June 6, 1868, he launched Buckley’s Minstrels at Newark, N. J.

He was one of Haverly’s 12 banjoists, and went to Europe with the Mastodons, opening at Drury Lane Theatre, London, July 31, 1880.

He was associated with the late John M. Turner for a considerable period; the partnership dissolved November 11, 1876.

J. K. Buckley was born in New York City January 21, 1839.

JOSEPH H. CHILDS was equally well known to dramatic, variety and minstrel patrons, and up to about ten years before his death was considered one of the best clog dancers before the public.

In 1877-78 he was in the stock at the National Theatre, Cincinnati.

Jos. H. Childs was born in England; he died in Cincinnati, Ohio, November 10, 1880; age 41 years.

WALLY THOMAS, prominent as a jig and clog dancer, a fine drummer and a good all-round general performer of Sharpley’s Minstrels in the early 60’s, died at Lowell, Mass., May 29, 1864; age 25 years.

LEWIS J. DONNELLY, well-known in his day as a first-class black-face female impersonator, died in New York City, October 26, 1869; age 30 years.

GUS HOWARD was a pupil of George Christy, and made his first appearance with Wood and Christy’s Minstrels in New York in 1855.

He was an exceptionally versatile performer, and excelled as a banjoist and tambourinist. He continued as a member of the above company until May, 1858, Geo. Christy seceding and going to California. Howard went with him, and continued with Christy until 1861, when he joined Unsworth’s Minstrels, also Hooley and Campbell’s.

For about five years prior to his death he had been with the Wallace Sisters Combination.

Gus Howard died in Alexandria, Va., March 27, 1874; age about 35 years.

WARREN RICHARDS (Richard A. Warren) was well-known as a tenor singer with Duprez and Benedict’s Minstrels about forty years ago; he was with them for a lengthy period. He was born in New Orleans, and died in New York City, June 15, 1876.

L. MORRISEY (Morrisey B. Little), a well-known and capable song and dance performer, joined Johnny Allen’s Minstrels about 1870.

He formed a partnership with Fred Emerson, and as Morrisey and Emerson opened at Bryant’s Minstrels, New York, September 4, 1871, and continued there until the Spring of 1873, when the team separated.

Mr. Morrisey played the variety houses until his death in New York, February 8, 1881.

JAMES G. RUSSELL (Grant), the well-known vocalist, commenced his minstrel career about 1870 in New York, and successfully appeared in the companies of Carncross and Dixey in Philadelphia; Emerson’s, Geo. Thatcher’s and Bryant’s.

He died in Richmond, Va., May 5, 1883.

J. K. SILVER, of the famous Silver Brothers, was prominent for many years in minstrel and concert work.

He died at Williamsburg, Mich., May 11, 1885.

BILLY BURR (W. W. H. Burrows), an old-time performer, who was excellent in negro acts, made his first appearance with Andy Williams in Gardner and Hemming’s Circus. He played with various organizations until his retirement about 1875.

He was born in Reading, Pa., November, 1840; he died at Gwynedd, Pa., January 30, 1881.

TOM. WARFIELD (J. B. Hersey), the old-time banjoist and black-face performer, entered the profession in his native city.

He was with several minstrel shows, also had his own company, Warfield and Wicks Minstrels.

He married Minnie Chapin in Baltimore, Md., in August, 1876.

Tom Warfield was born in New Orleans, La.; he died in Birmingham, Ala., November 12, 1899.

QUEEN AND WEST constituted one of the great song and dance teams in minstrelsy. They formed a partnership about 1868, which was terminated by the death of Mr. Queen.

Together they played several prominent minstrel engagements, and later went to Harrigan and Hart’s in New York, where Mr. West remained, all told, about twenty-two years.

Mr. Queen was an exceptionally clever black-face comedian, while Mr. West, in addition to his ability as a dancer and comedian, was proficient on the banjo.

John Queen made his first appearance as a clog dancer in Boston with Morris Bros., Pell and Trowbridge’s Minstrels. While with that company, he, in conjunction with R. M. Carroll, did the first double clog dance ever seen in minstrelsy.

William West began his theatrical career in 1857 as a black-face performer, and until about 1863 played mostly with circuses.

His first minstrel engagement was with Duprez and Green. Subsequently he played with Hooley at the Novelty Theatre in Brooklyn; with the San Franciscos in New York, and with Bryant’s, Wood’s, and Morris Brothers.

Mr. West’s last stage appearance was about 1901.

John Queen (McQueeny) was born in St. Albans, Vt., November 19, 1843; he died in New York, February 11, 1884.

William West (Cox) was born in Leicester, England, May 3, 1837.

CHARLES E. GIBBONS, an excellent clog dancer, was with Carncross and Dixey’s Minstrels in Philadelphia, in 1869; subsequently he joined the San Franciscos in New York, where he remained several years. His wife was Effie Germon, the well-known actress.

He died in New York City June 27, 1882; age 40 years.

NED REED was well-known mostly in the middle west, as a capable comedian. His first appearance was made in his native city about 1860.

