B 1,891,188 EDW. LE ROY RICE. filmtarring uf ſiliitºtr fruit “Bahng" ſire fm ſlate Tºg £hu. He ſºng Birr Autlur uſ -- “l IIIIII ſilent Inf #instrelau. attà l illumtart: ” |. “ſílittatrelau Uţāt illag, anh 3|a; ” “A Ramble Antung the £iſittatrela,” etc. 1 r it it g iſ utiliº him u (I unt pattu 23-24 Nurth Aililliam štreet Aru jurk (ſitu, N. H. COPYRIGHT, 1911, BY M R.S. E M M A. L. R. ICE A // A'ig//s /ēesez-zed. (J II g flinther (The Best I Ever Had) (ſhia £unk is Affertiuttately ſhellicated. There were several reasons which prompted me to compile this volume, the chief one being the fact that the subject in its entirety had never before been attempted; and whenever individual articles appeared, they almost invariably treated of old times and old timers alone. A second reason, and one of equal importance, was that these contributions which appeared both in the various newspapers and magazines, were in the main written on hearsay alone without any apparent regard for facts. No one is infallible, and if the data that appears between the covers of this book of living performers who furnished me with the sketches of their careers is incorrect, obviously no blame can be attached to the author. But of those who are past, I have given the most careful search of the rec- ords that were placed at my disposal, and verified or disavowed all statements made to me, or have qualified by attributing them to those from whom they emanated. - - - In this manner I hope to perpetuate the names and fame in story and pic- ture of these “Monarchs of Minstrelsy from “Daddy' Rice to Date.” - New York City, Oct. I2, 1910. EDw. LE Roy RICE. INTRODUCTION. Is Minstrelsy dying out? How often has the question been asked and how conflicting are the opinions of those who ought to know? Some maintain that minstrelsy is here to stay, while others insist there are no more minstrel shows. But if the question were: Are the minstrels dying out? there could be no divergence of opinion. The passing away in the last decade or SO of such lumi- naries as Neil. Bryant, Billy Rice, Billy West, Billy Emerson, Wm. Henry Rice, Frank Cushman, Ben. Cotton, Johnny Booker, Jack Herman, Andy Leavitt, E. F. Dixey, J. B. Donniker, “Eugene” J. H. Haverly, Sam. Hague, Dave Reed and many others, eliminate the matter of doubt entirely. Granting this, it would appear that the two terms: Minstrels and Minstrelsy are Synonymous. - - Some of the minstrel-loving public who recall the old days when Hooley's in Brooklyn, The San Franciscos (Birch, Bernard, Wambold and Backus) in New York, likewise Bryant's and the Christy's ; and Carncross and Dixey's in Philadelphia were household words, will be astonished to learn that many of the - burnt-cork heroes of forty years ago, yes, fifty years, are still living, scattered about the country, though it has been years since some of them have darkened their features. - - But while most of the old-timers are past and gone, and those who are living, practically in retirement; yet there are many of the younger generation of sable performers who rank in many ways with their illustrious predecessors, and it is of these as well as of the “old guard” that “Monarchs of Minstrelsy ; from “Daddy' Rice to Date,” will specialize on. I wish to take this opportunity to extend my thanks to the New York Clipper, without whose assistance this work could not have reached the comprehensive form it has attained; and an invaluable auxiliary was obtained when this aid was further supplemented by the files and data of the Dramatic Mirror being placed at my disposal, and for which I am also extremely grateful. - - From the Albert Davis collection of photographs, Brooklyn, I have received invaluable specimens, likewise Eddie Fox, Mrs. Billy Rice, “Hank” Mudge, Harry Booker, Emil Heusel, John Unsworth, Billy Huntley, Mrs. J. T. Huntley, Tommy Granger; Charles E. Ellis, author of “Official Elks History;” Mrs. -- James Budworth, Mrs. G. W. H. Griffin, Mrs. Archie Hughes, “Bill” Hines, Dan Mason, Phil. A. Paulscraft, Mrs. Ben Cotton, R. H. Mayland, Gus Hill, - Fox & Ward, John P. Hogan, Miss Maggie Weston, Frank Dumont, William Blakeney, New York Sunday Telegraph; Louis Morgenstern, Tom Ward, Will Webster, Mrs. Catherine Griffin, Tom Waters, McIntyre & Heath, Geo. Lewis, Nick Norton, Geo. L. Willson, Chapin & Gore, Chicago; Willis P. Sweat- nam, Walter Kingsley and the late J. H. Surridge. NOTE.-Where dates and miscellaneous information found in this volume differ from those in my “1,000 Men of Minstrelsy; and One Woman,” it is be- cause careful research has shown the latter to be erroneous. - - Abbott, C. D. . . . . . . . 74 Abbott, Fred . . . . . . . . 94 Abecco, Raphael..... I 18 Abel, Neal. . . . . . . . . . . 364 Abrams, Morris . . . . . 32 Adams, Jas. E . . . . . . . 215 Adams, Marsh . . . . . . I3 I Adams, Thos. . . . . . . . 288 Allen, And. Jackson... 6 Allen, Billy . . . . . . . . . I24 Allen, Johnny . . . . . . I75 Allen, Paul . . . . . . . . . 247 Allen, R. G. . . . . . . . . . I82 Allmon, Dan. . . . . . . . .316 Ames, Emil . . . . . . . . . 220 Arbuckle, Maclyn ... 320 Arlington, Billy . . . . . II 5 Armstrong, Harry .. 228 Arnold, Amos I63-223 Arnold, Billy ... I63-223 Arnold, Frank' ... I63-224 Ashcroft, Wm. J . . . . . I60 Atkins, Charley . . . . . 220 Atkinson, “Chuck” ... II9 Austin, Ralph . . . . . . .351 B Backus, Chas. . . . . . . . 70 Bailey, Fred. . . . . . . . . .351 Bailey, Geo. W. . . . . Baird, I. W. . . . . . . . . . 203 Baldwin, Archie . Baldwin, Louis . . Ball, Stephen B... Bamford, A. . . . . . Banker, Ed. H. . . . Barbour, W. W. . . . . . 203 Barlow, Bill . . . . . . Barlow, Billie . . . Barlow, James ..... Barlow, Milt. G. . . Barnes, Stuart ... Barnum, P. T. ... Barry, Billy . . . . . . Bartley, John ... Barton, Chas. . . . . . . Basquin, J. A. . . . . . . . Beach, Bobby ... Beard, Billy . . -- Beban, Geo. . . . . . Behman, Louis . . . . Belasco, David . . . . . . 280 Belknap, W. S. . . . . . , 238 Bell, Frank . . . . . . . . . I 59 Bell, Fred... A. . . . . . . . .279 Benedict, Lew. . . . . . . I32 Benham, Earl . . . . . . . .364 Benson, Billy . . . . . . . 296 Berger, Paul . . . . . . . . 55 t INDEX º Bernard, Sam. ...... 318 Bernard, Wm. H. ... 71 “Bernardo” . . . . . . . . . 2 Io Berthelon, Dick . . . . . 80 Bidaux, Theodore Gustave . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Birch, Billy . . . . . . . . 2-68 Birch, Walter . . . . . . . 84 Birdue, Bob . . . . . . . . 2 I2 Black, W. W. . . . . . . . .308 Blackford, John . . . . . 279 Blair, Billy . . . . . . . . . 74 Blakely, Harry ..... 279 Blakely, Thos. ...... 6 Blakeney, Wm. . . . . . 78 Bloodgood, Harry ... 176 Blue, John J. . . . . . . . . 362 Bogert, Eddie . . . . . . . .335 Bohee, Jas. D. . . . . . . I42 Booker, Harry . . . . . . .222 Booker, Johnny ..... 74 Booth, Edwin . . . . . . 91 Bortell, Chas. . . . . . . . I55 Bowers, Fred. V. . . . . 348 Bowers, Nick. . . . . . . 54 Bowers, Otis . . . . . . . 230 Bowman, Jas. M..... 350 Bowman, John ... ... I54 Bowman, Wm. T. ... 350 Boyce, John T. . . . . . I31 Boyd, Billy . . . . . . ... 80 Boyd, Clarence . . . . . .299 Bradley, Jas. B. . . ... 31 I Braham, Dave . . . . . . 66 Bray, Walter . . . . . . . I46 Brickwood, Chas. . . . 235 Briggs, J. Harvey... 318 Briggs, Tom . . . . . . . . . . 46 Brimmer, Lew . . . . . . ... I5t Brockway, Wm. H... IoS Brooks, Jos. . . . . . . . . 215 Brower, Frank .... II-I5 Brower, Thos. P. . . . . 71 Brown, Ben. . . . . . . . . I88 Brown, Geo. . . . . . . . . 96 Brown, Joe....... . . 72 Brown, John G. . . . 47 Bruno, Gus.. . . . . . . . . 202 Bryant, Billy ....... 248 Bryant, Dan., 64–87-98-248-295 Bryant, Fred. . . . . . Bryant, Jerry . . . . . . Bryant, Neil. . . . . . . Bryant, Wm. H. . . . . 22O Bryant, Wm. T. . . . . . 72 Buckley, Billy . . . . . . .298 Buckley, Fred. . . . . . . 18 Buckley, Geo. Swayne ......... 18-83 Buckley, James ..... I5 Buckley, Joe. . . . . . . . IOA. - Buckley, J. K....... 134 Buckley, R. Bishop. I6 Buckley, R. Jean . . . . . 92 Budd, Jake . . . . . . . . . Io9 Budworth, Harry ... 218 Budworth, Jas... 64-79-295 Budworth, W. S. .... II.4 Bugbee, Chas. R..... 299 Bulger, Harry ... ... 324 Burbank, Otto . . . . . . 2 Burgess, “Cool” .... I 38 Burgess, Fred. . . . . . . 52 Burgess, Neil. . . . . . . 188 Burk, Major . . . . . . . . I59 Burnham, Chas. D. . . I46 Burr, Billy . . . . . . . ... I 35 Burton, Clarence . . . . 287 Butler, “Picayune” ... 30 Byrne, J. H. W. . . . . . 270 C Cain, John E. . . . . . . . .308 Callender, Chas. . . . . 54 Cameron, Al. . . . . . . . .319 Campbell, Geo. F. ... 252 Campbell, J. C. . . . . . . 174 Campbel, J. K. . . . . . . Io:3 Campbell, M. C. . . . . . 26 Campbell, Sher. ..... 60 Canfield, Eugene . . . . .222 Carle, Jno. H. . . . . . . . 48 Carle, Richard . . . . . . .324 Carmichael, Bob. . . . . .310 Carncross, John L. . . 92 Carnes, Boardman ... 326 Carroll, Jas. . . . . . . . . 59 Carroll, Richard F. . . .318 Carroll, R. M........ 80 Carroll, Wm. J. . . . . . 250 Carson, Dave. . . . . . . 66 Carter, Billy ........ 94 Carter, Jim ......... 30 Casey, Frank . . . . . . . .299 Cassady, Eddie . . . . , 359 Castle, Wm. . . . . . . . . IIo Cave, John Arnold.... 34 Cawthorne, Herbert. 296 Cawthorne, Joe........ 323 Ceda, Bill . . . . . . . . . . 24 Chace, Billy.......... 272 Chambers, Billy . . . . . 91 Charles, Geo. W..... 124 Chase, Frank V. ..... 315 Cheevers, Joe. ... Chestnut, Mast. . . Childs, Joe. H. ... Chipman, E. W..... Chirgwin, Geo. A... Christian, Tom. ... ... 23 Christie, Arthur . . . . 296 Christie, Chas. . . . . . . Indea: Cooke, Aynsley Cooper Jas. H. . . . . . - Christy, E. Byron.... 22 Christy, Edwin P.... 19 Christy, Geo. N. . . . . . . 2O Christy's Minstrels ... 19 Christy, Wm. A. . . . . 22 Church, Chas. L. . . . . 92 “Cincinnatus” . . . . . . . 22O Clapham, Geo. T. . . . . 207 Clapham, Harry J. ... I42 Clapp, W. W. Jr. . . . . 6 Clark, Billy . . . . . . . . . 354 Clark, Geo. M. . . . . . . 84 Clark, Jimmy . . . . . . . I42 Clark, S. E. . . . . . . . . . 3O Clark, Willis . . . . . . . . 246 Clarke, Kit. . . . . . . . . I24 Claudius, Dana H. . . . .352 Cleveland, Wm. S. .. 306 Clifford, Billy S. . . . . . 340 Clifford, J. H. . . . . . . . I47 Cluskey, John . . . . . . . 72 “Coal Oil Johnny”. . . 282 Coburn, J. A. . . . .. . . . . 33 I Coes, Geo. H. . . . . . . . 58 Cogill, C. W. . . . . . . . . 2 IO Cohan, Gºo. M. . . . . . 356 Cohan, Jérry . . . . . ... 203 Cohen Sallie . . . . . . . . 280 Cole, Sam. . . . . . . . . . . I26 Coleman, Billy . . . . . . 60 Coleman, “Picka- ninny” . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Collier, Willie . . . . . . 330 Collins, Ben. . . . . . . . . 244 Collins, D. W. . . . . . . II.4 Collins, John H. . . . . . 28 Collins, “Punch” . . . . 48 Collyer, Dan . . . . . . . . 24O Comfort, Vaughn ... 360 Connors, Jimmy . . . . .279 Converse, Frank B.. I IQ Conway, Billy . . . . . . 254 Cook, Arthur . . . . . . . I58 Cook, James . . . . . . . . Corbett, Jas. J . . . . . . . Corbin, Edmond Cornu, E. J. . . . . . . . . . Cotton, Ben. . . . . . . . . Cotton, Ben. Jr. Courtright, Billy Cox, John S. . . . . . Crane, Wm. H. . . . . . Crimmins, John Crimmins, Mike. Crimmins, Steve Crocker, John P Cronin, Tim. . . . . . . . . 278 Crosby, L. V. H... 50 Crosher, John ... . . . . I47 Cummings, Jas. H. . . .239 Cunningham, Geo. W. 3II Cunningham, Jerry.º. 292 Cushman, Frank, 168-243 D Dailey, Peter F. . . . . . . . Daly, Bill . . . . . . . . . . Daly, Dan . . . . . . . . . . Daly, Tom . . . . . . . . . . Dart, Fred. . . . . . . . . . Davis, Lewis H. . . . . Davis, Ned. . . . . . . . . . Davis, Will J. . . . . . . . Day, Chas. H. . . . . . . . Day, Geo. W. . . . . . . . De Angelis, Jeff. . . . . . De Angelis, Johnny.. Deaves, Edwin . . . . . Decker, Al. . . . . . . . . . Decker, Jas. H. . . . . . Delehanty, Wm. H. . . Delmanning, Dent. . . Delmore, Len. . . . . . . Deming, Arthur ... . . . De Rue, Billy. . . . . . . De Rue, Bobby. . . . . . Detzel, Pete. . . . . . . . . De Vere, Geo. M. . . . Devere, Sam. . . . . . . . Devere, Tommy Devere, Wm. . . . . . . . . Devlin, Jimmy . . . . . . 218 Diamond, Billy . . . . . Diamond, John . . . . . Diamond, Lawrence . Diamond, Matt. . . . . . Dicken, C. Edward. . Dickinson, Com- modore . . . . . . . . . . . Dingess, John A. . . . Dixey, E. Freeman.. Dixey, Henry E. . . . . “Dixie”, , origin of ... . . Dixon, Thos. B. . . . . . Dixon, Geo. Wash- 27I 323 348 350 300 I52 . 22O 22O 355 224 40 254 254 294 98 52 86 294 3I4 I98 ington . . . . . . . . . . 6 Dobson, Chas. E . . . . . I 32 Dobson, Edw. C. . . . . 288 Dockstader, Chas. . . 207 Dockstader, Lew., 2-4-46-138-274-302 Dockstader, W. L. . . Donaldson, Wm. B. . Donnelly, Lewis J. ... Donnelly, Tommy .. Donniker, John B... Dooley, Larry . . . . Doty, J. Arthur. . . . . . Dougherty, Hughey.. Dove, Johnny . . . . . . Doyle, J. Marcus.... Dresser, Paul . . . . . . . Dukelan, “Slim Jim”. Duley, John H. . . . . . Dumont, Frank . . . . . Dunn, Arthur . . . . . . . Duprez, Chas. H. . . . . Durand, Lansing ... Durell, Frank . . . . . . . Dwyer, Wm. . . . . . ...? 303 36 I34 318 83 ... 307 3OO I70 359 236 2I2 I68 E Eagan, Hubert W. . . 150 Early, John W. . . . . . 327 Edwards, Bob. . . . . . . 36 Eldredge “Press” ... 226 Ellis, Harry A. . . . . . . .354 Eltinge, Julian '...... 363 Emerson, Billy . . . 186-207 Emerson, Mort. . . . . . 246 Emmett, Billy . . . . . . I70 Emmett, Dan. . . . . . II-I4 Emmett, J. K. . . . . . . . I50 Emmett, “Young Dan” . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 English, Tom . . . . . . . 3O4 Ernest, Chas. M. . . . . 2 IQ “Eugene” . . . . . . . . . . . . III “Eustache” . . . . . . . . . 218 Evans, Chas. E . . . . . . 27I Evans, Geo. . . . . . . . . 339 Evarts, Harry . . . . . . 76 F Fagan, Barney . . . . . . 216 Farrell, Bob . . . . . . . . 6 Field, Al. G. . . . . . . . . Fields, John F. . . . . . Fields, Lew. . . . . . . . . Fields, Wm. . . . . . . . . Filkins, Robert J. . . . Fish, Fred. C. . . . . . . . Fish, Wm. B Fisher, Harry Florence, W. J . . . . . . 96 Foley, Johnny . . . . . . 366 Foley, Mike . . . . . . . . I55 Foley, Willie . . . . . . . . 366 Foote, Wm. . . . . . . . . I74 Forde, Stanley . . . . . . 356 Forrest, Edwin . . . . . . 23 Fostelle, Chas. ... . . . I8o Foster, Dave . . . . . . . . 264 Foster, Stephen C. .. 51 Fox, Charley ....... 56 Fox, Eddie. . . . . . . ... IQ5 Fox, Jas. . . . . . . . . . . . 2I2 ox, Joe. . . . . . . . . . . . 235 Fox, Ned. . . . . . . . . . . 178 Foy, Eddie . . . . . . . . . 218 Foy, Dave. . . . . . . . . . 2I5 France, Sid. C. . . . . . . I22 Fraser, Bob. . . . . . . . . I52 Frear, Billy . . . . . . . . . 2IO Frear, Fred. . . . . . . . . 2I9 Frear, Jas. B. . . . . . . . 2II Freeth, Jabez . . . . . . . 2I5 Freeze, Larry. . . . . . . ... 340 Freeze, Billy . . . . . . . . 340 French, Chas. K. . . . . 298 French, Edwin . . . . . . 243 Friganza, Trixie . . . . .354 Frohman, Chas. . . . . . 264 Frohman, Daniel . . . . 264 Frohman, Gus. . . . . . . 264 Frothingham, Geo.... I'74 Fulton, Jas. C. . . . . . . Fulton, Wm. T., . . G Gallagher, Denny ... 66 Gale, Geo. . . . . . . . . . . 2II Gale, Peter . . . . . . . . . 3O2 Gardner, Charley I 30 Gardner, Dan . . . . . . . 26 Gardner, Sam. . . . . . . 28 Gaylor, Chas. . . . . . . . 98 Gaylord, Low. . . . . . . IIO Gaynor, James . . . . . . I3 I Geary, Gustave . . . . . I47 Gentry, Jas. B. . . . . . . . 3IO Germon, Francis . . . . 24 Gettings, Tommy . . . I62 Geyer, Frank C. . . . . . 266 Gibbons, Chas E. . . . . I36 Gibbs, Clark M. . . . . . II6 Gibbs, Wally . . . . . . . 216 Gibson, Alf. . . . . . . . . . 284 Gilbert, John D. . . . . 283 Gilday, Chas. . . . . . . . 29I Gildea, Edw. P. . . . . . 304 * - Gill, Wm. S. . . . . . . . . 4 Gilmore, Barney . 344 Gilmore, P. S. . . . . . . 62 Ginniven, Billy . . . . . 260 Girard, Eddie . . . . . . . 286 Girard, Frank . . . . . . I40 Girard, Willie . . . . . . 286 Glenn, Jas. . . . . . . . . . I28 Glidden, Charley 2II Golden, Billy . . . . . . . 288 Golden, Geo. Fuller... 346 Golden, Richard 242 Goldrich, Pete. . . . . . . Io9 Goodman, “Hank” ... 95 º Goodwin, Nat. C. . . . 268 Goodyear, Chas. I79 º Gorman, Geo. . . . . . . 232 Gorman, James 232–355 Gorman, John . . . . . . 232 Gorton, Jos. Jr.. . . . . . 356 Gorton, Jos. Sr. . . . . . IO8 Goss, Ned. . . . . . . . . . 2I2 Gould, Billy . . . . . . . . 339 Gould, Julia ........ 46 Gould, Napoleon W. . 28 º Granger, Tommy 231 Granville, “Bun” 364 Graupner, Mr. . . . . . . 5-6 Gray, Billy . . . . . . . . . I36 Gray, Geo. . . . . . . . . . . I5I Gray, William . . . . . . 296 Green, J. E. . . . . . . . . . 86 Greenland, Ned. . . . . 67 Griffin, G. W. H. . . 59-83 Griffin, Jas. H. . . . . . . 268 Guy, Albert . . . . . . . ... 320 Guy, Arthur L. . . . . . . 346 Guy, Mrs. Arthur L., 351 Guy, Chas. . . . . . . . . . . 296 Guy, Edwin . . . . . . . . . 326 Guy, Geo. . . . . . . . . . . .36 Guy, Geo. R. . . . . . . . . .263 Guy, Willie . . . . . . . . . 242 Indea: H Hague, Sam. . . . . . . . . 56 Haines, Nat. . . . . . . . . 307 Haley, Maurice . . . . . 278 Hall, Artie . . . . . . . . . 355 Hall, Bob. . . . . . . . . . . 82 Hall, E. M. . . . . . . . . . 183 Hall, Geo. L. . . . . . . . 56 Hall, Wm. D. . . . . . . . 33O Hall, Wm. M. . . . . ... 6 Hallen, Fred. . . . . . . . 270 Hallen, Geo. . . . . . . . . 308 Hallett, Wm. H. . . . . 332 Hamall, Hugh . . . . . . 183 Hamilton, Wm. H. . . I47 Hanson, Frank . . . . . 25I Hapgood, Harry . . . . 47 Harley, Edwin . . . . . . 218 Harold, Donald . . . . . 266 Harper, Ned. . . . . . . . . 24 Harrigan, Ned. . . . . . . 263 Harrington, Geo. A.. 30 Harrington, J. C. . . . . 288 Harris, Chas. K. . . . . .322 Harris, Tommy . . . . . 267 Harris, Wm. . . . . . . . . I54 Hart, Al. . . . . . . . . . . . 324 Hart, B. C. . . . . . . . . . . I82 Hart, Billy . 83-15I Hart, Bob. . . . . . . . . . 83 Hart, Jerry . . . . . . . . . 272 Hart, Joe. . . . . . . . . . . 306 Hart, John . . . . . . . . . . 90 Hart, Tony . . . . . . . . . 263 Haverly, Burt. . . . . . . 244 Haverly, J. H. . . . . . . I2O Hawkins, D. R. . . . . . I48 Hawkins, Lew. . . . . . . 244 Hayes, Ben. . . . . . . . . I5O Hayes, Tim. . . . . . . ... I 5 I Hayman, Al. . . . . . . . . 208 Haywood, Charlie ... 304 Heath, Thos, K.. 255–262 Height, Bob. 228 Hengler, Thos. M. . . . I84 Hennessy, Michael F. 271 Henry, Chas. Henry, Hi. . . Henshaw, John E. . . . Herbert, “Pot Pie”. .. 6 Herman, Geo. W. . . . 63 Herman, J. A. . . . . . . 42 Hernandez, A. M. . . . 82 Herne, Jas. A. . . . . . . . I48 Heusel, Emil . . . . . . . . 324 Heywood, Chas. . . . . 199 Hicks, Chas. B. . . . . . I47 Higgins, Joe. . . . . . . . .303 Higgins, Wm. . . . . . . .303 Hilliard, Chas. . . . . . . .364 Hilton, J. W. . . . . . . . IO7 Hines, Wm. E . . . . . . . 290 Hitchcock, Raymond. 335 Hobbs, W. L. . . . . ... 82 Hoey, Jas. F. . . . . . . . 264 . . . . . .302. - Hoey, Wm. F. . . w Huntley, J. T. . . . . . Irwin, Max Isaacs, P. D. . . . . . . . . Hogan, Gus. Hogan, Harry . . . . . . Hogan, John P. . . . . . Holland, Geo. Holly, Jas. . . . . . . . . . Holmes, Edwin Holmes, Wm. F. . . . . Holt, Dan. Hooley, Hooley, Hooley, Hopper, Horan, Eddie Horn, Eph. Horn, Geo. . . . . . . . . . Horwitz, Chas. . . . . . . Howard, Charley Howard, Frank (A, C & H) . . . . . . Howard, Frank (Hurd) . . . . . . . . . . . Howard, Frank (Martindale) Howard, Gus. . . . . . . . Howard, Patsy Howard, Rollin Howard, Seth. Huber, Fred. . . . . . . . Hughes, Archie . . . . . Hughes, Artie . . . . . . . Hughes, Joe. . . . . . . . . - Hughes, Mark. . . . . . . Hughes, Ruey Huntington, Harry (see “Young Dan Emmett.”) Huntley, C. L. . . . . . . -------------- Huntley, Mrs. J. T. . . . Huntley, Wm. A. . . . Hurley, J. Hussey, Frank . . . . . . Hutton, Laurence .. Hyde, Richard . . . . . . Hyde, Tommy . . . . . . I ----------- Jackson, Theodore... Jamison, Neil . . . . . . Jansen, J. Melville. ... “Japanese Tommy”. . Jefferson, Jos. . . . . . . Jefferson, Tommy ... Jenkins, Charley .... Jennings, John Jerome, Billy Johnson, Arthur .... ----- Johnson, Carroll Johnson, Jim. . . . . . -- Johnson, Sam. . . . . . . Jolson, Al. . . . . . . . . . . Indea: Jolson, Harry . . . . . . . 362 Jones, Albert . . . . . . . 66 Jones, Geo. . . . . . . . . . 362 Jose, Richard J . . . . . . 338 K \ Kanane, Mike . . . . . . 67 Kayne, E. M. . . . . . . . 187 Keating, John J. . . . . 262 Keefe, Matt. . . . . . . . 326 Keegan, John T. . . . . 292 Kellerd, John E. . . . . 307 Kelly, Edwin . . . . . . . I43 Kelly, Jimmy . . . . . . . 279 Kelly, J. J. . . . . . . . . . . I60 Kelly, John T. . . . . . . 264 Kelly, J. W. . . . . . . . . 278 Kelly, Nolan . . . . . . . . 22O Kemble, J. R. . . . . . . . I24 Kennedy, Edw. J. ... 200 Kennedy, Harry 267 Kennedy, “Memphis.” 228 Kent, Frank. . . . . . . . . . 2–7 I Kernell, Harry . . . . . . 187 Kerns, Frank . . . . . . . I55 King, John H. . . . . . . 334 Kneass, Nelson . . . . . 26 Knowles, R. G. . . . . . . 20I Koppitz, Chas. . . . . . . 66 Kunkel, Geo. . . . . . . . . 39 Kurtz, Melvin S. . . . . I75 L Lackaye, Wilton 296 Lacy, Harry . . . . . . . . 270 - - ILafayette, The Great. 4 Lamont, Jas. W.. Landis, John Lane, Pete Lang, Joe. Lang, John Langdon, Geo. . . . . . . 76 Lansing, Harry . . . . . .220 - La Rue, D. C. . . . . . . . 95 Latell, Ed. . . . . . . . . . . 339 La Verne Lucille. ... 323 Lawrence, Billy ..... 79 Lea, Geo. . . . . . . . . . . . 30 ILeavitt, Andy ... ... 35 Leavitt, M. B. . . . I58 Le Clair, Harry. 27O Lee Dinner: . . . . . . . . . 96 Lee, John H. . . . . . . . 215 Lee, Pete . . . . . . Lee, Philip .... Lee, Sam . . . . . . . . . . . 3.18 * . Lehr, Harry .... 67 Leicester, . . . . 6 Leighton, Bert. . . . . . .358 Leighton, Frank . . . . .356 Leighton, Joe. . . . . . . 358 “Leon” ... . . . . . . . º Léighton, Harry... 18-322. Le Mack, Tom...... 316 I23-I43 Leon, Dan. . . . . . . . . . 5.I Leonard, Eddie . . . . . 35 I Leslie, Bert. . . . . . . . . 346 Leslie, Tom. . . . . . . . . QI Lester, Billy . . . . . . . . 247 Lewis, Charley . . . . . . QI Lewis, Frank . . . . . . . 295 Lewis, Geo. W. . . . . . 3I4 Lewis, Tom. . . . . . 7I-296 “Little Mac” . . . . . . . . I62 Lockwood, Chas. . . . . I47 Long, Chas. G. . . . . . 52 Lorraine, Chas. F. . . . 207 “Lotta” . . . . . . . . . . . . . I79 Lovely, Joe. . . . . . . . . 2I-2 Lynch, Frank . . . . . . 32 Lyons, Dan. E . . . . . . . 29I M Mack, Andrew . . . . . . 3I 5 Mack, James . . . . . . . 286 Mack, Jas. W. . . . . . . 183 Mack, Johnny . . . . . . 242 Mack, John A. . . . . . . . II.4 Mack, Jos. H. . . . . . . . 2O7 Mack, Keller . . . . . . . . 336 Mack, Pete . . . . . . . . . 28O Mack, Will G. . . . . . . . IQ8 Mackin, Jas. F. . . . . . 258 Mackney, E. W. . . . . 47 Magee, Richard Jr... 228 Maguire, Tom. . . . . . 43 Malcolm, Fred. B. . . . 227 Mallory, Ben. . . . . . . 62 Manchester, Bob. . . . 25 I Mann, Harry . 3-287 Manning, Billy... I28–248 Manning, Eddie 303 Manning, Jas. H. . . . . 335 Marble, Ed. . . . . . . . . 187 Marion, Bert. . . . . . . . 327 Marion, Geo. . . . . . . . 294 Marion, Herman 355 Marks, Clarence 343 Marks, Eddie . . . . . . . 3IO Marr, Billy . . . . . . . . . 230 Martin, Geo. T. ... . . 3OO Martin, Tom. . . . . . . . 307 Mason, Chas. A..... 299 Mason, Dan. - 27I Mason, “Hank” . . . . . 40 (Mason, Hen. . . . . . . . . I48 “Master” Barney I28 “Master”. Juba . . . . . . . . 48 “Master”. Martin . . . . 284 “Master Tommy” 2O6 Maxwell, Barry.. 170-700 Mayland, Rowland H. 204 Mazier, Eddie . . . . . . 347 McAllister, Billy I58 McAndrews, J. W... 79 McCabe, D. W. . . . . 298 McCullough, John ... 98. McElroy, Matt. ..... 304 McGee, Joe B. . . . ... 362 McGowan, Dick . . . . I30 226 McGown, Bobby McIntyre, Jas. 255–262 McKee, Andy . . . . . . . I7 I McKee, Frank 3O4 McMahon, Tim. . . . . . 335 McMahon, Walter 346 McMillan, Jerry I42 McNally, Tom. . . . . . I IQ McNish, Frank E. . . . 240 McVeigh, Johnny I79 McWade, Robert I 30 McVickar, John . . . . . 232 Melville, Chas. . . . . . IO2 Melville, E. J. . . . . . . 50 Mestayer, Harry 6 Meyers, Lew. . . . . . . . IO3 Mills, Gus. . . . . . . . . . . 242 Milton, Chas. W.. 344 Mitchell, Mike . . . . . . 66 Monroe, Chas. L. . . . . I42 Monroe, Ned. . . . . . . . 332 Montague, Harry 98 Montgomery, Dave .. 342 Montgomery, “Scamp” . . . . . . ... .. 327 Moore, Geo. F. . . . . . 2II Moore, “Pony” . . . . . 3I Moran, Frank . . . . . . 2-54 Moreland, Arthur.. 58-191 Morgan, Duke . . . . . . 72 Morningstar, Chas. A. 71 Morrell, Frank . . . . . 352 Morris, Billy . . . . . . . Morris, Chas. A. . . . . Morris, D. L. . . . . . . . Morris, Lon. . . . . . . . . Morris, Tim. . . . . . . . . . Morrisey, L ... . . . . . . Morse, Harry M. . . . . Mortimer, Jos. . . . . . . Morton, Jos. . . . . . - Morton, J. W. . . . . . . Morton, Will H. . . . . Moxley, Thos. L. ... Mudge “Hank” ..... Mullally, W. S. . . . . . Mulligan, John....... Murphy, Con. T. . . . . Murphy, Joe. . . . . . . . Murphy, J. B. . . . . . . . Murphy, J. C. . . . . . . . Murphy, J. H. . . . . . . Murphy, John E. . . . . Murphy, Jos. D.. Murphy, Mark Myers, “Ole Bull”. . . N Newcomb, Bobby I-58-194 Newcomb, W. W. . . . Newman, Wm. G. ... Nicholls, Geo. . . . . . . Niles, P. J. . . . . . . ------- Nish, Anthony . . . . . . Noble, Chas. . . . . . . . . Norcross, Jos. M. . . . Norris, James . . . . . . . Norton, John . . . . . . . Norton, Tim. . Norton, Wash. O Oakland, Fred. Oakland, Will Oberist, John F. . . . . O’Brien, Mike O’Brien, Neil O'Day, Billy Olcott, Chauncey O'Neill, Charley --- Ordway, John P. . . . . - - ------- Paine, Parker, Parker, Parmley, Parrow, Wm. Pastor, Tony Patti, Greg . . . . . . . . . . Payne, Billy Payton, Corse Pearl, Billy Pearl, Charley Peasley, John A. . . . . Peel, “English º Tommy” Peel, Matt. ----------- -------- -------- ------- ---------- ---------------- Peel, Tommy Pelham, Dick Pell, Frank Pell, Gilbert W. . . . . Pell, Harry . . . . . . . . . Pell, Jas. . . . . . . . . . . . Pell, Johnny . . . . . . . . Pendy, John . . . . . . . . . -------------- Percy, Harry . . . . . . . Petrie, Chas. . . . . . . . . Petrie, Will O. . . . . . Pettengill, Charley . Pettengill, Joe. . . . . . Pettitt, Seamon ...S. Phelps, Lucius M. . . . Philbrick, Will Phillips, Augustus ... Phillips, Will F. . . . . . Pierce, Earl Pierce, Johnny “Froggy” Pierce, W. W. . . . . . . Pike, Marshall S. . . . Pixley, Gus. . . . . . . . . Polk, J. S. . . . . . . . . . . Porter, Wm. A...... Powers, Geo. W. . . . . Powers, James Powers, Jas. T. . . . . . Prendergast, John ... Prendergast, Tom. . . ---------- Peel, Mrs. Matt. (see Mrs. J. T. Huntley) Index Price, Harry M. . . . . . 283 Price, Neil . . . . . . . . . . I40 Price, Sam. . . . . . . . . . II4 Primrose, Geo. H. . 4-236 Pringle, C. W. . . . . . . I36 Prosser, Rees . . . . . . 327 Purdy, S. S. . . . . . . . . I IO Q Queen, Chas. . . . . . . . .254 Queen, John . . . . . . . . 323 Queen, Johnny . . . . . . I35 Quigley, “Doc” . . . . . 348 Quilter, Dick . . . . . . . I99 Quinlan, Dan. . . . . . . 316 Quinn, Billy. . . . . .*... II.8 Quinn, Paul... . . . . 334 R Rainer, Jos. H. . . . . . . 47 Raleigh, Tom. . . . . . . 3O Ralph, Dick . . . . . . . . I74 Rankin, Carl . . . . . . . 262 Rankin, Rit. . . . . . . . . 262 Rankin, Will . . . . . . . 262 Rattler, Lew. . . . . . . . . 76 Raymond, Maude 334 Raynor, Geo . . . . . . . . 34 Raynor, J. W. . . . . . . 39 Reece “Pop” . . . . . . . . 64 Reed, Charley . . . . . . 267 Reed, Dave .. Reed, Ned. . . . Reeves, Al. . . . . . . . . . Remington, Billy . . . . I36 Reynolds, Chas. . . . . 239 Reynolds, Charley. ... II5 Reynolds, Geo. . . . . . . 239 Ricaby, Sanford B. . . 330 * “Ricardo,” . . . . . . . . . . I75 Rice, Billy ...... I63-207 Rice, “Daddy” ... . . 7–74 Rice, Dan. . . . . . . . . . . 42 Rice, Edw. Le Roy.. I Rice, Geo. . . . . . . . . . . 6 Rice, Geo. W. . . . . . . . .276 Rice, Johnny . . . . . . . . 206 Rice, John C. . . . . . . > 268 Rice, Philip . . . . . . . . . 30 Rice, Wm. Henry, 3I-74-163 Richards, Geo. . . . . . . 258 Richards, Vic. . . . . . . 292 Richards, Warren ... I34 Richardson, Billy ... 220 Richardson, Sage ... 202 Richmond, Harry G. I40 Rickey, Sam. . . . . . . . . 286 Rigby, Arthur C. .... 328 Roberts, James ..... 6 Robinson, Geo. (see “Eustache”). Robinson, Harry . . . . 91 Robinson, “Hop” .... 6 Robson, Andrew .... 4 Rockefeller, Geo. W. 156 Rogers, Neil . . . . . . . . I76 Rogers, Stevie . . . . . . I7I Romain, Manuel 346 Roome, Jas. . . . . . . . . II6 Rosenbaum, Ed. ... 306 Ross, Jasper H. . . . . 5.I Rudolph, Carl . . . . . . I32 Rudolph, W. Jackson 52 Rumsey, Hy. . . . . . . . 59 Rumsey, Zenas . . . . . 28 Rushby, Horace . . . . . I46 Russell, James . . . . . . 266 Russell, Jas. G. . . . . . . I35, Russell, John . . . . . . . 266 Ryman, Add. I22 - - --- Sadler, Tom. . . . . . . . . 276 Sanderson, Harry . . . 295 Sandford, Jim ...... 23 Sands, Dick . . . . . . . . I47 Sands, Edw. . . . . . . . . 262 Sanford, Jas. . . . . . . . I52 Sanford, Sam. ..... 34-364 Sarrissey, “Dad” . . . . 62 Sarsfield, Steve . . . . . 299 Schoolcraft, Luke. 58-192 Scott, Ainsley . . . . . . IOS Seamon, Chas. V. . . . .214 Sexton, Mert. . . . . . . 76 Seymour, Nelse., * 50-64-95-98-295 Sharpley, Chas. . . . . . 3I5 Sharpley, Fred. . . . . . 2 IQ Sharpley, James - . . . . 182 Sharpley, Sam. . . . . . 64-76 Shattuck, Chas. F. ... 90 Shay, Harry . . . . . . . . 230 Shay, Johnny . . . . . . . 179 Sheffer, “Buck” . . . . . .279 Shelby, Dan. . . . . . . . . I22 Shepard, Burt. . . . . . . 227 Sheppard, Billy . . . . . I47 Sheppard, Bob. . . . . . .35 Sheppard, Frank . . . . .291 Sheridan, John F. ... 183 Shirley, Harry ... ... 230 Shorey, J. G. H. . . . . . 90 Shunk, Harry C. . . . . 347 Silver, Dick. . . . . . . . . 76 Silver, J. K. . . . . . . . . . I35 Simmons, Lew. I-126 Simpson, John ...... 72 Sitgreaves, Beverly. . .354 Sivori, John ... . . . . . 83 Skiff, M. T.......... 96 Skinner, Otis . . . . . . . 316 Slavin, Bob. . . . . . . 2–250. Sliter, Dick .......... 50 Slocum, E. N. ... III-294 Smith, Bob. . . . . . . . . . 75 Smith, Ed. C. . . . . . . . 270 Smith, Harry W. . . . . 356 Smith, John P....... 82 Smith, 24 Indet Smith, . . . . . . . . . . 6 Thompson, Wm. H. . .338 Wells, Jimmy . . . . . . 51 Smith, Wm. . . . . . . . . 240 Tierney, Jas. Wells, Sam. . . . . . . . . 51 Smith, Wm. H. . . . . . 44 (T. & W.). . . . . . . . 326 Weslyn, Everett . . . . 235 Smith, Wm. N. . . . . . 67 Tierney, Jas. M. West, Charley . . . . . . 219 Sommers, Tom. . . . . . 2I4 (T. & C.). . . . . . . . . 272 West, Luke . . . . . . . . 52 Sothern, Mr. . . . . . ... 96 Trowbridge, Jos. T.. 39 West, Wm. . . . . . . . . . I35 Spalding, Dr. G. R. . 23 Turner, Chas. . . . . . . . 303 West, Wm. H. . .71-207-246 Spencer, Lew. . . . . . . IQ8. Turner, Frank . . . . . . 208 Weston, Horace . . . . 46 Spooner, Ceciſ . . . . . . 355 Turner, John . . . . . . . 223 Weston, Wm. R. . . . . 28o Spooner, Edna May. 346 Turner, John M. . . . . 2 IO Wheeler, Matt. . . . . . I62 Sprung, Fred. . . . . . . I40 Turner, Tommy . . . . 239 White, Archie . . . . . . 226 Stanley, Burton . . . . 228 White, Chas. O. . . . . . III Stanwood, Harry ... I52 U White, Chas. T. . . . . 5-35 - Steele, John W. (see White, “Cool” . . . . . . 34 “Coal Oil Johnny”) Unsworth, James, White, Frank H. . . . . 228 Stewart, “Fatty” . . . . 95 50-64-107-205 White, G. Warren . . . 26 Stiles, Billy . . . . . . . . 276 Unsworth, John . . . . I75 White, “Hank” . . . . . 84 Stine, Chas. J . . . . . . . .320 Whiteside, Walker .. 4 Stone, A. C. . . . . . . . . I40 V Whitlock, Billy ... I I-12 - Stone, Fred. . . . . . . . . . 342 i Wild, Billy . . . . . . . . . 176 Stone, H. D. . . . . . . . . 6 Van, Billy . . . . . . . . . . 3 I2 Wild, John . . . . . . . . . I55 Stout, John S. . . . . . . I8O Van, Billy B. . . . . . . . .342 Wilkes, Geo. . . . . . . . 140 Stratton, Eugene ... 320 Vaughn, Tom. . . . . . . 43 Williams, Barney . . . 44 Strickland, W. H. . . . I47 Vetta, Franz . . . . . . . 3 II Williams, Bert. . . . . . 350 “Stuart” . . . . . . . . . . . . .344 Vidocq, Will . . . . . . . . 322 Williams, Billy . . . . . 256 Studley, J. B. . . . . . . . 82 Vogel, John W. . . . . . .312 Williams, Jack. . . . . . 294 Subers, Emil . . . . . . . 355 Vokes, Harry . . . . ... 323 Williams, Percy G. . 271 Sullivan J. F. . . . . . . . I48 Von Bonhurst, Willis, Oscar . . . . . . . 155 - Sullivan, John L. . . . . 330 Julius A. . . . . . . . . . .30 Wills, Nat. . . . . . . . . . . . .335 Sullivan, Mark . . . . . . 287 Wilson, Chas. . . . . . . I52 Sully, Lew. . . . . . . . . . 3 II W Wilson, Chas. D. . . . .347 Sully, Wm. J . . . . . . . . 283 Wilson, Dave. . . . . . . I39 . Sun, Gus. . . . . . . . . . . . 334 Wagner, Wilson, Francis . .258-344 Surridge, J. H. . . . . . . I26 . “Happy” Cal. . . . . . I46 Wilson, Fred. . . . . . . 55 - Sutton, Charley . . . . . I76 Waldron, Dan. ..... 248 Wilson, Fred., Sweatnam, Willis P. 3-179 Wallace, Jake . . . . . . . . IIo (D. & W.) . . . . . . . . 271 Swor, Bert . . . . . . . . . 4II Walters, Charley . . . 204 Wilson, Geo. . . . . . . . I72 | Sweeney, Dick . . . . . . 24 Walz, Fred. . . . . . . . . 239 Winnett, Tommy ... 232 Sweeney, Joe. . . . . . . 22 Wambold, Dave. . . . . 70 Winship, Geo. . . . . . . 47 Sweet, O. P. . . . . . . . . .343 Wambold, Jas. . . . . . . 92 Winter, Banks . . . . . . 283 Symonds, Jack . . . . . 303 Wambold, Ned. . . . . . 2II Withers, Ike . . . . . . . . 182 Ward, Frank . . . . . . . 208 Witmark, Julius . P.. 342 T Ward, “Hap” . . . . . . . 323 Wood, Billy . . . . . . . . 290 Ward, John H. . . . . . I39 Wood, Henry ...... 74 Talbott, Jack . . . . . . . I44 Ward, Wm. H. . . . . . 235 Woodruff, Tim. . . . . . 46 Tatnall, Sam, . . . . . . . 6 Warfield, Tom. . . . . . I35 Woods, Geo. W. . . . . 206. - Templeton, Chas. ... 104 Warren, Mickey .... 59 Woodson, Harry ... 238 is . Ten Brooke, James. 286 Waterbury, Edw. M. 328 Wray, Billy . . . . . . . . 8 - Tenney, Ernest . . . . . .328 Waterbury, Geo. N. . .328 Wright, Billy . . . . . . . 75 - Thatcher, Geo........ 3-188 . Waters, Tom. . . . . . . .348 Wyatt, Andrew . . . . . 82 \ - Thatcher, Ned. . . . . . 294 Watson, Harry ... . . . . 212 - Thayer, Ambrose A. I.18 W. *. . . . . . . . . Y º * Thayer, “Bije” . . . . . 44 ay11e, a S. . . . . . . 32 - - - Thomas, Wally . . . . . 134 Weaver, Add. . . . . . . . 87 . Chas. H. . . . . . . .276 Thompson, Dan. .... 278 Weber, Jos. . . . . . . . . .328 eamans, Jennie . . . . 3 Io 254 - - Thompson, Denman. Ioč Welby, Jake . . . . . . . . 239 Young, Charley * * * Thompson, Johnny... I55 Welch, Billy . . . . . . . . 206 Thompson, John W. 131 Welch, Fayette Thompson, Matt. . . . 96 Wells, Frank . . . . . . INDEX TO ILLUSTRATIONS A Abecco, Raphael. . . . . 2I7 Abel, Neal . . . . . . . . . . I45 Adams, Jas. E . . . . . . . 289 Allen, Billy . . . . . . . . . 233 Allen, Hen . . . . . . . . . I77 Allen, Johnny . . . . . . II 3 Allen, Paul . . . . . . . . . 2I Ames, Emil . . . . . . . . . 2 Arbuckle, Maclyn . . . 196 Arlington, Billy . . . . . 4 I Armstrong, Harry .. 22I Arnold, Amos . . . . . . I57 Arnold, Billy . . . . . . . I57 Arnold, Frank . . . . . . I57 Ashcroft, Wm. J . . . . . 3OI Austin, Ralph . . . . . . . I96 B - - Backus, Chas. . . . . . . . II7 Bailey, Fred. . . . . . . . I96 s Ball, Wm. . . . . . . . . . . I65 Bamford, A. . . . . . . . . 73 Banker, Ed. H. . . . . . 97 Barlow, Milt, G. . . . . . 4I Barnum, P. T. . . . . . . 49 Barry, Billy . . . . . . . . 73 Basquin, J. A. . . . . . . . 73 Beban, Geo. . . . . . . . . I97 Belasco, David . . . . . . I97 Bell, Frank . . . . . . . . . 85 Benedict, Lew. ... 85-225 Benham, Earl . . . . . . . 257 Bernard, Sam. . . . . . . I96 Bernard, Wm. H. . . . II.7 Bidaux, Theodore Gustave . . . . . . . . . . I4 I Birch, Billy . . . . . . . . . II7 Birdue, Bob . . . . . . . . 349 Bishop, Gonsalvo . . . I41 -- Black, W. W. . . . . . . . 220 ... Blakely, Harry . . . . . . 3OI - Blakeney, Wm. . . . . . I65 Blossom, Nat . . . . . . . I73 Blue, John J. . . . . . . . 229 Bogert, Eddie . . . . . . I77 Booker, Harry . . . . . . 349 Booker, Johnny . . . . . 65 Booth, Edwin . . . . . . 49 Bowers, Fred. V. . . . . I97 Bowman, Jas. M., Facing 35I Bowman, John ... . . . I77 Bowman, Wm. T., Facing 35 I Bradley, Jas. B. . . . . . 305 - Brandisi, Sig. . . . . . . . I65 Brimmer, Lew. . . . . . 265 Brockway, Wm. H. . . .333 Brower, Frank . . . . . . I3 Brown, Joe. . . . . . . . . 220 Bruno, Gus. . . . . . . . . 57 Bryant, Dan. ... 99-149-225 Bryant, Mrs. Dan . . . . 209 Bryant, Fred. . . . . . . . I77 Bryant, Jerry . . . . . . . O3 Bryant, Neil. . . . . . . . 65 Buckley, Fred. . . . . . . I3 Buckley, Mrs. Fred. . 209 Buckley, Geo. Swayne . . . . . . . . . . . I3 Buckley, James . . . . . I3 Buckley, Joe. . . . . . . . I8I Buckley, R. Bishop ... I3 Budworth, Jas. . . . . . I61 Budworth, Mrs. Jas. . 209 Budworth, W. S. . . . . 265 Bugbee, Chas. R. . . . . .365 Bulger, Harry . . . . . . I97 Burgess, “Cool” . . . . 245 Burgess, Neil. . . . . . . 49 Burton, Clarence . . . . 53 C Cain, John E. . . . . . . . I45 Campbell, J. C. . . . . . . 22I Campbell, J. K. . . . . . 221 Campbell, Sher. . . . . . 22I Canfield, Eugene . . . . .349 Cardella, Frank . . . . . IO5 Carle, Richard . . . . . . I96 Carncross, John L. . . I81 Carroll, R. M. . . . . . . 34I Carter, Billy . . . . . . . . 37 Carter, Jim . . . . . . . . . 2I Carter, Otis . . . . . . . . 2I-7 Casey, Frank . . . . . . . 3I7 Cassady, Eddie . . . . . I69 Castle, Wm. . . . . . . . . 49 Catlin, E. N. . . . . . . . . IO5 Cawthorne, Joe. . . . . . . I96 Chace, Billy. . . . . . . . . . 32I Christy, E. Byron. ... 85 Christy, Edwin P. . . . 45 Christy, Geo. N. . . . . .45 Clapham, Harry J... 365 Clark, Willis . . . . . . . . 337 Claudius, Dana H. . . . 265 Clifford, Billy S. . . . . . I96 Coes, Geo. H. . . . . . . . 357 Cogill, C. W. . . . . . . . . 253 Cohan, Geo. M. . . . . . I96 Cohan, Jerry . . . . . . . I96 Cohen, Sallie . . . . . . . 273 Collier, Willie . . . . . . I97 Collins, Ben. . . . . . . . . I33 Collins, Frank . . . . . . 361 Collins, Lew. . . . . . . . 361 Comfort, Vaughn. 3I.3 Connors, Jimmy . . . . 253 Constantine, Harry. . 201 Converse, Frank B. . 349 Cook, James . . . . . . . . 361 Cooper, Fred. . . . . . . . 253 Corbett, Jas. J. ... I25, 196 Corbin, Edmond G. .. 53 Cornu, E. J. . . . . . . . . IO5 Cotton, Ben. . . . . . . . . 80 Cotton, Ben. Jr... . . . 349 Courtright, Billy . . . . I65 Cox, Will (see Wim. West) . . . . . . . . . . . , IOI Crane, Wm. H. . . . . . I97 Cronin, Tim. . . . . . . . 357 Cummings, Jas. H. .. 81 Cunningham, Geo. W. 321 Cushman, Frank . . 77 D Daly, Bill . . . . . . . . . . 337 Daly, Dan . . . . . . . . . . 49 Daly, John . . . . . . . . . . 293 Daly, Tom . . . . . . . . . . 337 Dart, Fred. . . . . . . . . . IO9 Davis, Lewis H. . . . . 32I Day, Chas. H. . . . . . . . 365 De Angelis, Jeff. . . . . I97 Delehanty, Wm. H. ... 301 Delmanning Bros. . . . 289 Deming, Arthur ... I29 De Rue, Billy. . . . . . . I37 De Rue, Bobby. . . . . . I37 De Vere, Geo. M. . . . 20 Devere, Sam. . . . . . . . 37 Dixey, E. Freeman.... I 13 Dixey, Henry E. . . . . . I97 “Dixie”, first per- formance of . . . . . . 185 Dixon, Thos. B. . . . . . 281 Dockstader, Chas. . . . 249 Dockstader, Lew, 249, Facing 274 Donniker, John B. . . Ios Doty, J. Arthur...... 2OI º, Dougherty, Hughey... 85 Dove, Johnny . . . . . . . 34I Dukelan, “Slim Jim,” 305-300 Dumont, Frank . . . . . 3I.3 Duprez, Chas H. . . . . I4 I Du Rell, Ed. . . . . . . . . 337 Du Rell, Frank. . . . . . . . 337 E Eagan, Hubert W. . . 41 Edwards, Bob. . . . . . . 21 Edwards, Geo. . . . . . . Ellis, Harry A....... Ellwood, Lincoln ... Emerson, Billy. . . . . Emerson, Mrs. Indet to Illustrations Emmett, Dan. . . . . . . I3 Emmett, J. K. . . . . . . . 49 English, Tom . . . . . . . . I49 Ernest, Chas. M. . . . . 89 Escott, Dick . . . . . . . . 309 “Eugene” . . . . . . . . . IOQ-24I Evans, Chas. E. . . . . . 249 Evans, Geo. . . . . . . . . .293 Ewers, Wm. . . . . . . . . 309 F Fagan, Barney . . . . . 34I Field, Al. G. . . . . . . . . I2 I Fields, John F. . . .277-317 Fields, Lew. . . . . . . . . I97 Foley, Johnny ... . . . 305 Foley, Willie . . . . . . . . 305 Foote, Wm. ........ 365 Forrest, Edwin . . . . . 49 Fox, Charley . . . . . . . 353 Fox, , Eddie . . . . . . . . . IO5 Fox, Jas. . . . . . . . . . . . 277 Fox, Joe. . . . . . . . . . . . 33. Foy, Eddie . . . . . . . . . I96 France, Sid. C. . . . . . . I49 Fraser, Bob. . . . . . . . . I8I Fredericks, Chas. . . . . I65 Freeze, Billy . . . . . . . . I37 Freeze, Larry. . . . . . . . I37 French, Chas. K. . . . . I49 French, Edwin . . . . . . 53 Friganza, Trixie . 273 Frohman, Chas. ... IQ7-285 Frohman, Daniel IQ7 Frohman, Gus. . . . . . . 285 Frothingham, Geo... I25 G Gale, Geo. . . . . . . . . . . I93 Gardner, Charley 25 Gardner, Sam. . . . . . . 333 Gaylord, Low...facing 120 Germon, Francis . . . . 69 Gettings, Tommy 233 Geyer, Frank C. . I77 Gibbs, Clark M. . . . . . IoI Gibson, A1f. . . . . . . . . I69 Gilbert, John D. . . . . I77 Gilmore, Barney 196 Gilmore, P. S. . . . . . . 49 Girard, Eddie . . . . . . . 57 Girard, Frank . . . . . . 73 Girard, Willie . . . . . . . 57 Gladdish, Fred. . . . . . .305 Glenn, Jas. . . . . . . . . . 181 Golden, Richard .... 49 Goldrich, Pete. ... ... 33. Goodman, “Hank” ... 65 - Goodwin, Nat. C.. ... 196 - Gorman, Geo. . . . . . . I57 - Gorman, James . . . . . I57 Gorman, John . . . . . . I57 Goss, Ned. . . . . . . . . . . .277 Gould, Julia ..... ... I45 - Granger, Tommy ... 161 Gray, Billy . . . . . . . . . 229 Gray, Geo. . . . . . . . . . . 2I7 Green, J. E. . . . . . . . . . 229 Greenland, Ned. . . . . . 365 Grier, W. P. . . . . . . ... I65 Griffin, G. W. H. . . . . 333 Griffin, Jas. H. . . . . . . 277 Guy, Arthur L. . . . . .... 257 Guy, Mrs. Arthur L. . 81 Guy, Geo. R. . . . . . I2 I-I33 Guy, Willie . . . . . . . . . I33 H Hague, Sam. . . . . . . . . 97 Haines, Nat... . . . . . . . 77 Hall, Artie . . . . . . . . . 273 Hall, Bob . . . . . . . . . . . . I05 Hall, E., M. . . . . . . . . . 265 Hallett, Wm. H.. 305-313 Hanson, Frank . . . . . 317 Harley, Geo. W. . . . . 28I Harper, Ned. . . . . . . . . O Harrigan, Ned. . . . . . . 289 Harrington, Geo. A.. 69 Harrington, J. C. . . . . 253 Harris, Chas. K. . . . . I97 Harris, Wm. . . . . . . . . . I97 Hart, Bob. . . . . . . . ... 85 Hart, Jerry . . . . . . ... I69 Hart, John ...... - 20 Hart, Tony . . . . . . . . . 289 Haverly, Burt. ....... 97 Haverly, J. H., facing I2O Haverly, Mrs. Jack... 209 Hawkins, Lew. . . . . . . I33 Hayes, Tim. . . . . . . . . 233 Heath, Thos. K., facing 255 Hengler, Thos. M. 3OI Henry, Chas. . . . . . . . 2I 7 Henry, Hi. . . . . facing 120 Herman, J. A. . . . . . . 2I7 Herne, Jas. A. . . . . . . 49 Heywood, Chas. 24I Hilliard, Chas. . . . . . . 