In 1862 he organized a minstrel company, and subsequently he traveled with John Robinson’s Circus, remaining about four years, after which, in 1866, he appeared with Kelly and Leon’s Minstrels in Chicago. About 1867 Mr. Reed married Miss Ada St. Clair.

He had at various times conducted theatres in Terre Haute and Ft. Wayne, Ind.; Syracuse, N. Y., and Dayton, Ohio, where for eighteen years he was a resident, during which period Mr. Reed’s hand was frequently in his pocket to help those less fortunate than himself.

Ned Reed was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, September 27, 1840; he died in Dayton, Ohio, November 27, 1891.

C. W. PRINGLE was for many years associated in the management of Richard’s and Pringle’s Colored Minstrels, a popular organization. He died in Marysville, Cal., March 18, 1893.

BILLY GRAY (Cornelius O’Donnell) was well-known as a versatile black-face comedian. He entered the variety profession about 1862.

In 1873 he joined Harry Robinson’s Minstrels, and two years later was with Hooley in Brooklyn, N. Y. Subsequently he joined the company of Harrigan and Hart in New York, where he long remained.

Billy Gray was born in Ireland; he died in New York, November 21, 1882.

BILLY REMINGTON, a prominent black-face performer, who was an especially clever bone player, died at Grand Rapids, Mich., April 16, 1870.

PEASLEY AND HUGHES were a well-known black-face song and dance team of the variety and minstrel stage, where they played many notable engagements.

Mr. Peasley was also of Peasley and Fitzgerald; they opened with the Dearborn Minstrels in Chicago, August 21, 1871.

John A. Peasley died in Syracuse, N. Y., April 22, 1893.

Mark Hughes died in Chicago, Ill., February 6, 1882; age 34 years.

WILLIAM DWYER was a well-known tenor singer, and played successful engagements with Bryant’s, and the San Franciscos in New York, and Simmons and Slocum’s Minstrels in Philadelphia.

BILLY DE RUE

BOBBY DE RUE

(DE RUE BROS.)

BERT. LEIGHTON

FRANK LEIGHTON

(LEIGHTON BROS.)

BILLY FREEZE

LARRY FREEZE

(FREEZE BROS.)]

He was born in Dublin, Ireland; he died in Washington, D. C., December 30, 1898.

* * * * *

In the author’s possession is a document dated July 17, 1850, wherein one James Norris purchased a fourth interest in a prominent minstrel company of that day for $200.00. Imagine what a similar interest in Lew Dockstader’s Minstrels would cost to-day.

* * * * *

“COOL” BURGESS (Colin Burgess) was one of the most famous names in minstrelsy. Tall and slender, with long, drooping moustache, he provoked merriment at sight.

He first appeared professionally in his native city about 1857, at the Melodeon.

Subsequently he was identified with many minstrel organizations, amongst the earliest was Burgess and (J. E.) Green’s. About the closing of the Rebellion he joined Hooley’s Company in Brooklyn, where he became quite popular.

In 1865 he was one of the proprietors of Burgess, (T. B.) Prendergast, (Archie) Hughes and (D. C.) LaRue’s Minstrels.

In 1867, in conjunction with his fellow townsman, Charley Gardner, he organized Burgess and Gardner’s Minstrels.

In 1864 he was associated with J. H. Haverly in an organization bearing their name.

In the Summer of 1867, Burgess and (Ainsley) Scott’s Minstrels had a brief existence.

(Charley) Reynolds, (John D.) Newcombe and Burgess’ Minstrels gave their first performance September 24, 1862.

On August 9, 1869, Mr. Burgess made his appearance with Sam Sharpley’s Minstrels in Boston, and the following month, in the same city, he joined Delehanty and Hengler’s Company.

In the Fall of 1879 he opened with Joe Norcross’ California Minstrels.

In 1875 he made his first appearance in England at Sam Hague’s Minstrels in Liverpool; subsequently he played a successful engagement with Moore and Burgess in London.

Like most prominent performers Mr. Burgess has a specialty in which he was prominently identified--in his case it was “Nicodemus Johnson,” in which he danced with abnormally long shoes, he being the first to adopt the massive footgear.

Mr. Burgess married Miss Edna S. Taylor May 20, 1862.

In the passing of “Cool” Burgess, minstrelsy lost one of its most brilliant stars.

“Cool” Burgess was born in Toronto, Canada, December 20, 1840; he died there October 20, 1905.

HANK MUDGE (Henry Tyler Mudge) is one of the few old-timers left.

Mr. Mudge, who ranked with the great clog dancers of his day, made his first appearance in minstrelsy with the Porter Opera Troupe at Hartford, Conn., in 1857.

In 1859 he was at Captain John Smith’s Theatre in Albany, N. Y. Mr. Mudge avers that this Smith was in no way related to the party in Virginia that was smitten with the charms of one Pocahontas.

But to continue; in 1860 he joined Sam Sharpley’s Minstrels, and later went to Boston, where he became identified with the famous Morris Bros., Pell and Trowbridge Minstrels in that city.

Mr. Mudge was associated with A. C. Stone, and as Mudge and Stone were rated as two of the best clog dancers in minstrelsy; likewise when with Hooley’s Minstrels in Brooklyn, N. Y., did he do a great dancing act with Archie Hughes.

In New York he played successful engagements with Wood’s, and Kelly and Leon’s Minstrels.

October 11, 1866, Mr. Mudge with a party sailed for Hong Kong; October 16, 1866, Mr. Mudge arrived in New York. This might possibly strike the average observer as a quick trip; but the fact is that owing to the peevishness of old ocean, the minstrels floundered around on its huge bosom for several days, finally landing them where they started.

In five days the party recovered, and on October 21 they again set sail; this time for old England, where they arrived in due time, and after engagements on Erin’s Isle, Hussey, Sweney and Felton’s Minstrels opened in London, England, December 5, 1866.

Mr. Mudge subsequently played an extended engagement with Moore, Crocker and Ritter’s Minstrels in the British metropolis.

In 1866 Boyce and Mudge’s Minstrels made a bid for favor; later Hogan and Mudge’s troupe did likewise, and in 1876 Mudge and Gaynor’s Minstrels toured.

Mr. Mudge’s last tour was in connection with Dave Reed’s New York combination in 1887.

Hank Mudge was born in Troy, N. Y., March 12, 1840.

D. L. MORRIS, one of the greatest German comedians there ever was, played with Haverly’s Minstrels in 1875; and as Haverly’s “Black Dutchman” scored a big success; he was also with another minstrel organization.

He died at Cape Girardeau, Mo., August 5, 1879.

ROBERT MCWADE, whose great characterization of Rip, in “Rip Van Winkle” has made him world famous, wrote a burlesque on P. T. Barnum’s “What Is It?” for Hooley and Campbell’s Minstrels in New York, which was produced December 3, 1860.

During the week, owing to the indisposition of James Unsworth, Mr. McWade assumed the title role of “Africanus Barnum O,” and played it in black face; and ’tho fifty years have elapsed, Mr. McWade still speaks of this occasion with evident relish and satisfaction.

JOHN H. WARD was a splendid dancer, and in the early 60’s partner of Wm. H. Delehanty, prior to the latter’s association with Thos. Hengler.

He died in East Saginaw, Mich., March 15, 1874.

DAVE WILSON was a good comedian and gave a fine portrayal of the aged darky, but his principal fame rested on his manipulation of the bones, of which he was a master.

He was with Newcomb’s Minstrels in 1869, and Kelly and Leon’s in 1875; he retired shortly after that, and is said to be living in Buffalo, N. Y.

NEIL PRICE, a black-face performer, whose fame chiefly was gained as author of “A Boy’s Best Friend Is His Mother,” died at Chattanooga, Tenn., November 5, 1889.

HARRY G. RICHMOND (Augustus Von Boyle) was an exceedingly versatile performer; a good vocalist, dancer and comedian. His principal minstrel engagement was with Haverly in the Spring of 1878.

In Philadelphia, on October 29, 1879, during an altercation with an old friend, Dan Archer, Richmond, in pure self-defense, killed Archer.

Mr. Richmond, in conjunction with his brother, Acland Von Boyle, took out the play of “Our Candidate,” about 1879.

On May 1, 1880, he married Miss Florence Stover, an actress.

Harry G. Richmond was born in Brooklyn, N. Y.; he died in Camden, N. J., October 21, 1885.

A. C. STONE was an exceptionally good clog dancer, and in the early 60’s a partner of “Hank” Mudge, under the team name of Stone and Mudge.

In 1865 he was with Sharpley’s Ironclads; at the time of his death with LaRue’s Minstrels.

He died at Frankfort, Ky., November 13, 1866.

GEORGE WILKES (Miller), a well-known female impersonator of several early minstrel organizations, was born in Philadelphia; he died in Memphis, Tenn., October 1, 1870.

FRED SPRUNG was a well-known vocalist and “straight” man in the 60’s, during which period he worked in acts with Billy Manning. In 1864 he was with Rumsey’s Minstrels, and in September of the following year with a small company, gave a show over the mountains of California, being one of the first to do so.

He died in San Jose, Cal., February 26, 1890.

JOHN PENDY (Prendergast), a well-known black-face performer in the old variety days, married Jeffreys Warner, and played as Pendy and Warner for several years.

He died in New York City November 16, 1902.

FRANK GIRARD (Giraud). This well-known interlocutor and “straight man” began his career with Hooley’s Minstrels in Brooklyn, N. Y., about 1863; he remained but a short period and then enlisted in the navy, where he continued until the war was over.

In September, 1866, Mr. Girard was one of the 500 passengers bound for New Orleans on the steamer “Evening Star,” which was wrecked about 300 miles off the coast of Florida (October 3, 1866); he was the only male that survived, and was on the water for five days before he was rescued. He subsequently returned to New York, and later was identified with some of the principal minstrel companies.

GUSTAVE BIDAUX

W. H. LEWIS (RICE)

FRANK KENT

GONSALVO BISHOP

EDWIN HOLMES

DUPREZ & GREEN’S MINSTRELS, 1863.

Some prominent members of the company at that time.]

About 1871 he became a member of Tony Pastor’s stock company in New York, where he acted as stage manager and played in the farces for many years.