269 Hines, Wm. E . . . . . . . I73 Hitchcock, Raymond, I25–196 Hodges, D. B. . . . . . . . 365 Hoey, Wm. F. . . . . . . 277 Hogan, Gus. - Hogan, Harry . * Hogan, John P.. Holden, Jas. . . . . . . . . IoS Holmes, Edwin ... ... I4I Hooley, R. M. . . . . . . 121 Hopper, De Wolf.... 196 Horan, Eddie .. 34I Horn, Eph. ..... 181-225 Horwitz, Chas. . . . . . . . 197 Howard, Charley ... 353 Howard, Frank (Martindale) . . . . . . 193 Howard, Harry 305 Howard, Rollin . . . . . Io9 | Huber, Fred. . . . . . . . II.3 Hughes, Archie . . . . . II.3 Hughes, Artie . . . . . . 177 Hughes, Ruey. . . . . . . I 33 Hunneman, Chas. I05 Huntley, Wm. A. . . . 53 Hyde, Tommy . . . . . . 34 I | J Jansen, J. Melville. .. 57 “Japanese Tommy”. . 165 Jefferson, Jos. . . . . . . 49 Jerome, Billy . . . . . . . 196 Johnson, Arthur 253 Johnson, Carroll . 205 Jolson, Al... . . . . facing 363 Jolson, Harry . . . . . . . 257 Jose, Richard J. . . . . . I93 I. Kanane, Mike . . . . . . 233 Kayne, E. M. . . . 333 Kellerd, John E. . . . . . I97 Kelly, Chas. . . . . . . . . I65 Kelly, Ed. . . . . . . . . . . 253 Kelly, Edwin . . . . . . . I65 Kelly, Jimmy . . . . . . . 253 Kelly, J. . . . . . . . . . 49 Kelly, Nolan . . . . . . . . .361 Kemble, J. R. . . . . . . . 333 Kemble, Mrs. J. R... 209 Kennedy, Edw. J . . . . 177 Kent, Frank . . . . . . . . I4 I - Kernell, Harry . . . . . . 49 - Kerns, Frank . . . . . . . 25 King, John H., facing 120 L Lackaye, Wilton .... 197 Lamont & Ducrow... I 33 Lang, John . . . . . . . . . 28I Lansing, Harry . . . . . 20.1 La Rue, D. C. ... . ... I2I Latham, Mike . . . . . . .305 Lavake, Will . . . . . . . . IOI Lee, John H. . . . . . . . 289 Lee, Pete . . . . . . . . . . . ... II.3 Lee, Sam ... . . . . . . ... 257 - Lehr, Harry . . . . . . . . I45 Leighton, Bert. . . . . . I37 Leighton, Frank “Leon” . . . . . . Leonard, Eddie Leslie, Bert. Leslie, Tom. Lester, Billy . . . . . . . Lewis, Tom. . . . . . . 33 Lewis, W. H. . . . . . . . . I4I Linden, Ernest . . . . . . 241 - “Little Mac” ... . . . . . 73 Livermore, C. . . . . . . . 213 Livermore, G. ....... 213 Livermore, H. . . . . . . . . 213 Livermore, L. . . . . . . Lockwood, Chas. . . . - - - Lorraine, Chas. F. . . 213 “Lotta” . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273 Lovely, Joe. . . . . . . . . 349 Lyons, Billy . . . . . . . . 24I M Mack, Andrew . . . . . . I97 Mack, James . . . . . . . 2OI Mack, Jas. W. . . . . . . .349 Mack, John A....... 65 Mack, Keller . . . . . . . 33 Mackin, Jas. F. . . I53-293 Malcolm, Fred. B. . . 241 Manning, Billy . . . . . 237 Manning, Mrs. Billy. 209 Marion, Herman . . . . .321 Marks, Clarence . . . . 257 “Master” Barney. . . . . I2O Maxwell, Barry . . . . . 89 Mazier, Eddie . . . . . . 257 McAllister, Billy . . . . 41 McAndrews, J. W. ... I61 McElroy, Matt. . . . . . 29 McGee, Joe B . . . . . . . I69 McIntyre, Jas., facing 255 McKee, Andy . . . . . . . 32I McNish, Frank E. . . . 25 Melville, Chas. . . . . . 2I7 Meyering, Frank . . . . .309 Mills, Gus. . . . . . . . . . . 2OI Monroe, Ned. . . . . . . . 33 Montgomery, Dave I53-196 Montgomery, “Scamp” . . . . . . . . . . 329 Moore, “Pony” .. 65-225 Moran, Frank . . . . . . . 85 Moreland, Arthur ... 313 Morrell, Frank . . . . . I93 Morris, Billy . . . . . . . . II 7 Morris, Chas A. . . . . 121 . Morris, Lon. . . . . . . ... II.7 Morse, Harry M. . . . . .313 Morton, J. W. . . . . . . .301 Morton, Will H. . . . . 333 Mudge, “Hank” ..... I49 Mullally, W. S. . . . . . IO5 Mulligan, John ..... 4I Nº. Mrs. John. 209 Murphy, Joe. ... I 13-153 Murph B N º Newcomb, Bobby ... 233 Newcomb, Mrs. Bobby . . . . . . . . . . . ... 200 Newcomb, W. W. . . . 65 Niles, P. J. . . . . . . . . . 249 Norcross, Jos. M. . . . .313 Norman, Harry . . . . . I65 Norton, Wash. . . . . . . 233 O Oakland, Will . . . . . . 249 Indea: to Illustrations Oberist, John F. . . . . 217 O’Brien, John . . . . . . 253 O’Brien, Neil 305, facing 330 O'Day, Billy . . . . . . . 329 Olcott, Chauncey ... Ig6 P Palmer, Chas. C. . . . . 300 Parker, Lew. . . . . . . . 4I Parr, Chas. . . . . . . . . . 305 Pastor, Tony . . . . . . . 49 Patti, Greg. . . . . . . . . . I45 Payton, Corse . . . . . . I96 Pearl, Charley . . . . . . 289 Peasley, John A. . . . . 8I Peel, Matt. . . . . . . . . . 65 Peel, Tommy . . . . . . . 349 Pelham, Dick . . . . . . . I3 Pell, Gilbert W. . . . . 69 Pell, Harry . . . . . . . . . 85 Pell, Jas. . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Pell, Johnny . . . . . ... II.7 Pendy, John.... . . . . . 4I Pettengill, Charley .. 353 Pettengill, Mrs. Charley . . . . . . . . . . . 209 Pickert, Willis . . . . . . 34I Powers, Jas. T. . . . . . I97 Prendergast, Tom . . . . 217 Primrose, Geo. H. 293–305 Purdy, S. S. . . . . . . . . I49 Q Queen, Chas...facing I2O Queen, John ........ 81 Queen, Johnny I73 Quilter, Dick ¥33 - R Ralph, Dick . . . . . . . . 22I Raymond, Maude ... 273 Raynor, J. W. . . . . . . Q3 Read, Beaumont .... I65 Reed, Charley . . . . . . 353 Reed, Dave... . . . . . . . . II.3 Reynolds, Chas. . . . . .317 Reynolds, Charley. . . .353 Reynolds, Geo. . . . . . .317 “Ricardo,” . . . . . . . . . . 20.1 Rice, Billy . . . . . . . 73-16I Rice, Mrs. Billy . . . . . 209 Rice, “Daddy” . . . . . - Q Rice, Dan. . . . . . . . . . . 49 Rice, Edw. Le Roy, Frontispiece, 2-305 Rice, Johnny . . . . . . . . 57 Rice, John C. ... 196-277 Rice, Wm. Henry, 81-141-237 Richardson, Billy .... 85 Richmond, Harry G.. 89 Rickey, Sam. . . . . . . . . I29 Rigby, Arthur C. . . . . . Robinson, Harry . . . . I2I Robinson, Justin . . . . 24.I Rockefeller, Geo. W. I.45 Roe, Harry W. . . . . . 28I Rogers, Neil . . . . . . . . 89 Rogers, Stevie . . . . . . 32I Romain, Manuel . . . . IQ3 Rumsey, Hy. . . . . . . . 53 Rushby, Horace . . . . . 281 Russell, Jas. G. . . . . . I65 Ryman, Add. . . . . . . . 245 - S Sandford, Jim . . . . . . 21 Sands, Edw. . . . . . . . . I77 Sanford, Jas. . . . . . ... 81 Sanford, Sam. . . . . . . 37 Schoolcraft, Luke . . . . . .357 Scott, Wm. . . . . . . * ... 305 Seamon, Chas. V. ... 177 Seymour, Nelse... . . . . 65.99 Sharpley, Sam. . . . . . . 37 Shaw, Raymond . . . . 281 Shay, Johnny . . . . . . . Q7 Sheffer, “Buck” . . . . . 3OI Shelby, Dan. . . . . . . . 4I Shepard, Burt. . . . . . . 24I Sheppard, Billy . . . . . 233 Sheppard, Bob. . . . . . 181 Sheppard, Frank . . . . .361 Sheridan, John F. . . . .349 Shirley, Harry . . . . . . 281 Shunk, Harry C. . . . . 77 Simmons, Lew. ..... 173 Sinclair, Geo. . . . . . . . .305 Sitgreaves, Beverly... 273 Skiff, M. T. ... . . . . . . Q7 Skinner, Otis . . . . . . . IQ7 Slavin, Bob. . . . . . ... 97 Sliter, Dick . . . . . . . . . 233 Slocum, E. N. . . . . . . . .333 Slocum, Mrs. E. N. . 209 Smith, Harry W. . . . . IoI. Smith, John P....... 365 Smith, Wm. H. . . . . . .365 Spooner, Cecil ........ 273 Spooner, Edna May. 273 Stanley, Burton . . . . . 2OI Stanwood, Harry ... 265 Stanwood, Moody .. 69 Stine, Chas. J . . . . . . . 77 Stone, Fred. . . . . . I53-196 Stratton, Eugene ... 97 “Stuart” . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 I Sullivan, John L. . . . . Igó Surridge, J. H. . . . . . . I65 Sutton, Charley ....., 353 Sweatnam, Willis P.. 29 Sweeney, Dick ..... 9 Sweeney, Joe. ... . . 9-185 T Talbott, Harry ..... I 13 : Templeton, Chas. . . . 217 Inder to Illustrations Thatcher, Geo. . . . . . .293 homas, Wally . . . . . 233 Thompson, Denman. 197 Thompson, Johnny... 25 Thompson, John W. 97 Tierney, Jas. (T. & W.) . . . . . . . . I73 Tierney, Jas. M. (T. & C.) . . . . . . . . . .357 Tilla, Haydon . . . . . . 28I Trowbridge, Jos. T.. I 17 Turner, Tommy . . . . 177 Tyrrell, Bob. . . . . . . . 281 U Unsworth, James ... 85 V Van, Billy . . . . . . . . . . 169, Van, Billy B. . . . . . . . I97 Vaughn, Tom. . . . . . . 45 Vernon, Paul . . . . . . . 24I Vokes, Harry . . . . . . IQ7 W Wagner, “Happy” Cal. . . . . 97-16I MINSTREL ORGA --- - - Barlow, Wilson & Rankin's. Bryant's (Program) . . . . . . Callan, Haley & Callan's... Callender’s . . . . . ------------------- Campbell's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christy's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . Christy's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . --- Cohan & Harris’. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Duprez & Green's. . . . . . . . . . . . . Eleventh Street Opera House, - - Philadelphia 61 Waldron, Dan. . . . . . 20 Wallace, Franklyn .. 305 Wambold, Dave. . . . . I 17 Ward, Frank . . . . . . . 25 Ward, “Hap” . . . . . . . I97 Ward, Wm. H. . . . . . .33 Warfield, Tom. . . . . . 265 Warner, Chas. F. . . . .309 Waters, Tom, (Waters & Kelly). 361 Waters, Tom. . . . . . . 89 Wayne, Burt. . . . . . . . .340 Wayne, Chas. . . . . . . 173 Weaver, Add. . . . . . . . 245 Weber, Jos. . . . . . . . . IO7 Welby, Jake . . . . . . . . .289 Welch, Billy . . . . . 57-285 Welch, Fayette . . . . . 65 Wells, Sam. . . . . . . . . .333 Weslyn, Everett . . . . .317 West, Luke . . . . . . . . I2O West, Ned . . . . . . . . . I29 West, Wm. * (see Will Cox) . . . . . I73 West, Wm. H. . . . . . . 333 Wheeler, Matt. . . . . . IoI PROGRAMS . . . . . . . . 261 White, Archie . . . . . . 205 White, Chas. T. . . . . . 229 White, “Cool” 2I-245 White, Frank H. . . . . I73 White, Wm. . . . . . . . . 69 Whitlock, Billy . . . . . I3 | Wild, Frank . . . . . . . . 245 Wild, John . . . . . . . . . 245 Wilkes, Geo. . . . . . ... 201 Williams, Barney . . . . 49 Williams, Bert. . . . . . 207 Williams, Billy . . . . . 177 Williams, Percy G. . I96 Williams, Tom. . . . . . 221 Willis, Oscar . . . . . . . 53 Wills, Nat. . . . . . . . . . . . 196 Wilson, Chas. . . . . . ... 81 Wilson, Dave. . . . . . . IOI Wilson , Francis . . I53-197 Wilson, Fred. . . . . . . 225 Wilson, Geo. . . . . . . . .293 Winter, Banks . . . . . . IQ3 Wood, Billy . . . . . . . . .361 Woodson, Harry ... 205 Y - Yeamans, Jennie . . . . 273 NIZATIONS, THEATRES AND Ethiopian Serenaders ................. 69 . . . . . . . . IS5 Federal Theatre, Boston............... 5 ------------- 213 “Lambs” Minstrels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .345 ----------- 285 Mechanics Hall, New York. . . . . . . . . ... 61 ----------- 93 Morris Bros., Pell & Trowbridge's, . . . . . . . . § - Boston II.7 . . . . . . . . 325 Robinson's Harry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189 ----------- iſ San Franciscos, New York. . . . . . . . . . . . . II7 Sweeney, Joe (Program) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185 Virginia Serenaders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2I SKETCH OF THE AUTHOR, WITH PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS. Let me begin by saying that I am not a “Mon- arch of Minstrelsy,” not even a duke or prince; as a matter of fact I am a mere subject, perhaps it would be more exact to say I am a slave, for I cannot recall the time when the curtain having been rung up on the first part, the interlocutor saying, “Gentlemen, be seated,” that it did not thrill me , through and through ; in all probability they would have been seated without his invitation, but still, disappointment would have been keen had he not have done so. Then the overture accompanied by the bones and tambos; but that part of the perform- ance seems to be obsolete now ; and how I yearn for it. The second son of the late Wm. Henry Rice, who put on cork for nearly fifty years, I was born in New York City, August 24, 1871, on Four- teenth Street, nearly opposite the Armory, above Sixth Avenue. If you happen to See a crowd around there at any time, you will know it is part of the excited populace trying to carry away portions of the build- ing which housed me on my first appearance in any country. I can remember, as a youngster even before my school days began, my father asking me if I wanted to be a minstrel? I knew that my mother was “THE INCEPTION OF NEGRO MINSTRELSY.” averse to it and, as they both looked at me awaiting my reply, I vehemently said NO; that was the first lie I ever told. I have done better subsequently, but they have no bearing on this matter. When I was about six or eight years of age, my father, wishing to celebrate the occasion in a fitting manner, took me down town (Philadelphia) and giving me my choice to go in one direction and see “Jack the Giant Killer,” or take another route and see the minstrels. I had heard a whole lot about the youthful prodigy who made a business of trim- ming big husky gents for the sake of getting an appetite that he might better enjoy his meals, and confess to a feeling of curiosity; but it was the “nigger singers” for mine, and it was there that I obtained my first recollection of any individual performer. It was Bobby Newcomb doing Topsy. Whether it was an “Uncle Tom” show, with which the late minstrel was prominently identified at one time, or whether it was a burletta on Mrs. Stowe's immortal work, I never learned, but Newcomb's dress, a ragbag affair, I remember distinctly, subsequently, one made from an American flag, finishing with the well-known suit of white duck in knee-breeches. That was the beginning. I decided then that a minstrel's life was the life for me, and for years I importuned my father to take me on the road with him, finally obtaining a promise to go the next time he took a show out. This was somewhat hazy, but I clung to it tenaciously, and when in July, 1890, he organized the World's Fair Minstrels, my happiness was unbounded. I was in Philadelphia at the time, passing cigars and tobacco over the counter of a Smoke Emporium presided over by Lew Simmons, one 2 MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, - of the oldest active minstrels in harness to-day; observe the date again, please. July, 1890, was it not? At that time Lew had given up the minstrel business entirely. I recall Lew Dockstader dropping in one day and inquiring how he (Simmons) liked the business? “Like it?” said the senior Lew, “why I am perfectly happy; I wouldn't go back in the business again for $100 per week.” (I remember it was PER week.) But he did, a couple of years later, and from all appearances looks good for a few more. I joined my father's troupe. We opened at Elizabeth, N. J., on July 17th. In the company were Billy Birch, Frank Moran, Frank Kent and Bob Slavin; all since passed away. Old minstrel habitues will recall that nigger-act wherein one of the per- formers declares loudly to his friends that he is boss in his own home, how he rules the ranch and so on; and just as he is saying if his wife would show up then he would inflict dire punishment upon her, she comes running down the aisle from the front of the house saying, “Where's my husband?” gathers her lesser half by the ear and amidst the jeers of his companions, carries him away. At the second performance, at Morristown, N. J., I was cast for the en- raged spouse. I believe I was made up for the part fully an hour before the house opened. How nervous I was awaiting my cue, but when it came, my ears seemed to hear nothing but wife, wife, wife, and instead of saying, “Where's my husband?” I said, “Where's my wife?” + “ ” I won't repeat what =|whERE DIDS THE T- - - ºf º - s|You Corne S GALLERY - ', C- - ſ/ - FROMP I THINK! -- §§ *- > *s -* r * -º-ys 5 NoT A ROS STEs ###| -iñº- §HERE LES AN ACTOR == Being a Truthful Portrayal of the Author's First Appearance on Any Stage; Morristown, N. J., July 18, 1890. FROM “DADDY” RICE TO DATE, my father said, but what with the tears of mortification that flowed from my eyes and the perspiration from the pores of my face, almost made washing-up a superfluity. - After that awful first night I got away with the part without any trouble, and even indulged in conversations while awaiting my cue, which I had always thought to be a physical impossibility. * Billy Birch, who was with us, used to suffer severely from rheumatism, and just before parade would say to me, “‘Cully,’ would you mind going over to the hotel, on the bureau, right hand side, and get my medicine?” Would I go? I felt honored. At the opening performance we had a song and dance team who, like my: self, were just breaking into the business. Their act was not an unqualified success and extra tickets to Morristown were not purchased. Some one asked Bob Slavin what he thought of the act, to which he replied: “As a success, they're a failure; as a failure, they're a success.” - - The company closed early in November and a couple of weeks before Christmas I consented to wrap parcels at Wanamaker's store in Philadelphia for a small weekly stipend. It was hard to work for wages after having re- ceived a salary. - Various mercantile positions were mine until the Fall of 1894, when the late Harry Mann opened the old Arch Street Theatre in Philadelphia for the production of the old farces such as “Box and Cox” and others of a like nature. I had heard that there were to be specialties between the acts, wrote for an engagement and shortly afterwards received a reply from Mr. Mann asking me to call. (I have that letter yet.) I told him that I had a black-face mono- logue that was absolutely original; he told me that he could get Willis P. Sweatnam, but decided to give me the preference, I was quick to reply that I wasn’t as good as Sweatnam. (I was frightfully modest those days.) However, I was engaged, and was to receive $10 for my week's services; I was certain he could not get Sweatnam for less than $12.50 or possibly $15. Monday, Sep- tember 24, we opened; I wore a pale-blue Suit and a pleasant expression; on Tuesday I still had the suit, but had lost the expression, caused by the sudden closing of the house. I have always maintained that if I had been billed stronger, the house might have remained open longer; possibly another night; the $1.67 due me for my one performance, I never received, but as compensation, one of the papers said that my monologue, besides being good in itself, was ex- cellently rendered. It's not true that the reporter who wrote this, attended a prizefight that evening. I banked a whole lot on that blue suit; it was part of my plan to be different from any other monologist, and I still think I was. Instead of making my entrance in the conventional manner, I hit upon the idea of having one of the scenes part in the centre, and then walk on saying, “I just blew in,” carelessly pointing to my blue suit at the same time. The more I thought of this, the greater the sensation I was sure I would create; I pictured the reserves being called upon to quell the riot; I saw myself taking encore after encore, and conjured the immense audience rising in their seats as one, begging for just one more glimpse of that blue suit; I was so sure of my success to be, that in a burst of confidence, I told a friend about my idea, and was horrified to learn that George Thatcher had done the self-same thing Some time before. Here was a dilemma, what was I to do? I had known Thatcher from boyhood, and the idea of utilizing any of his ideas was not to 4 . MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, be thought of ; fortunately, about this time, he (Thatcher) played an engage- ment at the National Theatre (Philadelphia), and I decided to see him and explain the situation thoroughly. I found him one evening standing on the steps of the theatre; I told the whole story, reserving nothing, and explained that I was willing to relinquish my idea if he thought it would conflict with him in any way, but with rare generosity he agreed not to prosecute me for plagarism or piracy. º º A week later I opened at Easton, Pa. I had a cold in the head and an old º wig; the cold I obtained in Philadelphia, the wig in Easton, it was an old one . (the wig) having lost my good one in Philly the week previous. * * * An uncle of mine graciously advanced me the price of a ticket to Philadelphia. * * * The watch was worth considerably more than $2. Six months later I might have been seen doing my specialty in Paterson, N. J.; provided you came Monday afternoon. * * * A performer in the same dressing-room asked me how much I paid for my trunk, which was a duplicate of his; $6 I said; why, I paid $12 for mine, he averred. And that was all I got out of the engagement. But that suit, little did the young lady who made it for me dream it would one day become historical; she is now a sedate matron in Detroit. Wonder if she still remembers it? -- In the fall of 1898 I was a member of one of the many California Min- strel organizations that have invaded the country in the past fifty years. The Spring and Summer of 1900 found me selling pasteboards to the Southerners while with the Primrose & Dockstader Minstrels; in the Fall of 1900 I was agent for Andrew Robson in “The Royal Box;” 1901-02, agent for “Pud'dn- head Wilson,” with William S. Gill in the name part, Walker Whiteside, and a return to Primrose & Dockstader; 1902-03, manager, Western Alphonse & Gaston Co.; 1903-04, treasurer, Great Lafayette Company. - At various times I acted as usher and lithographer at the Park, Walnut and Arch Street Theatres in Philadelphia; Columbus Theatre, New York City, and the Park in Brooklyn. - º In July, 1907, I conceived the idea of appearing daily at the ball games in New York City, and in the following afternoon's paper give an accurate ac- count of the conversations entered into, together with the description of the parties spoken to ; in addition having my own features reproduced daily to- gether with an accurate description of myself; to any party who could single me out was given a free pass to all the ball games on the ground where I was detected. - - - Under the title of the “Man in the Bleachers”. I ran those on the New York Evening World with great success for five weeks. - Then came the idea of giving to the world the lives and careers of the min- strels, thus “presenting to the public serving to posterity the peculiar- ities and personalities of prominent performers of the past and present;” and here it is, after three years' exhaustive and patient labor. Now for the big show. - --- ºs º FROM “DADDY” RICE TO DATE. 5 THE FIRST BLACK-FACE PERFORMER. The late Laurence Hutton in “The Negro on the Stage,” states that Shake- speare's Othello was one of the earliest black-face stage characters; giving the date of the appearance at the Globe Theatre, London, England, on April 30, 1610; Oronoko followed in 1696. But several hundred years before the jealous Moor's appearance, a couple of young men, named Cain and Abel respectively, did a brother act, though not necessarily a brotherly act, for the first-named gentleman one day in a fit of peevishness did smite Master Abel with such force that the breath did leave his body; Cain was punished, as he should have been ; his complexion was changed from Caucasian to Ethiopian; this was the first black face turn. Anyway, that's how the story runs. With the reader's permission we will skip about 1,700 years, and come down to the com- parative present. The late Charles T. White, who made a study of minstrelsy all his life and was himself contemporaneous with it from its inception, stated that according to Russell's Boston Gagette of December 30, 1799, at the Federal Theatre, Boston, a Mr. Graupner sang a song called “The Negro Boy.” j §s º ºs - lii | Uliss ----- | | §is | | SUlliliğ |iji millilimitillilililill | - | º "I - Til III | º - º ſº º FEDERAL THEATRE, BOSTON, MAss. The First Recorded Black-Face Act Was Given Here December 30, 1799. 6 MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, unfortunately the dates of their deaths are practically shrouded in oblivion: appropriated from an old ballad, as early as 1827. His first New York ap- W. W. Clapp, Jr., in his “History of the Boston Stage,” avers that this would be impossible, as the news of George Washington's death, December 14, 1799, did not reach Boston until December 24, and that the theatre was closed a week in consequence thereof. Granting this, six days would have elapsed, and the performance undoubtedly was given, for had it not, the adver- tisement which was inserted announcing the performance for that evening, would not under any circumstances have been printed. However, for the sake of argument, let us concede that the first black-face appearance (the term black-face as used here has reference to a single performer doing a specialty) was not on the date specified. The next mention of a black-face performer, by Mr. White, was in 1815, when an actor known as “Pot Pie” Herbert sang “The Battle of Plattsburg.” in Albany; Mr. H. D. Stone in the “Drama,” published in Albany in 1873, cred- its one “Hop.” Robinson as the singer of the song; while “Sol” Smith, a reputed eye-witness, in his (Smith's) autobiography, published in 1868, credits it to Andrew Jackson Allen, claiming that Allen sang it at the Green Street Theatre, Albany, 1815, playing a black-face character. Obviously there could be but one “first” and a period of fifteen years had apparently elapsed between the reputed appearance of Mr. Graupner and the last named gentleman; in other words, no claims have been made for others between 1799 and 1815. Never- theless, there was an appearance between these dates, and by none other than Mr. Graupner himself, who, on September 4, 1809 (while “Daddy” Rice was an infant in Swaddling clothes), appeared as the “Gay Negro Boy” in a circus at Taunton, Mass.; the honor then beyond any doubt is Mr. Graupner's ; and equally certain is the fact that he appeared in Boston, December 30, 1799. Black- face performers sprang up rapidly, and in earlier days no circus was considered complete without at least one of them. SOME EARLY BLACK-FACE PERFORMERS. The following were all popular performers preceding minstrelsy proper; George Nichols; Bob. Farrell, the original “Zip Coon”; Sam Tatnall, Barney Burns, Bill Keller, Horatio Eversell, George Rice (brother of T. D. Rice), William M. Hall, Thomas Blakely, Leicester, etc. Andrew Jackson Allen, already mentioned, was born in New York City in 1776, and according to Laurence Hutton was the costumer, dresser and personal slave of Edwin Forrest for many years; he was quite deaf, and was commonly known as “Dummy” Allen. He died in New York City, October 29, 1853. James Rob- erts, by the same authority, sang a song in negro character as early as October 7, 1824; he died in 1833. - George Washington Dixon song “Coal Black Rose,” the air of which was pearance was of the Lafayette Theatre, July 19, 1828. He later became no- torious as a filibuster during the Yucatan disturbances, and died in New Orleans in 1861. Some prominent early minstrel performers whose records and deaths were likewise lost in oblivion are: Charley Jenkins, Master Chestnut, Harry Mestayer, Neil Jamison and many more. There are others, too, of nearly every decade of whom the author has made every research to gather some knowledge, but without success. - - was proficient, and he kept his wits upon the alert for everything that might be FROM “DADDy" Rice to DATE. * “DADDY” RICE. Thomas Dartmouth Rice was the original “Jim Crow,” the story has been told in many ways, but the authentic version appeared in the Atlantic Monthly in 1867, and herewith is reproduced verbatim ; it is from the pen of Robert P. Nevin. - “Thirty-six years ago a young man, about twenty-five years of age, of a commanding height—six feet full, the heels of his boots not included in the reckoning—and dressed in scrupulous keeping with the fashion of the time, might have been seen sauntering idly along one of the principal streets of Cin- cinnati. To the few who could claim acquaintance with him he was known as an actor, playing at the time referred to a short engagement as light comedian in a theatre of that city. He does not seem to have attained to any noticeable degree of eminence in his profession, but he had established for himself a reputation among jolly fellows in a social way. He could tell a story, sing a song, and dance a hornpipe, after a style which, however, unequal to complete success on the stage, proved, in private performance to select circles rendered appreciative by accessory refreshments, famously triumphant always. If it must be confessed that he was deficient in the more profound qualities, it is not to be inferred that he was destitute of all the distinguishing, though shallower, virtues of character. He had the merit, too, of a proper appreciation of his own capacity; and his aims never rose above that capacity. As a superficial man he dealt, with superficial things, and his dealings were marked by tact and shrewdness. In his sphere he turned to professional and profitable use. Thus it was that, as he sauntered along one of the main thoroughfares of Cincinnati, as has been written, his attention was suddenly arrested by a voice ringing clear and full above the noises of the street, and giving utterance, in an unmistakable dialect, to the refrain of a song to this effect: -> “Turn about an’ wheel about an’ do jis so, An' ebery time I turn about I jump Jim Crow.” - \ Struck by the peculiarities of the performance, so unique in style, matter, and “character” of delivery, the player listened on. Were not these elements—was the suggestion of the instant—which might admit of higher than mere street or stable-yard development? As a national or “race” illustration, behind the foot- lights, might not “Jim Crow” and a black face tickle the fancy of pit and circle, as well as the “Sprig of Shillalah” and a red nose? Out of the suggestion leaped the determination; and so it chanced that the casual hearing of a song trolled by a negro stage-driver, lolling lazily on the box of his vehicle, gave origin to a school of music destined to excel in popularity all others, and to make the name of the obscure actor, T. D. Rice, famous. - º As his engagement at Cincinnati had nearly expired, Rice deemed it expe- dient to postpone a public venture in the newly projected line until the opening of a fresh engagement should assure him opportunity to share fairly the benefit expected to grow out of the experiment. This engagement had already been entered into ; and accordingly, shortly after, in the Autumn of 1830, he left Cin- cinnati for Pittsburg. - The old theatre of Pittsburg occupied the site of the present one, on Fifth 8 MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, Street. It was an unpretending structure, rudely built of boards, and of mod- erate proportions, but sufficient, nevertheless, to satisfy the taste and secure the comfort of the few who dared to face consequences and lend patronage to an establishment under the ban of the Scotch-Irish Calvinists. Entering upon duty at the “Old Drury” of the “Birmingham of America,” Rice prepared to take ad- vantage of his opportunity. There was a negro in attendance at Griffith's Hotel, on Wood Street, named Cuff—an exquisite specimen of his sort—who won a precarious subsistence by letting his open mouth as a mark for boys to pitch pen- nies into, at three paces, and by carrying the trunks of passengers from the steam- boats to the hotels. Cuff was precisely the subject for Rice's purpose. Slight persuasion induced him to accompany the actor to the theatre, where he was led through the private entrance, and quietly ensconced behind the scenes. After the play, Rice, having shaded his own countenance to the “contraband” hue, ordered Cuff to disrobe, and proceeded to invest himself in the cast-off apparel. When the arrangements were complete, the bell rang, and Rice, habited in an old coat forlornly dilapidated, with a pair of shoes composed equally of patches and places for patches on his feet, and wearing a coarse straw hat in a melancholy condition of rent and collapse over a dense black wig of matted moss, waddled into view. The extraordinary apparition produced an instant effect. The crash of peanuts ceased in the pit, and through the circles passed a murmur and a bustle of liveliest expectation. The orchestra opened with a short prelude, and to its accompani- ment Rice began to sing, delivering the first line by way of introductory recitative: º “O, Jim Crow’s come to town, as you all must know, An' he wheel about, he turn about, he do jis so, An' ebery time he wheel about he jump Jim Crow.” * The effect was electric. Such a thunder of applause as followed was never - heard before within the shell of that old theatre. With each succeeding couplet and refrain the uproar was renewed, until presently, when the performer, gath- ering courage from the favorable temper of his audience, ventured to improvise matter for his distiches from familiarly known local incidents, the demonstra- tions were deafening. - - - Now it happened that Cuff, who meanwhile was crouching in dishabille under concealment of a projecting flat behind the performer, by some means received intelligence, at this point, of the near approach of a steamer to the Monongahela Wharf. Between himself and others of his color in the same line of business, and especially as regarded a certain formidable competitor called Ginger, there ex- isted an active rivalry in the baggage-carrying business. For Cuff to allow Gin- ger the advantage of an undisputed descent upon the luggage of the approaching vessel would be not only to forfeit all “considerations” from the passengers, but, by proving him a laggard in his calling, to cast a damaging blemish upon his reputation. Liberally as he might lend himself to a friend, it could not be done at that sacrifice. After a minute or two of fidgety waiting for the song to end, Cuff's patience could endure no longer, and, cautiously hazarding a glimpse of his profile beyond the edge of the flat, he called in a hurried whisper: “Massa Rice, Massa Rice, must have my clo'se! Massa Griffif wants me—steamboat's comin'!” The appeal was fruitless. Massa Rice did not hear it, for a happy hit at an unpopular city functionary had set the audience in a roar in which all other sounds were lost. Waiting some moments longer, the restless Cuff, thrusting his - JOE. SWEENEY . DICK. SWEENEY - BLACK-FACE PERFORMERS WHO ANTEDATED MINSTRELSY - PROPER. - - IO . MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, visage from under cover into full three-quarter view this time, again charged upon the singer in the same words, but with more emphatic voice: “Massa Rice, Massa Rice, must have my clo'se! Massa Griffif wants me—steamboat's comin'!” A still more successful couplet brought a still more tempestuous response, and the invocation of the baggage-carrier was unheard and unheeded. Driven to desperation, and forgetful in the emergency of every sense of propriety, Cuff, in ludicrous undress as he was, started from his place, rushed upon the stage, and laying his hand upon the performer's shoulder, called out excitedly: "Massa Rice, Massa Rice, gi' me nigga's hat—nigga's coat–nigga's shoes—gi' me nigga's tings | Massa Griffif wants 'im—STEAMBOAT 'S COMIN'''" The incident was the touch, in the mirthful experience of that night, that passed endurance. Pit and circles were one scene of such convulsive merri- ment that it was impossible to proceed in the performance; and the extinguish- ment of the footlights, the fall of the curtain, and the throwing wide of the doors for exit, indicated that the entertainment was ended. | Such were the circumstances—authentic in every particular—under which the first work of the distinct art of Negro Minstrelsy was presented. º Next day found the song of Jim Crow, in one style of delivery or another, on everybody's tongue. Clerks hummed it serving customers at shop counters, artisans thundered it at their toils to the time-beat of sledge and of tilt-hammer, boys whistled it on the streets, ladies warbled it in parlors, and house-maids re- peated it to the clink of crockery in kitchens. Rice made up his mind to profit further by its popularity: he determined to publish it. Mr. W. C. Peters, after- wards of Cincinnati, and well known as a composer and publisher, was at that time a music dealer on Market Street in Pittsburg. Rice, ignorant himself of the simplest elements of musical science, waited upon Mr. Peters, and solicited his co-operation in the preparation of his song for the press. Some difficulty was experienced before Rice could be induced to consent to the correction of certain trifling informalities, rhythmical mainly, in his melody; but, yielding finally, the air as it now stands, with a pianoforte accompaniment by Mr. Peters, was put upon paper. The manuscript was put into the hands of Mr. John Newton, who reproduced it on stone with an elaborately embellished title-page, including a portrait of the subject of the Song, precisely as it has been copied through succeed- º - ing editions to the present time. It was the first specimen of lithography ever executed in Pittsburg. - Jim Crow was repeated nightly throughout the season at the theatre; and Streets, was engaged for rehearsals exclusively in the Ethiopian line. “Clar de Kitchen”. Soon appeared as a companion piece, followed speedily by “Lucy Long,” “Sich a Gittin' up Stairs,” “Long-Tail Blue,” and so on, until quite a repertoire was at command from which to select for an evening's entertainment. Rice remained in Pittsburg some two years. He then visited Philadelphia, Boston, and New York, whence he sailed for England, where he met with high favor in his novel character.” - Before he sang “Jim Crow,” Rice was considered only a mediocre performer. Jos. N. Ireland, in his “Records of the New York Stage,” says that he drew more money to the Bowery Theatre than any other performer in the same period of time. His appearances were generally with dramatic organizations, where he usually performed between the acts. His minstrel performances were compara- tively few, and mostly confined to Charley White's Serenaders; though he played - when that was ended, Beale’s Long Room, at the corner of Third and Market FROM “DADDY” RICE TO DATE. - a star engagement at Wood's Minstrels in August, 1858, also in New York. At the Bowery Theatre in the Metropolis, he appeared with much success for several weeks as Uncle Tom, commencing January 16, 1854. He was the author of several early negro farces, the most popular being, “Oh, Hush l’” “The Mummy” and “Bone Squash.” The first New York performance of “O, Hush” was given August 15, 1832. He was noted for his eccentricity of dress; the but- tons on his coat and vest were five and ten dollar gold pieces, which he would give away indiscriminately as souvenirs. He married a Miss Gladstone in Eng- land, June 18, 1837. “Daddy Rice was born in New York City, May 20, 1808. He --" died there September 19, 1860. - - THE FIRST MINSTREL PERFORMANCE. There has always been considerable discussion as to the exact date when this interesting event took place; two things are certain, and have never been dis- - puted, viz.: that it actually did occur, and that the initial presentation was in New York City, between January 31 and February 17, 1843. º - That the idea of amalgamating the respective talents of the original four, Emmett, Brower, Pelham and Whitlock, was conceived by the latter, there is no doubt; the following was furnished by him many years before his death. “The organization of the minstrels I claim to be my own idea, and it can- not be blotted out. One day I asked Dan Emmett, who was in New York at the time, to practice the fiddle and the banjo with me at his boarding-house in Catherine Street. We went down there, and when we had practiced, Frank Brower called in by accident. He listened to our music, charmed to his soul! I told him to join with the bones, which he did. Presently Dick Pelham came in, also by accident, and looked amazed. I asked him to procure a tambourine and make one of the party, and he went out and got one. After practicing for a while we went to the old resort of the circus crowd—the ‘Branch, in the Bowery —with our instruments, and in Bartlett's billiard-room performed for the first time as the Virginia Minstrels. A program was made out, and the first time we appeared upon the stage before an audience was for the benefit of Pelham at the Chatham Theatre. The house was crammed—jammed with out friends; and Dick, of course, put ducats in his purse.” The house on Catherine Street was No. 37, and was kept by a Mrs. Brooks. The “Branch” was a hotel opposite the Bowery Amphitheatre. On January 31, 1843, Dick Pelham did have a benefit, but the performance was of the ordinary nature; nothing unusual, such as a quartet of black-face per- formers appearing at one time, which would have caused considerable stir; thus may we eliminate January 31, 1843, as the date of the first performance in public. The following announcement appeared on February 6: º - BOWERY AMPHITHEATRE, Monday evening, Feb. 6, 1843, first night of the novel, grotesque, original and surpassingly melodious Ethiopian Band entitled - THE VIRGINIA MINSTRELS Being an exclusively minstrel entertainment combining the banjo, violin, bone castanets and the tambourine, and entirely exempt from the vulgarities and other objectionable features which have hitherto characterized negro extravaganzas. -- I2 - MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, The New York Herald commented on the performance for the first time on February 9, The quartet remained at the Bowery Amphitheatre until February II; five days later they were over Cornucopia Hall, at No. 28 Park Row; February 22, they began an engagement at the Park Theatre, and shortly afterwards went to Boston, where they played at Melodeon Hall for a few weeks, and sailed from New York, April 21, 1843. May 21, they gave their first performance at Liverpool, England, at the Concert Rooms on Concert Street; subsequently playing a week in II :45 Manchester, and thence to the Adelphi in London, where they FROM THE HOTEL remained one month; the original four disbanded then. BILLY WHITLOCK was a typesetter on the New York Herald, and appeared at various theatres in the evening, while retaining his position during the day. * He made his first appearance in New York City in 1835, as Cuff in “O, Hush.” He resigned from the Herald in 1837, and went with a circus; he re- turned to New York, and in the Winter of 1839 was engaged by P. T. Barnum to play the banjo for John Diamond, the great dancer. Mr. Whitlock was the first to return to the United States after the dissolu- tion of the original company; he arrived about August, 1844; subsequently ap- pearing with various small organizations and circuses. For many years he traveled as a Yankee comedian, and was also an actor at the Bowery Theatre about 1853; he was the composer of “Lucy Long,” one of the great songs of early minstrelsy. His