His son is Edwin Girard, for many years manager of the Gotham Theatre, Brooklyn, N. Y.

Frank Girard was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., July 7, 1840; he died there November 1, 1900.

JAMES D. BOHEE a prominent colored performer and concededly great banjoist, went to England about 1880, where he was a great success until the time of his death in London, England, December 1, 1897.

JIMMY CLARK was one of the best jig dancers in the country, and equally proficient in the manipulation of the banjo, and an all-round good general performer.

He was with Kelly and Leon’s Minstrels in New York, also with the Duprez and Benedict Company.

December, 1872, Welch, Clark and Hart’s Minstrels began a brief career.

Mr. Clark had not appeared professionally for some years. Prior to his death he was employed in the manufacturing of the banjo.

Jimmy Clark died in New York City, February 27, 1880; age 40 years.

CHARLES L. MONROE, considered a very good impersonator of the old Southern “darky,” died in Philadelphia, July 12, 1875; age 36 years.

JOHN BARTLEY, a good general performer in negro acts, and an exceptionally fine performer with the tambourine and bones, died at Buffalo, N. Y., April 17, 1895.

JERRY MCMILLAN, once known as “Master Jerry,” was one of the best jig dancers of his day.

He was identified with the San Francisco Minstrels in New York City for a considerable period.

He died in Philadelphia, September 9, 1873.

A. BAMFORD, a capable female impersonator who was prominent at one time at Hooley’s Minstrels in Brooklyn, and also played a European engagement in the 60’s, died at San Francisco, April 5, 1871. Mr. Bamford also did specialties with Harry Norman.

HARRY J. CLAPHAM. This gentleman’s name will always rank with the great managers of minstrelsy.

His career began on the 30th anniversary of his birth, at Syracuse, N. Y., with Cal. Wagner’s Minstrels, as a balladist. Six weeks later he was programme agent, and in six months was “press agent”; in 1910 we would call that “making good.” Later he became general agent, continuing in that capacity for 18 months. When Haverly’s Minstrels were organized in the Fall of 1873, he became agent; a year later he was manager, in which capacity he served for several years.

Leaving Mr. Haverly he took a much-needed rest for six months, and then assumed the management of Barlow, Wilson, Primrose and West’s Minstrels; in about two years he turned into the company $100,000 in profits; this was “going some” about 30 years ago.

John T. Raymond and Mr. and Mrs. McKee Rankin claimed his executive attention for three years; he then assumed management of the Barlow, Wilson & Co. Minstrels, remaining three years.

After the Barlow, Wilson & Co. Minstrels, Mr. Clapham took out a repertoire company; his leading man being no less a personage than that excellent actor of to-day, Mr. Thos. E. Shea, who had previously occupied a mercantile position in Boston.

A four years respite found Mr. Clapham equal owner with Lew Dockstader’s Minstrels (road company); the alliance lasted three seasons, which were very successful; the first 40 weeks profits were $24,000.

Mr. Clapham speaks in the highest terms of praise of his first manager, Col. Haverly, because he gave him (Clapham) the opportunity.

Harry J. Clapham was born in Lincoln, England, November 16, 1840.

KELLY AND LEON was a great trade-mark in minstrelsy forty years ago.

Edwin Kelly was a vocalist and an actor; Leon was a female impersonator; and none were more successful than he. Together they were famous for their burlesques, which they put on in a lavish manner.

In 1860 each were members of Geo. Christy’s Minstrels; the following season they joined Morris Bros., Pell and Trowbridge’s Company in Boston, and in 1862 they were with Arlington and Donniker’s Troupe. A year later Kelly and Leon were interested in the management of the company, which soon after was known as Kelly and Leon’s Minstrels in Chicago.

October 1, 1866, the company opened at Hope Chapel, New York, and for more than two years they were established there, meeting with pronounced success.

January 9, 1869, they gave their final performance, and shortly after sailed for London, England, opening with Montague’s “Christy’s,” May 9. After a brief engagement they organized Kelly and Leon’s “Christy’s” Minstrels, giving their initial performance July 6, 1869. Six weeks later, August 16, they appeared with Delehanty and Hengler’s Combination in Boston. They made their first appearance in San Francisco November 7, 1871.

August 26, 1872, they began an engagement at Bryant’s Minstrels in New York, which terminated November 16. Kelly and Leon then reorganized their own company, opening at their old stand, November 25, three days later, November 28, 1872, the theatre was destroyed by fire.

The following Summer they returned to California, where they played an engagement in San Francisco with Maguire’s Minstrels.

Returning East they opened in Philadelphia with Simmons and Slocum’s Minstrels, closing November 8, 1873.

The following year they were with Haverly; in 1875 Kelly and Leon’s Company took the road, under the management of Surridge and Melville.

In the Spring of 1876 their company opened at Bryant’s old minstrel hall in New York, where they continued several months.

December 10, 1877, with their company, they began their third engagement in San Francisco, and on February 2, 1878, they sailed for Australia, where about two years after their arrival their long partnership was dissolved. For a time each headed their own company in the Antipodes. Leon later returned to the United States; Mr. Kelly remained in Australia until his death.

Prior to 1860 Edwin Kelly was a balladist with Ordway’s Aeolians in Boston. In May, 1858, “Master” Leon joined Wood’s Minstrels in New York; the year following he was with Campbell’s Minstrels.

Shortly after Leon’s return to America, he joined Haverly’s Minstrels; he severed his association with that company in February, 1883. He then formed an alliance with Frank Cushman, and in April began an engagement with Barlow, Wilson’s Minstrels.

September 3, 1883, he opened with Birch’s San Francisco Minstrels in New York. Leon and Cushman sailed for Australia about January 1, 1886; they played several months in Melbourne; shortly after their return to the United States they separated, August, 1887.

“Leon” began an engagement with Emerson’s Minstrels January 19, 1889.

Since then Mr. Leon has been identified in minstrel, vaudeville and concert work, until his retirement about eight years ago.

Edwin Kelly was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1835; he died in Adelaide, Australia, December 24, 1898.

“Leon” (Patrick Francis Glassey) was born in New York City, November 21, about 1840.

JACK TALBOTT (Arthur J. Talbott), well-known as a comedian, began his theatrical career in the late 50’s.

In 1860 he was with Hooley and Campbell’s Minstrels, that same year joining Sanford’s Company in Philadelphia, in which city he remained altogether about ten years with Carncross and Dixey’s, and Carncross’ Minstrels. Early in 1887 he was one of a company at the Criterion Theatre, Brooklyn, N. Y., in an attempt to revive permanent minstrelsy in that city.

Mr. Talbott was an excellent marksman, and was the first to shoot an apple from the head in a theatre.

He first performed this feat at the New Idea in San Francisco, October 21, 1864; Johnny De Angelis, father of the comedian, Jeff De Angelis, held the apple.

Mr. Talbott was a brother of Harry Talbott, the minstrel, and the husband of Emma Miles, danseuse, whom he married in the 60’s.

Jack Talbott was born in Baltimore, Md., October 3, 1840; he died in New York, April 5, 1910.

J. HENRY MURPHY, the well-known minstrel tenor, was with Mead’s Minstrels in New London, Conn., September 8, 1862.

About February, 1864, he joined Buckley’s Serenaders in Boston, Mass., and was associated with them for several seasons. April 17, 1871, he commenced an engagement with Newcomb and Arlington’s Minstrels in New York, and on January 29, 1872, joined Simmons and Slocum’s Company in Philadelphia.

Later he identified himself with Cal. Wagner’s Minstrels, and was with him some time. Mr. Murphy had not appeared professionally for many years.

J. Henry Murphy died in New London, Conn., April 10, 1910; age about 70 years.

JOHN E. CAIN

NEAL ABEL

GEO. W. ROCKEFELLER

JULIA GOULD

GREG. PATTI

HARRY LEHR

CAIN & ABEL; ROCKEFELLER & GOULD; PATTI AND HARRY LEHR; THEY ALL “BLACKED UP.”]

CHARLES D. BURNHAM, an old-time comedian, was with Green’s Mocking Bird Minstrels in 1871, also various other companies.

He married Miss Jennie Davis at Kingston, Canada, January 5, 1872.

He died at Bay City, Mich., August 1, 1902.

“ENGLISH TOMMY PEEL” (William Howe), a jig dancer of some reputation, died in New York, January 31, 1868.

WALTER BRAY (Baker) was a versatile black-face performer, whose career began about fifty years ago.

In 1864, in conjunction with Joe Murphy, he had a minstrel company bearing their names. Mr. Bray made his first New York appearance September 6, 1869, doing a black-face song and dance called “Sugar Bob.”

In 1872 he was with Wm. Henry Rice’s Minstrels in Cincinnati, where his “Corkographs” received well-merited applause. Subsequently he played many minstrel and variety engagements.

He died at Fort Worth, Texas, February 25, 1891.

“HAPPY” CAL. WAGNER was not born with that handle to his name, but just plain Calvin Wagner.

Mr. Wagner began comicalities at the age of 17, and at 70 is still “happy.” Of course he played other minstrel engagements before appearing with Charley Morris’ Company in 1864.

In 1865 he was with Sam Sharpley’s Ironclads, and the following year Wagner and (Sam) Hague’s Minstrels could readily be seen--if you had the price.

In 1867, January 21, to be exact, he joined Lloyd and Bidaux’ Minstrels; the following year found him with Fred Wilson’s Minstrels, and on March 6, 1869, he left Wilson in St. Louis; that is, he left Wilson’s company. It was getting time for “Happy” Cal Wagner’s Minstrels, and accordingly that organization soon sprang into being.

In the Fall of 1870 this company came under the able direction of “Jack” Haverly; the partnership was dissolved November 8, 1873. Mr. Wagner’s Minstrels went on touring.

In 1878 Wagner and (Ben) Cotton’s Minstrels happened; that same year they unhappened. A year or so later Mr. Wagner joined Barlow, Wilson, Primrose and West’s Minstrels, closing with them in February, 1881.