last appearance was with Dan Rice's Circus in 1855. His daughter married Edwin Adams, the great actor. It is a strange thing that no one seems to know where Mr. Whitlock is buried. Billy Whitlock was born in New York City, 1813; he died at Long Branch, N. J., March 29, 1878. DICK PELHAM (Richard Ward Pell), like Billy Whitlock, made his first appearance in his native city in “O, Hush,” on January 16, 1843, he had a benefit at the Amphitheatre, on which occasion he appeared in sixteen Songs and dances, and played in the farce “Negro Assurance;” yet we think continuous performances are of recent origin. After the disso- lution of the original four in England, Mr. Pelham played an extended engage- in Cork, Belfast, Glasgow and Edinburgh, after which they disbanded. - Mr. Pell subsequently organized Pell's Serenaders, and played all the large cities in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. His last appearance was at Birmingham, England, August 19, 1856. º w in 1835. February 13, 1840, he danced against John Diamond in New York City. November 14, 1842, he appeared at the Franklin Theatre in New York, and ment at Sadler's Wells Theatre in London. April 22, 1844, in conjunction with Dan. Emmett, Frank Brower and Joe Sweeney, they reorganized their little band and opened in Dublin, Ireland; at the Theatre Royal, afterwards, appearing DAN., EMMETT The above four performers gave in New York City, February 6, 1843, the first minstrel performance ever given; they were known as the Virginia Minstrels. N R. BISHOP BUCKLEY JAS. BUCKLEY SWAI FRED. BUCKLEY E BUCKLEY - THE ORIGINAL BUCKLEY SERENADERS. - I4. MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, Dick Pelham was born in New York City, February 13, 1815; he died in Liverpool, England, October 8, 1876. DAN. EMMETT (Daniel Decatur Emmett) was better known to the general public than any of his associates, from the fact that he outlived nearly all his contemporaries, and the more important one that he was the author of “Dixie,” which will live forever. Mr. Emmett first blacked up at the age of sixteen, and two years later TOWN HALL To-NIGHT-MINSTRELS. joined Sam. Stickney's Circus. At the age of twenty-five, he learned to play the banjo, and traveled with Angevine's Circus until he reached New York, in 1842. In 1843, after leaving his three associates in England, he performed at Bolton, Lancashire; he rejoined Pelham and Brower in Dublin, Ireland, April 22, 1844, and played with them and Joe Sweeney for several weeks. - Returning to the United States, he appeared with various circus and minstrel companies. In 1853-54 he was part proprietor of White's Minstrels in New York; in 1855 he opened the first minstrel hall in Chicago, at IO4 Randolph Street. FROM “DADDY” RICE TO DATE. I5 Emmett's Minstrels opened at St. Paul, Minn., April 26, 1858; he was also associated with Frank Brower in a minstrel company in the 50's. Mr. Emmett joined Bryant's Minstrels in New York City in 1858, and re- mained several years; after Dan Bryant's death in 1875, he accepted a position as leader in the Star Varieties, Chicago. In the Fall of 1881 he went out with Leavitt's Minstrels, where in conjunction with several old timers, they gave a reproduction of the original Virginia Minstrels of 1843. His last engagement was a tour of the country with Al. G. Field's Minstrels about ten years ago. Nº. An account of the famous song of “I Wish I Was in Dixie,” will be found elsewhere. Dan Emmett was born in Mt. Vernon, Ohio, October 29, 1815, where he died, June 28, 1904. - FRANK BROWER, -- the junior member of the first minstrel company, made his first appearance at Dick Myers' Museum in Philadelphia, doing a song and dance, about 1838; subsequently he joined John Robinson's Circus, and later Raymond & Waring's Circus. After the separation of the original minstrel company in London in 1844, Mr. Brower traveled with Cook's Circus in England; and in the Spring of 1844, with Pelham, Sweeney and Emmett, they gave their old performance, opening in Dublin, Ireland, April 22, 1844, and playing engagements in Cork, Belfast, Glasgow and Edinburgh, after which he returned to America and played with some of the principal minstrel and circus organizations. - In 1851 he revisited England, appearing as clown with Welch's Circus. February 28, 1856, he opened at Sanford's Minstrels in Philadelphia. His last engagement in minstrelsy was with Tunnison's Minstrels in Phila- delphia, November 2, 1867; and his last appearance on the stage was in the same city, November 22, 1867, at the Walnut Street Theatre, in “The Lottery of Love.” Mr. Brower’s “Happy Uncle Tom” was as perfect a piece of acting, it has been said, that has ever been seen on any stage. He was original to a degree, and never stooped to vulgarity in any form. Frank Brower was born in Baltimore, Md., November 20, 1823; he died in Philadelphia, June 4, 1874. - THE BUCKLEY SERENADERS. JAMEs BUCKLEY, the father of R. Bishop, G. Swayne and Fred Buckley WaS the organizer of the justly famous Buckley Serenaders; they were originally known as the Congo Melodists; subsequently upon playing an extended engage- ment in New Orleans, they adopted the title of “New Orleans Serenaders”; later using the name they were ever after known by . - Mr. Buckley was leader at Harrington's Museum in Boston in 1840. - - In 1843 he organized the Congo Melodists in Boston, and gave their first performance at the Tremont Theatre; in October they. were playing the Taber- nacle, the present site of the Howard Athenaeum. Their first New York appear- ance was in 1845; the following year they went to England, where they re- mained about two years. For family reasons each of the four Buckleys adopted I6 MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, different names on this trip, and retained them for a time after their return to the United States in 1848; James Buckley was known as James Burke. Their metropolitan reappearance was made at the Society Library Rooms, corner Broadway and Leonard Street; they played here as early as January 3, I849. - * - The Buckleys were the first recognized company from the East to visit California, which they did in 1852; they played in tents at $3 per ticket. In June, 1853, they made their third New York appearance at the Chinese Assembly Room, 539 Broadway, which they leased and made into a minstrel hall; they remained three years. August 25, 1856, they opened at 585 Broadway; their last perform- ance there was January 9, 1858; subsequently they played a brief engagement at 444 Broadway, commencing two days later. In May, 1858, they began a brief engagement at the Ordway Hall in Boston, and in November, same year, they began a short season at Allston Hall on Tre- mont Street; subsequently returning to New York at 585 Broadway, opening July II, 1859. On March 21, 1860, they sailed again for England, where they met with pronounced success; in this engagement they played under their own names. As a matter of actual fact, their success was so great, that rival managers became jealous, and succeeded in digging up an old law which prevented an opera other than the Royal Opera from being given; as the Buckley's success depended on the production of these operas, which they produced on a lavish scale, they were compelled to return to America, which they did in 1861. After playing several engagements, they returned to Boston and opened at Allston Hall, October 13, 1862. December 22, same year, they began an engagement at the Palace of Music, New York (the present site of the Fourteenth Street Theatre), and June 15, 1863, they again visited Boston, appearing at the new hall, corner Chauncey and Summer Streets, remaining until April 9, 1866. The retirement of James Buckley and the deaths of R. Bishop and Fred Buckley, left only G. Swayne Buckley, who reorganized the company and toured with intermittent success and failure until about 1876, when the Buckley's Sere- naders passed into oblivion. - Such is the history of this famous family whose talents and versatility are beyond comprehension to the present generation. They were the first company to produce burlesque opera, which they did on a scale of magnificence never since duplicated. The company originally consisted of the four members of the family; later they were augmented by Sam Sanford and J. C. Collins; this was about 1846; in after years many of the prominent lights of the minstrel profession appeared on their roster. Mr. Jas. Buckley was the only member of the organization who was not active up to the time of his death. James Buckley was born in Manchester, England, 1803; he died in Quincy, Mass., April 27, 1872. . . . . . . - - - R. BISHOP BUCKLEY, began his career in 1843 in Boston as member of the original Buckley Serenaders. - . - He was an excellent mimic, accomplished musician and good actor. He was best known for his performance on the Chinese fiddle, which was never equaled except by a native Chinaman. He was the possessor of a good tenor voice, which he used easily and gracefully. - I Sºft - 3||||} ||||| º York & // X. \º *_J & 2- º s 3 C&n els F1" C112 st %//4///5////5//// AT MECHANICS HALL, 472 BROADWAY N.Y IN 1847 | ſ= AN iº ſº º fºlſº º § N lity \tº\\ MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, Mr. Buckley was known as J. C. Rainer in the late 40's, while in Europe and shortly after their return. R. Bishop Buckley was born in England, 1826; he died in Quincy, Mass., June 6, 1867. s GEORGE SwayNE BUCKLEY, the most versatile of the famous Buckley family, made his first appearance as a prodigy at Harrington's Museum in Boston, in I84O. Later, while learning to play the banjo, the famous Joe. Sweeney took an interest in him, and “starred” him for a lengthy period through the country as “Young Sweeney,” which title he used as late as May 15, 1845. Some idea of Mr. Buckley's versatility may be gleaned from the fact that in one performance he sang a song and done a banjo solo in the first part, played a solo on the kitchen bellows in a burlesque on the Julien Concerts; gave Locust Hum in the third part; played a part in the burlesque opera; danced with two others in the finale, and gave his bone solo, which was a wonderful performance; with them he gave imitations of the drums, the march, the reveille, etc., conclud- ing with imitations of two horses running a race. It must be understood that all these performances were given in an artistic manner; and this was about sixty- five years ago. - . - * Probably Swayne Buckley's chief fame rests on the act he did in later years; it was called “Musical Moments;” in it he performed on twelve different instru- ments, playing several at one time. July 8, 1867, he reorganized in Boston, the Buckley Serenaders with himself as the one remaining member of the famous family in its company. In 1870 Mr. Buckley played an engagement with the San Francisco Min- strels in New York City; and on September 3, 1872, with Sam Sharpley he or- ganized a company and gave minstrelsy on new lines, eliminating the time-hon- ored first part. - - The two following seasons saw Buckley’s Serenaders on the road, and on September 13, 1875, he opened with the minstrels at Beethoven Hall, Boston; their stay was brief; a road tour was even less successful. In 1871 he played in a sensational melodrama called “On the Track;” in this he portrayed seven characters. Mr. Buckley's last appearance was at the Walnut Street Theatre, Philadelphia, playing Zip, a negro, in “Devotion.” George Swayne Buckley was born in Bolton, England, August, 1829; he died in Quincy, Mass., June 25, 1879. - -- - ------ º - FRED BUCKLEY came to America with his father and brothers in 1839; when, as previously stated, the family changed their names, Mr. Buckley was known as Master Ole Bull. - He was leader of the orchestra in their organization for many years. Some of the famous ballads of early minstrelsy were composed by him, such as “We Are Growing Old Together,” “I’d Choose to Be a Daisy,” “Laughing Jennie,” “I See Her Still in My Dreams,” “I’m Turning Gray, Dear Kate,” and numerous others. - Mr. Buckley married Fanny Brown, the actress, January 29, 1857. Fred Buckley was born in Bolton, England, October 12, 1833; he died in Boston, Mass., September 12, 1864. - * FROM “DADDY” RICE TO DATE. CHRISTY'S MINSTRELS were originated and first organized by Edwin P. Christy, and after that gentle- man retired from the profession, a few years later, part of his old company or- ganized and went to Europe, giving their first performance there August 3, 1857; they were called the “Christy” Minstrels. From this company several - others sprung, and for a great many years all minstrel organizations in England were called “Christy’s.” - - E. P. Christy had a “card” on his program for many years, stating that his was the first minstrel company organized, the date given as 1842. In support of this at one time gave a statement of receipts covering a period of six months in 1842, and up to January I, 1848. It is a noteworthy fact that Mr. Christy’s “card” did not appear until after Wood's, likewise Campbell's—two permanent minstrel organizations like his own in New York City, had prospered and made their presence felt. As has been stated elsewhere, black-face performers there were a-plenty long before the original four gave their first joint, performance; they played chiefly in circuses and dance houses, and it was in one of the latter that Mrs. Harring- ton, mother of George Christy, and subsequent wife of E. P. Christy, kept, where these performances were given, and were very common occurrences at that time, and this was the only basis that Mr. Christy had of ante-dating the original com- pany. There is no doubt that after the intelligence reached Buffalo of the suc- cess of Pelham, Whitlock, Emmett and Brower, that Mr. Christy, like scores of others, formed a company and called them Christy's Minstrels; the date of this interesting event has never been made public, if indeed it was ever recorded. The first record of the company that the author has been able to find was in Albany, N. Y., May, 1844. On Sunday, August 17, 1845, R. M. Hooley is said to have led the orchestra for them at the Assembly Room in Buffalo, N. Y. Their first metropolitan appearance was at Palmo's Opera House, April 27, 1846; they subsequently played at the Society Library Rooms and later at the Alhambra, all in the same city. - - But it was at Mechanics Hall, 472 Broadway, New York, that the name of Christy's Minstrels became famous; they opened there on February 15, 1847, and remained until July 15, 1854. On September 20, 1854, the company sailed for California; they played a few weeks at Pratt's Hall in San Francisco, but were not overly successful. Such is the story of E. P. Christy's Minstrels; the original company con- sisted of E. P. Christy, George Christy, Tom Vaughn and Lansing Durand; the careers of most of these performers, also their portraits, will be found elsewhere. It was the withdrawal of George Christy from E. P. Christy's Company that caused their dissolution. EDWIN P. CHRISTY was best known as a ballad singer, although he played the banjo acceptably and played parts in his entertainments; he made a specialty of singing Stephen C. Foster's songs. He returned from California early in 1855, and never appeared again pro- fessionally; nor did he ever play in England, although his name is a household word there yet even to this day. Edwin P. Christy was born in Philadelphia, November 28, 1815; he died (suicide) in New York City, May 21, 1862. --> º 2O MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, --- -- in New York City, May 12, 1868. 1858. - º GEORGE N. CHRISTY (Harrington), is conceded to have been one of the greatest performers that ever graced the minstrel stage; he was versatile by all the term applies; had he deemed to use his talents otherwise, his name might have been enrolled as one of America's great actors. His career began at Buffalo, N. Y., in 1839; although he had not yet entered his teens, he was rated a fine jig dancer. He was associated with E. P. Christy a few years before the latter organized his minstrel company. - George Christy was with Christy's Minstrels in New York from February 15, 1847, until October 29, 1853, during which period he played every con- ceivable part; male and female equally well; he was a great endman and as a bone player ranked with the best. Owing to a misunderstanding, he left E. P. Christy on October 29, 1853, and two days later he joined forces with Henry Wood at 444 Broadway, where as Wood and Christy's Minstrels they held forth many years. During the 50's Wood and Christy took the house vacated by E. P. Christy, put a show in there and run both establishments for several months; Billy Birch and Christy played on the ends in their respective houses, after which each would go to the other theatre and contribute to the rest of the entertainment. December 2, 1854, “444” was destroyed by fire, and the company after a brief tour, resumed at “472.” “444” was rebuilt and reopened October 1, 1855. Subsequently the company opened at Wood's Marble Palace, 561-563 Broad- way, which was especially built for them, October 31, 1857; the other houses were then closed. - Christy withdrew from Wood on May 1, 1858, and went to California, opening at San Francisco under the management of Tom Maguire, June 7; the company was known as Christy's Minstrels; they remained in California several months; subsequently Christy and R. M. Hooley formed a partnership and returned to New York, opening at 444 Broadway, May 23, 1859. Christy had previously signed an agreement with Henry Wood not to appear within Ioo miles of New York for a period of eighteen months, commencing May 1, When George Christy attempted to perform, he was enjoined from doing so by Wood; Christy then took the road until the time limit had expired, open- ing at Niblo's Saloon, November 7, 1859; he played here about one year, and subsequently moved opposite to 585 Broadway. - In 1864 he was with J. W. Raynor's Company; and on September 4, 1865, he began an engagement with Hooley in Brooklyn; a year later he opened with Kelly and Leon's Minstrels at 720 Broadway; this was the initial performance of the latter company in the metropolis. January 16, 1867, with G. W. H. Griffin, he organized Griffin and Christy's Minstrels, opening at the Fifth Avenue Theatre*(late Madison Square "The- atre); they closed June 27, went on tour and reappeared in New York, July 29, at Union Hall, Fifth Avenue and Twenty-third Street; they closed on Septem- ber 23 and went traveling: . - º º - -ºº: His last appearance was with Hooley's Minstrels, May 2, 1868, in Bröok- lyn, N. Y. - 1. º George Christy was born in Palmyra, N. Y., November 6, 1827; he died * * THE VIRGINIA SERENADERS, 1843. Reading from left to right, in later years the above performers were fami- liarly known as Jim Sanford, “Ole Bull" Myers, Jim Carter, Bob Edwards and “COO1” White. | ER PAUL ALLEN º - º IBILLY LEST LESTER AND ALLEN–They came later. 22 MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, WILLIAM A. CHRISTY, the younger son of E. P. Christy, was a comedian, and a fair end man. - His greatest proficiency was in the delineation of the female character. Late in 1860 “Christy’s” Minstrels, under his management, toured for a brief season; they closed, and on July 4, 1861, they reorganized and opened at the Athenaeum, Brooklyn, N. Y. - William A. Christy died in New York City, December 8, 1862, aged 22 years. E. BYRON CHRISTY was a son of E. P. Christy; he was a comedian, and best known for his stump speeches, He played with Sanford's Minstrels in Philadelphia in 1859, and with George Christy's Minstrels same year, after the latter's return from California. In 1865 “Christy's' Minstrels made a tour under his management. , He died in New York City, April 6, 1866, aged 28 years. * JOE SWEENEY (Joel Walker Sweeney) was the “father of the banjo” and one of the earliest black-face performers. Mr. Sweeney and two brothers traveled in a wagon through the South in the early 30's, and certainly as early as 1838 when he was with a circus that played in Lynchburg, Va. - He played many subsequent engagements with circuses, notably with the John Robinson Show. About 1843 he went to England, where he traveled with Cook's Circus. April 19, 1844, with Brower, Pelham and Emmett, he formed again the Virginia Minstrels; they played in Dublin two weeks, and several other cities, after which the quartette broke up ; Pelham and Sweeney then performed in the principal cities of the United Kingdom, Sweeney returning to the United States about 1845. - He subsequently organized Joe Sweeney's Opera Troupe and traveled chiefly through the South at intermittent periods up to within about a year or two of his death. - - In April, 1852, he played an engagement with Charley White's Minstrels in New York. Up to the time of Joe Sweeney, the banjo, so-called, was made from a gourd and had four strings only; he took an old cheese box, cut it in half, covered it with a skin and added another string; the fine instruments we see to-day are the evolution of the crude affair just described; this was about 1830. Joe Sweeney was born at Appomattox, Va., 1813; where he died October 27, 1860. º land, and who was known as one of the great comedians of the old stock days, made his appearance with Wood and Christy's Minstrels in New York City, December 21, 1857, playing female parts in black-face, and remained ywith the company six months. The famous “little church around the corner” gained its name and fame through the death of this great old actor. George Holland was born near London, England, December 6, 1871; he died in New York City, December 20, 1870. - - º * FROM “DADDY” RICE TO DATE. EDWIN FORREST, America's first great actor, at the Globe Theatre, Cincinnati, Ohio, July 17, 1823, played Cuff, a Kentucky negro, in the “Tailor in Dis- tress.” - In this play Mr. Forrest imitated the black man in dress, accent, gait, dialect and manner; and was said to be the first actor to do so. Edwin Forrest was born in Philadelphia, March 9, 1806; he died there December 12, 1872. y “OLE BULL" MYERS (J. Richard Myers) was one of the earliest and best violinists in minstrelsy. - He entered the profession in 1835, and was with numerous black-face companies, notably the Virginia Serenaders in 1843; this organization, a photograph of which will be found elsewhere, played an engagement at the - Chatham Theatre, New York, January 24, 1844. - “Ole Bull” Myers was born in Baltimore, Md., May 9, 1909; he died in . Philadelphia, September Io, 1874. - - P. T. BARNUM, the great circus man, in the fall of 1836 while traveling with a small show of his own, had the misfortune to lose the services of Jim Sand- ford, one of his principal “cards,” who was doing “nigger” business; but rather than disappoint his audience, Barnum “blacked up” and sang “Such a Gittin Up Stairs,” and other songs that were popular that day. P. T. Barnum was born in Bethel, Conn., July 5, 1810; he died at Bridge- port, Conn., April 7, 1891. -- ToM CHRISTIAN, one of the first, also one of the best to do Tyrolean warbling in minstrelsy, joined E. P. Christy's Minstrels in New York in 1847, and continued as a member of that organization until it disbanded in 1854; sub- sequently he joined Sanford's Minstrels in Philadelphia, and Raynor's “Christy” which toured the country until they sailed for England in June, 1857, when Christian went with them; he remained with the organization which afterwards was known as Moore, Crocker and Ritter's Minstrels, until his death. Tom Christian died in London, England, January 29, 1867; aged 59 years. DR. G. R. SPALDING, whose “Floating Palace” and steamers “Banjo” and “Gazelle” and “James Raymond” gave minstrel performances on the rivers for many years, commencing about 1855, was a native of Coeymans, N. Y.; he died in New Orleans, La., April 6, 1886, aged 68 years. SAM JOHNSON (Isaac Ray) was one of the earliest minstrel performers; as early as the Summer of 1844 he appeared in Hoboken, N. J., at Otto Cot- tage as one of the Operatic Brothers and Sisters. He died at River View, Ky., about November 1, 1876, aged 62 years. JIM. SANDFORD (Blandford) was one of the earliest jig dancers of minstrelsy. - He appeared with small companies as early as 1843; and for several years traveled with the great John Diamond. He was noted for his fastidiousness - in dress. - - 24 MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, He was born in Baltimore, Md. ; he died in Philadelphia, September 2, 1855; aged 41 years. John WASHINGTON SMITH was one of the earliest and best negro delineators ante-dating minstrelsy proper, although he was later associated with sev- eral prominent organizations. - His earliest recorded appearance was with the Lion Circus in Cincin- nati, December, 1838. The following year he played in New York, and a year later went to Europe, where he performed with “Pickaninny” Coleman. Returning to America, he played at the Bowery Amphitheatre, April 25, 1842. In 1849 he wrote and first sung the song that was afterwards in the repertoire of many famous minstrels—“Old Bob Ridley;” this occurred in New Orleans, La. In the Fall of 1855 he was with the original San Francisco Minstrels in the California metropolis. He subsequently went to Australia and other foreign countries, where for many years he piloted various minstrel organ- izations. º John Washington Smith was born in the United States about 1815; He died in S. Yarra, Australia, August 31, 1877. FRANCIS GERMON was one of the early comedians and tambourinists in minstrelsy. - December 25, 1839, at Taunton, Mass., in a concert there he was sing- ing the old song of “Sittin' on a Rail.” About 1844 he joined the Ethiopian Serenaders, and continued as a mem- ber of that party several years. September 15, 1845, Mr. Germon and the company, as shown on another page, began an engagement at Palmo's Opera House, New York. Francis Germon died in Philadelphia, it is said, in the 50's. NED HARPER was one of the early black-face performers who ante-dated minstrelsy proper. - He was the author of “Jim Along Josey,” and the first to sing it in his drama, the “Free Nigger of New York,” about 1838. - February 22, 1837, at the Lion Theatre, Boston, he played Gumbo Cuff in “O’ Hush.” º - He died in England about fifty years ago. “BILL’’ CEDA (Wm. Price), up to the time of his death was the oldest living minstrel in England, where he had been since 1848; he was a comedian and general performer, and made his first appearance at the Bowery Theatre, New York, in 1840; in June, 1848, he was with the Virginia Harmonists. Bill Ceda was born in the United States; he died in Liverpool, Eng- º - land, March 9, 1873. - y º --- - DICK sweeney, a brother of the famous Joe Sweeney, and who traveled with him in the 30's and 40's, giving concerts in black-face, died in Washing- ton, D. C., in 1860, it is said. He was born in Virginia about 1815. . FRANK WARD HARRY A. ELLIS (of the Original Clipper Quartette) - (of the Original “The Quartette”) JOHNNY THOMPSON - FRANK KERNS (Thompson & Kerns were the original double song and dance team ; 1862.) CHARLEY GARDNER FRANK. E. McNISH (Original “Hop Light Loo”) (Original “Silence and Fun”) “SOME ORIGINALS.” 26 MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, NELSON. KNEAss' fame has been handed down to posterity for his association with the song of Ben Bolt, which was composed by Thomas Dunn English; an old German tune was supplied by Mr. Kneass, and through it the verses have become immortalized. Mr. Kneass followed the profession of negro minstrelsy for many years. February 1, 1841, he was leader of the “orchestra” at the opening of the Museum, Albany, N. Y. In 1846 he was a member of the Sable Har- monists; in 1853 with Sanford's Minstrels in Philadelphia, and on June 2, 1854, Mr. Kneass and his daughter, Annie, who later married J. N. Rent- frow, of Rentfrow’s Jolly Pathfinders, were with Wood and Christy's Min- strels in New York, the former as Aunt Chloe, and the latter as Eva in “Uncle Tom’s Cabin. - In 1859 he was with a minstrel company in Chicago, and late that same year was with Dan Scott's Dramatic Company. Nelson Kneass was born in Philadelphia; he died in Chillicothe, Ohio, September Io, 1869. G. WARREN WHITE was a famous vocalist in the early days of minstrelsy. He began as a boy singer, and later was with Dumbleton's Serenaders; also with Ordway's Aeolians in Boston. His later years were spent with the Campbell-Castle Opera Company, and the Kellogg Opera Company. Mr. White was born in Boston, Mass., in 1816; he died in Somerville, Mass., in March, 1886. - DAN GARDNER was equally at home as a clown in a circus, or as a minstrel. At the age of 13, on the 13th of the month, he ran away from home, and after walking thirteen miles, joined a canal boat show." - - He soon after returned to his heath, and subsequently held the position of assistant property man at Mt. Pitt Circus in New York, on the site that is now occupied by the Hoe Printing Press Company. Mr. Gardner began his clown business there. As early as 1835 he did a wench character; it is considerably more than probable that he was the first performer to do a female part in black-face. And he was absolutely the first to do Lucy Long, a famous characterization in early minstrelsy. - In every decade commencing in the 30's, Mr. Gardner was prominently identified with minstrelsy. He was with Sam Sanford's Minstrels as early as 1844, and when the latter took the present Eleventh Street Opera House in Philadelphia, he played numerous engagements there in the 50's, 60's and 70's. - In 1845 he was one of the famous Operatic Brothers and Sisters in New York City. º - - Mr. Gardner was the father of W. H. Gardner, prominent in circus busi- ness; also Lida Gardner, who was the original Mabel Santley of the Rentz- Santley Burlesquers. - - Dan Gardner was born in New York City, October 28, 1816; he died in Atlantic City, N. J., October 7, 1880. º M. C. CAMPBELL (Cainan), one of the great ballad singers in the early days of minstrelsy, first appeared prominently at Wood's Minstrels in New FROM “DADDY” RICE TO DATE. York in 1851; he remained successively a member of Wood and Christy's; Wood's ; and George Christy's Minstrels, covering a period of about nine years. - In February, 1861, he organized a company with James Budworth. On November Io, 1862, he gave the first performance of Campbell's Minstrels at what is now known as the Fourteenth Street Theatre, New York; June 27, 1864, his company opened at what is now known as the People's Theatre, New York; January 16, 1865, R. M. Hooley became associated in the management, and in the Spring of the same year he dis- posed of his interest to Hooley. - Mr. Campbell had various minstrel companies until about 1870, when he retired ; subsequently he was identified with the Evening News, New York City. M. C. Campbell was born in London, England, 1817; he died in New York, January 6, 1883. EDWIN DEAVES was associated with some of the very earliest minstrel companies in existence in his native and other Eastern cities in the mid- dle 40's. - s About 1850 he went to California, where he remained many years. When he first played in the great coast metropolis, the “theatre” was a tent. Edwin Deaves had a pleasing personality and a commanding presence, which eminently fitted him for the position of “middle-man” in the various companies in which he was associated. Mr. Deaves was among the first to sing the lamented Foster's ballads, such as “Old Dog Tray,” “Nellie Gray” and others. * When George Christy and his company arrived in San Francisco in the Summer of 1858, Mr. Deaves at once became a member. Likewise was he associated there with Birch, Wambold, Bernard, Backus and many other burnt cork luminaries many years before these artists made a metropolitan reputation. - Edwin Deaves was born in Philadelphia, in 1817; he died in New York City, July 19, 1890. - EPH. HoRN (Evan Evans Horn) was a name to conjure with for many years. - His professional career began more than seventy years ago. He first ap- peared in New York City about 1847 as a member of the Ethiopian Sere- naders. º In conjunction with Charley White, they formed Horn and White's Minstrels, opening in New York, April 2, 1851. Subsequently he was identi- fied with practically all the famous permanent minstrel companies in the metropolis, including Wood's, Campbell's, Buckley's, Bryant's, and E. P. Christy's; with the latter he went to San Francisco, Cal., in the Fall of 1854, where he remained eighteen months. Subsequently, he appeared as clown in a circus, in black face. In 1858 he played an engagement with Ordway's Aeolians in Boston. Mr. Horn was a fine end man in his day, and all-round general comedian. * º In the Summer of 1865 he went to London, where he played a brief engagement. . - º Eph. Horn was born in Philadelphia, Pa., 1818; he died in New York, January 1, 1877. 27 28 MoMARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, * SAM GARDNER (Sylvester Gardner) was a prominent minstrel interlocutor - for forty years; he was likewise a splendid bass singer, and had been identi- fied with many prominent organizations, notably Wm. Henry Rice's Min- strels in Cincinnati, with whom he opened September 2, 1872. He had been a resident of Omaha, Neb., where he died March IO, 1888, for many years. He was born in New York City about 1818. --- - ZENAS RUMSEY was one of the early minstrel performers of the '40's. He possessed a good tenor voice, and from 1847 to 1850 he sang at the Bowery Theatre. That year he married Mary Van Keuren, and retired from the profession. - - He was born in Shawangunk, N. Y.; he died in Ellenville, N. Y., Decem- º ber Io, 1891, aged 73 years. - - MARSHALL S. PIKE was one of the pioneers of minstrelsy, as well as one of the first female impersonaters. In 1843 in conjunction with the Powers - Brothers and L. V. H. Crosby, they formed a little company, and appearing, with whitened faces and flaxen wigs, styled themselves the Albino Family subsequently they changed to blackened, features, and were known as the Harmoneon Family, afterwards the Harmoneons. It was this company that sang for President Polk in the White House in 1847. Mr. Pike married in 1849, and in that same year joined Ordway's Aeo- lians in Boston, and continued with them for several seasons, leaving in 1857 and organizing “Pike's Harmoneons.” Subsequently he was identified with various dramatic companies, Mr. Pike was the author of more than IOO songs, the most popular of which was “Home Again,” written in 1849. Marshall S. Pike was born in Westboro, Mass., May 20, 1818; he died in Upton, Mass., February 13, 190I. - - NAPOLEON W. GOULD, famous as a vocalist and guitarist in many minstrel companies, came to the United States in 1848. - º - He joined E. P. Christy's Company in New York about 1850, remaining about four years. In 1859 he became a member of Bryant's Minstrels, same city, and continued there for several seasons. His last professional appearance was with George Christy's Minstrels in New York about fifteen years previous to his death. - - - - Napoleon W. Gould was born in London, England, June 7, I819; he died in New York, May 23, 1881. º º JOHN H. Collins was a well-known vocalist with various minstrel companies. He was the husband of Julia Gould, the prima donna of Buckley's Minstrels. - - - - - In the Spring of 1860 he was, with Wood's Minstrels, and in the Fall of that year he joined Rumsey and Newcomb's Company, going to Cuba with them, where he died in December, 1860. “PICKANINNY” (Thomas E.) COLEMAN was one of the early black-face , performers ante-dating minstrelsy proper. - ĀORIIGIOJN LLV '848 I JN-GHNIGHA GIGI JÄI OGIÐ (º šią ſuſțiojo) NOXICITIVAA ‘N VOI INVN LVĢIAS SCHIN V （IIINGI đI SITTILAA JL NIVH （NHO Í (6981) NOS RIGHTWISH ÄTITIĶI 3O MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, . He played many engagements in New York in the early 40's, with John W. Smith, with whom he made a trip to England in 1840. He died in Newark, N. J., July 5, 1859. JoHN LANDIs was one of the old-time minstrels and general black-face per- formers; he was with Sam Sanford's Minstrels in 1859, and at one time was prominently identified with his own company. He died in Philadelphia, Sep- tember 19, 1863. S. E. CLARK was one of the early interlocutors, or “middle-men” of minstrelsy; he was rated an excellent bass vocalist, and was with the Bryant's in New York in 1857. He died in New Haven, Conn., February 3, 1860. JULIUs A. von Von HURST was one of the early banjo players of minstrelsy, -- and practically his entire career was spent with Sanford's Minstrels in Phila- delphia. -- He married a Miss Luther about 1854, and three years later retired from the profession. - - He died at Reading, Pa., February 16, 1869, aged 40 years. JIM CARTER, one of the earliest of black-face performers, and whose portrait may be seen on another page, was also one of the original Campbell's Min- strels, organized June, 1847. . " He died many years ago. * "PHILIP RICE was one of the pioneer banjo players of minstrelsy. In the very early days he constructed an instrument by tacking a skin over a peck measure that had been sawed in half; this attracted wide at- tention. - - June 18, 1856, he was with Dave Reed's Minstrels on board the steamer “James Raymond,” which traveled on the Mississippi River. He died at Grand Lake, Ark., December 4, 1857. ToM RALEIGH (T. R. Mahan), one of the musicians of the real early days of minstrelsy, was accidentally shot and killed by Frank Hussey, comedian, in San Francisco, December 5, 1859. " - GEORGE LEA, one of the pioneers of the variety theatre business in New York City, was the proprietor of Lea’s Minstrels at 185 Chatham Street, in the Fall of 1853. - . He died at Port Jervis, N. Y., August 20, 1902. “PICAYUNE” BUTLER (John Butler), one of the best of the early banjoists, and who made famous the song “Picayune Butler's Comin’ to Town,” had considerable vogue in the 50's. - º He died in New York City, November 18, 1864. GEORGE A. HARRINGTON was one of the members of the Ethiopian Serenaders > FROM “DADDY” RICE TO DATE. 3I who appeared in New York, September 15, 1845. The following year they appeared in London, England. - - He was a good bass singer and banjoist, and was the first to sing “Lucy Neal.” - He died in Philadelphia, January, 1859. WILLIAM PARROW, who was with Joe. Sweeney's Minstrels in the 40's, and was said to be the original Old Bob Ridley, was murdered at Lebanon, Tenn.; he died November 29, 1870. WM. HENRY RICE, long famous for his burlesque female impersonations, sat on the end with his own minstrel company in Cincinnati, September, 1872. “Pony" MooRE (George Washington Moore). This unique character in minstrelsy, up to the time of his death, enjoyed the double distinction of being the oldest living minstrel, as well as having attained greater longevity than any other known black-face performer. There have been many versions of the veteran's interesting career. Mr. Moore in a letter to the author, dated Decembr 3, 1908, says his first ap- pearance was in New York with Welch and Delevan at the old Broadway Circus in negro opera, playing in black-face, in 1844. - In a series of articles commencing August 1, 1909, in Lloyd's Weekly News (London, England), Mr. Moore stated that he must have been about twenty-one when he first blacked his face, and speaks of Frank Brower, who was in the same company with him as having got the idea of making the first set of “bones” then known. - This would make the date 1841, and as the incident concerning Brower actually did occur while with Roger's Circus, during the week of July 4, that year, the date of his first appearance in black-face may be safely stated to have been in 1841. Previous to this, however, he had been associated in many capacities with various circuses, but chiefly as a driver; it had been said that he handled as many as forty horses at one time, and in that way received the sobriquet of “Pony,” which clung to him all his life. - It was in 1844 that his first prominent engagement as a black-face per- former, however, occurred. Mr. Moore further stated that “he joined Haworth and Horton's Opera Troupe, September 13, 1854, and the year following organized Hunter, Hed- den and Moore's Troupe.” It is a fact that J. Hunter and William Hedden, the one a comedian and the other a fine dancer, were with Raynor's “Christy” Minstrels as late as May 1, 1856, as likewise was “Pony” Moore. The Raynor Company re- turned to New York and opened there on February 2, 1857, playing about a month, after which they took a tour previous to their departure for Eng- land; Mr. Moore left the company at the conclusion of the New York en- gagement, and at once joined Matt. Peel's Minstrels; he continued with this company until in the Summer of 1858, they played an engagement in New York. A short time later Matt. Peel left the organization which subsequently was known as Sniffen's Campbell's Minstrels. Mr. Moore continued with this troupe until February 12, 1859, on which 32 - MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, - English born. date he left to rejoin Matt. Peel's company, continuing with the latter until his (Peel's) death, May 4, 1859; after which he became a member of Burtis' Varieties in Brooklyn, N. Y. - One month later Earl Pierce died in London, England. Pierce had been a great favorite in the British Metropolis, and J. W. Raynor sent for W. W. Newcomb, the well-known comedian, to take the place of the deceased. Evidently Mr. Newcomb did not relish the idea of a sea trip, and “Pony” Moore, on his own initiative, went to London and presented himself to his former manager. It is an odd fact that on this occasion Mr. Moore had to - sign an agreement “not to be too funny.” It had been remarked that during the period of Pierce's death and the subsequent occupation of his chair by Moore, that it remained vacant. This is inaccurate. Pending the advent of “Pony” Moore, it was occupied by W. P. Collins, a member of the company. Mr. Moore continued with the company for one year, at the expiration of which, Mr. Raynor retired to private life. Several companies sprang from the parent organization, one of which, Wilsom and Montague's “Christy's,” Mr. Moore joined. - It is pertinent at this juncture to remark that from this period, all min- strel organizations were known as “Christy's' in England. Mr. Moore continued with Wilsom and Montague for about four years, and immediately after, in conjunction with Johnny Ritter, J. P. Crocker and Henry Hamilton, organized a company bearing their names; with the ex- ception of the latter, all were performers. They gave their first performance at Chester, England, November 14, 1864. After playing through the provinces for several months, they opened in London, at St. James Hall, September 18, 1865. Subsequently through pur- chase and death's intervention, Mr. Moore was sole owner of the com- pany. Later, Fred. Burgess was taken in partnership, and as Moore and Burgess' Minstrels flourished several years. Mr. Moore's last appearance with his own company was in January, 1894. April 9, 1904, saw the last of permanent minstrelsy in London. It seemed that a minstrel show at St. James Hall without “Pony” Moore was like “Hamlet” without Hamlet. º Mr. Moore's last appearance was made in London at the Pavilion for the benefit of Mr. Frank Glenister. º, Mr. Moore was twice married ; first about 1860, and subsequently in 1884. Three daughters were the result of the first union. They married Fred. Vokes, of the famous theatrical family of that name; Charles Mitchell, the former champion pugilist, and Eugene Stratton, the premier black-face vaudeville artist in England. With the exception of the latter, all were “Pony” Moore was born in New York City, February 22, 1820; he died in London, England, October 1, 1909. FRANK LYNCH was one of the great dancers of early minstrelsy. He traveled with Barnum in the 40's as “John Diamond,” after the great show- man had had difficulties with the original Diamond. Lynch was last heard of in St. Louis, Mo., in 1859. º Morris ABRAMs is one of the oldest living black-face performers. He did JOE–FOX & WARD–WM. H. NED–MONROE & MACK–KELLER (The oldest team of theatrical partners in existence) - JAS.–PELL & LEWIS-TOM (Portraits reserved) 34 MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, nigger business on the style of “Daddy” Rice in England, after Rice's phe- nomenal success there in the 30's. - Mr. Abrams is said to be living in retirement in Brighton, England. LANSING DURAND, one of the four original performers of E. P. Christy's Minstrels, was a jig dancer of exceptional merit. In later years he was of the team of Painter and Durand, gymnasts. He was living as late as 1872. John ARNOLD CAVE is probably the oldest living black-face performer. He made a reputation in England more than sixty years ago doing nigger acts with the late E. W. Mackney. Mr. Cave is said to be at present a guest of the Charter House, where he obtained through the late King of England. He (Cave) was formerly proprietor of the Old Vic Theatre, London, England. GEORGE RAYNOR was a well-known minstrel vocalist, and a brother of J. W. Raynor, the famous manager. He was with Wood's Minstrels in 1860, also other prominent organizations. He died in Brooklyn, N. Y., April 2, 1864, aged 43 years. r SAM SANFORD, whose correct name is said to have been Lindsay, was one of the pioneer minstrel managers and performers. His first appearance was at the age of nine years. He subsequently joined a circus, and on February 16, 1843, for the first time assumed mana- gerial duties. About 1846 he joined Buckley's Company, and went to Eng- land with them, returning late in 1848. - Mr. Sanford left the Buckleys about two years later. - He built the first theatre ever constructed especially for a minstrel com- pany, at Twelfth and Chestnut Streets, Philadelphia, Pa., which he opened August 1, 1853; it was destroyed December 9, following. April 23, 1855, Sanford's Minstrels opened at the Eleventh Street Opera House, that city; he continued until the Spring of 1862. - Subsequently Mr. Sanford had other theatres in the Quaker City, and one in Harrisburg, Pa., as well as many traveling minstrel organizations. About 1875 he essayed the role of Uncle Tom, and played that character at intervals for several years. In his day Mr. Sanford was rated as one of the best comedians of his time. Sam Sanford was born in New York City January 1, 1821 ; he died in Brooklyn, N. Y., December 31, 1905. - Cool. WHITE (John Hodges) was one of the pioneers of minstrelsy; he entered it at its inception, and for many years was one of the most brilliant luminaries. Mr. White was a grand interlocutor, and an actor of no ordi- nary merit. - º As early as 1838 he appeared at the Walnut Street Theatre in his native city, singing songs in black-face between the acts. He portrayed the dandy negro, and as such was very successful. : - º In 1843 he organized the Virginia Serenaders. Later he organized the Sable Melodists, and subsequently Sliter's Empire Minstrels, and was with - them four years. He then appeared as a Shakespearian clown with Spalding and Rogers Circus, and after engagements with some other minstrel com- - FROM “DADDY” RICE TO DATE. 35 panies, he joined Sam Sanford's Minstrels in Philadelphia about 1855, and continued there about four years. He then went to New York, and later organized Cool White's Broad- way Minstrels, and on September 12, 1870, in Brooklyn, N. Y., with Archie Hughes and Fayette Welch, started a permanent minstrel company in that city. In the Fall of 1879 he played Uncle Tom. For several years prior to his death he had been connected with Hooley's Theatre in Chicago. Cool White was born in Philadelphia July 28, 1821; he died in Chicago, April 23, 1891. CHARLEs T. WHITE was one of the greatest men that minstrelsy produced. His career began with minstrelsy in 1843, at which time he appeared with various small companies. - The following year he organized the Kitchen Minstrels, and was with many companies until November 24, 1846, when he opened the Melodeon at 53 Bowery, New York. He was twice burnt out, but rebuilt each time. The place finally closed April 22, 1854, and on August 7, following he opened a place at 49 Bowery; each establishment was run as a minstrel show; the admission was 6% and 12% cents. Mr. White was again burnt” out, and later opened places at 585 and 598 Broadway. He was with Mrs. Matt. Peel's Minstrels about 1861. º - He was the author of innumerable minstrel sketches, some of which are yet in use. For several seasons he had traveled with the “White Slave,” and at the time of his death was a member of Edward Harrigan's Company, playing Mrs. Jackson in “Reilly and the 400,” a black-face part. Mr. White was twice married. - - Charles T. White was born in New York June 4, 1821; he died there January 4, 1891. * BoE SHEPPARD. This famous old-time performer began his career as a jig dancer in his native city in 1832; the “theatre” where he made his debut being no less a place than his father's slaughter-house; the admission 6% cents, with the privilege of looking at the cattle; the audience usually had a “bully” time. º º In 1856 he opened a concert hall in Philadelphia, where many artists of prominence in later years made their appearance. In Bob Sheppard's day, performers had to be versatile; and as a dancer and tambourine player, he had no superior in his time; but in the delineation of Old Bob Ridley, he excelled. - He was with some notable organizations, including Shorey's Minstrels in 1863. - - Bob Sheppard was born in Philadelphia, in 1821; he died there August I5, 1898. ANDY LEAVITT made his first stage appearance April 8, 1837. In 1842 he leased Bleeker Hall in Boston and transformed it into Lea- vitt's Opera House. As early as 1858 he traveled with Leavitt's Ethiopian Troupe, and that same year he opened a small theatre at 22 Beaver Street, Albany, N. Y. - - - 36 MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY. March 30, 1859, he leased the Gayety Theatre on Green Street, in the same city. In the early 70's he went to the Howard Athenaeum in Boston, where for many years he remained. He was especially clever in the acts with Harry Bloodgood; the latter doing the comedy. Andy Leavitt was an unusually intelligent performer, and was the author of several negro farces that were widely used. He was likewise responsible for the song “Ham Fat,” that achieved great vogue several years ago. - In 1882 and 1889 he played white-face parts with “Joshua Whitcomb” and “Two Sisters” respectively; his stage career ended about this time. About 1891 he secured a position as stage door man at the Hollis Theatre, Poston, which he retained five years. Andy Leavitt was born in Boston, Mass., in 1822; he died there Febru- ary I, I90I. WILLIAM B. DONALDSON was the inventor of the jawbone used as a musical instrument by black-face performers several years before the first minstrel performance was given. He was associated with minstrel and circus organizations for forty years, and was the first black-face clown to appear in a ring. - Like most performers of his day, he played the banjo ; but Mr. Donald- son created a sensation by playing it with his left hand. - His professional debut was made in Poughkeepsie, N. Y., in 1836, as “Young Jim Crow,” after the style of “Daddy” Rice. In June, 1847, he was one of the five original members of the first Campbell's Minstrels. - About three years before his death he became proprietor of the Lock- wood House in Poughkeepsie, N. Y. - William B. Donaldson was born October 13, 1822; he died in Pough- keepsie, N. Y., April 16, 1873. - - BOB EDWARDS (Dean) was one of the earliest bone players, and in his youth was known as “Master” Edwards. In 1841-42 he traveled though Pennsylvania as a jig dancer. In 1843 and 1844 he was a member of the famous Ethiopian Serenaders, a group picture of which will be found on another page. - Subsequently he withdrew from that company, and joined Sanford's Min- strels in Philadelphia, where he remained for a long time. In 1862 he had the Gayety Music Hall in Harrisburg, Pa., and a few years before his death was proprietor of his own company. Bob Edwards was born in Philadelphia in 1822; he died in Buffalo, N. Y., July 24, 1872. GEORGE GUY was the founder of the famed Guy Bros. Minstrels. Mr. Guy, who was an excellent baritone vocalist, had the unique dis- tinction of sitting in the first part with his six sons; an occurrence that had no parallel in minstrelsy. - - - The original Guy family of entertainers consisted of father, mother, daughter and six sons. º º! - Mr. Guy's principal engagements were with Christy's, and Kelly and Leon's Minstrels. About 1874 he organized the Guy Brothers Minstrels as a permanent institution, and as such it has continued ever since. a SWVS, CIGILVSIGIGITIO IINOS Xà (ISIGINſmosisins XIILYIVO AT III AGITCHNIVHS INVS NIVMAS WIWS CIRIO HNVS "WVS 38 MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, Mr. Guy married Amelia Evans in London, England, in 1851. George Guy, Sr., was born in London, England, January 20, 1822; he died in Springfield, Mass., February 23, 1895. R. M. HoOLEY was associated with all that was best in minstrelsy. He came to America in 1844, and on August 17, the following year, he played his first engagement in Buffalo, N. Y., as “leader” of E. P. Christy's Minstrels; he remained with Christy for two years. About 1851 he organized his own company, and took same to Europe, where he played Paris, Boulogne, Brussels and other Continental cities. Dur- ing the 50's he was associated in the management of Maguire's Minstrels in California, and in 1858 was proprietor with Maguire of George Christy's Minstrels in San Francisco. - Returning to New York in 1859, he soon separated from Christy, and - on February 6, 1860, in co-partnership with Sher. Campbell and G. W. H. Griffin, organized Hooley and Campbell's Minstrels; this company dis- banded in July, 1861, and the following year Mr. Hooley opened his famous minstrel hall in Brooklyn, where he continued for several years. During the above period Hooley had a company in Philadelphia at the º old Seventh Street Theatre, from September 7 to October 17, 1868. October 19, 1868, he opened another minstrel show in Brooklyn, at the , Odeon, the present site of the Novelty Theatre. - . The home of the original Hooley Company was destroyed by fire May º 12, 1865, and that same month the energetic manager opened at 201 Bowery, | New York, the present site of the People's Theatre. January 2, 1871, Mr. Hooley opened Bryan Hall, the present Grand Opera House in Chicago, and remained several months. - The big fire of October, 1871, having destroyed his theatre, Mr. Hooley thereupon built what is now known as Power's Theatre, Chicago, which he opened with his company in 1872, and flourished about three years, when he returned to his old love in Brooklyn, and began an engagement in 1875. In the Spring of 1876 in conjunction with Billy Rice, he formed Rice and Hooley's Minstrels for a road tour; December, 1876, they opened at Hooley's old Opera House in Brooklyn for a limited engagement. Mr. Hooley again went to Chicago, and on March 1, 1880, opened with a min- strel company at the Novelty Theatre. - In September, 1882 he associated with Rice; and Billy Rice and Hooley's Minstrels opened in Joliet, Ill., but disbanded after a few months. Mr. Hooley married Miss Rosina Cramer of New York, in San Francisco, about 1856, after a brief but romantic courtship. R. M. Hooley was born in Ballina, Ireland, April 13, 1822; he died in Chicago, Ill., September 8, 1893. - * WILLIAM A. PORTER, one of the earliest members of E. P. Christy's Minstrels, made his first theatrical appearance as a supernumary in the old Chatham Theatre, New York, in the fall of 1841. - - His debut as a black-face performer occurred in the Spring of 1844 with the Clark Brothers Panorama Show. - Mr. Porter made his first appearance with E. P. Christy's Minstrels at ſº the Eagle Street Theatre, Buffalo, N. Y., April 5, 1845. - - - - * -- FROM “DADDY". RICE TO DATE, - 39 February 15, 1847, he opened with the company at Mechanic's Hall, New York, and remained there until 1853, after which, in the Fall of that year, he became a member of George Christy and Henry Wood's Minstrels. Mr. Porter subsequently went to California and identified himself with Backus' Minstrels there. - º Early in 1855 he rejoined E. P. Christy's Company in San Francisco, acting as business manager. - - In August, same year, he set sail for Australia with Backus' Minstrels; he remained in that country until 1859, during which period he engaged in mining and mercantile pursuits, as well as following his profession. Mr. Porter returned to New York about September, 1870, later making his home at Johnsonburg, N. Y., where he died January 18, 1906. William A. Porter was born in Hartford, Conn., May 4, 1822. J. W. RAYNOR (Rea) came to America at the age of ten years. His first professional appearance was as a vocalist in New York City about 1845. In June, 1847, Mr. Raynor was one of the original members that comprised the first Campbell's Minstrels. Not long after this he joined E. P. Christy's Minstrels in New York City, and continued with them until the dissolution of the company in that city, July, 1854. Mr. Raynor then organized a “Christy Minstrels” and for three years traveled successfully in the United States and Canada. July 11, 1857, in partnership with Earl Pierce, he sailed with a company for England, where they opened in London, August 3, following. He met with immediate and lasting success, and exactly three years from the date he left America, Mr. Raynor announced his retirement, and returned to the United States, arriving August 15, 1860. Less than four years later the old fever came back to Mr. Raynor, and he organized another “Christy’s” Minstrels, and continued at its head until about January 1, 1866, when he laid aside business cares of that nature for good and all, settling down in Paterson, N.J., where he became one of its most honored citizens. - J. W. Raynor was born in Ireland March 31, 1823; he died in North Paterson, N. J., April 5, 1900. GEORGE KUNKEL began his career as a black-face performer in 1844. In 1853 he organized a minstrel company that became famous as the Night- ingale Serenaders; they traveled until 1855. In the latter year Mr. Kunkel became manager of a theatre in Baltimore, and continued in such until 1861, when he again reorganized his minstrel company for a tour. In 1866 the company was formed for the third time for a brief engagement, after which Mr. Kunkel played Uncle Tom, and for many years, or until shortly before his death, he appeared in that role, in which he was eminently successful. º- - He married Ada Proctor, the actress, about 1861. George Kunkel was born in Green Castle, Pa.; he died in Baltimore, Md., January 25, 1885; aged 62 years. Joseph T. Trowbridge was prominent as a bass singer and interlocutor. He joined Ordway's Aeolians in Boston in 1852, and continued with 4O MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, them until December, 1857, when Johnny Pell, Lon and Billy Morris and John T. Huntley, organized a company bearing their names, and opened in Boston. Mr. Trowbridge was with them. Mr. Huntley withdrew about March, 1859, and the company was thereafter known as that of Morris Bros., Pell and Trowbridge, and as such it continued until 1867. He later became identified in the management of two Boston theatres. About 1872 he retired from active business. Jos. T. Trowbridge was born in Newtonville, Mass., September, 1823; he died in Chelsea, Mass., Jan. II, 1891. HANK MASON was familiarly known as “Hank, the Mason.” He was one of the foremost jig dancers in the early days of minstrelsy. He was born April 18, 1823; he died in Brooklyn, N. Y., October 9, 1885. W. W. NEwcom B (Coomb) was one of the best known performers of minstrelsy. As a boy he traveled with circuses. In the late 4o's he formed a partner- ship with Bije Thayer, of Boston, and successfully conducted a minstrel company about four years. He made his first New York appearance in December, 1851; subse- quently playing with Fellowe's Minstrels, and later Wood's Minstrels, in New York, with whom he remained until July, 1853. That same year he went with Campbell's Minstrels, and continued four years with them. In 1857 with Hy. Rumsey he organized Rumsey and Newcomb's Min- strels, playing in the United States, Canada, Cuba, England and Germany. The organization broke up in London in the Spring of 1862. Mr. Newcomb and Eph. Horn organized a company the following year; Mr. Horn soon dropped out, and Newcomb's Minstrels continued until 1871. - - April 17, that year, Newcomb and Arlington’s Minstrels opened in New York, on the present site of the Fifth Avenue Theatre. Mr. Newcomb subsequently appeared with various companies, his last appearance being at Hooley's Theatre in Brooklyn, N. Y., February 17, 1877. - --- “Bill” Newcomb was the originator of the “Essence of Old Virginny” dance; a great end man; and he was especially noted for his stump speeches. W. W. Newcomb was born in Utica, N. Y., Aug. 4, 1823; he died in New York May 1, 1877. John DIAMOND was one of, if not the greatest jig dancers that the world ever knew. - º At a very early age he gave evidence of the wonderful talents he pos- sessed, but it was not until the late P. T. Barnum took him in hand, and at Vauxhall Garden, New York, in the Spring of 1840, and brought him out, and subsequently took him all over the Union, and later to Europe, that he achieved the recognition he so richly deserved. - After the original four had given their first minstrel performance in February, 1843, Diamond was called upon to strengthen the quartette at a subsequent performance, a very short time later. º º º - JOHN MULLIGAN MILT. G. BARLOW LEW. PARKER JOHN PENDY DAN. SHIELBY -- 42 MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, On July 8, 1844, he danced a contest with Master Juba, the colored dancer, and the greatest his race ever knew. He was feted and courted for many years, but dissipation and riotous living carried him to an early grave. John Diamond was born in New York City, in 1823; he died in Phila- delphia, October 29, 1857. J. A. HERMAN (Simonson) was one of the very earliest ballad singers in minstrelsy ; he was the possessor of a sweet tenor voice which he used in rendering the old songs to excellent advantage. Mr. Herman's first appearance was in New York, at the Olympic The- atre, in 1839, singing “Norah McShane.” His first minstrel engagement was with the “Campbell’s”; he was with this company in New York as early as October 17, 1848. Subsequently he was associated with Wood and Fellowe's ; Henry Wood in 1852; Wood and Christy from 1853 to 1858; in the Fall of that year he joined Sniffen’s “Campbell’s” Minstrels, and when George Christy returned from California in the Summer of 1859, Mr. Herman went with him, and continued with Christy for a long period. About 1863 he joined Hooley's Minstrels in Brooklyn, and remained with them several years; barring the time Hooley was in Chicago. Mr. Herman's two brothers, George W. and William H., were both old-time minstrels. Mr. Herman retired from the profession a great many years before his death. - J. A. Herman was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., January I, 1823; he died at Wood Haven, Long Island, N. Y., January 23, 190I. w DAN RICE (McLaren), the world-famous clown, in conjunction with Sam Sanford and others, in blackface, appeared in New York City at Palmo's Opera House in the spring of 1843. - - * - He was born in New York City, January 25, 1823; he died in Long Branch, N. J., February 22, 1900. t Josep H. D. MURPHY (Donnelly) began his minstrel career in the middle 40's as a member of the Sable Harmonists; he was then a ballad singer. On the 17th day of July, 1850, Mr. Murphy, Luke West, Matt. Peel and James Norris formed an organization known as the “Original Campbell Minstrels;” subsequently Mr. Norris retiring, the company flourished for several seasons as Murphy, West and Peel's Minstrels. º About 1860 Mr. Murphy retired from minstrelsy and assumed various xecutive positions, notably as business manager at the Arch Street The- atre in Philadelphia, where he remained for fifteen years. Mr. Murphy was a half brother of Jno. F. Donnelly. Jos. D. Murphy was born in Philadelphia, January 11, 1823; he died there January 1, 1884. º - C. L. HUNTLEY, a member of Thayer's Boston Sable Harmonists about . was a fine guitar player, and very proficient in the manipulation of the - O116°S. He died in Boston, Mass., April 13, 1883; aged about 60 years. FROM “DADDY” RICE TO DATE. 43 TOM VAUGHN was one of the earliest banjoists of minstrelsy. When sixteen years of age he made his professional debut with Holt and Nichols Circus; later he joined Turner and Rockwell's, and Welch and Mann's Circuses. Af- ter this he went to Buffalo, and met E. P. Christy, and when the latter formed the minstrel company that bore his name, Mr. Vaughn was one of the four original members. He continued with Mr. Christy until the disso- lution of the company in July, 1854, and a few months later went with Christy's Minstrels to California. º Mr. Vaughn returned to New York in 1855, and opened Vaughn's Min- strels there that same year. Subsequently he was with Wood and Christy's and George Christy's Minstrels for several years, mostly in the Metropolis, Tom Vaughn was born in New York, September 5, 1823; he died in Zanesville, Ohio, September 3, 1875. J. T. HUNTLEY was one of the early wench dancers of minstrelsy. In December, 1857, he, with Lon and Billy Morris and Johnny Pell, seceded from Ordway's Aeolians in Boston, and organized in that city a minstrel company bearing their names, which they conducted successfully for about two years, after which Mr. Huntley organized his own minstrel company and played an engagement at the Eleventh Street Opera House in Philadelphia in the Spring of 1859. - August 23, 1859, he married the widow of Matt. Peel, and at once as- sumed the management of Mrs. Matt. Peel's Campbell's Minstrels, and con- tinued in that capacity for about four or five years, after which he retired to private life. '-. º J. T. Huntley was born in New York, June 24, 1824; he died in Mama- roneck, N. Y., August 4, 1895. EARL HoRTON PIERCE was one of the greatest minstrel comedians of his day. April 8, 1850, he opened his own minstrel company in New York; it was subsequently Pierce and Fellowe's Minstrels. Later, Mr. Pierce was with E. P. Christy's Company in New York, and Ordway's Aeolians in Bos- ton. August 3, 1857, with J. W. Raynor, they opened in London, England, as “Christy's Minstrels;” this was the first company to play under that title in England. Subsequently all minstrel companies were called “Christy's.” Mr. Pierce made a tremendous hit singing a topical Song called “Hoop de— Dooden–Do.” After his death his chair on the end remained vacant for three days, during which time it was draped. w > Earl H. Pierce was born in New York in 1823; he died in London, Eng- land, June 5, 1859. ToM MAGUIRE never got the credit due him for placing minstrelsy in Cali- fornia on the high plane it once enjoyed. Mr. Maguire went to San Fran- cisco in 1849, and a year later built the Jenny Lind Theatre there. It was Maguire who brought George Christy and Company to Cali- fornia in 1858, and it was Maguire a dozen years or so later that paved the way for the success that later came to Billy Emerson, with whom Maguire was associated until the late 70's. º And when Emerson made his first trip to Australia about 1873, Ma- 44 MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, guire's Minstrels flourished on in San Francisco. Yes, the great coast me- tropolis owes much to Tom Maguire. Mr. Maguire died in New York, January 20, 1896; aged 72 years. DR. JoHN P. ORDWAY was one of the earliest prominent managers engaged in permanent minstrelsy in one particular city. - He was the founder of the Aeolians, a famous minstrel organization who gave their first performance in Harmony Hall, Boston, Mass., December 16, 1849, and played in that city until September, 1859. w December 12, same year, he appeared with Anderson's Minstrels for a few nights only; this was his last professional appearance. - Dr. Ordway was a skilled musician, and the composer of many popular ballads. While with his company he usually played the piano in the first part and invariably in white-face. - After retiring from the stage, he practiced medicine for several years, and in 1868 was a member of the Massachusetts Legislature. He was the founder of the Massachusetts Anglers (now Fish and Game) Association. * Dr. John P. Ordway was born in Salem, Mass., in 1824; he died in Boston, Mass., April 27, 1880. WILLIAM. H. SMITH, the well-known manager, went to California in 1850, and in 1856 opened the Varieties Theatre in San Francisco. In 1860 he or- ganized the California Minstrels and took them to South America, Aus- tralia, and Europe. - In 1865 he was associated in the management of Cotton and Murphy’s Minstrels, frequently acting as interlocutor. - - In 1880 he went to St. Louis, Mo., and at various times was manager of the Comique, Peoples and Standard Theatres there. - On September 24, 1866, Mr. Smith married Clara Sages in San Fran- C1SCO. 7 - William H. Smith was born in Norwich, Conn., August Io, 1824; he died in St. Louis, Mo., December 1, 1901. º - -- “BIJE” (Amidon L.) THAYER was one of the pioneers of minstrelsy ; his operations were confined to Boston and contiguous territory chiefly. Thayer's Minstrels and Thayer and Newcomb's Minstrels existed from the middle 40's to the early 50's. - To Mr. Thayer belongs the credit of being the first to establish a permanent mintsrel company in Boston, although the Buckleys had preceded him in giving entertainments there. - “Bije”. Thayer died in Boston, Mass., February 20, 1864; aged 41 years. - BARNEY WILLIAMs (Bernard O'Flaherty), who was one of America's great- est legitimate Irish comedians, in his very early days was equally prominent as a burnt-cork performer. - July 8, 1845, at the Elysian Fields in Hoboken, N. J., he was advertised as “master of the tambourine.” September 6, same year, at Castle Garden, New York, he portrayed the great black-face part of “Dandy Jim, of Caro- 1ine.” - Barney Williams was born in Cork, Ireland, July 20, 1824; he died in New York City, April 25, 1876. --- - - --- TOM. VAUGHN EDWIN P. CHRISTY GEO. CHRISTY THE ORIGINAL CHRISTY MINSTRELS (Organized about 1844). The company at its inception comprised Edwin P. Christy (the founder), / Geo. Christy, Tom Vaughn and Lansing Durand. The other photos here repre- sent minstrel scenes of that day. 46 MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, ToM BRIGGS was one of the earliest and greatest banjo performers in minstrelsy ; when he first went on the stage, in the early 40's, he traveled under the name of Fluter. He invented the banjo thimble in 1848, and it came into general use three years later. He was the first to do the bell chimes, and gave imitations of a horse- race on the banjo. - - º He played successful engagements in the 40's and 50's with Wood's Minstrels, likewise Buckley's Serenaders. September 20, 1854, he left New York with E. P. Christy's Minstrels to play an engagement in San Fran- cisco; he contracted an illness on the way, and was unable to play. Tom Briggs died in San Francisco October 23, 1854; aged 30 years. JULIA Gould was the first woman to achieve prominence in minstrelsy ; she was with the famous Buckley Serenaders, and played several engagements with them in the 50's; she was also with Maguire's San Francisco Minstrels in San Francisco, July II, 1864. She essayed the principal female roles in the great operatic burlesque that made the Buckley's famous; always appearing in black-face. Miss Gould's first husband was A. T. Gregory Hall; she subsequently married John H. Collins, a prominent minstrel singer. She was an actress and singer of rare and versatile talents. Julia Gould was born in London, England, August 28, 1824; she died in 'Kinamundy, Ill., January 29, 1893. - HORACE WESTON, a colored man, was one of the world's greatest banjoists; in addition he was a good general musician and dancer; a fact that is not generally known. - - He served in the Army, and in July, 1863, was discharged, after which he joined Buckley's Serenaders in Boston, and later traveled with them. About 1867 he became a member of the Georgia Minstrels, a famous colored organization. In 1878 he went to Europe with an “Uncle Tom's Cabin” Company; he played the principal Continental cities, and was a sensation. Returning to America he joined Haverly's Georgia Minstrels. The bal- ance of his career was spent mostly in the variety theatres. - Horace Weston was born in Derby, Conn., in 1825; he died in New York, May 23, 1890. The honor and distinction (and the pleasant sensation) of having re- ceived the highest salary ever paid to any black-face single performer belongs to Lew Dockstader. . - TIM WoODRUFF appeared mostly in the West, where he was recognized as a truly great comedian. --- His first appearance was made in Cincinnati, March 15, 1842; in an act called “Spirit Rappings,” later more generally known as the “Haunted House;’ he achieved great success in this, and was forever identified with it. He was at various times associated with Woodruff's Minstrels; Wood- - FROM “DADDy" Rice to DATE, 47 ruff, Brown and Jones' Minstrels, and Woodruff and Foster's Minstrels; these companies were mostly in existence in the 50's. About 1860 he entered the variety business, and continued with it prac- tically up to his death. Tim Woodruff was born in Hamilton, Ohio; he died in Cincinnati, Ohio, November 12, 1872. - - º E. W. MACKNEY was England's earliest representative of the negro character. He appeared in sketches with J. A. Cave, fully ten years before the first minstrel company invaded England in 1843. He was prompted by the pronounced success achieved by “Daddy” Rice, of Jim Crow fame. - Mr. Mackney died in England, March 26, 1909; aged 84 years. WILLIAM B. FISH was one of the “Sable Harmonists” of the 40's. He died in Argenta, Ark., July 29, 1875. JoHN G. BROWN was a celebrated tambourinist and comedian in the earliest days of minstrelsy. - He was with the Buckleys when they played New York, May 9, 1844; at that time they were known as the Congo Melodists. In the Fall of 1848 he was with Thayer's Minstrels, one of the famous Boston companies. He died in New Bedford, Mass., October 8, 1858. Joseph H. RAINER was one of the earliest vocalists and interlocutors. He was with Wood's Minstrels in New York in 1852, and with Horn and New- comb's Company in 1863. He first appeared professionally in the late 40's. He had been a resident of Lockport, N. Y., for many years. Mr. Rainer was born in Lancaster, England, May II, 1825; he died in Philadelphia, Pa., March II, 1906. º - - --- - GEORGE WINSHIP was one of the pioneers of minstrelsy. As early as 1849 he occupied the bone end with the New York Serenaders, a famous minstrel company of that day. - He was long associated with J. W. McAndrews, the famous “Water- melon Man.” About 1873 he was stage manager and performer at the Opera House, Rondout, N. Y., he had not appeared professionally much since then. Mr. Winship had long been a resident of Fruitvale, Cal., where he died October 19, 1900. - HARRY HAPGOOD was, up to the time of his death, the oldest living minstrel agent. In his youth he was known as “Handsome Harry.” His professional career began as an actor in Philadelphia in 1843. He subsequently became a manager and agent for various companies, and in the latter capacity was with Rumsey and Newcomb's Minstrels about four #. He then was associated with Mr. Rumsey in the Rumsey Minstrels in Iö03. MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, Harry Hapgood was born in Elizabethtown, N. Y., February 26, 1825; he died at Amityville, Long Island, N. Y., July 10, 1910. MASTER JUBA (William. H. Lane) was a colored man, and as a jig dancer it is said that the world never saw his equal. - He played the tambourine with the Georgia Champions Minstrels in 1843, and several engagements with Charley White's Minstrels in New York. He went to Europe about 1848, and in the Spring of the following year played an engagement with Pell's Serenaders at the Surrey Theatre in London. He was lionized in Europe, and took the Britishers by storm. He married a white woman there. “Master” Juba died in London, England, about 1852; he was born in the United States about 1825. - GILBERT W. PELL was a brother of Dick Pelham, one of the original . minstrels of 1843. As a member of the Ethiopian Serenaders, he went to England in 1846. The success of the company was so great in London that morning performances had to be given, and in addition they appeared at private residences of the rich. Mr. Pell, who played the bone end, and the company, whose portraits adorn an- other page, played an engagement at Palmo's Opera House, New York, Septem- ber 15, 1845. In 1849 he was in England with his brother's company, known as Pell's Serenaders. Subsequently he returned to the United States, but early in 1859 he again went to Europe, where he remained until his death. Gilbert W. Pell was born in New York City; he died in Lancashire, Eng- December 21, 1872, aged 47 years. º - JNo. H. CARLE, famous for the singing of “The Lively Old Flea,” accom- panied by the banjo, was one of the early prominent proprietors of a minstrel show. In the 50's he was associated with J. G. H. Shorey and Chas. Duprez; on July 4, 1856, he withdrew from the partnership, and for many years played min- strel and variety engagements. About 1876 he went to fill a two weeks' engagement at Flood's New Park Theatre, Curtis Bay, Md. He remained there until the time of his death, nearly a quarter of a century, and he had the distinction at that time of being the oldest. active banjoist and vocalist before the public, retaining his vivacity all the while. John H. Carle was born at Portland, Me. ; he died at Curtis Bay, Md., Sep- tember 20, 1900; age 75 years. . land, - “PUNCH.” Collins (W. Pearson Collins), the well-known comedian of the early minstrel days, first appeared prominently with Sam Sanford's Minstrels April 1, 1850, at the Astor Place Opera House, New York City, and was at the opening of the first theatre ever built expressly for minstrelsy, also by Sanford, August 1, 1853; subsequently he was with Earl Pierce's Minstrels in New York in 1855; on August 3, 1857, he opened in London, England, with Raynor and Pierce’s “Christy” Minstrels. This was the first minstrel organization that ever played in England under the title of “Christy.” After the death of Earl Pierce Mr. Collins occupied the end chair formerly occupied by Pierce. º EDWIN BOOTH P. S. GILMORE EDWIN FORREST JAS. A. HERNE - -- - BARNEY WILLIAMS JOS, JEFFERSON WM. CASTLE TONY PASTOR DAN. DALY P. T. BARNUM RICHARD GOLDEN HARRY KERNELL D.A.N. RICE - J. K. EMMETT J. W. KELLY NEIL. BURGESS - FAMOUS ARTISTs OF THE PAST –THEY ALL BLACKED UP. 50 MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, Mr. Collins later withdrew from this company, and with “Tony” Nish or- ganized another “Christy” company, opening in London, England, at Her Maj- esty's Concert Hall Monday, March 18, 1861; subsequently he sold his interest in this company, returned to London, and organized another troupe; they played at Polygraphic Hall as early as April 14, 1862. In September, 1863, he sailed for India, playing the principal cities. In July, 1866, he returned to America, later going to England, where he married ; subsequently he returned to Pittsburgh, where he remained until his death. He had not appeared professionally for several years prior to that. Mr. Collins did an “end”, a stump speech and a female impersonation equally artistic. W. P. Collins died at Pittsburgh, Pa., November 1, 1881; age about 55 years. \ L. V. H. CROSBy has been credited as being the first interlocutor, then called “middle man” of minsrelsy ; this was about 1845, when he organized the Boston Harmoneons. This company gave a special performance at the White House in Washington, D. C., June 18, 1846, for President Polk. Mr. Crosby was composer of several songs, and a basso of unusual ability. His late years were devoted almost exclusively to concert work. L. V. H. Crosby died at Reynolds, Ga., March 26, 1884; age about 60 years. JAMES UNSWORTH and NELSE SEYMOUR were born and died within thirty days of each other. E. J. MELVILLE (Edward John Robbins), a well-known singer of the early days of minstrelsy, came to the United States in 1849; shortly afterwards he sang in the choir of a church in Cleveland, Q., where he was known as the best tenor in that city. His principal engagements were with Hooley's Minstrels, Hooley and Campbell's Minstrels (being with them at their inception, May 6, 1860), Lloyd's Minstrels, Carncross and Dixey, and Duprez and Benedict. He also played an engagement at the Canterbury Music Hall, New York City, in Oc- tober, 1861. - - Mr. Melville was married to Miss Amelia Nash, October 1, 1848, by whom he had three daughters, one of whom became the wife of Edwin French, the banjoist. - Mr. Melville's private life was a most happy one; he was generous, cheerful \ - and a true friend. - - E. J. Melville was born in London, England, February 4, 1825; he died in Buffalo, N. Y., January 18, 1903. “JIM” JOHNSON (Gallagher), an old-time banjoist, well known in his day and popular on the steamer “Banjo”, was born in New York about 1825; he died in New Orleans, La., November 22, 1875. DICK SLITER was one of the world's greatest jig dancers. His professional mous organizations, notably Sanford's Minstrels in 1859. ... He also, with Johnny Booker, organized Booker and Sliter's Minstrels, career commenced in the late 30's, and he had been with many of the early fa- which was quite successful. Dick Sliter died in Jackson, Mich., May 21, 1861. - FROM “DADDY” RICE TO DATE. 5 I JASPER H. ROSS was famed as a musical director and composer. His profes- sional career began in 1847 with Spalding and Rogers' Circus. Subsequently he played extended engagements with the minstrel companies of Carncross, Bryant's, White's, Rumsey and Newcomb's and the San Franciscos. He was born in Northampton, Mass., in 1826; he died in New York, Sep- tember 8, 1889. JIMMY WELLs, once well-known as a manager, was a member of Ordway's Aeolians in Boston for a lengthy period in the early 50's. - He was born in New York in 1826; he died in Grand Rapids, Mich., March I6, 1893. SAM WELLs was prominent as a bass vocalist and interlocutor. He went to Europe in the middle 40's with the Ethiopian Serenaders, and they created a sensation. He was with several prominent minstrel companies located in New York up to 1855, when he sailed for California, where he was located with George Christy's, and other minstrel companies until December, 1863, when he went to New York, and after playing one week with Bryant's Minstrels, returned to California. Mr. Wells' death was caused by being thrown from a horse in California, August 27, 1864; he was 38 years of age. CHARLEY HowARD has been given credit of being the first to represent the aged darkey on the stage. At the age of ten years he traveled with Joe Sweeney's company, giving concerts in the Southern States, appearing in barns and churches, and traveling by coaches. - Mr. Howard was with many prominent minstrel organizations, and when Haverly separated from Cal. Wagner in 1873, Howard was one of the first en- gaged for the Haverly Minstrels. Charley Howard was born in Virginia, June 5, 1826; he died in Brooklyn, N. Y., April 28, 1895. - - STEPHEN COLLINS FOSTER, whose simple and homely ballads contributed as much as any other cause to the placing of early minstrelsy on a permanent and successful basis, was the author, among others, of “Willie, We Have Missed You”, “Old Uncle Ned”, “My Old Kentucky Home”, “Old Dog Tray”, “Massa's in de Cold, Cold Ground”, “Ellen Bayne” and “Old Black Joe.” He was born in Allegheny, Pa., July 4, 1826; he died in New York City, Jan- uary 13, 1864. - - - - - º º JAMES Powers was one of the real early minstrels, and a member of the Boston Harmoneons, which were especially well known in Massachusetts. With his brother John, he was with the above organization several seasons, com- mencing in the early 40's. --- Mr. Powers was the author of “She Sleeps in the Grave” and “Faded Flowers”, favorite ballads of days now forgotten. - - James Powers died in Boston, Mass., January 5, 1890; age 64 years. DAN LEON, a real old-time black-face comedian and general performer, died in New York City, April 27, 1863; he was born March 1, 1826. w. 52 M ONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, 26, 1854. - --- - - - --~~- -- - - - -- * - - --- W. JACKSON RUDOLPH, one of the pioneers of minstrelsy, made his first appearance in his native city early in 1846 in black-face as a banjoist; the follow- ing year he was one of the Sable Harmonists; in 1849 he was with the Virginia Minstrels, and up until 1855, when he joined Sanford's Minstrels in Philadelphia, he was almost continuously associated with one or the other of the many minstrel bands that were then in evidence. He later went on the legitimate stage, but subsequently, in 1864, joined Carncross and Dixey's Minstrels in Philadelphia. About 1870 he played his last minstrel engagement with Simmons and Slocum, also in the Quaker City. November 3, 1880, he made his last appearance on the stage of Wood's Museum in Philadelphia. - W. Jackson Rudolph was born in Philadelphia, 1826; he died there Septem- ber 5, 1881. JoHN A. DINGESs. After the dissolution of the Duprez and Green's Minstrels as an organization in 1865, Mr. Dingess formed a partnership with Jno. E. Green . and organized Dingess and Green's Minstrels, opening at Chattanooga, Tenn., November 18, 1866; their existence was short lived. He was subsequently, and for many years, engaged in an executive capacity in the circus business. John A. Dingess was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1826; he died in New York City, April 14, 1901. - -- LUKE WEST (William Sheppard) was the first performer to do a whistling solo in minstrelsy, which he did as early as 1845 at Otto Cottage, Hoboken, N. J. In the Fall of 1848 he was one of the organizers of the Campbell's Minstrels; November 29, 1849, he joined the E. P. Christy's Minstrels in New York, resum- his own name of Sheppard. On August 15, 1850, in conjunction with Matt. - Peel, Joseph D. Murphy and James Norris, “Campbell's Minstrels” gave their first performance. Subsequently the organization was known as Murphy, West and Peel's Minstrels, and as such continued until his death. In addition to his whistling ability, Mr. West was an accomplished comedian, dancer and banjoist. Luke West was born in Philadelphia, 1826; he died in Boston, Mass., May CHARLEs G. LONG, who was for nearly forty years associated in the manage- ment of the Academy of Music, in Selma, Ala., with George T. Rees, the present incumbent, was one of the pioneers of minstrelsy. - About 1844 or 1845 he became a member of the Virginia Serenaders, a full page photograph of which is shown elsewhere. The company traveled by wagon through Pennsylvania and New York chiefly. º - It has been stated that Mr. Long joined this company when he was ten years of age; this is clearly erroneous, as the little band was not organized until 1843, probably in the late Spring or early Summer. Mr. Long played a banjo, one of his own making. - Charles G. Long was born in Carlisle, England, December 20, 1827; he died in Selma, Ala., January 28, 1908. - - - - º - FRED BURGESS was for many years co-proprietor with “Pony” More at St. James Hall, London, England, of Moore and Burgess' Minstrels. Mr. Burgess, was a shrewd business man, and possessed intellect out of the CLARENCE BURTON º EDWIN FRENCH oscAR willis EDMOND G. CORBIN BRIGHT LIGHTS OF THE BANJO. 