Mr. Wagner’s last appearance in minstrelsy was with Quinlan and Will’s Company, about five years ago.

Cal. Wagner was born in Mobile, Ala., July 4, 1840.

HORACE RUSHBY, well-known as a character actor, made his first appearance in the United States with Case and Kernan’s Minstrels in 1869.

A year later he joined Blaisdell Bros. and Courtright’s Minstrels; in 1872 he was a member of Wm. Henry Rice’s organization in Cincinnati. Subsequently he appeared successfully with the minstrel companies of Harry Robinson; Haverly; I. W. Baird’s; Birch, Hamilton and Backus; Hooley and Emerson’s Megatherians; Carncross’, in Philadelphia, and several others.

Some years ago Mr. Rushby decided to enter the legitimate field, where as Cy. Prime in the “Old Homestead” and John Todd in “Old Jed Prouty” he achieved success.

Horace Rushby was born in Hull, England, November 14, 1840.

JOHN CROSHER, a well-known ballad singer who was with Cotton and Murphy’s Minstrels in 1865, and with Simmons and Slocum’s Company in Philadelphia, Pa., from 1871 to 1874; died in Toronto, Canada, January 15, 1880.

DICK SANDS (George R. Sands), famous for many years as Barnum’s “Old Woman in the Shoe,” was one of the world’s greatest clog dancers.

His first appearance was made at Pierce’s Varieties in Providence, R. I., in 1857. Late that same year he joined Bryant’s Minstrels in New York, and in February, 1859, reappeared there.

In 1866 he was associated with Jack Haverly in a minstrel company bearing their name. Mr. Sands played important engagements with the Morris Bros., Pell and Trowbridge Minstrels in Boston, and many other high-class minstrel and circus companies.

Dick Sands was born at Mill Bridge, England, May 2, 1840; he died in New York, March 28, 1900.

CHARLES B. HICKS, one of the proprietors of Hicks and Sawyer’s Colored Minstrels, died at Suraboya, Java, in 1902.

W. H. HAMILTON, who was a well-known baritone singer, was with Simmons and Slocum’s, and Frank Moran’s Minstrels in Philadelphia in the early 70’s, and in 1882 was part proprietor of Birch, Hamilton and Backus’ Minstrels in New York. He died in Los Angeles, Cal., April 17, 1897.

GUSTAVE GEARY, a well-known vocalist of Hooley’s and other minstrel companies during the 60’s, died in New York, April 25, 1877.

W. H. STRICKLAND, the well-known minstrel agent, who was long associated with Haverly’s Minstrels, died in New York, February 27, 1903.

CHARLES LOCKWOOD, a famous singer of Hooley’s Minstrels in Brooklyn, N. Y., and other prominent organizations, died in Brooklyn, N. Y., April 28, 1887.

He was the author of “A Handful of Earth,” made famous by Joe Murphy in the Irish drama.

J. H. CLIFFORD, an excellent dancer of the 60’s, during which period he was associated with Rumsey’s, Hooley’s, Campbell’s and other well-known minstrel organizations.

He was especially well remembered for his song of “Hot Corn.”

He was on the police force in New York for some time.

He is said to have died about ten years ago.

BILLY SHEPPARD was equally famous for his neat and artistic songs and dances, and for his rendition of the “Anvil Chorus” on the banjo.

He had been with many prominent minstrel companies, notably with the San Franciscos in California in 1865; Griffin and Christy’s in New York, two years later, and in the Summer of 1869 played in England with Smith and Taylor’s Minstrels; in 1870 he was with Hooley in Brooklyn, N. Y., and with Hooley’s in Chicago in 1871. His wife was professionally known as Sallie Clinetop, of the Clinetop Sisters.

Mr. Sheppard died at Ft. Washington, N. Y., July 8, 1872.

JAMES A. HERNE, the late well-known actor and author, whose portrayal of the lighthouse keeper in his play of “Shore Acres” will long be pleasantly remembered, played Samson, a heavy, black-face character part in the “New South,” commencing at the Broadway Theatre, New York, January 2, 1893.

James A. Herne was born in Troy, N. Y., February 1, 1840; he died in New York City, June 2, 1901.

D. R. HAWKINS was well known as a capable interlocutor, and co-proprietor with Billy Courtright with a permanent minstrel company in Philadelphia bearing their names; they opened about September, 1882. He was also with Emerson’s Minstrels.

He was born in Philadelphia, and died in San Francisco, September 5, 1888; age 47 years.

HEN. MASON (Martin), was a well-known black-face performer. His wife was Celia Iferd, an actress.

He was the author of several sketches, notably, “A Night at a Free and Easy.”

He died in New York, February 22, 1873; age 33 years.

FRANK PELL, a well-known and favorite comedian of many years ago, who was with Mrs. Matt. Peel’s Minstrels, in 1860; Newcomb’s Minstrels, in 1867, and other well-known companies, died in St. Paul, Minn., August 26, 1871.

TOMMY PEEL (O’Reilly) was one of the world’s great jig dancers. He made his first professional appearance in his native city at the age of twelve years.

About 1855 he became a member of a minstrel company in which Matt Peel was interested. Mr. Peel adopted him, and young O’Reilly thereafter was known as Tommy Peel.

He continued with Matt Peel practically until the latter’s death, in 1859, after which he joined Bryant’s Minstrels in New York, where he remained about three years.

Tommy Peel was born in Albany, N. Y., September, 1841; he died in Melbourne, Aus., July 31, 1869.

J. F. SULLIVAN, prominent as a balladist at various times with the minstrel companies of Duprez and Green; Sharpley’s; Buckley’s, and Skiff and Gaylord’s, died in Boston, Mass., August 20, 1866; age 25 years.

FRANK HOWARD (Hurd), an old-time general minstrel performer of several early companies, was born in Boston, Mass.; he died in Chicago, Ill., January 4, 1897; age 56 years.

DAN. BRYANT

“HANK” MUDGE

S. S. PURDY

A TRIO OF TROJANS.

TOM ENGLISH,
Born in Ireland

SID. C. FRANCE,
Born in England

CHAS. K. FRENCH,
Born in the United States

ISN’T THIS THE FUNNY OLD WORLD?]

J. K. “FRITZ” EMMETT (Kleinfelter), the famous singing Dutch comedian, played several minstrel engagements before coming East; but always in white-face.

On June 1, 1868, at De Bar’s Opera House, St. Louis, Mo., (R. M.) Carroll and Emmett’s (J. K.) Minstrels began a brief engagement. Late in the same month he made his first New York appearance in _black-face_ at Bryant’s Minstrels, and this was not the only time Mr. Emmett ever appeared in corked features. The engagement terminated in July following.

J. K. Emmett was born in St. Louis, Mo., March 13, 1841; he died in Cornwall, N. Y., June 15, 1891.

BEN HAYES (J. C. Allian) the old-time comedian and general performer, made his first appearance with the Sands & Mazzoni Company, in 1863.

That same year he joined the Morris Bros., Pell and Trowbridge Company, subsequently appearing with Cal. Wagner’s Minstrels for three years.

With Frank Wild in Buffalo, he was associated three years, also in many other variety houses did he play long stock engagements.

Ben Hayes was born in New York City, October 26, 1841.

JOSEPH M. NORCROSS, for many years known as Joseph Norrie, is one of the oldest and most prominent interlocutors in minstrelsy.

He first appeared professionally with the late Fred Sharpley and his own minstrel company in 1857.

In 1862 he joined Carncross and Dixey’s Minstrels in Philadelphia, and in 1870 joined Simmons and Slocum in the same city, and remained two years with that company, including a trip to California.

Subsequently Mr. Norcross joined Birch, Wambold and Backus’ Minstrels in New York, continuing there two years, after which he joined Bryant’s Minstrels, also in the Metropolis, and remained until the death of Dan Bryant.

Mr. Norcross was two years with Emerson’s Minstrels in San Francisco, and a like period with Buckley’s Serenaders. He was with Haverly seven years, including a trip to England, in 1884.

Mr. Norcross was with “Our Goblins” for four seasons, appearing in white-face. For the past few years he has intermittently appeared in vaudeville with a unique tabloid minstrel show of his own design.

Mr. Norcross married Miss Mamie Wambold at Newark, N. J., March 17, 1878.

Jos. M. Norcross was born in New York City July 5, 1841.

HUBERT W. EAGAN is one of the few old-time black-face performers whose active career began over half a century ago.

Mr. Eagan’s professional life began in Buffalo, N. Y., in 1857; three years later he sat on the end for the first time in Baltimore, Md., at the Melodeon, the present site of the Monumental Theatre.

He played many variety engagements before he went with LaRue’s Minstrels in 1866.

Mr. Eagan joined James Edwards in the middle 60’s, and as Eagan and Edwards were highly popular in the variety houses.

In 1863 he married Miss Jennie Williams, and after playing numerous variety and circus engagements, he retired about 1898.

Hubert W. Eagan was born in Castleragh, Ireland, December 18, 1841.

LEW BRIMMER (Leslie Chase Brimmer) was not only a great banjoist, but a clever comedian as well.

In July, 1864, he was with Sanderson’s Minstrels; the same year he joined Hooley in Brooklyn, N. Y.; December 5, 1865, at Binghamton, N. Y., was given the first performance of Brimmer, Whiting, Gaynor and Clark’s Minstrels.

He was with Emerson and Manning’s Minstrels in 1869, and the following year with Emerson’s Minstrels; in the Summer of 1871 he had out Lew Brimmer’s Banjo Minstrels, and in September, 1872, he began an engagement with Moran and Dixey’s Minstrels in Philadelphia.

He was also with the San Francisco Minstrels in New York, and with Wood’s Company in the same city. His last engagement was at Sandy Spencer’s, in New York City.

Lew Brimmer was born in Cooperstown, N. Y.; he died in Fonda, N. Y., September 15, 1883; age 42 years.

GEORGE GRAY, a well-known minstrel singer of the 60’s and 70’s, was identified with the companies of Hooley, Fox and Sharpley; Campbell’s and many others.

About 1880 he played Uncle Tom, and continued in that character until his death.