54 MoMARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, ordinary. At one time he was a member of Kunkel's Nightingales, an early minstrel company in the United States. In the fall of 1864, at Glasgow, Scotland, he was engaged as agent for Moore, Crocker, Hamilton and Ritter's Minstrels; about a year later he secured St. James Hall, in the British metropolis, and a few years later, “Pony” Moore having bought out Hamilton and Ritter, and the death of Crocker paved the way for a partnership; the organization subsequently and for many years was known as Moore and Burgess' Minstrels. Mr. Burgess was twice married; his second wife was Miss Ellen Meyrick. "Fred Burgess was born in Providence, R. I. ; he died at Finchley, England, July 26, 1893; age 66 years. CHARLEs CALLENDER, proprietor and manager of the famous colored organ- ization that bore his name, played many seasons on the road, commencing about I872; several years later Haverly purchased his interests; the company subse- quently became the property of Charles and Gustave Frohman. Mr. Callender had retired from active theatricals some years before his death. Charles Callender died at Chicago, Ill., February 24, 1897; age 70 years. FRANK MORAN came to the United States at the age of four years; it was not until later that he did a stump speech. His first appearance professionally was about 1848, as a comic singer in Philadelphia with Raymond and Waring's Circus. He was with several small minstrel shows before going to California in 1850, and subsequently to Australia. Some time after his return from the Antipodes, he joined Sanford's Minstrels in Philadelphia, and later was with Carncross and Dixey at different periods, aggregating a number of years. September 5, 1864, he opened Moran's Minstrels on Chestnut Street, Phila- delphia. Later he was with Bryant's, and Kelly and Leon’s Minstrels in New York; Hooley's in Brooklyn, and Moore and Burgess’ in London. As Moran and Dixey's Minstrels, the famous Eleventh Street Opera House in Philadelphia opened October 2, 1871; in September, the following year, the company was known as Moran's Minstrels. s Subsequently Moran and Billy Manning's Minstrels made a brief tour. Of later years Mr. Moran was asociated with Ned Thomas in a minstrel company, and on July 17, 1890, he began an engagement with Wm. Henry Rice's World's Fair Minstrels. - - Frank Moran was a natural born comedian, and at times was rather caustic in his wit; but underneath a seeming rough exterior was a heart that was never known to fail a fellow performer in distress. As a stump orator he was different from all others, and he did this act almost up to the time of his death. - Mr. Moran was twice married; his first wife died a few years prior to his marriage to Miss Jessie Millar, February 1, 1898., S. - Frank Moran was born in Ireland, September 15, 1827; he died in Phila- delphia, December 14, 1898. - - “NICK" Bow ERS (Edward Bowers), one of the ablest and most efficient mid- dle men and stage directors of minstrelsy, made his first appearance at Charley White's in New York, in the early 50's; subsequent engagements were with FROM “DADDY” RICE TO DATE. 55 Ordway's Aeolians, Morris Bros., Pell and Trowbridge and Wood and Christy's Minstrels. In 1858, in conjunction with Billy Birch and Charley Fox, they presented Birch, Bowers and Fox's Minstrels, and in 1864, with Tom Prendergast, launched a company that had a brief existence. For some time he played star engage- ments with John Mulligan. His last appearance was in New York City, February II, 1865. Nick Bowers died in Brooklyn, N. Y., February 27, 1865; age 38 years. PAUL BERGER was one of the greatest bass singers in minstrelsy, and at the requests of Presidents Tyler and Van Buren, he sang before those chief executives. - f He was with Matt. Peel's Minstrels in 1858; with Sanford's Minstrels in Philadelphia, and later with Carncross and Dixey's Co. in the same city. Mr. - Berger was business manager for Fox's Theatre in Philadelphia, in 1876. Paul Berger died in Philadelphia, October 8, 1894; age 67 years. 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 sev- eral 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 Fran- ciscos 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, 18/3. 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 undoubt- - edly belongs to the subject of this sketch, who made his first appearance about I843, and for four or five years allied himself with many of the various minstre 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. - 56 MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, (Charley) Morris and Wilson's Minstrels opened at their permanent home in St. Louis, April Io, 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 Com- pany, and in 1865, with Cal. Wagner, formed Wagner and Hague's Minstrels. He also organized Hague's Georgia Minstrels, a company of negro perform- ers, 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 bal- ladist. 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 organiza- tions 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 º 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. - - º, His first appearance was in 1848. About 1854 he came to New York, and BILLY WELCH WILLIE GIRARD (GIRARD BROS) J. MELVILLE JANSEN GUS. BRUN (KNOWN AS JOHNSON & BRUNO.) 58 - MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, 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. 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 re- turned to New York, where he opened with Wood and Christy's Minstrels, Oc- tober 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 fol- lowing 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 played 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 Cam- bridge, 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 ap- pearing 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, subse- quently returning to the United States, and on Monday, February 23, 1857, in - FROM “DADDy” RICE TO DATE, 59 conjunction with his brothers, Dan and Neil, and about ten others, the first per- formance 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 be- came 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 ca- pable 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 II, 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., Sep- tember 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 sev- eral 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 II, 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. - º - 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. - - MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, 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 or- ganizations: 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 II, 1879. Joseph JEFFERSON.—This famous American comedian, whose long associa- tion 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 fa- vorite 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 bari- tone 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 com- pany. - º Returning to San Francisco in 1856, he remained there with different com- panies 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 re- mained two years; this was his last minstrel engagement. Later the Castle- 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. º - - GEORGE W. BAILEY, one of the early minstrel performers, who was with straight” & 4 Sharpley’s and other first-class organizations, and who was a clever man and interlocutor, died at Milford, Mass., July 2, 1891; age 62 years. Campbell Opera Company was organized, and Mr. Campbell's success in that THE IITH ST. OPERA, HOUSE, PHILADELPHIA. Now and for nearly sixty years a home of permanent minstrelsy. CHANICS' º # ºpen. - ºutºnight| - MECHANICS HALL; 472 Broadway, New York City; for many years the home of Bryant's Minstrels. Only a memory now. º TWO FAMOUS MINSTREL EDIFICES; PAST AND PRESENT. 62 - MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, - 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 engage- ment in Hartford, Con., with the above company. P. S. Gilmore was born near Dublin, Ireland, December 25, 1829; he died at St. J.ouis, Mo., September 24, 1892. - “DAD” SARRISSEY (William H. Blackledge), an old-time banjoist and co- median, played several engagements at Charley White's in New York, also Bry- ant'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 Cot- ton 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 por- traying the aged negro, which he did with remarkable fidelity. Afterwards he was on the steamer “Banjo”, which plied the Mississippi River, giving entertain- ments 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 man- agement 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 en- gagement 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 com- pany September 23, 1872. - FROM “DADDY” RICE TO DATE. 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. º 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” Min- strels, 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 va- riety theatres as a black-face banjo player; later he was with Gardner and Fore- paugh’s Circus. - His first managerial experience was with the Canterbury in Philadelphia in 1864. - º 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 | 64 MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, 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 Com- pany, is his Son. Joseph Mortimer was born in Harrisburg, Pa.; he died there January 6, - 1880. º, - w - 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. - º 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. Trow- bridge 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. º 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 Min- strels with Add Weaver; April Io, 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 Bos- ton, 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 JOHN A. MACK MATT. PEEL FAYETTE WELCH “PONY" MOORE - THE OLD GUARD. NELSE. SEYMOUR NEIL. BRYANT 66 MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, 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 II, 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 as- sociated with many first-class organizations. , He died in Victoria, B. C., January 13, 1862; age 32 years. CHARLEs KOPPITZ, a famous muicsian, 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, I873; age 43 years. - º 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 sec- tion 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. º 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. * * FROM “DADD Y’’ RICE TO DATE. 67 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, com- mencing in 1862, died in Boston, Mass., July II, 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. Carn- cross, 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. º 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 Mistrels in Philadelphia and remained there for seven seasons. - . - In 1871-72 he was with Simmons and Slocum's Minstrels, also in Philadel. phia. 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 Sep- tember 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” 68 MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, 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 IO, 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 ºvere 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 De- cember 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 thea- tres 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 Min- strels, 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 Sep- tember 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 pres- ‘uotu 195 spouſe IJ ‘pooAueņS KpoOJN ‘31ļūAW ‘LLIAM ‘ (Kysſ-ItIO （Oºſ)|-ſ：- - 40ū) UO13uĮJJeH （V （Oºſ) ‘IIĐAI ‘AW QJ94||O ‘KIÐAȚ109đS3） ºu3A satu eu [[nJ u ſalųJL （4781 : S（IGIGIVNGINGIS NVICTOIHLGI，- 7O MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, ent 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. 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 perform- ance 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 re- turned 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 Min- strels, 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. y 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' Min- strels there; in 1855 he took the company to Australia, and a few years later or- ganized 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 engage- ments there, on September 15, 1864, was one of the organizers of Birch, Wam- bold 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 organiza- - FROM “DADDY” RICE TO DATE. 7I tion 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 com- pany in San Francisco, and until the Spring of 1872, when he retired perma- nently from the profession he so long and ably graced, he was associated in part- nership 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 ap- peared 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 prob- ability his last appearance in minstrelsy was with Wm. Henry Rice's Company, commencing July 17, 1890. º - 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. - 72 MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY. 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, Eng- land, in 1862. - a 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 pur- chased 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 Buckleys Serenaders in the 60's and early 70's, also with Unsworth and Eugene in Eng- 1and in 1868. J. A. Basquin was born in France; he died in Brooklyn, N. Y., January 27, I872; 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. º - - JoF BROWN, one of the world's greatest jig dancers, made his first appear- ance at Albany, N. Y., in 1844. His first New York engagement was in the fall i. < > ſil — H. E t > p: £3 3 : 2. - 3 : = z: — [+] º H Oſ) - - 2. H > 3 - £3 º 3 : 5 Gil A > 2, 3 FROM “DADDY" RICE TO DATE. 75 1859. Nine days later Mr. Wood returned to “444,” where he remained prac- tically 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 San- ford'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 Io, 1879. MATT. PEEL (Flannery). There are few who are alive to-day who remem- ber the performances of this sterling young versatile performer, whose first pro- fessional 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 11a1116. wº º - 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. Subse- quently 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. º 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. - - º CHARLEY O’NEILL, a well-known comedian who was with Unsworth's Min- strels 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 min- strel company in Brooklyn, N. Y., in 1873. ". He died there April 12, 1891. -- - ºn 76 MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, º 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 II, 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 ca- pacity. 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 sev- enty years. º - Mr. Silver was born in Groton, Vt., he died in Traverse City, Mich., Oc- tober Io, 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 organization–Sanford's, in Philadelphia; Lloyd and Bidaux'; Duprez and Green’s; George Christy's; Manning's; Hav- erly'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. - - º 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 Carn- cross 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 HARRY C. SHUNK NAT. HAINES CHAS. J. STINE A QUARTETTE OF CORKERS. 78 MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, now known as the People's Theatre in New York. In 1872 he formed an alli- ance with Swaine Buckley, and subsequently with Sheridan and Mack in min- strel organization bearing their names. He was a natural wit and a great enter- tainer. - Sam Sharpley was born in Philadelphia, June 13, 1831; he died in Provi- dence, R. I., January I, I875. 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 com- pany, 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 San- ford'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 Bos- ton, and in September, 1881, he began his last engagement with Leavitt's Gigan- tean Minstrels. - - Mr. Hughes was a splendid comedian and a fine dancer; he specialized sing- ing 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, Septem- ber 6, 1865. º º 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. FROM “DADDY” RICE TO DATE. 79 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 per- formed for about three decades with astonishing success. - º His first professional appearance was made in his native city at the Rich- mond 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 con- siderable 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 Majes- ty'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 vocal- ist and mimic. - - May 26, 1860, James Budworth, Frank Budworth (his son, who after- wards developed into one of the best Chinese impersonators) and his brother, W. S. Budworth, appeared with Wood's Minstrels, at the same time. One year prior to this, he was the principal comedian with George Chris- ty's Minstrels in New York, Christy had been enjoined from appearing. In 1862 he was with Mrs. Matt. Peel's Minstrels; September, 1864, found him with Hooley's, in Brooklyn, N. Y. - Monday, August 27, 1866, with his brother William, he opened the 5th 8O - MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, Avenue Theartre (until recently, when it was demolished, known as the Madi- son Square Theatre), New York City; they remained several months. Mr. Budworth was with Sam Sharpley's Minstrels in the Summer of 1869, and in September, 1872, he became a member of Frank Moran's Minstrels in Philadelphia; he was likewise with several of the other prominent companies of his time. He also played the title role in “Pomp” and star roles in other plays. Mr. Budworth was best known for his imitations of actors, in which he had no peer. - As a banjoist he gained renown, and played with equal proficiency the Japanese and Chinese fiddle. - As a Dutch comedian he was great; his John Schmidt in “The Persecuted Dutchman” at the Park Theatre, Brooklyn, N. Y., in 1865, received lavish praise from press and public. - James Budworth was born in Philadelphia, December 24, 1831; he died in New York City, March 15, 1875. DICK BERTHELON, an old-time black-face performer, appeared mostly in variety houses for many years; he was good in the old-time “nigger” acts, and was proficient as a manipulator of the bones and tambourine. He died in Brooklyn, N. Y., September 25, 1891; age 60 years. BILLY BOYD was a capable minstrel performer of the old school; he was with Hunt and Company's Minstrels in 1855, and was very well-known in Philadelphia, where he was born in 1831; he died in New York, April 21, 1869. R. M. CARROLL, or “Dick” as he is better known, or “Master Marks” as he was originally known to the profession, probably has the greatest number of years of theatrical service of any one in minstrelsy. Mr. Carroll is best remembered as a dancer, and he was one of the world’s greatest; but in his early career he was a splendid wench performer; he was the third one to do “Lucy Long”; a great feature of old-time minstrelsy. Mr. Carroll's first public appearance was at Tinkham Hall on Grand Street, New York City; the occasion was the benefit of an elderly Irish lady, long since departed—this was in 1837. For many years he danced at balls and parties. About 1845 he first appeared professionally at the Bowery Amphithea- tre, New York City, in a circus, and shortly after this at the Bowery Theatre he blacked up for the first time with “Daddy” Rice, playing in “Bone Squash.” The year following he played his initial minstrel engagement with Charley White's Company, also in New York; he remained with White several seasons. In 1854 he was with Buckleys Serenaders in New York; in 1858 with Snif- fen's Campbell's Minstrels, likewise in the metropolis. . . . º February 14, 1859, he made his first appearance as a member of Morris Bros., Pell and Trowbridge's Minstrels in Boston, where he became a great favorite, remaining about three years. º In his long career Mr. Carroll played with many prominent minstrel or- º Brooklyn, N. Y., with little Dick, his son, he began an engagement there March 14, 1870. . - Subsequently with Dick, Jr., and Dick's brothers, Edwin and Bennie, they played for several years in the principal variety theatres of the country. ganizations, notably Kelly and Leon's; at Hooley's, at the latter’s theatre in (‘pºssº aºſ sºļeſņroaſ) “SVIHO–NOSTIAA (INV. CIXIO） INVS-‘SVf. £IOIŅI ĀYINGIH "WAA Âueďtuoo 10919S UINGIGIQõ NHOſ Ā05) “I NIQHIL NIV 'S NIIN 82 MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, In September, 1878, he opened Carroll's Comique, in Brooklyn, N. Y., and several weeks later, with his sons, began an engagement with Cotton and Wag- ner's Minstrels. It may be interesting to know that Mr. Carroll and the late J. K. (Fritz) Emmett, had a minstrel show once; Carroll and Emmett's Min- strels opened at De Bar's Opera House, St. Louis, MO., June 1, 1868. R. M. Carroll and John Queen (afterwards Queen and West), were the first to do a double clog dance, about 1862. Mr. Carroll likewise originated the famous song “Me Father Sold Charcoal.” - His sons, Bennie and Edwin, died in New York City, September 18, 1877, and at Denver, Colo., March 5, 1905, respectively. Mr. Carroll played the variety houses for several years with his well known dancing specialty “Mortar and Bricks.” R. M. Carroll was born in New York City April Io, 1832. W. L. HoBBs, the well known minstrel “leader” was associated with Frank Moran’s Minstrels in Philadelphia in 1872; he was also with Carncross and Dixey's Company in the same city, and for several seasons was connected with Bryant's Minstrels in New York. - W. L. Hobbs died in Philadelphia, July 12, 1874; age 45 years. º Bob HALL, who had been connected with many minstrel companies during his long career, and who had also been with Harrigan and Hart, died in Balti- more, Md., June 29, 1882; age 50 years. ANDREW WYATT, an old-time minstrel leader, who was with Sanford's Minstrels in Philadelphia as early as 1856, and for eight years prior to his death with Whitmore and Clark's Minstrels, died in Salem, Mass., August 5, 1874; age 41 years. A. M. HERNANDEZ was famous as a pantomimist and acrobat; but it was as a guitarist and vocalist he was best known ; he was capabile of playing prac- tically every known instrument. - In 1852 he was with Hayworth and Horton's variety show doing a knife throwing act. The following year he was with Parrow’s Minstrels and sub- sequently with Matt. Peel's and Sniffen's Campbell's Minstrels. - Mr. Hernandez was born in Havana, Cuba; he died in Montevideo, Uru- guay, S. A., October 25, 1874. - J. B. STUDLEY, the famous old legitimate actor, played, “Pomp, or Cudijos Cave” in New York, April II, 1864, and in the same city played Uncle Tom, in Uncle Tom's Cabin, October 20, 1879. - Mr. Studley was born in Boston, Mass., October 8, 1832; he died in New York, August 6, 1910. Joh N. S. Cox, the old-time minstrel leader of Simmons and Slocum's in Philadelphia, and other well known companies, died in August, 1902; age 70 years. - JoHN P. SMITH, familiarly known as “Cully” Smith, began his professional career as a member of old Joe Sweeney's Company in 1845; he was then Mas-, ter. Smith. FROM “DADDY” RICE TO DATE. 83 In 1850 he was with the “Old Dominion” Minstrels, playing the bones, under the name of “John P. Weston”; subsequently he was with Parrow's Min- strels, and Smith and Hernandez Minstrels. Later he was identified with the Buckley's, and George Christy's Minstrels in an executive capacity, and of recent years was associated in a like manner with several prominent legitimate attractions. John P. Smith was born in Richmond, Va., August 3, 1832; he died in New York City, November 12, 1897. Sway NE BUCKLEY, ROLIN HOWARD, EDWIN HOLMES, BILLY HART AND G. W. TH. GRIFFIN, all died within thirty days in 1879. MRS. J. T. HUNTLEY was the grand-daughter of the late Colonel Jacob Deems, a prominent figure of Old Baltimore. She became the wife of the famous Matt. Peel just one year before the latter's death; subsequently she married J. T. Huntley, another old-time min- strel. After Matt. Peel's demise, Mrs. Peel, a few months later re-organized the company, and as Mrs. Matt. Peel's Minstrels, she conducted its affairs success- fully for several seasons. As Mrs. Peel she also had the additional distinction of being the first woman that ever sold tickets for a minstrel show ; this was more than fifty years ago, when the companies played in halls, and carried their own treasurers. - Mrs. Huntley is living, active, and is happy in the thought that she is earn- ing her own livelihood. - - - Mrs. J. T. Huntley was born in Baltimore, Md., August 4, 1832. BoB HART (James M. Sutherland) famous as a stump speaker, made his professional debut at “444” Broadway, New York, in 1859; prior to this he had been a Methodist minister. In 1863 with Lew Simmons he was proprietor of Hart and Simmons' Min- strels; he was also prominently identified with the San Francisco Minstrels in New York; Bryant's, in the same city; Emerson and Manning's in Chicago, and subsequently, in 1871, with Manning's Minstrels, also in Chicago. His last appearance in minstrelsy was with Dan Bryant's company in 1875. In 1878 he again took up evangelical work and continued at it until his death. Bob Hart was born in New York State, February 9, 1832; he died (suicide) in New York City, April 6, 1888. - fº JoHN SIVORI (Wheeler) who was one of the original Bryant's Minstrels of February 23, 1857, in New York City, and was for several years associated with them; gave up the profession many years ago, and is said to have become a doctor or dentist. - sº He was reported dead about ten years back. JOHN B. DONNIKER was one of the oldest as well as the best “leaders” in minstrelsy. He was associated with many of the famous organizations, including some of his own. In 1854 he was “leader” with Ordway's Aeolians in Boston; sub- 84 MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, sequently he went to California, and while there was one of the proprietors of Birch (Billy) and Donniker's Minstrels, 1859. In 1861 he was with “Eugene” and Unsworth, proprietor of Unsworth's Minstrels. In 1862 he had a half interest in Arlington (Billy) and Donniker's Minstrels; and in 1865 he was associated with Burgess (“Cool”), Prendergast (Tom), Hughes (Archie) and Donniker's Minstrels. - He was with Morris Bros., Pell and Trowbridge, in Boston, and with Bry- ant's, and Wood and Christy's in New York; likewise for several seasons was he intermittently with the famous San Francisco Minstrels, also in New York. In the late 70's he was engaged as leader at the London Theatre, New York City, remaining a few seasons. Of late years, having lost the use of his arm, he took pupils, giving lessons º on the violin. - John B. Donniker died at Penn Yan, N. Y., July 17, 1902; age 69 years. ToNY PASTOR (Antonio Pastorius), during his long career as manager in New York City, occupied three different theatres, each of which had previously been used by a permanent minstrel company. Mr. Pastor's early days, about 1846-47, were spent as a minstrel. * Tony Pastor was born in New York, May 28, 1832; he died at Elmhurst, r. I., N. Y., August 26, 1908. - “HANK” (Azro). WHITE, a famous old-time minstrel, had been in the pro- fession about forty years; twenty-five of which were spent with Whitmore and Clark's Minstrels. - He died in Windsor, Vt., February 14, 1900; age 68 years. WALTER BIRCH (Smith), was a well-known tenor vocalist with Christy's Minstrels in 1862 and 1865; in 1863 he was with Horn and Newcomb's Min- strels. He was likewise associated with several operatic companies. He died in Jersey City, N. J., January 29, 1880; age 47 years. ! JoFINNY PELL (Gavin), a prominent young comedian, spent the best part of his professional career in Boston. His first appearance was with Charley White's company in New York in the early 50's. In 1854 he went to Boston, and became a member of Ordway's Aeolians, remaining until 1857, when in conjunction with Lon and Billy Morris and J. T. Huntley, they organized a company bearing their names; about two years later it was known as Morris Bros., Pell and Trowbridge's Minstrels, and as such continued until the demise of Mr. Pell. - Two days prior to his death, he married Miss Moore, of Boston. - Johnny Pell died in Boston, Mass., January 24, 1866; age 33 years. He - was born in New York. - º º t - GEO. M. CLARK entered the field of minstrelsy about 1860; subsequently with his partner he organized Whitmore and Clark's Minstrels, and traveled successfully for many years. He was born in 1833, and died in Felchville, Vt., June 6, 1885. BYRON CHRISTY HUGHEY DOUGHERTY JAMES UNSWORTH \g\ºw HARRY PELL FRANK MORAN BOB. HART BILLY RICHARDSON FRANK BELL LEW BENEDICT ORATORS OF THE OLD DAYS. 86 MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, CHARLES PETRIE was one of the old time banjoists, and one of the first to open a variety theatre in Chicago. He was associated with the minstrel companies of Arlington, Kelly, Leon and Donniker, Lew Benedict's and others. He was born in Lockport, N. Y., in 1833; he died in Dallas, Texas, NO- vember 12, 1881. J. E. GREEN was known as “Mocking Bird Green,” from the fact that he was so long identified with singing of the song of that name, and whistling imi- - tations of same. He entered the profession about 1856, as a member of the - minstrel firm of Shorey, Carle, Duprez and Green; subsequently it became Du- prez and Green's Minstrels, and continued until 1865 under that trade-mark, when he sold his interest to Lew Benedict. He subsequently had several com- panies of his own and was associated in another with “Hop Light Loo” Charley Gardner. º At the time of his death he was musical director with Archie White's “Du- prez and Benedict’s” Minstrels. J. E. Green was born in Portsmouth, N. H., April 9, 1833; he died in New York, November 30, 1886. º BILLY WRAY, the father of Mrs. John Wild, was one of the most versatile of performers; as an end man and stump speaker he excelled; he was likewise a clever magician. With his wife (Louise Payne) and daughter, Ada, already referred to, he traveled in 1862, giving an entire performance by themselves. Billy Wray was born in New York, July 25, 1833; he was lost in the wreck of the Steamer “Evening Star” between New York and New Orleans, October 3, 1866. º º --- - -- E. FREEMAN DIxEY—his was a household word in Philadelphia, where practically his whole professional career, and the major portion of his life was spent. His first engagement was in Boston, at the age of eighteen; subsequently the went to Philadelphia, and opened there at Cartee's Lyceum, the present site of the IIth Street Opera House, with the Julien Serenaders, December 4, 1854. On April 23, 1855, the house was opened as Sanford's Opera House, by Sam Sanford, and Mr. Dixey was a member of the company, and continued with Sanford until the latter drew away from its management, April 14, 1862, when Mr. Dixey and Mr. Carncross opened it under the name of Carncross and Dixey's Minstrels; Robert Simpson was the financial man. The firm of Carncross and Dixey continued until June 17, 1871; Mr. Carncross retiring on that date. - - º * October 2, 1871, Mr. Dixey in conjunction with Frank Moran opened the º house as Moran and Dixey's Minstrels. The second season commenced August -- 26, 1872, and on September 24, Mr. Dixey retired from the firm. September ºf 1, 1873, again saw Carncross and Dixey's Minstrels installed; they continued tuntil March 16, 1878; after a supplemental tour that terminated May 11, 1878, Mr. Dixey retired to private life. - Mr. Dixey was one of minstrelsy's greatest bone players, and in his earlier days he excelled in the delineation of wench characters. / FROM “DADDY” RICE TO DATE. 87 He was a student of the negro, as well as a student in private life; a gifted, intellectual, cultured gentleman was Edward Freeman Dixey. E. Freeman Dixey was born in Marblehead, Mass., July 29, 1833; he died in Philadelphia, March 2, 1904. MAx IRWIN was a well-known comedian, stump orator and general per- former. In 1858 and 1859 he was a member of Matt. Peel's Minstrels. In the latter year he also played variety engagements with “Young Amer- ica” (E. Richardson). May 16, 1859, he married Gussie Lamoreux, the well- known dancer, in Philadelphia. - Mr. Irwin who was at one time known as P. Maxey, was born in Cincin- nati, O.; he died in Adelaide, Aus., August 9, 1864; age 33 years. ADD. WEAVER (Addison Weaver), was one of the real old-time minstrel comedians. * It is said he entered the profession in 1845. In 1858 he was with the Met- ropolitan Minstrels; in 1861 with Mrs. Matt. Peel's Minstrels, and in 1863, in conjunction with Charley Morris, was proprietor of the Morris Minstrels. In the 60's, and for several years, he did sketches with Master Barney; subse- quently he had many pupils who were known as Master Add. Weaver; one of these was Fred Hallen. In the fall of 1876 he succeeded Lew Dockstader in the management of the Adelphi, formerly Newton's Varieties, in Hartford, Conn. Add. Weaver was a good end man, and was noted for his stump speeches. The writer's last recollection of the vereran minstrel was with “The House With Green Blinds,” at the Walnut Street Theatre, Philadelphia, about September, I893; he appeared in the initial production in a black-face part, but only played one or two performances, when he was succeeded by the author, Scott Marble. . . On July 22, 1887, he was married to Mrs. Abigail F. Harris, in New York City. --> Add. Weaver was born in Cattaraugus County, New York, about 1833; he died in Staten Island, N. Y., February 2, 1903. JoHNNY DE ANGELIS was one of the early black-face performers in Cali- fornia. He was well-known as a good general comedian in San Francisco, where he played many years. \ He was the father of Jeff DeAngelis, the present light opera star. Johnny De Angelis was born in Philadelphia, about 1833; he died in San Francisco, Cal., December 25, 1877. DAN BRYANT (Daniel Webster O’Brien). The profound esteem in which this black-face comedian was held can be told in no better way than in citing the fact that within three weeks of the date of his death, the entire theatrical profession in New York City gave no less than eleven testimonial benefits in as many different theatres in the Metropolis on the afternoon of April 29, 1875; for Dan Bryant's hand was ever in his pocket for those less fortunate than him- self, and no one ever appealed to him in vain; he was a lovely character, was Dan Bryant—and yet his grave remains unmarked; so it is said. His first appearance was in New York City in 1845 at Vauxhall Garden, * \ . MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, at his brother Jerry's benefit; he was with various companies until 1848, when he joined Losee's Minstrels; subsequently he was with the Sable Harmonists, and in 1850 he joined Charley White's company in New York, remaining a year. Next he appeared with Wood and Fellowe's Minstrels in New York, and when Mr. Fellowe withdrew, he continued with Henry Wood's Minstrels, same city; he was with them as late as July, I852. Later he joined Campbell's Minstrels, and in the Summer of 1856, he man- aged Bryant’s “Campbell’s” Minstrels; in September, same year, he made a pro- nounced hit in Philadelphia, and on February 23, 1857, Bryant's Minstrels gave their first performance in New York City, at Mechanic's Hall; their last appear- ance there was June 2, 1866. August 10, 1867, Dan Bryant and his Minstrels sailed for California; they played in San Francisco under the management of Tom Maguire; they remained away until May 18, 1868, when they opened at the Tammany Building (present Olympic Theatre), New York City; Bryant's Minstrels next home was on 23rd Street, above 6th Avenue; they opened there November 23, 1870, and continued until Dan Bryant's death. While Dan Bryant's name and fame will go ‘down to posterity as a min- strel, yet he was recognized as a fine Irish comedian. At a benefit performance for William R. Floyd in New York, July 2, 1863, Mr. Bryant gave a perform- ance of Handy Andy in the play of that name, the equal of which had not been seen in some time, and during the Summer seasons for several years played in º various Irish dramas with success; in May, 1865, he sailed for Europe, and in º, Dublin, Ireland, and Liverpool, England, he gave several performances of Celtic - characters. Although a good general performer, Dan Bryant's chief fame rests in his “Essence of Old Virginny” dance; it is not claimed that he originated it, but it is universally conceded that he excelled all others in it's execution; he like- wise gained prominence in the famous “Shoo Fly” song and dance with Dave Reed. - It has been shown that Dan Bryant was an actor in white-face, but that he, equally was an actor behind his mask of cork, I submit the following from Harper's Magagine, written a few years before the lamented minstrel's death. * * * “Edwin Forrest was never weary of seeing Dan Bryant play the part of the hungry negro in “Old Times, Rocks,” and the verdict of the great player was that there was not a finer bit of tragic acting to be seen in America at that time than Dan in this broadly funny bit. Who that remembers the performance need be told how tears were constantly checking laughter in this little scene of the black man's suffering through hunger, and how one's sympathies were irresistibly wrung by the pathos of the minstrel's voice when, on being questioned as to when he had eaten a square real, he an- swered, humbly ‘I had a peanut last week.’ It was side-splitting—it was heartbreaking.” - - - Mr. Bryant married Miss Ellen Fitzgibbons of St. Louis, Mo., in that city, July 29, 1860. º - Dan Bryant was born in Troy, N. Y., May 9, 1833; he died in New York City, April Io, 1875. - TOM. WATERS w - BARRY MAXWELL HARRY G. RICHMOND CHAS. Ivi. ERNEST NEIL. ROGERS STUDIES IN BLACK AND WHITE. 