He was the first husband of Minnie Oscar Gray.

He was born in New York, September 25, 1841; he died in Minneapolis, Minn., March 13, 1882.

TIM. HAYES was one of the foremost clog dancers of minstrelsy. His first professional appearance was with Wild’s theatrical show under canvas in 1851.

In 1860 he came to the United States, and made his debut at the Melodeon in New York. After that he joined Hooley and Campbell’s Minstrels, and subsequently appeared with Unsworth’s; Carncross and Dixey’s, in Philadelphia; George Christy’s, and M. C. Campbell’s Minstrels.

Tim Hayes was born in Dublin, Ire., September 22, 1841; he died in Washington, D. C., May 12, 1877.

BILLY HART arrived in the United States on his eighth birthday. He made his first appearance professionally in New York, January 26, 1862. In April, same year, he appeared in black-face for the first time, and sang “Ham Fat”; subsequently and for many seasons he appeared with many prominent minstrel companies.

A few years before his death he essayed Irish characters, and was very successful.

He was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, March 17, 1842; he died in New York, July 9, 1879.

CHARLES H. DAY spent nearly all of his life in the amusement world. He was well known as an author, agent and journalist; he was connected in an executive capacity with such minstrel organizations as Cleveland’s and Newcomb and Arlington’s.

About forty years ago he was interested in Sharpley, Sheridan, Mack and Day’s Minstrels; later this company was known as Sheridan, Mack and Day’s Minstrels.

Charles H. Day died in New Haven, Conn., October 3, 1907; age 65 years.

HARRY STANWOOD (Stevens) was famous as a banjoist and comedian for many years.

In 1863 he was with Duprez and Green’s Minstrels; in 1871 with Newcomb and Arlington’s Company in New York. He was also with Bryant’s Minstrels in the same city, as well as many other first-class organizations during the twenty-five years or so he was before the public. Harry Stanwood was born in Cobourg, Canada, November 2, 1842; he died there September 21, 1886.

BOB FRASER was equally well-known as a minstrel and pantomimist.

Originally a scene painter, it was while employed in that capacity with Carncross and Dixey’s Minstrels in Philadelphia, that he made his debut as an end man. He invariably arranged the Christmas pantomimes with the company in which he was identified; and in that way gradually forsook cork for chalk.

On Christmas Day, 1876, he became associated in the management of the minstrels with Billy Sweatnam at the Arch Street Opera House, Philadelphia; the organization was then known as Sweatnam and Fraser’s Minstrels.

Bob Fraser was born in Philadelphia; he died in New York City, August 4, 1896; age 54 years.

SAM. DEVERE was one of the best-known black-face banjoists before the public. He first applied cork to his features when twenty years of age, in a music hall in Brooklyn, on the site now occupied by the Court Theatre.

In 1879 he starred in “Jasper,” a play in which he played one of the principal characters, in black-face. One year later he went to Europe with Haverly’s Minstrels, opening in London, July 31, 1880.

September 15, 1890, at the Gayety Theatre, Albany, N. Y., the first performance of Sam Devere’s Own Company was given, and the company continued on the road ever since. Even at the present date, the trade-mark is still in use.

Mr. Devere achieved wide popularity by singing the famous ditty, “The Whistling Coon.”

Sam Devere died in Brooklyn, N. Y., March 1, 1907; age about 65 years.

SANFORD AND WILSON are credited with being the original musical mokes; they certainly were among the earliest double acts of this kind.

Both were big men, and both capable comedians. The violin and banjo were about the only instruments they played; but they could play them, and no two performers ever got more comedy out of these instruments than they.

They formed a partnership in August, 1873, and during their many years on the stage they played all the principal variety houses, and engagements with Bryant’s, also Haverly’s Minstrels.

Mr. Wilson retired from theatricals in May, 1892.

JAS--MACKIN & WILSON--FRANCIS
(1875)
(Courtesy of Chapin & Gore, Chicago)

“KERRY GOW” JOE MURPHY
(1862)

DAVE--MONTGOMERY & STONE--FRED
(About 1898)

THOSE WERE THE HAPPY DAYS.]

James Sanford (Thos. Pynes), was born in Milbury, Mass., in 1843; he died in Cohoes, N. Y., December 23, 1891.

Charles Wilson (Neiman), was born in Milwaukee, Wis.; he died in Brooklyn, N. Y., February 15, 1893; age 51 years.

JOHN BOWMAN. This prominent song and dance artist began his regular career at Graham’s Concert Hall on Market Street, near Second, St. Louis, Mo., in October, 1863, where he met with much success doing an “Essence.” It was there that he met his future partner, William Harris, though he did not join him in partnership at that time. After Graham’s he went to Jake Esher’s Bowery, same city, doing “ends” and comedy; traveling engagements followed until he met Harris again at Deagle’s in St. Louis, 1866, when the partnership was formed; they remained at Deagle’s Varieties one year, played many variety theatres, and engagements in St. Louis with Fred Wilson’s Minstrels, also Simmons and Slocum in Philadelphia. Bowman and Harris dissolved partnership in Canada in 1873 while with the L. B. Lent’s Circus.