90 MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, JoHN HART, jolly “fat” John Hart, as he was universally known, first ap- peared professionally in 1854 as a member of Eisenbeice's Minstrels; the company stranded in Syracuse, N. Y., and that was the end of Eisenbeice. Some time later he was stock comedian at Trimble's Varieties in Pitts- burg, Pa. His first New York appearance was at Josh Hart's Comique in 1869. In 1871, Hart, Ryman and Barney's Minstrels were organized. Mr. Hart also was with Haverly; Kelly and Leon; Morris Bros., and other first-class minstrel companies. In 1888 he was the original Hiram Pepper in the “Two Sisters” Com- pany. º, In September, 1887, he was one of the organizers of (Wm. Henry) Rice, Hart and (Add) Ryman's Minstrels. He toured with the “Two Johns” for three years. John Hart was screamingly funny in the old-time nigger acts he used to do with Arthur Moreland at various times. He also played an engagement with Augustin Daly in the play of the “Royal Middy.” John Hart was born in Monongahela City, Pa., July Io, 1833; he died in New York City, June 4, 1904. J. G. H. SHOREY was one of the early minstrel proprietors and comedians. - The first record of Mr. Shorey’s career as a black-face performer was in his father's barn at the age of nine years; pins were the admission fee, and it is said that no one ever complained of being stuck. A few years later he joined a dramatic company, and later a circus; after that came Shorey’s Southern Minstrels. In the middle 50's he formed an alliance with Duprez, Carle and Green, playing for a few seasons under the firm name. In later years he was iden- tified with several prominent organizations in an executive capacity, as well as playing the variety theatres. Mr. Shorey is reputed to have been the proprietor of the first Dime Museum ever opened in Boston. º J. G. H. Shorey was born in Great Falls, N. H., April Io, 1833; he died in Lynn, Mass., May 23, 1886. CHARLEs F. SHATTUCK was one of the oldest and most noted of minstrel bassos. He was the author of the song, “One Hundred Fathoms Deep,” and had made many beautiful minstrel arrangements. - - - He had been associated with such well-known minstrel organizations as Newcomb's; Buckley's; Simmons and Slocum's ; Geo. Wilson's and nu- merous others. Mr. Shattuck died in New York, November 29, I905; age 69 years. - * NED DAVIS was an old-time comedian; it was his company, known as the lio Minstrels, that were the first to perform on the steamer “Banjo,” giving their first performance at Lawrenceburg, Miss., October, 1855. Mr. Davis traveled with his minstrel company for many years, also appearing with other companies at times, notably Campbell's Minstrels in New York, with whom he opened July 6, 1863. - - º He died at Mott Haven (New York City) June 29, 1872; age 48 years. FROM “DADDY” RICE TO DATE. 9I EDWIN BOOTH, the great American tragedian, in 1850, at the court-house in his native town, gave an entertainment in which he blackened his face and sang negro songs, accompanied by the banjo and bones. This was one year after his dramatic debut in Boston. | Edwin Booth was born in Belair, Md., November 13, 1833; he died in New York City, June 7, 1893. TOM LESLIE, once prominent as a bass singer with Morris Bros., Pell and Trowbridge's Minstrels in Boston, was the father of Eddie and Joe Leslie ; the former, well known as a mimetic comedian, and the latter long associated with Cohan and Harris' attractions. Mr. Leslie was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, December 29, 1833; he died in Boston, Mass., June 6, 1899. CHARLEY LEWIS, an old-time comedian who was with William Christy's Minstrels in 1860, and who married Miss O'Keefe, of Portage City, Wis., at Milwaukee, July 20, 1861; died at Portage Lake, Wis., November 28, 1864; age 31 years. - JOHN H. DULEY was a well-known comedian half a century ago; his “Old Bob Ridley” is said to have compared favorably with the best performances of that favorite old-time act. He had been with Hooley and Campbell's Minstrels in New York in I861, and went to England with Rumsey and Newcomb's Company that same year. - * July Io, 1859, he married Mrs. Mattie Robinson, an actress. - John H. Duley was born in Philadelphia, Pa., 1834; he died in London, England, May 31, 1864. FRANK HUSSEY was a well-known comedian and versatile performer. His operations were chiefly confined to California and foreign countries. . . His first appearance was with a minstrel company known as the “Sable Brothers,” in 1848. There is practically no country on the globe that Hussey has not appeared in. - º He was born in Nantucket, Mass., October 26, 1834; he was last heard of as a member of Leslie's Anglo-American Minstrels in Africa, July 30, 1883. BILLY CHAMBERs, an old-time banjoist and comedian, was with Sam Sharp- ley's Minstrels, in 1865, and played his last engagement, about 1870, with Sam Sanford; he died in Philadelphia, September 7, 1879; age 45 years. HARRY ROBINSON (Bishop), famous in minstrelsy as the “Man With the Silver Horns,” came to the United States about 1861, and subsequently ap- peared with George Wood's Minstrels as a cornetist; later he was with Cal. º Wagner's Company. --- About 1870 he organized Harry Robinson's Minstrels, and toured for Several seasons. He was an excellent musician, and was married three times. Mr. Robinson was born in England; he died (suicide) at Bloomington, Ill., May 5, 1889; age 55 years. 92 MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, CHARLEs L. CHURCH was a prominent balladist of the 60's and 70's. For many years he was actively associated with Sharpley's, and Morris Bros. Minstrels. - A son of the same name is also a well-known vocalist. He was born in England, and died in Cambridge, Mass., June 4, 1910; age 76 years. - JAMES WAMBOLD was a brother of Dave Wambold, and achieved prominence as a banjoist. His first appearance was in his native city with a local minstrel troupe in the early 50's. Subsequently he played on the “Floating Palace”; Backus' Minstrels, and Mrs. Matt. Peel's Minstrels, in 1861. - Mr. Wambold was an expert whistler and gave imitations of birds and animals, accompanied by the banjo. He played many engagements with cir- cuses, and it was while with one of these in the Spring of 1875 that he received injuries that compelled his retirement from the profession. James F. Wambold was born in Newark, N. J., March 4, 1834; he died there June 15, 1901. JoFIN L. CARNCROSS, famous for his long association at the old Eleventh Street Opera House in Philadelphia, was one of the greatest singers in min- strelsy ; his voice, a pure tenor, is yet recalled by many of the old residents of the Quaker City. Originally he appeared at the various concert halls in his native city as “Billy” Warren. On January 4, 1858, he made his first appearance with Sanford's Mins- trels at the latter's theatre in Philadelphia. Mr. Carncross continued there until the Spring of 1860, when the season having closed, with Sam Sharpley he organized Carncross and Sharpley's Minstrels in the same city at the Con- tinental Theatre, which was on the present site of the Casino Theatre, and gave their first performance August 22, 1860; after playing a few weeks they left there and reappeared October 1. April 14, 1862, Mr. Carncross and E. F. Dixey opened there under the firm name of Carncross and Dixey's Minstrels, and continued as such until April 18, 1871, when the regular season closed; this was followed by a sup- plemental tour, which terminated on June 17, on which date Mr. Carncross retired from the firm, and entered the mercantile business. Mr. Dixey subsequently also retired from the company, but on Septem- ber 1, 1873, Carncross and Dixey's Minstrels again opened. Dixey retired permanently in 1878, and Mr. Carncross continued there until January 25, 1896, as Carncross' Minstrels, on which date he finally retired to private life at his residence in the city of his birth. John L. Carncross was born in Philadelphia, about 1834. R. JEAN BUCKLEY (Alexander W. Moody), one of the good old-timers, made his first appearance at the old Marshall Theatre, Richmond, Va., in October, 1847, as a ballad singer. The following year he joined Joe Sweeney's Mins- trels, and at that time he was not only the youngest living banjo player, but one of the very few living players. - Mr. Buckley was many years stage manager at the Odeon Theatre, Bal- J. W. RAYNOR JERRY BRYANT º r f : Uſ IHF º --- *… - *ºnowy & wººd? CAMPBELL’S MINSTRELS (1848) The original company was organized in June, 1847. Jerry Bryant and J. W. Raynor were two of the original company. The other photos represent minstrel - Scenes of that day. - 94 MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, timore, Md., and for twenty-two years he was associated with Tim Morris, though he also worked with some of the best comedians in the country. While Mr. Buckley was probably best known in minstrelsy, he also trav- eled extensively with several prominent dramatic and circus organizations. He is a skilled general musician, but was well known for his performances on the banjo and guitar; as an interlocutor and “straight” man, he ranked high. Mr. Buckley retired from active theatricals in 1907, after sixty years of - - active theatrical life; truly a remarkable record. . R. Jean Buckley was born in Williamsburg, Va., November 24, 1834. º BILLY CARTER was not the father of the banjo, but he adopted it at an early |-- age, and has had it in his possession ever since. - Mr. Carter first appeared in New Orleans as a performer, in the early 60's; he did black and white-face business at three dollars per evening, which wasn't bad for a raw amateur. In 1865 your Uncle Bill sat in the middle and played the banjo with the Louisiana Serenaders; this was his first minstrel troupe, and “Codfish Aristocracy” was the soul-inspiring ballad that stirred his auditors. After the affair in which he sang about the “Finny 400,” he joined the Great Western Opera Bouffe Company; this sounded good enough for a four years engagement, but the truth of the matter is, it flopped in Lynchburg, Va., in nearly four years less than that time; subsequently Mr. Carter and dear de- parted Luke Schoolcraft (who was a member of the company) arrived in Philadelphia in somewhat distressed financial circumstances; fortunately our banjo comique had a relative in the Quaker City; an uncle, I believe, and hunt- - ing him up, he took a violin and showed it to him. * * * With this 85 cents they arrived in New York (Mr. Great Western had considerately pur- chased transportation to the metropolis), and shortly after, he secured an en- gagement at Hooley's Minstrels in Brooklyn, where he met with instant S11CCéSS. . . His next important minstrel engagement was with Simmons and Slo- cum in Philadelphia, where he opened February 16, 1874. In 1878 he joined Haverly's Minstrels in Chicago; two years later he engaged with the latter's Mastodons for the London invasion, but William was a bad sailor, and at the last minute renigged. Subsequently he appeared with Thatcher, Primrose and West’s and with Barlow, Wilson & Company’s Minstrels. - Mr. Carter was several years with Harrigan and Hart's Company in New York; with this company he originated the famous “Skidmore Guards,” that had such a vogue for a long time. He has played all the principal variety houses, and most of the prominent vaudeville theatres. Will somebody please notice this nice distinction P - - Billy Carter was born at Parish St. Bernard, La., December 16, 1834. FRED ABBOTT, a well-known and clever female impersonator, associated for several seasons with Hooley's Minstrels in Brooklyn, Chicago, and the road tours; died in Boston, Mass., May 28, 1871; age 37 years. º delineation of the plantation “darky,” was with many minstrel troupes prior to his death in Providence, R. I., March 6, 1880. He was about 46 years of age. º º TIM. MoRRIs, an old-time performer who achieved recognition for his FROM “DADDY” RICE TO DATE. 95 “FATTY” STEwART (J. S. Crossy) famed for many years as one of the original “Two Johns,” made his first professional appearance in New York in 1848 as a comic singer. About two years later he was a member of the Sable Harmonists. In 1854 he launched Stewart's Minstrels; and in 1873 he played an engagement with Sam Hague's Minstrels in Liverpool, England. Mr. Stewart was the author of many black face sketches, all of which have had considerable vogue. He also built or managed several theatres, notably in St. Louis, Providence and Philadelphia. Mr. Stewart died in St. Louis, Mo., May 23, I905; age 7 I years. JOHN PAUL CROCKER was one of the proprietors of Moore, Crocker, Ritter and Hamilton's Minstrels, who gave their first performance at Chester, Eng- land, November 14, 1864. Mr. Crocker was a good comedian and well liked personally; he con- tinued as a partner of the organization up to the time of his death. John Paul Crocker was born in the United States; he died in London, England, December 17, 1869; age 35 years. AYNSLEY COOKE, who was well and favorably known in operatic circles, was a prominent singer with Bryant's Minstrels in New York City in 1861. He was born in London, England; he died in Liverpool, England, Feb- ruary 16, 1894; age 60 years. FRANK WELLs (Bernard Mundy) was a well-known and capable female impersonator. - He was for a long time with Morris and Wilson's Minstrels in St. Louis, also with Charley Morris and Add Weaver's Company, in 1863; later he was with LaRue's Minstrels. - He died in Brooklyn, N. Y., April 25, 1874; age 39 years. D. C. LARUE, a well-known minstrel manager, who had his own companies in the 60's, and during the same period was associated in minstrel ventures with J. B. Donniker, Tom Prendergast, Archie Hughes and Cool Burgess, died in Charleston, S. C., March 15, 1875; age about 40 years. “HANK.” GooDMAN, the old-time comedian, was a member of Gorton's New Orleans Minstrels for many years. In 1887 he retired, and later assumed the management of Goodman’s Opera House in Friendship, N. Y., continuing there until his death, which occurred in that city May 14, 1908. NELSE SEYMOUR (Thos. Nelson Sanderson), made his first appearance in his native city as a clown in a circus. His initial black-face appearance was in the same city in 1861 as a member of Kunkel’s “Nightingales,” a promi- nent minstrel organization, with whom he remained the season. - The following year he joined Bryant's Minstrels in New York; January 26 following he opened with Wood's Minstrels, same city. He rejoined Bryant’s in 1863, and continued with them until the Fall of 1866, when he º 96 MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, became a member of Kelly and Leon's Minstrels, also in New York; he remained until May, 1868. That same month he again joined Bryant's, and a few weeks later went to England, where he opened with Moore and Crocker's Minstrels. Novem- ber 23, 1870, found him back to Bryant's, where he continued until his death. Mr. Seymour was exceedingly tall, and correspondingly slender, and in the various acts in which he worked with Dan Bryant he was very funny. He was equally at home, sitting on the end or in the middle on the first part. Nelse Seymour was born in Baltimore, Md., June 5, 1835; he died in New York, February 2, 1875. MATT THOMPSON, a good general performer and “Essence” dancer, who was with Mrs. Matt. Peel's Minstrels in 1861 ; died in New Orleans, La., August 21, 1867; age 32 years. M. T. SKIFF was a well-known and prominent manager of minstrel com- panies. He organized a company bearing his name September 26, 1863, at Alexandria, Va. In November the following year, with Low Gaylord, he formed Skiff and Gaylord's Minstrels, and as such traveled for several SeaSO11S. - - Mr. Skiff formed a partnership with Eph. Horn and Walter Bray in August, 1869, and gave minstrel performances for a brief period. In 1871 Mr. Skiff called his company the “Albinos.” He later deserted the minstrel field, and for several years traveled in an executive capacity with legitimate attractions. M. T. Skiff was born in New Bedford, Mass.; he died in Baltimore, Md., June 13, 1890; age 55 years. º THE FAMOUSLY FUNNY LEE DINNER, as told by the late W. J. Florence to Seen and Heard; Philadelphia: - “Philip Lee,” said he, “was the husband of the beautiful and gifted Adel- aide Neilson, since whose death we have never seen a Juliet upon the stage to equal her. Lee was the son of an English clergyman, and in demeanor and apparel was a gentleman. He accompanied his wife to this country, not as her business manager, but simply as her husband. He was a harmless, pleasant, gentlemanly fellow, with but little knowledge of American ways. It is not true, as has frequently been stated, that he knew so little of this country that he expected to see buffaloes plunging down Broadway and Indians tomahawking people in Central Park, New York, nor was his aston- ºishment at the absence of such surprising adventures the inspiring cause of the joke of which he was made the victim. Its inception was in this way: At the time Lee was in New York City, in the Fall of 1877, he was a patron of the Fifth Avenue Hotel, where I was also staying, as I had been for years, and Mr. Sothern was quartered at the Gramercy Park Hotel. One night the three of us met at the Lotos Club, which was then far down town, and, as we were about leaving there, Sothern and myself, desiring to pay the English- --- man some attention, invited him to acompany us to the old chop house kept by George Brown, and there have a bite and sup before going to bed. We walked up Fifth Avenue together, and, as we were opposite the Glenham - BOB. SLAVIN ED. H. BANKER “HAPPY” CAL WAGNER BURT. HAVERLY SAM. HAGUE JOHNNY SHAY M. T. SKIFF JOHN W. THOMPSON A GROUP OF GENUINES. 98 MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, Hotel, our attention was attracted by a disturbance across the way, evidently caused by a brawl between a policeman and some jovial young blades. Lee, who was very curious about everything he saw, exclaimed, ‘Bless me! what's that?” Mr. Sothern replied in the most nonchalant manner, as he continued walking on, ‘Oh, only another dead man.’ “‘Another dead man!' gasped Lee; ‘Lord bless me, what do you mean?' “‘Oh, that's nothing, exclaimed Sothern, with a wave of his hand ; 'I stumble across them every night on my way home. They are killing men around here all the time. I trip over them, but pay no attention to them, but keep right on my way home. I don't care to be summoned as a witness before the Coroner every day of my life.’ ‘Bless me!’ exclaimed Lee; ‘what a re- markable country '' - >k >k >k >k >k “We finally reached Brown's, and, having secured a table, we ordered chops and ale. Sothern and myself had not prearranged any joke upon Our guest, but he had given me a wink, which I knew meant mischief, and I was ready to play second to any part he proposed performing. While we were eating, Sothern suddenly reached over and placed his fork in one of my chops, attempting to remove it to his plate. I prevented this by the insertion of my own fork, and then said, in calm but determined tones, ‘Ned, I don't like that,’ to which Lord Dundreary responded, but not in the feeble tones of that stut- tering stage nobleman, ‘Mr. Florence, I don't care whether you like it or not; I want that chop !’ “With that I sprang upon him with uplifted knife and grabbed my dearly beloved friend by the throat, and he seized me in a similar way, while he apparently made desperate efforts to cut my jugular vein. In the melee which ensued the table was upset, and chops, ale, dishes, knives, forks and all the other appurtenances descended upon poor Lee in a shower. Brown, the pro- prietor of the establishment, who knew us both intimately, rushed forward and separated us, and at his solicitation, he thinking we were entirely in ear- nest, we finally shook hands and renewed our vows of eternal friendship upon one another's bosoms. - “That was the inception of the famous Lee dinner hoax. Sothern came to me afterward and said he desired to give the Englishman a dinner at the Gramercy Park Hotel, in order to introduce him to the customs of the great American people, and said that the only part he desired me to take in it was to be sure that Lee should be on hand at the appointed hour, which was noon of the following Sunday. To this I agreed. I knew, of course, that some sort of a joke was to be perpetrated upon Miss Neilson's husband, but I pledge my word that I was not fully let into the secret, and was not advised of the programme. At the designated time I escorted Lee to the banquet room, which was on the first floor in the rear of the hotel office. I found out after- ward that by special arrangement with Mr. Judson, the proprietor, the doors and windows had been well padded and covered so that no noise within could reach beyond them. The apartment was lighted with wax candles. Those as- sembled were John McCullough, Harry Montague, J. S. Polk, Charles Gaylor, all of whom had achieved fame upon the sage; Dan Bryant and Nelson Sey- mour, the most famous negro minstrels of their day; Commodore Dickinson, of the New York Yacht Club; George Brown, of the chop house, which bore FROM “H)4 DDY". RICE TO DATE. 99 his name; a gentleman named Cooper and, of course, Sothern, Lee and myself. None other than these was present. >k >k >k >k >k “The oysters had been disposed of,” continued Florence, “and the soup had just been placed on the table, when Charley Gaylor arose, and, in very impressive tones, spoke about as follows: "Gentlemen, I think this is a most auspicious occasion to bring about peace between two men who, while stran- gers, were once devoted friends. I do not think that rancor could exist in any heart at a gathering of this kind. To be sure, it may ill become me to act the part of a peacemaker, for, while it is true I have shed human blood, NELSE SEYMOUR. that my right hand has been red with the gore of another, it must also be borne in mind that I was triumphantly acquitted of the offense, and that à jury of my peers said that I had acted only in self-defense.” “You can readily imagine that this took the breath out of my friend Lee, who had been seated upon my left. He whispered to me, ‘What has he done? Did he kill anyone?' I looked at him warningly, and put a finger on my lips as I whispered back, ‘Sh-h-h! It was nothing; only his mother ' I heard him mutter, ‘My God!’ as shrunk in his chair, and then he leaned toward me and whispered, “Of whom is he speaking?' As I didn't know myself, I couldn't well tell him, but I warned him off by saying, ‘You will learn it all in a mo- IOO MoMARCHs of MINSTRELSY, ment. His words might apply to any two men about the board, because every fellow here has killed his man.’ >k >k >{< :k >{< “Just then Gaylor threw light upon the subject by saying, as he pointed with one hand to that clever negro minstrel, Dan Bryant, and the other toward that equally famous delineator of cork humor, Nelse Seymour, "Of course, gentlemen, it is hardly necessary for me to say that I refer to Amer- ica's most famous poet, William Cullen Bryant, and that equally distinguished gentleman, M. Seymour, the son of the talented ex-Governor of the State of New York, Horatio Seymour, and I now request that these two gentlemen shake hands across the table and let the bloody feud which has existed be- tween them end here !' “I had scarcely time to give an affirmative reply to Lee's whispered inquiry. ‘Is that really William Cullen Bryant?’ when there ensued the most remarkable scene which I ever witnessed in my life. I cannot, even after many years have elapsed, think of it without the tears of laughter coming to my eyes. Seymour was a man over six feet in height, and with legs the length of which were absurdly out of proportion to the rest of his body. He appeared to be split up almost to his neck. One of his most famous feats upon the minstrel stage was to suddenly throw one of his feet about a man's neck and draw the other fellow toward him. Upon this occasion Bryant, in obe- ºw dience to Gaylor's summons, had reached forth his right hand, when Sey- - mour suddenly threw that dreadful right leg of his across the table, caught his friend and fellow-minstrel by the back of the neck, drew him toward him and hit him squarely between the eyes. In another instant both men were on top of the table amid the soup dishes, and were snarling and biting and tearing at one another like a pair of bulldogs. Cooper and Dickinson, who were not in the secret, became so alarmed that they got under the table, while I could only hold Lee in his chair by main force. In the midst of the contest the table upset and the poor Englishman was almost drowned in soup. While Bryant and Seymour were making a mockery of struggling beneath the debris, Seymour, by wetting his fingers of one hand, secured a quantity of blacking from one of his shoes, and with this gave himself the semblance of a black eye. When some appearance of order had been obtained a truce was patched up between the combatants, and, after Seymour's blackened eye had been bandaged, they were induced to shake hands, whereupon the other mem- bers of the company, who were in the secret, exclaimed admiringly, “Once a gentleman, always a gentleman' and declared that ‘a frue American gentle- man can always be told by his willingness to settle a little difference amicably.” - - ------.” - “Lee whispered to me in tremulous indignation, ‘This is most shame- ful!' to which I replied, ‘I don’t see how you say that. There was no one Rilled.’ Thereupon he amended his remark by saying, “At least, it was most 11nfortunate. I am dreadfully sorry it occurred.’ -- “The table was got in shape again, and things moved along smoothly and pleasantly for some time, until Polk and Sothern became engaged in apparently a very angry and excited dispute about the merits of the North and South, in the midst of which Mr. Sothern suddenly arose to his feet, and, - - - - ----- MATT. WHEELER - DAVE WILSON WILL COX HARRY W. SMITH WILL LAVAKE “Wheeler & Wilson,” “Will Cox & Gibbs,” and some “Singers”; nearly all “Domestics.” Try to play this on the machine. - IO2 MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, drawing a revolver, fired it directly over Polk's head. Immediately a scene of the wildest excitement ensued. In less than twenty minutes twenty shots from revolvers had been fired across the table. Polk, Gaylor, McCullough, Montague, Seymour, Bryant and Sothern were not only firing blank cart- ridges from revolvers, but were brandishing huge knives over one another's heads. Dickinson, Cooper and Brown had by this time discovered the affair was a joke and simply added to the tumult. The terror of the Englishman was almost pitiable. He begged to be allowed to go, but his friends were so thoroughly in love with him that they would not let him depart. There was upon the table at this particular juncture a large dish of asparagus, covered with drawn butter, and most of the combatants, who were crawling across the table to carve one another's hearts out, managed to get their hands into this mess, and, while thus besmeared, they could take turns in jumping around to where I was holding Lee in place, and, bringing their palms down upon his shoulders, would beg of him to be seated and assured him that the difficulty was simply a trifling one, and that they would regret it to their dying day should he leave them. So frequent were these expressions of hospitality that Lee was smeared from head to foot with drawn butter. I shall never forget the spectacle that the lamented John McCullough presented on that occasion. Having fired his revolver, he drew a long Roman sword from his boot, and, . with a swirl, cut off the neck of a champagne bottle as if he were decapitating a foe, and then waving it threateningly over the heads of Lee and myself, he exclaimed. ‘Why does not the gallant Florence stand by his friends? Where is his revolver to-night? I have traveled with him through the West, and then he never went without his arsenal and scarcely a day passed without his killing a man.’ - >k >k :k >k >k “In the midst of the fracas, Seymour, who had temporarily disappeared, appeared in the doorway attired in a white hat and apron, which he had pro- cured from the hotel chef, and announced that the landlord declared that the entire party must vacate the room. He had not finished his speech when everything on the table, including even the large, heavy dishes, was hurled at him, and it is really a wonder that he escaped the shower unhurt. By this time everyone in the room, and especially the Englishman, was a lamentable sight to behold. Each one was smeared and crushed and tumbled and torn from head to foot. Lee could stand it no longer. He got on his feet finally and managed to say that while he had heard such scenes as he had witnessed were enacted in the purlieus of the great cities of America, he was astounded and disappointed to find that they were the custom among gentlemen, and further said that he would have to leave to keep a dinner engagement. It was 4 o'clock. I escorted him to the street and put him in a carriage to con- ceal his dilapidated condition. When we came to settle for this little joke, we found that our bill was $600. The item for breakage alone amounted to $80.” Men will sometimes become boys again; and very silly boys. - Note—Mr. Florence was in error in giving the date of the foregoing as the Fall of 1877. Dan Bryant died in the Spring of 1875–Author. CHARLEs MELVILLE was of late years best known as a manager and agent, but in his earlier days achieved considerable fame as a balladist in minstrelsy. FROM “DADDY” RICE TO DATE. IO3 As early as May 1, 1856, he was with Raynor's “Christy” Minstrels, and in November, same year, he was a member of Turner's Southern Serenaders. The following year he was with Mrs. Matt. Peel's Minstrels in the Sum- mer; in November, 1860, Charles Melville's Minstrels were on tour. October 14, 1861, he began a brief engagement with Fox and Sharpley’s Minstrels in New York. In an executive capacity he was associated among others with Col. T. Allston Browne and Shook and Palmer. In February, 1894, Mr. Melville occupied the position as ticket taker at the Arch Street Theatre in Philadelphia, at the opening of that theatre in a revival of old stock plays by George Learock. Charles Melville died in Newark, N. J., July 10, 1901; age about 65 years. LEw. MEYERS (Buhmeir), is a name that is practically unknown to minstrel lovers of to-day ; yet to him belongs the credit of being the original “musical moke,” long familiar to variety and minstrel habitues. His first performance of the act was given in Newark, N. J., during the season of 1852-53. - He was likewise the first to perform the harmonica on the stage. He went to Europe in 1866 with Hussey, Sweney and Felton's Minstrels. His last appearance was at Los Angeles, Cal., January 27, 1874, where he gave an entire evening's entertainment of one and a half hours’ duration, during which he performed on twenty-six different instruments; and on one occasion four at one time. Lew Meyers was born in Minden, Prussia; he died in Pottsville, Pa., July II, 1875; age 40 years. JAKE BUDD (Zebley), the old-time comedian, was with Buckleys. Serenaders in England, about 1855; subsequently with Dan Howard he ran Canterbury Hall in Harrisburg, Pa., for several years; in 1862 he rejoined Buckleys; he also directed minstrel companies in Baltimore and Washington. In 1872 he was part owner of Brant's Hall in Harrisburg, Pa.; in 1874 he was stage man- ager of the Comique in Washington, D. C.; Subsequently becoming the manager. * The distinction of bringing before the public that famous song and dance team, Welch and Rice, in the 60's, belongs to Mr. Budd, and while it has been Said that he was the first to do a monologue in minstrelsy, the writer has no means of substantiating the assertion. Jake Budd was born in Philadelphia; he died in Washington, D. C., October 11, 1888; age 53 years. - J. K. CAMPBELL (John Kelly), celebrated as a banjoist and comedian, made his first appearance at Wright's Music Hall in New York City, in 1846, as a youth, and playing under his own name. About 1851, George Lea, the well- known variety manager, suggested that Kelly take the name of Cameron, the same as the prominent theatrical printer; a typographical error made it appear Campbell; and as Campbell it always remained, except for a brief period in 1859 and 1860, when he was with George Christy's Minstrels at Niblo's Sa- loon in New York; here he sat on the opposite end to Christy, and was on the programme as J. K. Edwards. - ... In 1870, he was a prominent member of Hooley's Minstrels, in Brooklyn, w IO4 MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, N. Y., and when Hooley opened in Chicago on January 2, 1871, Mr. Campbell went with him; with this company he did a song and dance with John Hogan, of Hogan and Hughes; the latter being unable to play on account of illness. He was many years associated with the late “Fatty” Stewart, and iden- tified with such prominent organizations as Moore and Burgess, in London, England, and Buckley's, in Boston, where he opened in August, 1864. - Mr. Campbell was one of the great cards of minstrelsy ; as a banjoist he ranked with the best; his “Essence of Old Virginny” was AI , he was Ver- satile to a degree, and wrote several sketches, amongst them "The Rival Lovers” and “The Lawyer's Clerk.” Miss Fanchon Campbell, the talented young actress of the present, and who was a clever child actress at the time of Mr. Campbell's death, is a daughter of his. J. K. Campbell was born in New York City, 1835; he died in Pittsburg, Pa., February 6, 1878. - JoE. BUCKLEY (Timothy Clancy), was a good general black-face per- former. In 1857, he was with G. N. Eldridge's Great Southern Circus, and for many years was associated with that style of entertainment. In his earlier days he was associated with Joe Chatfield and Harry Wells. Mr. Buckley, likewise, was in the stock at Tony Pastor's at 585 - Broadway, New York City, also with Harrigan and Hart's Company. At the time of his death he was not engaged in his profession. Joe. Buckley was born in Philadelphia, September 7, 1835; he died in New York City, July 19, 1884. º CHARLES HENRY, one of the oldest ballad singers in minstrelsy, was living as late as 1886; he is said to have died in England. CHARLEs TEMPLETON (Broughton). This well-known popular vocalist of minstrelsy, began his career in Dundee, Scotland, in 1857, with Tom Lee's Minstrels; other succeeding European engagements were with the Pelham Bros.' Minstrels and Templeton's African Opera Troupe, the latter in the Spring of 1859; it was here that he took the name of Campbell, emulating the distinguished Sher. Campbell, - In the Fall of 1859 he came to America and was engaged by Dan Bryant for Bryant's Minstrels, at 472 Broadway, New York City; at the suggestion of Bryant, he took the name of Glendale, so as not to conflict with Sher. Campbell, a warm personal friend of Bryant's. Late in 1859 he joined Sanford's Minstrels in Philadelphia, resuming the name of Campbell; he remained there three years. Subsequently he became a member of the following well-known minstrel organizations: Hooley's, in Brooklyn; San Francisco's, in New York, six years; a second and third en- gagement at Bryant's, also Hooley's; Geo. Christy's, one year; Barlow, Wilson, Primrose and West's; Cotton and Reed's; Cool Burgess’; Carncross, in Philadelphia; Neil Bryant's and Cleveland's. Also with such operatic com- panies as Pauline Hall's, and E. E. Rice's; his last, engagement was with Camille D’Arville Company, about 15 years ago. - Charles Templeton was born at South Kirby, England, January I, I835. - E. N. CATLIN f ---- W. S. MULLALLY * - --- - BOB. HALL E. J. CORNU J. B. DONNIKER CHAS. HUNNEMAN SOME LEADING LEADERS OF MINSTRELSY. Ioé MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, DENMAN THOMPSON, famous for many years for his unique characterization of Joshua Whitcomb, in the “Old Homestead,” sat on the end with a minstrel show many a time over 50 years ago; and at the Royal Lyceum, Toronto, Canada, February 6, 1857, he played Uncle Tom, in “Uncle Tom's Cabin.” “HANK.” PARMLEY, the well-known old-time minstrel agent, died in New- ark, N.J., May 7, 1902; age 67 years. NEIL BRYANT (Cornelius A. O’Brien), was the youngest and the last of the three famous brothers of his name that organized Bryant's Minstrels, in 1857. Cddly enough, less is known about the early career of Neil Bryant than either of his brothers. The earliest authentic record obtainable by the author is at the Ameri- can Hall, Hartford, Conn., June 25, 1851, as a member of Ordway's Aeolians, a famous Boston organization ; it is highly probable that Mr. Bryant was with this company prior to the above date in the Massachusetts metropolis. He continued with Bryant's Minstrels in New York until the death of his brother Dan, April 10, 1875; subsequently he organized Bryant's Minstrels, and gave intermittent performances on the road for a period of about seven years. In 1851, the programme gave Neil Bryant as giving an accordeon solo; in later years he was almost exclusively identified with his perform- ance on the flutina. - --- About 1882 he secured a government position in Washington, D. C., which he retained until two years prior to his death. July 11, 1859, Mr. Bryant married Miss Gertrude E. Ransom. Neil Bryant was born in Keesville, N. Y., 1835; he died in Brooklyn, N. Y., March 6, 1902. JoE. MURPHY (Wm. L. Murphy). It is pretty well known to theatre goers in general, that Mr. Murphy’s early career was spent as a minstrel in California, where he drifted in the 50's. As late as 1858 he was with the California Minstrels, with whom he was associated many months in San Francisco. In 1860 with Billy Birch, a company bearing the name of Birch and Murphy's Minstrels toured. In 1864 Murphy and (Walter) Bray’s Minstrels were in existence. Mr. Murphy then came East, and with Ben Cotton formed Cotton and Murphy’s Minstrels, opening at Fall River, Mass., about March I, 1865. In 1867 he again went West, and late that year was with Dan and Neil Bryant's Minstrels, in San Francisco. A few months later he joined Morris Brothers’ Company, in Boston, and on April 20, 1868, made his appearance in New York with Kelly and Leon’s Minstrels. Once more did Mr. Murphy take Horace Greeley’s advice, and went West, where-in August, 1869, at Salt Lake City, Utah, with Johnny Mack, or- ganized Murphy and Mack's Minstrels. -- - His first appearance as a legitimate performer was made in San Fran– cisco, September 16, 1867, as Pat Murphy in “The Happy Man.” l It was in New York City, May 8, 1871, that Mr. Murphy first produced his play of “Help,” in which he impersonated a negro and other characters. - Subsequently “Shaun Rhue” and “Kerry Gow” brought him name and fame, as well as wealth. - - º FROM “DADDY" RICE TO DATE, Io? Mr. Murphy married Miss Martha Shattuck in the early 60's. At San Antonio, Texas, November II, 1909, he wedded Miss May Firmier, an actress. Joe Murphy was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., May 16, about 1835. J. W. HILTON was one of the favorite bass singers in minstrelsy. He was with Bryant's Minstrels in New York, in 1860, and continued with them intermittently for several seasons. In the Summer of 1869 he went to Liverpool, England, with Smith and Taylor's Minstrels, opening there June 21. J. W. Hilton was born in the United States; he died in Liverpool, Eng- land, January 2, 1871; age 36 years. JAMES UNSWORTH, or just “Unsworth” as he was more familiarly known, was one of those rare performers who were concededly away ahead of the times in which they flourished. The word “great” may be truly applied to him, for while he excelled in all he undertook, he was famous for his stump speeches, for his banjo solos, and for his singing of Irish songs on the end, of which he was one of the first. His professional debut was made with Sanford's Minstrels, in Philadel- phia, August 10, 1857; he continued there until January 2, 1858, when he left and joined Bryant's Minstrels in New York that same month. . After a few months with that company he went with Matt. Peel's Minstrels for a road tour, and opened with them in New York, October 5, 1858; a few weeks later the company was known as Sniffen's Campbell's Minstrels, with whom Mr. Unsworth continued for several weeks. December 6, he rejoined Bryant's for the season; again opening there the following Fall; he left September 19, 1859, and later joined Anderson’s Min- strels, which had a brief existence. Early in 1860 he opened with Hooley and Campbell's Minstrels; here he met “Eugene,” and a business alliance was formed which continued uninterruptedly until death intervened, fifteen years later. - º º, He closed with Hooley and Campbell in New York City, January 26, 1861, and with “Eugene” and J. B. Donniker organized Unsworth's Min- strels. A few months later he sailed for Europe, and subsequently joined Rumsey and Newcomb's Minstrels in Liverpool; later going to Germany with them. Mr. Unsworth remained abroad playing the Music Halls, also a long engagement with Wilsom and Montague's Minstrels, until the Spring of 1868, when he returned to America, and again joined Bryant's Minstrels in New York; he remained two years. - In the Fall of 1870 he joined Hooley's Minstrels in Brooklyn, N. Y., and later went with that company to Chicago, opening January 2, 1871, for the balance of the season. - - Unsworth's Minstrels again took the road, opening September 2, 1871, at Paterson, N.J.; December 18, he returned to Hooley's, in Brooklyn, N. Y. In 1872, he was successively with Moran and Dixey's; and Moran's Minstrels in Philadelphia. -- - - In the Spring of 1873 he joined Moran and Manning's Minstrels, and in the Fall of that year again became a member of Bryant's Company in New York for the season. Mr. Unsworth sailed for England in 1874, opening with 1. FOS MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, * Sam Hague's Minstrels in Liverpool in the Fall of that year; he remained with the company until his death. James Unsworth was born in Liverpool, England, July 2, 1835; he died there, February 21, 1875. MAzzELLAH AINSLEY SCOTT is one of the oldest, and at the same time one of the youngest looking minstrels. Mr. Scott, who has a keen sense of humor, gravely declares that he was born in Nashua, N. H., July 26, 1820; he looks 60. Mr. Scott sometime ago told the author that he (Scott) made his first appearance on the stage at the age of three years as the child in “Pizarro”; then Mr. Scott had to catch a train, the author caught a cold, but managed to get the following data : In 1858 he was with the New Orleans Opera Troupe (a minstrel com- pany), the following year he was at Bryant's Minstrels in New York; he has the distinction of being the only one living who was on the programme the night that “Dixie” was first sung, September 12, 1859. Mr. Scott was in partnership with Cool Burgess in a minstrel show in 1867; the same year he was with LaRue's Minstrels, also Lloyd and Bidaux's |Minstrels. - In 1862 he was with Sanford's Minstrels; in 1864 at the opening of M. C. Campbell's Minstrels, in New York, June 27. He was with the San Francisco's, also in New York, and with Duprez and Green's Company. In 1884 he was with the opera of “Princess Ida”; in 1892 with Miss Sidonie, as Scott and Sidonie played a sketch in vaudeville, called “Round- sey, the Copper.” - Mrs. Ainsley Scott died May 31, 1867. When last heard of, a short time ago, Mr. Scott was a pedestrian. WM. H. BROCKWAY was a well-known interlocutor of minstrelsy. He was with Morris Bros.; Pell and Trowbridge's Minstrels in Boston in the Spring of 1859, and continued with them practically until July 27, 1861, when in conjunction with Charley Morris and Jno. E. Taylor, they formed a minstrel company, opening in Gloucester, Mass., on the above date. Mr. Brockway joined Kelly and Leon's Minstrels in New York early in 1868, and continued with them about a year. He joined Bryant's Min- strels in New York about 1871, and remained with them until the death of Dan Bryant, April Io, 1875. Mr. Brockway joined Hooley's Minstrels in Brooklyn about December 1875. He had not appeared professionally for about ten or twelve years prior to his death. º W. H. Brockway was born in New York; he died in Boston, Mass., May 25, 1888, age 53 years. JOSEPH GORTON, SR., entered the theatrical business in 1854, and has the dis- tinction of being the oldest manager, in point of service, of any man in the annals of minstrelsy. . º - Mr. Gorton assumed the management of the New Orleans Minstrels in November, 1867; the company subsequently became known as Gorton's Minstrels, and as such has continued up until the present year. - Joseph Gorton, Sr., was born in Friendship, N. Y., February 21, 1835. “THE ONLY LEON” (1860) (1858) “EUGENE” . DART FRED THEY WERE FAMOUS IN FEMALE FRIVOLITIES. ROLLIN HOWARD IIO MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, O. P. SweBT, or Dr. O. P. Sweet as it is now, began his professional career as a member of Mrs. Matt. Peel's Minstrels in 1860; at that time he was known as Tom Leslie. The next four years were given to concert work. Mr. Sweet joined Haverly's Minstrels late in 1864; March 17, 1865, he opened with Arling- ton’s Minstrels, in Chicago; two years later he was also with Arlington. Another two years saw him a member of Buckley's Serenaders. April 17, 1871, he opened in New York with Newcomb and Arlington's Minstrels; a year later he was with Mike Leavitt's Minstrels. Dr. Sweet has been practicing his profession for many years, but is … always glad to recall “Auld Lang Syne.” . - Dr. Sweet has passed the alloted three score years and ten—and some more. THEODORE JACKSON, the old-time interlocutor, who in his day was prominently - identified with many famous minstrel organizations, is said to have died in Brooklyn, N. Y., a few years ago. WILLIAM CASTLE (J. C. Reeves), the great operatic tenor, and long promi- nent in musical circles in Chicago, was with several famous minstrel organi- zations, notably Hooley & Campbell's in 1860-61, and George Christy's in 1862. Mr. Castle was born in England, December 20, 1836; he died in Chi- cago, Ill., March 31, 1909. - JAKE WALLACE, the famous old banjoist and black-face performer, is said to be living on a ranch in Southern California, in the neighborhood of San Diego. -*. ' The author is willing to admit he envies Mr. Wallace. S. S. PURDY was a well-known and prominent comedian; he excelled in the song and dance of “Nicodemus Johnson,” and as early as February, 1868, in a controversy, he claimed to have been the originator of it. In 1867 he was co-proprietor of Purdy, Coes and Converse's Minstrels, and in 1872 of Purdy, Scott and Fostelle's Minstrels. In 1863–64 he was with Hooley's Minstrels in Brooklyn, and in 1867- 68-69 with Kelly and Leon's Minstrels. - - About February 1, 1876, he took out a company called the Purdy Com- bination, which had a brief existence. S. S. Purdy was born in Troy, N. Y., February, 1836; he died in Chi- cago, Ill., March 1, 1876. - -> - Low GAYLORD (Lowrenzo Gaylord) began his theatrical career at the age of twelve as a ballad singer with Green’s Circus. - In the early 50's he organized Gaylord and Dupont's Minstrels in Phila- delphia, where they remained for several years. With M. T. Skiff they organized Skiff and Gaylord's Minstrels, giving their first performance in 1864, and continued as an organization intermit- tently until 1878. º Low Gaylord was born in Westfield, Mass., January I9, 1836; he died in Philadelphia, April 7, 1878. . ſ - FROM “I). 11) Dy” R/CE TO DATE. III JoHN P. OBERIST was a well-known vocalist, and as a Tyrolean warbler, was one of the best. His first theatrical appearance was with the Twilight Serenaders at Erie, Pa., June 25, 1860. In 1865 he opened with Kelly and Leon's Minstrels in New York, and continued with them about three years. Subsequently he was with Newcomb's Minstrels in 1869, and in 1870 joined the San Francisco Minstrels for the season. Later he joined Harrigan and Hart's Company in New York, where he remained until his death. He was born in Buffalo, N. Y., 1836; he died in New York, January 17, 1882. E. N. SLOCUM was one of the best interlocutors and actors in minstrelsy. His first appearance was with an amateur company in Warren, O., in 1849. About 1855 he played on the Steamer “Banjo” with Ned Davis' Min- strels; subsequently he was with Hooley, in Brooklyn, N. Y., Duprez and Green’s; Skiff and Gaylord's and Carncross and Dixey's Minstrels in Phila- delphia, where he remained several years. August 29, 1870, he opened with Simmons and Slocum's Minstrels at their own theatre in Philadelphia, where he continued until 1877, when he joined Carncross' Minstrels in the same city, and remained several seasons. - About 1887 he joined Dockstader's Minstrels in New York; this was his last professional engagement, after which he entered the mercantile business. E. N. Slocum was born in Columbus, O., April 26, 1836; he died in Philadelphia, October 17, 1895. CHARLEs O. WHITE, the great theatrical manager, who had at various times theatres in Washington, Memphis, Nashville, New Orleans, Brooklyn and Detroit, began his professional career in 1852 in Washington, D. C., as a member of the Cosmopolitan Minstrels; later he was with the famous Eu- terpians, and Sweeney and Parrow's Minstrels. - Mr. White was born in "Alexandria, Va., December 25, 1836; he died in Detroit, Mich., January 2, 1889. “EUGENE” (Eugene D' Ameli) was one of the most wonderful artists in his line that minstrelsy ever knew ; his delineations of female characters were So finished, so true to life, that the Germans in Berlin during an engage- ment there in April, 1862, were emphatic in their declarations that he was a WOIn a n. - “Eugene’s” debut was made with Wood's Minstrels in New York, May I6, 1853; five months later, George Christy joined the company, which was known as Wood and Christy's Minstrels until May, 1858. Eugene con- tinued as a member all during this period. - - Early in May, 1858, he went to California with George Christy, and several others; they opened in San Francisco, June 7, under the manage- ment of Tom Maguire. In January, 1859, he left there, under the manage- ment of R. M. Hooley and George Christy; returning to New York, he opened May 23, and continued until July, when he went on tour with the II 2 MON. 1 RC I/S, OF M/NS / RELSY, company; they subsequently returned to New York, where on January 28, 1860, they disbanded. On February 6, Mr. Eugene opened with Hooley and Campbell's Min- strels in Boston, at their inaugural performance there; with this company he met James Unsworth, and the two formed a business alliance that con- tinued until the death of the latter, just fifteen years later. Early in 1861, Eugene, Unsworth and J. B. Donniker organized Uns- worth's Minstrels; they disbanded at Ogdensburg, N. Y., in the Spring; shortly after, Eugene and Unsworth sailed for Europe. On August 5, 1861, they opened with Rumsey and Newcomb's Minstrels in Liverpool, Eng.: subsequently they played through the provinces and Germany. Later they returned to London, where they played the music halls for three years; after which they joined Wilsom and Montague's Minstrels in Liverpool, and played there for four years; their last engagement there was April 7, 1868. Mr. Eugene and his partner arrived in the United States on April 28, and a few weeks later opened the season of 1868 at Bry- ant's Minstrels in New York, and continued there for two years. In the fall of 1870 he joined Hooley's Minstrels in Brooklyn, and on January 2, 1871, when the latter opened in Chicago, Mr. Eugene was with him, and continued for several months. - September 2, 1871, he opened at Paterson, N. J., with Unsworth's Min- strels at their first performance. December 18, they reopened with Hooley's Minstrels in Brooklyn, remaining several weeks. February 26, 1872, he began an engagement with Moran and Dixey's Minstrels in Philadelphia, and remained until the end of the season. * In August he opened a three-months’ engagement at the Howard Ath- - - enaeum, in Boston, and on November 25, joined Frank Moran's Minstrels * in Philadelphia. At the conclusion of the regular season, the company went on tour; it was known as Moran and Manning's Minstrels, and “Eu- gene” was a member of the company. The season of 1873-74 was spent with Bryant's Minstrels in New York; in 1874 he went to England and opened with Sam Hague's Minstrels in Liverpool, where he remained until the death of his partner, February 21, I875. - *Eugene returned to New York the same year, and on September 13, commenced a short season there with Cotton and Reed's Minstrels. No- vember 15 he began an engagement with Carncross and Dixey's company in Philadelphia, and continued there for four years; the last season the com- pany was known as Carncross Minstrels. - June 4, 1879, he sailed for England for a period of much needed rest, playing but a few engagements. … In 1881 he returned to Amarica, and on October 17, he opened with Emerson's Minstrels in San Francisco, closing in January, 1882; subse- quently sailing for a Trans-Pacific trip with a variety company, opening at Honolulu, May 13. The company disbanded in Shanghai, China, in August, and “Eugene” returned to the United States in March following. A year later he began his final engagement with the Leon and Cush- man company, and in May, 1884, he made his last appearance on any stage. Thus after a successful career of exactly thirty-one years, this brilliant luminary of the minstrel firmament retired to private life. y O ſº - º H. - > - # = : - a 2 tº - # E * : : ſa H H * É 8– à Z. — § E o ºr § § I. º; º; ºf H H [I] º > T > # - 3. < , I > ;I, º É § > # 5 T *3 º $ 3 5 㺠% C g p: ſº $4 II.4 - MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, “Eugene” was born in New York City, June 4, 1836; he died in Brook- lyn, N. Y., January 18, 1907. DICK PARKER, whose “banjoisms” attained wide popularity in the Metropolis more than thirty years ago, began his professional career about 1854. He was stock comedian at various times in New Orleans, Baltimore, Washington, St. Louis, Boston and New York. In 1871 in conjunction with J. E. Edwards and Jack Talbott, he formed a minstrel organization bearing their names. In 1889 he went to Paris, opening there with the American Circus. Appearing in evening clothes, preceded by four Supers, and announced by the ring-master, Mr. Parker created a sensation. In 1879 he opened what is now known as Keeney's Theatre in New York, and controlled its destinies about four years. Dick Parker was born in Troy, N. Y., in 1836; he died at Staten Island, N. Y., August 28, 1908. JOHN A. MACK was a well-known comedian and song and dance performer of the genteel order. He was especially well-known in California. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., in 1836; he died in San Rafael, Cal., July 23, 1870. D. W. Collins (Carpenter), who was associated with Jack Haverly in Toledo, O., in the latter's early managerial days, died at Brooklyn, N. Y., May 20, 1869; age 33 years. WM. S. BUDworTH was well known as a banjoist and comedian, and had some repute for his Dutch delineations; his “Fight Mit Siegel” was best known. In the Spring of 1860 he was with Wood's Minstrels on a road tour. Mr. Budworth was with Hooley's Minstrels in April, 1864, in Brook- lyn, and the following year he was also with Hooley at 201 Bowery, New York City. He was stage manager for Tunison's Minstrels in Philadelphia, in the 60's; with the Globe Minstrels at 728 Broadway, New York, in the Fall of 1871, and in the same city with the San Francisco Minstrels in 1877. Mr. Budworth was also with Emerson’s Minstrels, and played frequent variety engagements. His last appearance was with Tony Pastor about twenty-five years before his death. - - Wm. S. Budworth was born in Philadelphia, November 25, 1836; he died at Mount Vernon, N. Y., January 24, 1908. - - SAM PRICE (Valleau), was a famous old-time comedian, and especially clever in the old negro act of the “Haunted House.” He was a great favorite in the South, where the colored folks would wildly enthuse over his perform- ances. Mr. Price was with Mrs. Matt. Peel's Minstrels in 1860, where he made a hit singing “Pretty Gal in Blue,” and playing the tambourine end. October 1, 1866, he opened with Kelly and Leon’s Minstrels in New York at their initial performance there; he continued with them for a lengthy period, subsequently joining Arlington, Cotton and Kemble's Minstrels in Chicago. Mr. Price was also associated with many other prominent min- FROM “DADDY” RICE TO DATE. II5 strel organizations, but had not appeared much for some years prior to his death. Sam Price was born in New York State, September 6, 1836; he died in Brooklyn, N. Y., August 28, 1907. CHARLES EDWIN REYNOLDS was one of the most original and unctuous com- edians. - As early as 1859 he was with the Metropolitan Ethiopean and Burlesque Troupe, and about 1862 was associated with Cool Burgess, and later Wally Thomas in a company of his own. Subsequently he was with Duprez and Green, Duprez and Benedict's ; Lloyd and Bidaux’; Newcomb and Arling- ton’s, and Sweatnam's Minstrels. He was with Haverly in 1869 and 1879. Charles Edwin Reynolds was born in Belfast, Me., August 8, 1836; he died in Vineland, N. J., May 19, 1910. BILLY ARLINGTON (Valentine Burnell), was one of the great luminaries of minstrelsy. He achieved fame as a comedian, as a stump speaker and ban- joist; he was a good all round performer. Mr. Arlington's professional career began in the 50's. - February 20, 1860, he opened in New York with George Christy's Min- strels, and was associated with the latter practically until the formation of Arlington and Donniker's Minstrels in August, 1862; the organization was subsequently known as Arlington, Leon, Kelly and Donniker's. Arling- ton's Minstrels opened in Chicago in September, 1867. October 3, 1870, Mr. Arlington commenced an engagement with Welch, Hughes, and White's Minstrels in Brooklyn, N. Y. - º April 17, 1871, Newcomb and Arlington's Minstrels opened in New York for a run, subsequently for a road tour, November the same year, Ar- lington's Minstrels again opened in Chicago; the company subsequently evolved into Arlington, Cotton and Kemble's Minstrels, and as such con- tinued about three years. Mr. Arlington was with Emerson's Minstrels in Chicago in the Spring of 1875, subsequently touring with them. . About Mr. Arlington's last minstrel engagement was with Bartlett's California Minstrels in November, 1898. Billy Arlington was born about I836. - ED. H. BANKER, one of the old and tried, and “not found wanting” black-face performers, began his professional career at the age of IO years with Sam Stickney's circus as a drummer; later he did nigger business in the ring. He made his first appearance in New York at “Daddy” Rice's benefit in 1853, doing a bone solo. Mr. Banker was with George Christy in 1865; and for some time stage manager at Harry Enoch's Varieties in Philadelphia, and subsequently at the Olympic in New Orleans, He was the author of several successful farces, notably—“Too Hot For Comfort,” the “Wig Maker” and the “Colored Policeman.” º sº Mr. Banker is also credited with being the first performer of changing. from black to white and back again in a few seconds. At the time of his death, which occurred under suspicious circum- stances, he was with “The Night Before Christmas” Company. - - º MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, Ed. H. Banker was born in New Orleans, La., December 23, 1836; he died at Minneapolis, Minn., October 3, 1902. JAPANESE ToMMY (Thomas Dilverd), was a colored man, whose height of *37 inches made him a valuable acquisition to the many companies he was associated with ; he was not dependent on this for llis success, for he was a good comedian, and played male and female roles equally as well. - Some of his principal engagements were with the minstrel organiza- tions of Morris Brothers, Pell and Trowbridge; Kelly and Leon's : Emer- Son's and Sam Hagues. His last appearance was probably with the Crite- - rion Minstrels in Brooklyn, N. Y., March 5, 1887. Japanese Tommy was born in Brooklyn, N. Y.; he died in New York City, July 9, 1887; age about 50 years. - - PROF. E. J. CoRNU, the well-known and efficient musical director, came to the United States in the late 60's, and at once associated himself with Hooley's Minstrels in Brooklyn, N. Y. When the company went to Chi- cago, opening there January 2, 1871, Mr. Cornu went with them, and was with Mr. Hooley several years. Mr. Cornu had been engaged by Mr. Hooley when the latter was abroad, for Hooley’s “Opera House”; Mr. Cornu being under the impres– Sion he was to be associated with a regular opera company. When he found he had to put cork on his face, for a long time he was inconsolable. Prof. Cornu was born in Brussels, Belgium; he died in Brooklyn, N.Y., March 28, 1889. - ToMMY JEFFERSON, an old-time banjoist and minstrel performer, who was with Kelly and Leon's Company in Chicago in 1869, as well as many other like organizations, had been retired many years from the profession prior to his death at Seattle, Wash, November 1, 1897; he was 70 years of age. JAMES ROOME was a fine banjoist and good general performer. He played with various companies, notably Ned Davis' Minstrels in 1867. - He was born in 1837, and died in Brooklyn, N. Y., February 3, 1885. - CLARK M. GIBBS was long recognized as an able black-face comedian. His earliest professional appearance was with a circus when he was eleven years of age. * He had been associated with some of the best minstrel companies, and worked with several well-known comedians in acts, notably Cool. Burgess and Lew Simmons. º He was twice married; a son, Clark Gibbs, Jr., who was also in the profession for a time, is in Trenton, N. J. Clark M. Gibbs was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, March 6, 1837; he died in Trenton, N. J., August 20, 1901. - - - IRA PAINE, the famous sharpshooter, played several minstrel engagements as a ballad singer, notably Carncross and Dixey's in Philadelphia in 1862, and the San Franciscos in New York, in August, 1669. --- - ar wº yº, £7, : *.* ‘J.3 yº iſitſ, * º º º lº º 5. * jº º O º - cº-º- ON COMPANY; 1859. LON MORRIS |BILLY MORRIS JOHNNY PELL - A FAMOUS NEW YORK ORGANIZATION; 1865. |BILLY BIRCH DAVE WAMBOLD WM. H. BERNARD CHARLEY BACKUS II8 MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, He was born at Hebronville, Mass., February 17, 1837; he died in Paris, France, September Io, 1889. W. W. PIERCE (Billy McMahon), was a well-known young comedian of promise. In the Spring of 1860 he played an engagement at Bob Butler's Variety Theatre in New York, where he made a pronounced hit dancing the “ES- sence of Old Virginny.” He died in Herkimer, N. Y., January 2, 1864; age 27 years. AMBROSE A. THAYER, a young singer who was promiennt with the Morris Brothers, Pell and Trowbridge Minstrels, in Boston, died there, June IO, I863; age 26 years. BILLY QUINN was one of the best dancers of his day, and played conspicuous minstrel engagements, notably with Bryant's in New York, commencing October 12, 1857. He was the husband of the celebrated danseuse, Mary Blake, who sub- sequently married Bobby Newcomb. Billy Quinn died in New York City, November 29, 1863; age 26 years. COOPER AND FIELDs were one of the very best double clog dancing teams in minstrelsy, as well as one of the earliest. In 1864 they were with the Raynor “Christy” Minstrels, and the follow- ing year they joined the San Francisco minstrels in New York; subsequently they were with Kelly and Leon's, and B11ckley's Minstrels in the same city. They played an engagement with Haverly's Minstrels in June, 1869. James Cooper was in business in Paterson, N. J., several years prior to his death. Hist last professional appearance was also in Paterson. James H. Cooper died in Paterson, N. J., January 24, 1905, age 68 years. William Fields died in New York City November 18, 1883. SIG. RAPHAEL ABECCO gained distinction in minstrelsy chiefly for his excellent performance on the harp; but was also a fine tenor singer, and a composer of repute. - º - As early as October 26, 1857, he was with Matt. Peel's Minstrels, and continued with Peel until the latter's death in 1859. August 27, 1860, he began a season's engagement at Sanford's Minstrels in Philadelphia; in the Spring of 1861 fulfilling a short season with Unsworth's Minstrels; he re- turned to Sanford’s for the season of I861–62. --- - July 7, 1862, he opened with Wood's Minstrels in New York City, and in 1863 Birch, Cotton, Wells and Abecco's Minstrels inaugurated their sea- son in San Francisco. In 1865 he sailed for Australia and remained abroad until 1872. January 9, 1875 he opened with Simmons and Slocum's Min- strels in Philadelphia, and the following season was a member of Simmons, Slocum and Sweatnam's Minstrels in the same city. His last engagement was with Emerson’s Minstrels, December 25, 1878. Sig. Abecco was of foreign birth ; he died in Chicago, Ill., January 3, I879; age 42 years. - º - FROM “DADDY" RICE TO DATE. II9 . FRANK B. ConVERSE. The name of Converse is indissolubly associated with all that is great in banjo playing. Mr. Converse began the study of music at the immature age of 6; at 14 he took up the banjo, devoting all his spare time to study. His first pro- fessional appearance was with McFarland, in Detroit. He joined Matt. Peel's Minstrels in 1856, remaining until the Spring of 1858. Subsequently he gave banjo lessons in Memphis, Tenn. Later he joined Mrs. Matt. Peel's Minstrels; March 19, 1867, with George Coes and Sam Purdy, organized Purdy, Coes and Converse's Minstrels. Mr. Con- verse at various times had schools in St. Louis, San Francisco and New York. He was the author of many high class works on the banjo, including a book for beginners. Frank B. Converse was born in Westfield, Mass., June 17, 1837; he died in New York City, September 5, 1903. “CHUCK” (CHARLES H.). ATKINSON, one of the great bone players of minstrelsy, when the artistic handling of them was an art, began his pro- fessional career in 1847, being then known as Master Charles, a singer with One of the early organizations; shortly afterwards he was with the famous “Yankee” Locke for a period of five weeks. What might be termed his regular career began a little later with John Carle (Uncle John, the “Lively Flea"); he remained with Carle three years; subsequently going to Boston, where he was several years in stock. He played frequently with the Morris Brothers in Boston, and suc- ceeded Joe Murphy after the latter had separated from Ben Cotton; Mur- phy himself was a great bone performer, and Atkinson simply had to be good to hold the position he did with so much credit. - Other engagements were Boyce & Mudge's Minstrels, 1866, and “Green's Mocking Bird Minstrels” in 1871; his last minstrel engagement was with Sam Sharpley. He retired from the profession about 20 years before his death. - Charles Atkinson was born at Limington, Maine, December 1, 1837; he died at Brookline, Mass., February 2, 1909. A TOM McNALLY was one of the premier “leaders” and violinists of minstrelsy. In 1859 he was at Burtis' Varieties in Brooklyn, N. Y.; the following year he joined Cool White's Broadway Minstrels. In 1861 he was with George Christy's company, and the same year was also with William Christy's and Fox and Sharpley's Minstrels. October 28, 1861, he was with Hooley's Minstrels at their first perform- ance in New York. Mr. McNally was with Hooley also when the latter went to Brooklyn, N. Y., opening in September, 1862; he continued with Hooley several seasons. - Early in 1866 he was with Wood's Minstrels, and on October 21, that year, he sailed for Europe with the American Minstrels; they opened in London, December 5, 1866. | Subsequently Mr. McNally returned to the United States, and at vari- ous times was associated with several prominent minstrel organizations. MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, Tom McNally was born in Albany, N. Y.; he died in Brooklyn, N. Y., May 25, 1872; age 35 years. - / J. H. HAVERLY (Christopher Haverly) began his theatrical career in 1864 in Toledo, O., where he purchased a variety theatre, and conducted until December, 1866. - w There are many to-day who think that the great showman, who was the first to place minstrelsy on a gigantic scale, began as a minstrel man- ager with Cal. Wagner in 1870. Such is far from being the truth. The first performance of Haverly's Minstrels was given at Adrian, Mich., August 1, 1864; the season terminated at Ypsilanti, Mich., on the 25th of August, same year. On October 8, 1864, Cool Burgess and Haverly's Minstrels were inaug- urated at Toronto, Canada, and November I, it was again Haverly's Min- strels; it remained as such until December 27, following, when Charles Mallory, who had a minstrel company, formed an alliance with Mr. Hav- erly, and on the above date at Titusville, Pa., Haverly and Mallory's Com- bination Minstrels gave their first performance. In 1866 Haverly and (Dick) Sands' Minstrels toured for several weeks, and the following year Mr. Haverly assumed the management of Billy Ar- lington's Minstrels. Haverly's Minstrels were again organized, and at Peoria, Ill., November II, 1868, gave their initial performance; the season closed in the Summer of 1869. In the Fall of 1870, he assumed the management of Cal. Wagner's Min- strels, and continued with them for three years, after which, in November, 1873, at Kansas City, Mo., Haverly's Minstrels began in earnest. Not sat- isfied with one minstrel company, he purchased an interest from Tom Ma- guire in Emerson's Minstrels in October, 1875; secured the New Orleans Minstrels in 1876, and Callender's Colored Minstrels in 1878. In the mean- time he purchased the Adelphi Theatre in Chicago, in 1876; the first of the very many he ultimately owned or controlled. - October 21, 1878, he organized his famous Mastodons in Chicago; they opened in London, England, July 30, 1880, at Her Majesty's Theatre, where they played seventeen weeks. - - In May, 1884, they returned to London, and made a tour of the Prov- inces, where the final performance was given in Glasgow, Scotland, late in - February, 1885. Haverly's Minstrels continued for several years after that; the last company in which Mr. Haverly was directly interested began a season in the Summer of 1898. His last amusement venture began in Brooklyn, N. Y., May 11, 1901, where for a brief period he conducted a small museum. “Jack” Haverly was a fine man and a lovable character; none did more for minstrelsy than he, and some of the greatest names in theatricals were º - - once associated with him. º º He was twice married; his wives being the Duval (Hechinger) Sis- ters, well-known vocalists. º - º - Mrs. Sara Haverly died at Toledo, O., March 1, 1867; subsequently he married Eliza Duval, who died in New York, July 4, 1910. R. M. HOOLEY º - - - º - º - - D. C. LA RUE HARRY ROBINSON HEADS OF FAMOUS MINSTREL ORGANIZATIONS: PAST AND PRESENT. º [22 MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, J. H. Haverly was born in Bellefonte, Pa., June 30, 1837; he died in Salt Lake City, Utah, September 28, 1901. ADD RYMAN (John Addison Ryman) was one of the greatest burlesque actors that minstrelsy ever knew. - - He was likewise famed as a stump Orator, in which he was different from all of his contemporaries. His debut as a minstrel was made in 1859. In 1871, Hart, Ryman, and Barney's Minstrels were organized. Subsequently he was with Emerson's Minstrels in San Francisco, and with the San Francisco Minstrels in New York about six years. - He left the above company with George Thatcher, and opened Thatcher and Ryman's Minstrels in Philadelphia, December 20, 1880, as a permanent organization. In 1882 he took a minstrel company to Australia, remaining about two years. He later re-engaged with Emerson's Minstrels, and in September, 1887, with Wm. Henry Rice and John Hart, organized a company bearing their names. s Mr. Ryman's late years were with dramatic companies. Add Ryman was born in Ohio; he died (suicide) in New York, June 27, 1896; age 59 SID C. FRANCE, famous for many years for his drama “Marked for Life,” in which he enacted a black-face part which was the principal char- - acter, was born in Landsport, England, October 4, 1838; he died in New York, May 25, 1895. - º THE NORTON BROTHERs made their first appearance as the Norton Family in Roxbury, Mass., in 1848 or 1849; accounts vary. Wash. Norton subsequently went with Ordway's Aeolians in Boston, where he remained a long time. November 14, 1859, Wash. and Tim Nor- ton opened at Bryant's Minstrels in New York. -- When seventeen months later, Jerry Bryant died, it was Tim Norton who took his place; Wash. having left New York about a month previous for England, later visiting Africa and Australia; in the latter country they declared he was the best burlesque dancer that ever visited their shores. Wash. returned to the United States in 1866, and remained six years; he subsequently made two other trips to foreign lands. The Nortons were good comedians, and great dancers. Tim Norton died January 25, 1862, in New York, age 24 years. John Norton died in Philadelphia, Pa., January 24, 1868. Wash. Norton was born in New Orleans, La., February 22, 1839; he died in Shasta Co., Cal., November 16, 1899. DAN. SHELBY (Macher), who was the well-known manager of the Adel- phi Theatre in Buffalo, N. Y., and the Academy of Music and Columbia Theatre in Chicago, at various times, began his professional career in Paris, Ind., in 1853; it was there he first blacked up. He played several minstrel and circus engagements until 1865, when * FROM “DADD Y’’ RICE TO DATE. I23 he launched Shelby's Minstrels; in 1868 he again put a minstrel company on the road. Mr. Shelby was subsequently a clown in a circus. Dan. Shelby was born in Gettysburg, Pa., January 1, 1838; he died in ſwºre Pa., February 4, 1895. / FAYETTE WELCH (Patrick Walsh). The career of this once celebrated comedian which was suddenly and violently ended, commenced about fifty years ago. He joined Hooley's Minstrels in the late 60's, and became a great favorite in the Brooklyn playhouse. In the Summer of 1869 he was with Haverly's Minstrels, and while with that company did an act which he called the Musical Sensation, playing on a number of instruments, conclud- ing by dancing a jig, accompanying himself by playing a flute at the same t1me. Mr. Welch next went with Kelly and Leon's Company, and in August, 1870, joined Buckley's Serenaders in New York. - The following month, commencing the 12th, he became co-proprietor of Welch, Hughes and White's Minstrels, a permanent company in Brooklyn, N. Y.; they continued there about a year. - Mr. Welch subsequently appeared with Simmons and Slocum's Min- strels in Philadelphia. He was with Haverly's when that gentleman organ- ized his company in November, 1873, and with Neil Bryant's Minstrels five - years later. During an altercation between Mr. Welch and William Gould, - a vaudeville performer, the latter shot and immediately killed Fayette Welch in Boston, Mass., March 6, 1892. - Mr. Welch was born in Galway, Ireland, about 1838. - - º JAMES W. LAMONT (Williams) was prominent for many years as a bari- tone vocalist and interlocutor in minstrelsy. In 1864 he was with Sharp- º ley's Minstrels, and in 1880 with Kyle’s “Christy’s” in Boston. The major portion of his career was spent in Philadelphia, where he went in the 60's as a member of Carncross and Dixey's Minstrels. , Mr. Lamont died in Philadelphia, December 24, 1894; age 56 years. “Leon,” the dean of minstrel female impersonators, did a stump speech with Kelly and Leon’s Minstrels, January, 1870. - PETE LEE (Shea) was conceded to be one of the greatest tambourinists in minstrelsy ; as a comedian, he was excellent. º As early as February, 1858, he was touring with Pete Lee's Empire Min- strels. - º He joined Buckleys Serenaders in the 60's, and continued with them for Several seasons. - - August 28, 1871, he made his first appearance in Philadelphia, as a mem- ber of Simmons and Slocum’s Minstrels. º - - He was also prominently identified with the companies of Morris Broth- ers, and Sharpley's. In 1872 he opened Bishop's Opera House in St. Johns, N. B., renaming it Lee's Opera House, and conducting it for several years. His last professional appearance was about 1878. - I2.4 MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, A son, Wilbor F. Shea, is manager of the Memorial Opera House, East- port, Me. - Pete Lee was born in Cambridge, Mass., January 6, 1838; he died in Eastport, Me., October 11, 1896. J. R. KEMBLE (Taylor), one of the best interlocutors of minstrelsy, made his debut at Paterson, N. J., February 2, 1863, with Hart and Simmon's Minstrels, appearing under his own name. Subsequently he joined the Morris' Minstrels, remaining five years. Later he became a member of Emerson and Manning's Minstrels, and after these artists separated early in 1870, Mr. Kemble cast his fortunes with the latter in Chicago. In that same city (Billy) Arlington, (Ben) Cotton and Kemble's Minstrels were organized in 1871, and continued there about three years. In 1875 Mr. Kemble was with Emerson's Minstrels in Chicago. He was also a member of the Dearborn Minstrels in the Illinois Metro- polis, opening August 21, 1871. - Likewise in Chicago did he join Haverly’s Minstrels, March II, 1878, and September 16, same year, he began a brief engagement with Sweatnam's Minstrels in Philadelphia. Mr. Kemble then went to England, and was with Moore and Burgess’ Minstrels for about twenty years. - He married Miss Ella Turner, an actress, about 1870. J. R. Kemble was born in Kent, England, 1838; he died in London, Eng- land, June II, 1908. - - - - º w GEORGE W. CHARLEs, the old-time wench dancer made his first appearance at the International Theatre in New York in 1852; subsequently he was with Dave. Reed's Minstrels on Spalding and Rogers' boat the “James Raymond,” this was as early as July 18, 1856; after this he did sketches with Billy Coleman. In 1869 he was with Carncross and Dixey's Minstrels in Philadelphia; he remained there several seasons, and was a prime favorite. Mr. Charles was among the earliest black-face prima donnas. George W. Charles died in New York City, May 8, 1885; age 47 years. º º - º KIT CLARKE (Morse Myers) is one of the oldest living minstrel managers. His professional career began in 1858 as a programmer with the Satterlee and Bell Circus; Mr. Clarke continued in the circus business practically for - twenty years. ſº - In 1877 he became general manager for M. B. Leavitt's attractions, and continued until 1881, in which year he managed the Gigantean Min- strels. - - - His next engagement was with J. H. Haverly's Minstrels, with whom he remained three years. º - Later he retired from theatrical life to enter mercantile business. Kit Clarke was born February 21, 1838, in New York City. BILLY ALLEN was a well-known jig and “Essence” dancer in the 60's, play- ing some of the principal minstrel organizations of that period, such as Ar- lington's; Fred. Wilson's; Mrs. Matt. Peel's; Skiff and Gaylord's; George y = ſrl T E- b^ # # 2 : # E # #- * E c, C- # #- Z O C) D O >- # I26 MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY. Christy's, and Carncross and Dixey's. He subsequently gave dancing les- sons in Chicago. In his early career he was known as one of the best dressed men in the profession. Billy Allen died in Chicago, August 10, 1890; age 52 years. SAM CoLE, the real old-time black-face comedian, is in no way related to the old king of that name; though he has associated with them for many years; also queens and jacks. - Mr. Cole is said to be amongst the living. But who has the address? LEw SIMMONS has the distinction of being the oldest active black-face performer in the world. He commenced his career as an amateur in Warren, O., in 1849, play- ing the banjo, in black-face. In 1857 Mr. Simmons went to Jake Beler's Music Hall in Detroit, Mich., where he did his little turn for one dollar per night, and four beer tickets; which being a minor, he was unable to use. - In December, 1859, he made his first New York appearance at the pop- ular Melodeon. In 1861 he joined Hooley and Campbell's Minstrels, and early in 1863 in conjunction with Bob Hart organized a minstrel company bearing their names. Subsequently he played an engagement with the Morris Minstrels, and on August 22, 1864, made his first appearance at Carncross and Dixey's Min- strels in Philadelphia, where he became a great local favorite. He remained with that company until within a few months of the opening of Simmons and Slocum's Minstrels at the Arch Street Opera House in Philadelphia (which was built for them), August 29, 1870. Mr. Simmons continued at this house intermittently until 1878. In the fall of 1875, Billy Sweatnam was admitted as a partner, under the firm name of Simmons, Slocum and Sweatnam's Minstrels; in October, 1876, Simmons and Slocum withdrew. September II, 1886, Simmons and Slocum's Minstrels again opened at their old home in Philadelphia. In 1878 Mr. Simmons visited England and South Africa professionally. - About twenty years ago he played Uncle Eph., an aged negro, in “Shiloh.” º . - - He left the profession in the 80's, vowing never to return, but he did, in the early 90's; Clark Gibbs, Tommy Harris and Frank H. White, with whom he is now playing vaudeville, were his partners at various times. Did I say that he was one of the owners of the Athletic Club of the American Association, which won the championship in 1883? Well, he was. Lew Simmons was born in New Castle, Pa., August 27, 1838. J. H. SURRIDGE was one of the prominent singers of minstrelsy. His first appearance was with Hart and Simmons' Minstrels early in 1863. That same year he joined the Morris Minstrels, and in 1865 was with Raynor's “Christy’s.” In April, 1866, he opened with J. H. Clifford's Great American Min- strels; April 17, company closed at Troy, N. Y. September 10, 1866, he opened with Sands and Herbert's Minstrels. - º With Sweeny, Hussey and Felton's Company, he sailed for * Kong, FROM “DADDY” RICE TO DATE. I27 October 11, 1866; storm tossed he returned to New York five days later; another five days he again set sail for Ireland and England, opening in Lon- don, December 5, 1866. Early in 1867 he went to play an engagement with “Pony" Moore and his associates, also in London. Mr. Surridge arrived back in the United States, November 23, 1868, and shortly after joined Kelly and Leon's Company at their New York thea- tre. He continued with them when they opened in Chicago, March 2, 1869, and Subsequently was one of Kelly and Leon’s “Associated Artists,” after these two performers went to England. Later Mr. Surridge joined Hooley's Minstrels in Brooklyn, N. Y., and with Susie Galton's Opera Company played the Dutch comedy part, suc- ceeding W. H. Crane. On April 17, 1871, he opened in New York City with Newcomb and Arlington's Minstrels. January 22, 1872, he became a member of Arlington, Cotton and Kem- ble's Minstrels in Chicago, and continued with them about three years, after which he joined E. M. Hall, E. M. Kayne and Ned Wambold's Minstrels, April Io, 1875. That same year Mr. Surridge rejoined Kelly and Leon’s Company, and continued with them when in February, 1878, they sailed for Australia. He returned in February, 1879, and joined M. B. Leavitt's Com- pany in San Francisco. In the Summer of 1879 he entered the hotel business at Rockaway Beach, N. Y., and in the Fall of that year joined Pat Rooney's Company as manager. - The following season of 1880–81, was at the London Theatre in New York. In the Fall of 1881 he went to Hopkins and Morrow's Theatre in Providence, R. I., for a brief stay, leaving there to join Haverly's Minstrels, where he remained but two weeks, when he joined M. B. Leavitt and con- tinued with him as manager for the latter's attractions until 1883, when he went to London, England, with “Evangeline,” in which he played Qathar- ine; this engagement was followed by one with Moore and Burgess' Min- strels, also in London. Mr. Surridge returned to New York in February, 1884, and at once joined the Leon and Cushman combination. In the Fall of 1884 he assumed the management of Dick Gorman, in “The Hand of a Friend.” He piloted the same attraction season of 1885- 86, after which he retired from theatricals and went into business in New York. J. H. Surridge was born in London, England, January 27, 1838; he died in New York City, March 30, 1910. - º ROLLIN HowARD (Ebenezer G. B. Holder) was one of the most cultured and capable female impersonators of minstrelsy. He appeared on the legitimate stage for about five years previous to his minstrel debut, which was made with Wood's Minstrels in the Spring of I860. In the Fall of that year, for a brief period, he was associated in the management of Howard and Campbell's Minstrels. --- February 4, 1861, he made his first appearance with Hooley and Camp- bell's Minstrels in New York, and for several seasons played successful en- gagements with nearly every prominent minstrel company there was. I28. MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, - About 1870 he left minstrelsy, and after a period in opera, played sev- eral 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 Bos- ton, 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 sev- eral 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 Min- strels; 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 Bar- ney 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 lenghty period. Subsequently he was with the San Franciscos in New York, and Hoo- ley's in Brooklyn, N. Y. - James Glenn was born in Philadelphia in 1839; he died in New York, February 26, 1870. - º: -- - 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. In September, 1867, he joined Newcomb's Minstrels, continuing with NED WEST |- “LOOKING WIFST.” ARTHUr Rigby ARTHUR DEMING A PAIR OF ARTISTIC ARTHURS MASTER BARNEY . . . . SAM RICKEY THEY WERE ALWAYS MASTERS. I3O MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, 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. - º - - July 6, 1872, Mr. Manning severed his association as head of the com- pany, 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 Mins- trels. 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. r 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 Chi- cago, Ill., May 19, 1876. ºt 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. º º - 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 prom- ise and give the author more data, this sketch must necessarily be curtailed. Sorry. Mr. McGowan was born in New York, December 28, 1839. FROM “DADDY” RICE TO DATE. I31 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 Con- verse'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.; Vicks- burg, 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 Min- strels about 1859, as second violinist. He played several engagements at Hooley's Minstrels in Brooklyn, dur- ing the 70's, where his banjo playing met with pronounced success; he was equally prominent during the same period at the Howard in Boston. Novem- ber 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 Min- strels, 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 II, 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 va- rious 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. I32 MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, Marsh Adams was born in Louisville, Ky., January II, 1839; he died in Indianapolis, Ind., May II, 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 prin- cipal variety houses, later organized the Dobson Bros. Minstrels. Mr. Dobson was also associated in a business capacity with the Worrell Sisters, the Chap- man 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 Wal- lace, 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 dis- solved 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. - . . . . . . º 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. - sº - - 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. º Of late years Mr. Benedict has been playing vaudeville. Lew Benedict was born in Kingston, Canada, December 6, 1839. - - ºº: - - --- - - 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. º -*2: . GEO. & WTT.I.T.E GUY (1866) LAMONT & DUCROW i JNO. P.-HOGAN & HUGHES-RUEY (1871) I34 MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, Mr. Rudolph was one of the original members of Billy Emerson's Min- strels, February II, 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 Mas- todons, 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 II, 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, Novem- º ber 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. z. 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. - FROM “DADDY” RICE TO DATE. I35 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 Emer- son opened at Bryant's Minstrels, New York, September 4, 1871, and con- tinued 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 min- strel career about 1870 in New York, and successfully appeared in the com- panies 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 retire- ment about 1875. - - - He was born in Reading, Pa., November, 1840; he died at Gwynedd, Pa., January 30, 1881. . To M. 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, War- field 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 ſever seen in minstrelsy. - º . William West began his theatrical career in 1857 as a black-face per- former, and until about 1863 played mostly with circuses. - His first minstrel engagement was with Duprez and Green. Subsequently - - I36 MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, he played with Hooley at the Novelty Theatre in Brooklyn; with the San Francisco's 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 II, 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 blace-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 en- gagements with Bryant's, and the San Francisco's in New York, and Simmont and Slocum's Minstrels in Philadelphia. - - BOBBY DE RUE BILLY DE RUE (DE RUE BROS.) FRANK LEIGHTON LEIGHTON BERT. ) - (LEIGHTON BROS LARRY FREEZE BILLY FREEZE (FREEZE BROS.) 138 MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY. He was born in Dublin, Ireland; he died in Washington, D. C., Decem- ber 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 com- pany of that day for $2OO.OO. Imagine what a similar interest in Lew Dock- Stader'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 Mel- Odeon. - - | 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. - º - 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. - º On August 9, 1869, Mr. Burgess made his appearance with Sam Sharp- º --- 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 Min- strels 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 bril- 1iant 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. ley's Minstrels in Boston, and the following month, in the same city, he FROM “DADHD).’” RICE TO DATE. I39 - s 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; Oc- tober 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 peevish- ness of old ocean, the mints rels 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 engage- ments on Erin's Isle, Hussey, Sweney and Felton's Minstrels opened in London, Englahd, 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. º 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. º Robert McWADE, whose great characterization of Rip, in “Rip Van Winkie” 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. º 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. | - I4O MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, 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., Novem- ber 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. º, --- ---, -i-. 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. º º FRANK GTRARD (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 sub- sequently returned to New York, and later was identified with some of the principal I.iinstrel companies. - FRANK KENT GONSALVO BISHOP * * ~ * º º GUSTAVE BIDAUX W. H. LEWIS (RICE) DUPREZ & GREEN'S MINSTRELS, 1863. - Some prominent members of the company at that time. MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, 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 Thea- tre, 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 ban- joist, 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. º 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. º CHARL s 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. . . . . : - - was one of the best jig JERRY. McMILLAN, once known as “Master Jerry,' 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. º --- - º º - º A, BAM Ford, 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 spe- cialties with Harry Norman. i- - 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 pro- gramme agent, and in six months was “press agent”; in 1910 we would call that “making good.” Later he became general agent, continuing in that ca- --> - \ - - - -----. ...” - - -*. - of 1873, he became agent; a year later he was manager, in which capacity he served for several years. - - Leaving Mr. Havery fié took a much-needed rest for six months, and --- - - º pacity for 18 months. When Haverly's Minstrels were organized in the Fall, FROM “DADDY” RICE TO DATE. I43 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 execu- tive 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 Dock- Stader'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. Edwin Kelly was a vocalist and an actor; Leon was a female imperso- nator; 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 pro- nounced 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”. Min- strels, giving their initial performance July 6, 1869. Six weeks later, August - I6, they appeared with Delehanty and Hengler's Combination in Boston. They made their first appearance in San Francisco November 7, 1871. º: 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 engage- ment in San Francisco, and on February 2, 1878, they sailed for Australia, where about two years after their arrival their long partnership was dissolved. | KELLY AND LEON was a great trade-mark in minstrelsy forty years ago. | | I44 MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, 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 I, 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 con- cert 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 alto- gether 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 hus- band 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 Min- strels 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 com- menced 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. - - º -- J. Henry Murphy died in New London, Conn., April 10, 1910; age about 70 years. JOHN E. CAIN GREG. PATTI CAIN & ABEL; ROCKEFELLER & GOULD; PATTI AND HARRY LEHR; THEY ALL “BLACKED UP.” NEAL ABEL HARRY LEHR - I46 MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, 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. t In 1864, in conjunction with Joe Murphy, he had a minstrel company bearing their names. Mr. Bray made his first New York appearance Septem- ber 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 Char- ley 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, Wil- son, Primrose and West's Minstrels, closing with them in February, 1881. Mr. Wagner's last appearance in minstrelsy was with Quinlan and Wall's Company, about five years ago. º º 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. Subse- quently he appeared successfully with the minstrel companies of Harry Rob- inson; 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 FROM “DADDY’’ RICE TO DATE. as Cy. Prime in the “Old Homestead” and John Todd in “Old Jed Prouty” º 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 I5, I88O. 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 bear- ing 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 com- panies 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 Mur- phy 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 min- Strel organizations. º - - 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. - º 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 r - I48 - MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, the San Francisco's 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 re- membered, 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 º 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. º 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, Feburary 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 Gay- lord’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. . - “HANK.” MUDGE DAN. BRYANT A TRIO OF TROJANS. TOM ENGLISH, SID. C. FRANCE, Born in Ireland - Born in England ISN'T THIS THE FUNNY OLD WORLDP S. S. PURDY CHAS. K. FRENCH, Born in the United States I5O MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, J. K. “FRITZ’’ EMMETT (Klein felter), the famous singing Dutch comedian, played several minstrel engagements before coming East; but always in white-face. - On June I, 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 ap- peared 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 Com- pany, 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' Min- strels 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 vaude- ville with a unique tabloid minstrel show of his own design. - Mr. Norcross married Miss Mamie Wambold at Newark, N. J., March 17, 1878. - -- -º Jos. M. Norcross was born in New York City July 5, 1841. HUBERT W. EGAN 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 Mel- - odeon, 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. º FROM “DADDY” RICE TO DATE, I51 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 follow- ing 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 Spen- cer's, in New York City. º 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 identi- fied 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 º his death. º 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 Melo- deon in New York. After that he joined Hooley and Campbell's Minstrels, º and subsequently appeared with Unsworth's; Carncross and Dixey's, in Phil- º adelphia; 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. º - 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 New- comb and Arlington's. - - About forty years ago he was interested in Sharpley, Sheridan, Mack º I52 MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, 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 New- comb 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 Stan- wood was born in Cobourg, Canada, November 2, 1842; he died there Sep- tember 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, Phila- delphia; the organization was then known as Sweatnam and Fraser's Min- strels. - - 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 per- formance of Sam Devere's Own Company was given, and the company con- tinued 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 engage- ments with Bryant’s, also Haverly’s Minstrels. Mr. Wilson retired from theatricals in May, 1892. JAS–MACKIN & WILSON.—FRANCIS “KERRY GOW’’ JOE MURPHY DAVE–MONTGOMERY & STONE–FRED (1875 (1862) (About 1898) (Courtesy of Chapin & Gore, Chicago) THOSE WERE THE HAPPY DAYS. 54 MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, 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 Bow MAN. 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. After separating from Mr. Harris he opened in Providence, R. I., with Archie Stalker, and played other dates, later taking out the Bowman Broth- ers Minstrels; a wagon show. In 1881 he went to work for William Harris, in Boston, and has been with him ever since. John Bowman was born in Mobile, Ala., November 16, 1842. WILLIAM HARRIs, famous in professional circles for many years as a mem- ber of the great theatrical syndicate, began his career in St. Louis, Mo., in the early days of the Civil War, as a black-face song and dance man, playing the variety houses until 1866, when he formed a partnership with John Bow- man, which lasted until 1873, when they separated. Mr. Harris next allied himself with William Carroll, a good comedian and banjoist, and as Harris and Carroll played many first-class engagements, including Tony Pastor's Road Company; they separated in 1879. Later he went to Boston at the Howard Athenaeum, as stage and acting manager for Josh. Hart, subse- quently taking the house himself, and retaining it for several seasons. After- wards, in conjunction with Isaac Rich, they had many stars under their ban- ner, including George Thatcher, Andrew Mack and many others. Mr. Harris is one of the youngest looking men in the profession, retain- ing the appearances of youth to a remarkable degree; he hails from St. Louis, Mo. I didn’t get his age, but I am sure he must be younger than he would admit that he is. - (Overture—"Apple of My Eye.”) JOE, LANG, the old-time black-face performer, made his first appearance with the Morris Brothers, Pell and Trowbridge's Minstrels, at an early age. Subsequently he played an engagement with Morris and Wilson’s Minstrels in St. Louis. - Mr. Lang had the management of the Adelphi Theatre in Buffalo for several seasons, and the Halsted Street Theatre in Chicago. He was also associated professionally with “Hank” Mudge, the old time - clog dancer. Joe Lang was born in New York, September 21, about 1843. - º City life. FROM “DADDY” RICE TO DATE. MIKE FOLEY was a well-known black-face comedian, and during the 70's did an excellent black-face act with Buck Sheffer, as Foley and Sheffer. He was also of the team of Foley and Wade. He had retired from active theatricals about nine years prior to his death, which occurred at Syracuse, N. Y., September Io, 1888, at the age of 45 years. - THOMPSON AND KERNs were the first black-face double song and dance team. Prior to their advent, performers invariably worked singly. Their first joint appearance was made in Washington, D. C., in 1861; a year previous Mr. Kerns had made his professional debut at Long's Varieties, Philadelphia. Thompson and Kerns continued in partnership for several years, playing the variety theatres almost exclusively. - After separating, Mr. Thompson joined Newcomb's Minstrels in Cin- cinnati, August, 1867. About 1871 he produced “On Hand,” a sensational drama, in which Mr. Thompson portrayed twelve distinct characters; black, white and yellow ; male and female; of various nationalities. At last accounts he was still playing “On Hand,” early in the current year. . Mr. Thompson is the father of Mollie Thompson, the favorite dancer of a decade ago; and the father-in-law of Eddie Garvie, who has played more than one black-face part. - - Mr. Thompson was also the oldest living musical moke. Johnny Thompson was born in New York, July 4, 1843. Frank Kerns was born in Philadelphia, 1844; he died in New York, Sep- tember 21, 1877. - CHARLES BORTELL was well-known as a capable and bass singer and inter- locutor. His last minstrel engagement was with I. W. Baird's Company. At one time he was a member of the police force in Saratoga, N. Y.; he died there November 26, 1888; age 45 years. OSCAR WILLIS (McLain) was well-known as a banjoist and comedian chiefly on the variety stage. - His first appearance was made in his native city in 1858. In 1871 he was end man and comedian with Unsworth's Minstrels. November 16, 1867, he married Gussie Lamoreux, a well-known dancer, at Baltimore, Md. º Mr. Willis was born in Pittsburg, Pa., July 14, 1843; he died at Bis- marck, Dakota, August 19, 1881. JoHN WILD. This truly great impersonator of the colored man was rather an unique performer; for whereas most of his contemporaries portrayed the black man of the plantation, John Wild's characterizations were generally those of the town negro, of which he made an especial study from New York About 1857 Mr. Wild met Billy Arlington, and became a member of Ar- lington and White's Minstrels; the company consisted of the three already named, and lasted one week. The next three years were mostly circus and Variety engagements. Early in 1863 he went to Carncross and Dixey's º - º - - I56 MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, - Minstrels in Philadelphia, occupying the tambo end ; he subsequently played the variety theatres with Blanche Stanley in an act called “Nerves,” in which he created a sensation. - Mr. Wild afterwards was with the minstrel companies of Emerson, Allen and Manning's, and the Morris Brothers in Boston, which company he left to become one of the proprietors of Dougherty, Wild, Barney and Mac's Minstrels in 1869. He joined Harrigan and Hart's Company, January 28, 1878, and continued with them until and after Tony Hart left the organiza- tion, remaining until 1889, when he starred in “Running Wild.” The following year he was with George Thatcher's Minstrels, and on December 29, 1890, he rejoined Harrigan, continuing with him until 1895. In conjunction with Mrs. Annie Yeamans and Dan Collyer, he began a tour in vaudeville, January IO, 1898. John Wild's death was a distinct and irreparable loss to the profession he so ably graced. Mr. Wild was twice married ; his second wife, Ada Wray, was well- known in the profession several years ago. John Wild was born in Manchester, England, December 29, 1843; he died in Averill Park, N. Y., March 2, 1898. GEORGE W. RocKEFELLER, well-known as a vocalist and banjoist, opened with the 5th Engineer Minstrels at Auburn, N. Y., September 4, 1865; shortly after this company was known as Wagner and Hague's Minstrels. Subse- quently he was with Lloyd's Minstrels in New York, and Tunnison's Min- strels in Philadelphia; he joined Bryant's Company in New York in 1868, and was with them for quite a while. He was with Buckley’s Serenaders, also in New York, in the Summer of 1870; in the Fall he joined the San Francisco Minstrels, likewise in New York. - - He opened with Emerson’s Minstrels in San Francisco, August 19, 1872; May 12, following he sailed for Australia with that company, and remained in the Antipodes after leaving Emerson, finally returning to the United States in the Summer of 1879. 2. ' He again went to California, where he died at Colton, that State, March 18, 1886. Mr. Rockefeller was born at Penfield, N. Y., March 14, 1843. CHARLEY PETTENGILL. Minstrelsy suffered an irreparable loss in the un- timely death of this brilliant comedian ; a comedian in fact, and versatile to a degree. August 1, 1864, he opened with Buckley's Serenaders in Boston, and became a great favorite at once. Subsequently he joined the Morris Bros. Minstrels in - the same city, where he remained until February 13, 1866. September Io, fol- lowing, he played a brief engagement with Sands and Herbert's Minstrels, and the same month returned to his home in Albany to organize Pettengill's Minstrels, which continued intermittently until September 22, 1869, when in conjunction with Johnny Allen and Delehanty and Hengler, a company bearing their names was launched at Brooklyn, N. Y. - - In November following they opened for a run in New York, that terminated June 1, 1870. JOHN GORMAN JAMES GORMAN GEO. GORMAN - THE GORMAN BROS.; ALWAYS ON TOP. AMOS ARNOLD BILLY ARNOLD FRANK ARNOLD THE FAMOUS ARNOLD BROS.; A GREAT TREAT FOR BILLY. I58 MONARCHS OF IMNSTRELSY, Mr. Pettengill is declared to have been the original “Nicodemus Johnson”; 1f he wasn't, he certainly was the greatest. All honor to his memory. Charley Pettengill was born in Albany, N. Y., where he died October Io, I870; age 27 years. - M. B. LEAVITT (Michael Bennett Levy) commenced his professional career as a minstrel in 1859; he was one of the end men, and appeared under his own name as M. B. Levy; Mr. Leavitt has been a comedian ever since—but not always on the stage. - To name all the minstrel companies he has been with would be a difficult matter, also all the things he did in them. In 1867 he was a clown and comic vocalist; in 1872 he did a stump speech On the occasion of his last appearance as a “black-face” performer. There were any number of “Leavitt's Minstrels” in the 60's. About forty years ago he became associated with Mme. Rentz's Female Min- strels; when the fall season opened, September 18, 1871, Mr. Leavitt was treasurer of the company. This organization subsequently developed into the Rentz-Santley Troupe, the burlesque show of many years' standing. Most of the Leavitt millions were made with this company. - - In 1881 Leavitt's Gigantean Minstrels were organized, and in 1889 Leavitt's European Minstrels toured. - Mr. Leavitt has broken into the ranks of authors, and an interesting volume from his pen may shortly be expected. - M. B. Leavitt was born in Boston, Mass., June 24, 1843. t ARTHUR Cook, the well-known minstrel tenor who made popular “Ring the Bells Softly,” “Essie Dear” and other favorite compositions, came to America about 1853, and was prominently identified with such well-known minstrel organi- zations as Bryant's, in New York; Carncross' and Thatcher and Ryman's in Philadelphia; Hooley's in Brooklyn; San Franciscos in New York; Primrose and West; also with Edward Harrigan, “The County Fair” and “The Man From Boston.” Arthur Cook was born in London, England; he died in Boston, Mass., November 1, 1893; age 50 years. * BILLY MCALLISTER’s career began at the age of sixteen, singing in concerts. In 1862 he joined the Fuller New York combination Minstrels as a com- edian, and as a comedian no one has ever been able to justly gainsay his right to that term. - In 1864 he organized the Cross, Fay and McAllister's Minstrels, and until 1870 he was associated with various companies; in the fall of that year he joined Cal. Wagner's Minstrels; Mr. McAllister demonstrated his versatility with this company by performing at various times the duties of balladist, interlocutor and comedian. - In 1872 he was with Harry Robinson's Minstrels, and most of the period from then until 1880 was identified with his own companies. Commencing in that year with I. W. Baird's Minstrels, he remained two seasons. In 1882 he became a member of Haverly's Mastodon Minstrels, and in 1883 Robinson and McAllister's Minstrels took the road, but gave it back the following year. FROM “DADDY” RICE TO DATE. I59 July 30, 1885, Mr. McAllister opened with McNish, Johnson and Slavin's Minstrels in his native city, at the initial performance of that company; early in 1886 he joined Carncross' Minstrels in Philadelphia, sitting opposite to Lew Dockstader. - Mr. McAllister has been a prominent citizen of Troy, N. Y., where he has been engaged in business for more than twenty years. - Billy McAllister was born in Paterson, N. J., March 15, 1843. FRANK BELL (Peter Jaggers), best known as a unique stump-speaker, made his first appearance in Olean, N. Y., in September, 1864, and shortly after joined Wood's Minstrels in New York, as a clog dancer. \ Subsequent minstrel engagements were with the original New Orleans Min- strels, Simmons, Slocum and Sweatnam's, Armstrong Bros., George Clapham's Minstrels, Barlow, Wilson, Primrose and West's, Haverly's, Harry Robinson's, and Lester and Allen's. The crowning success of his career was with “Way Down East,” in white-face, playing the constable, and singing “All Bound Round With a Woolen String;” Mr. Bell also played a character part with Otis Skinner in “Your Humble Servant,” in 1910. Frank Bell was born in Thurle, Can., September 17, 1843. MAJOR (John E.) BURK, known far and wide for his famous gun drill, has been with many prominent minstrel organizations in the United States and England, usually appearing in black-face, the act seemingly being enhanced in appearance at least, by the addition of burnt cork. He first appeared with Hooley's Minstrels in Brooklyn, in 1868, also played engagements there in 1869 and 1870. Subsequently he was with San Sharpley, season 1872–73; first appearance in England at Hague's Minstrels, London, April 17, 1876; also played at Hague's, Liverpool, and Moore and Burgess in London; Hooley & Emerson's Megatherians, season 1879–80; Livermore Bros. in England; Frank Moran's Minstrels, Carncross' Minstrels in Philadelphia, and the Big 4 Minstrels, 1880-81. Major Burk was born in New York City, June 21, 1845, and now resides - there. º - º MILT. G. BARLow was one of the greatest “old darky” delineators that minstrelsy has known, and probably did more to popularize “Old Black Joe” than any other performer. " º Mr. Barlow originally aspired to be a Dutch comedian. His first minstrel engagement was with the Jackson EmerSonians in 1870; the tour lasted about four weeks; subsequently he returned to the variety business, doing black-face, Dutch and Irish. * Shortly after this he played an engagement with Harry Robinson's Minstrels, also Benjamin's New Orleans Minstrels. - Mr. Barlow became a member of Haverly's Minstrels about 1874, and con- tinued with them until March 24, 1877; two days later joining Sweatnam and Fraser's Minstrels in Philadelphia. - On August 20, 1877, the first performance of Barlow, Wilson, Primrose and West's Minstrels was given; the last was at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., June Io, 1882. In the latter year Barlow, Wilson & Co.'s Minstrels were organized, and later Barlow, Wilson and Rankin's Minstrels. - I6O MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, Afterwards Mr. Barlow was with Thatcher, Primrose and West's, and Primrose and West's Minstrels. In August, 1894, Barlow, Dolson and Powers' Minstrels took the road. For several years after this he was with “The White Slave” Co., and “Uncle Tom's Cabin,” playing the title role. Milt. G. Barlow was born in Lexington, Ky., June 29, 1843; he died in New York City, September 27, 1904. WM. A. HUNTLEY (Penno) made his first appearance on the stage in his native city at the age of six years, playing little Tom Bruce, in “Nick of the Woods.” His first minstrel engagement was with Mead's Euterpean Minstrels, in 1862, at New London, Conn. In 1865 he joined the Campbell and Huntley Minstrels, remaining some years. Minstrelsy lost him from 1868 to 1870. In September, 1871, he made his first appearance in white-face at the Howard in Boston; subsequent engagements were with the Lauri English Pantomime Troupe and the Martinetti French Ravel Pantomime Co. In the Spring of 1873 he joined the McKee and Rogers Co., afterwards rejoining the Martinetti Troupe. In 1874 he became co-partner with Dr. Huntley in the management of Huntley's Minstrels; then came engagements extending some years in the prin- cipal theatres of the country. - - - Mr. Huntley was especially engaged for Haverly's Minstrels in London, to lead the big banjo act in which twelve performers appeared at one time; he opened at Her Majesty's Theatre, July 31, 1880, and remained three months. It was during this period that Mr. Huntley had the honor of appearing before the Royal Family; he subsequently played in the principal cities of England, also in Paris, and returned to the United States to fill out his contract with one of Mr. Haverly's organizations here. - From 1881 to 1884 he was with Whitmore and Clark's Minstrels, and later formed a partnership with John H. Lee, formerly of Adams and Lee; sub- sequently they opened a studio in Providence, where they met with much success, especially in the introduction of the banjeaurine and the bass banjo. Mr. Huntley has long since retired from minstrelsy, but the appellation of the “Classic Banjoist” he so justly earned years ago, is still his. Wm. A. Huntley was born in Providence, R. I., November 2, 1843. J. J. KELLY was one of the best known vocalists in minstrelsy. He entered the profession about 1853, and had been with such famous companies as Emer- son's, Haverly's, Bryant's, in New York; Barlow, Wilson, Primrose and West's; and Morris Bros., Pell and Trowbridge's in Boston. Mr. Kelly died in Boston, Mass., July 20, 1902. WM. J. ASHCROFT was one of the most versatile performers that ever blacked their face. His first professional appearance was in Pawtuckett, R. I., as a mem- ber of the Julian Minstrels. In 1866 he was with Seaver's Minstrels, in Brooklyn, N. Y. He was also with Lloyd's Minstrels. About 1872 he went to England, and later when returning to the United States, he brought over and was the first to produce in this country, an eccentric black-face specialty called the “Funny Old Gal;” in this he was phenomenally successful. - McANDREWS (The “Watermelon Man”) BILLY RICE J. W. ， ， ，£- … ĶI:|[I] ±， ，. （， º-- p4|-|Z|- O … ►|- äÞ|- Đ. （ ）| C} º ſ- . Ž|-2. gº The brothers put on amateur minstrel shows in their home town, and their specialty was constantly improved upon by Billy Freeze until it attained the state of perfection vaudeville and minstrel lovers know so well. In 1885 they played their first minstrel engagement with Hi Henry's Com- pany; the two succeeding seasons they were with Lucier's Minstrels, while the season of 1888–89 saw them with the Van Derveer's Minstrels. Then came three consecutive seasons with Vreeland's Minstrels. - - After this, five years of vaudeville, followed by a season with Primrose and BARNEY FAGAN JOHNNY DOVE SOME REAL DANCERS. M. (“DICK”) CARROLL WILLIS PICKERT 342 MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, West's Minstrels, commencing in 1897; the next season they were with Wm. H. West's Minstrels. About 1900 they were engaged with the Barnum and Bailey Circus as a feature of the concerts; they played Russia, Austria, England, France, Holland, Hungary and other European States. In Paris the brothers played eighteen weeks at the Olympia. Their last joint engagement was with Cohan and Harris' Minstrels, I008-09. Larry Freeze was a dancer of more than ordinary merit. After his death, his place was taken by his brother Frank, whose funny antics as a clown have won him considerable recognition. Larry Freeze was born in Rockville, Conn., October 29, 1872; he died April 6, 1909. - Billy Freeze was born in Rockville, Conn., December 25, 1870. JULIUs P. WITMARK. It will doubtless be news to many of this gentleman's friends to know that his career began as minstrel singer just twenty-seven years ago, when as the “boy soprano” he made his bow before a New York audience with Billy Birch's San Francisco Minstrels, August 27, 1883; this was in what was until recently known as the Princess Theatre. A brief respite after this engagement, and he next appeared as a “Madrigal Boy” in Gus Williams’ “One of the Finest;” he was also a “Madrigal” with Lawrence Barrett’s “Francesca di Rimini” and M. B. Leavitt's Minstrels. Going to the Eden Musee in New York City after this, for a series of six children's concerts, on Saturdays only; his success was so great, that the en- gagement was extended for eight months. He joined Thatcher, Primrose and West in the Spring of 1885, and the following season of 1885-86, he was also with this company. Mr. Witmark then eschewed theatricals for about two years, when his voice, then changed into a baritone, procured him a position with Billy Emerson's Min- strels in San Francisco, where he remained six months, after which he rejoined Thatcher, Primrose and West early in 1889; this was his last minstrel engagement. Subsequently he met with much success in such famed organizations as “A Pair of Jacks,” “City Directory” and “A Trip to Chinatown”; he was also very successful in the brief vaudeville engagements he played. tº Julius P. Witmark was born in New York City, September 19, 1870. º MONTGOMERY and STONE, who achieved fame as the Tin Woodman and the Scarecrow in “The Wizard of Oz” as well as “The Red Mill” respectively, and Minstrels at New Orleafis, February 16, 1895. Later they did a great song and dance act for several seasons, appearing in black-face as real gallus coons. About ten years before they formed a partnership, Mr. Stone played Topsy in “Uncle Tom's Cabin”; he was the best Topsy in the show. Dave Montgomery was born early in 1870. º Fred. Stone was born 1ater. - - º BILLY B. VAN (Wim. Webster Vandegrift), the famous “Patsy” comedian, was a member of the “California Minstrels” (not the originals) during the season of 1882-83. - --- The man who owned the show also owned a bird and fish store (live birds subsequently “The Old Town,” made their first joint appearance with Haverly's FROM “DADDY” RICE TO DATE. 343 and fish); well, anyway, the “tour” suddenly closed in Mechanicville, N. Y.; Mr. Van not being a mechanic, could get no work in that prosperous little town, and sadly wended his way to New York, where the “manager” agreed to pay Van on his arrival in the metropolis; he did. Van's “salary” was two canaries, ditto gold- fish and one Belgian Hare. Mr. Van had plenty of hair at that time, so one more made little difference to him; being Friday, he ate the fish, and presented the canaries to a cat who promised to take good care of them. Mr. Van has used grease paint ever since. CLARENCE MARKs. Whether Mr. Marks' name and fame will be handed down to posterity as a vocalist or a comedian, time alone can tell. His first professional appearance was made with a circus in 1888. In 1897 he joined the Irene Myers Stock Company, where for about six years he appeared in varied characters, including a “stag” after the show one night in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., in September, IQ03, Dan Hart presiding. Mr. Marks' first appearance in minstrelsy was with the Quinlan and Wall Company in 1904; subsequently with the following well-known organizations— Culhane, Chace and Weston's; Primrose's ; Dockstader's; Murphy and Gibson's; Wm. H. West's (Ricaby’s), and Dumont's in Philadelphia. Season of 1909-10 he was with the George Evans' Minstrels. One night the “Honey Boy” came back on the stage with tears in his eyes (that being the regulation place to have them); “I’m short an end man,” said the newly-made minstrel magnate, “who will volunteer?” “I will,” said little Clarence; and he did, and for the balance of the season Mr. Marks' ponderous bass voice told every one of the trials and tribulations of one Casey Jones. And so our story ends. But Mr. Marks is still a “Honey Boy.” Clarence Marks was born in Philadelphia, December 12, 1871. JAS. J. CORBETT, pugilist, actor and vaudevillian, made his first appearance in black-face as a member of George Evans' Minstrels at Plainfield, N. J., Au- gust 10, 1910. Mr. Corbett as interlocutor, was a splendid success. He commenced an engagement at the City Theatre, New York, August 13, 1910, and says, “he will come back.” But will he? --- Geo. W. CHIRGwin, the “White Eyed Kaffir,” is one of the most popular of England's black-face performers. His first bid for fame was made about thirty years ago singing the “Blind Boy.” - A few years ago Mr. Chirgwin played an engagement in the United States, where he made many friends. BERT SWOR, of the Swor Bros., made his first appearance with Haverly's Minstrels in Chicago, doing a song and dance with John King. This was followed by ten years of stock work. Subsequently he played engagements with Haverly's (Nankeville) also Wm. H. West's (Ricaby) Minstrels. Two seasons in “The Wizard of Oz” and a return to vaudeville in a black- face act, depicting Southern sceneš. Bert Swor was born in Memphis, Tenn., January 9, 1871. 344 MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, FRANCIS WILSON AS A MINSTREL MAGNATE. Kansas City, June 30, 77. Ed. Clipper: - Dear Sir We left Philadelphia May 2I last, for a Western trip, and Some- - how we wish we hadn't. - - We left the main road at Sedalia, Mo., for the lead mining districts of Mis- souri, being directed thither by “parties who knew” we would there find a bo- nanza. We didn't. - - The recent heavy rains had made the mines unfit to be worked, and the miners were very poor. Prospects, notwithstanding this, were very good at Galena and Empire City, and to them we turned our faces, full of hope, but the sudden “taking off” of the notorious Tiger Bill by a “companion in arms" on the day of our arrival, was a topic that must needs be discussed in the open air; so the minstrels did not thrive. We are a most harmonious little concern, and our gentlemanly deportment is, everywhere we have seen, the topic of conversation. We receive daily very flattering and eulogistic notices from the papers, and have yet to see one dis- senting criticism. We are perfectly independent, and under such little expense that we move anywhere with a very moderate income, and without any serious embarrassment. It is a great source of comfort to us to know that, but a trifle over a month old, we have outlived some much older concerns. We had no diffi- culty in obtaining the Clipper even in Joplin and Short Creek. Our company consists of Mackin and Wilson, Chas. Sutton, “Bernardo,” J. H. Stout, Levino Bros. and Prof. Froude and Orchestra. Respectfully yours, F. B. W. - CHAs. W. MILTON, a well-known comedian who was known as the “Mans- field of Minstrelsy,” died in Milledgeville, Ga., November, 1909; age 39 years. º BARNEY GILMORE, Irish comedian, good fellow and matinee idol, did a black- face turn with Billy Kinsley in Philadelphia in 1888. Mr. Gilmore modestly admits that Schoolcraft and Coes did an act superior to Gilmore and Kinsley. \ “STUART (Everett Stewart), who has achieved international fame as the “Male Patti,” began his professional career as a singer with McIntyre and Heath's Minstrels in Springfield, Mo., in the Fall of 1887. And this is how it happened—“Tom’ Heath sauntered into the Post-office at Wichtia, Kan., one morning, just twenty-three years ago, and inquired if there was any mail for McIntyre and Heath's Minstrels? Yes, indeed, there's lots of letters for the minstrel boys, said a real gentlemanly voice back of the window. The deed was done, and a few days later, Stuart “blacked up” for the first time in his life. It was certainly a coincidence, that the boy who had daily for many weeks answered inquiries concerning missives that were not forthcoming, should sing, “The Letter That Never Came.” Mr. Stuart also began an engagement at Emer- son's Minstrels in San Francisco, August 6, 1888. And thus it was that the mail clerk became the “Mail Patti.” - - º And that is the story of “Stuart.” {\（\）;:Pºsº，‘606I ‘Iº XVIN ‘ĀLIO SINIOX ANGIN “IsnOH VNGIÃO NV LITOGORILAIN ‘‘InTO „SAINVI, EIHL HO LAIVI LSRIIGI TERILSNIN SnOINVOEI 346 MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, Geo. FULLER GoLDEN, the famous founder of the White Rats of America, and one of the most intellectual performers that ever graced the vaudeville stage, did a black-face act with Billy S. Clifford from 1888 to 1890. EDNA MAY SPOONER, the favorite emotional actress, whose popularity seems to know no bounds (especially in Brooklyn, N. Y., and Centreville, Iowa), played Topsy in “Uncle Tom's Cabin” more than once; but if you want a date, here it is - —Bijou Theatre, Brooklyn, N. Y., March 21, 1919. And how she did play it! BERT LEs. IE, the slick slangster of several successful seasons, joined the Kickapoo Medicine Company, No. 8, in November, 1892, doing a black-face specialty, in Tamaroa, Ill. Mr. Leslie attributes his present good health to the fact that he never took any of the medicine he was surrounded with ; he says every time a bottle was sold it always made him “gag.” Bert Leslie (Wm. Albert Johnston) was born in Dubuque, Iowa, May 6, 1871. - - - WALTER McMAHON, of the original team of McMahon and King, was also associated professionally with James Snider. After separating from Mr. King he worked with his wife, under the team name of McMahon and Kingsley. He died in Butte, Mont., December 22, 1899; age 27 years. ARTHUR LEOPOLD GUY is the junior member of the famous Guy family. He made his first appearance with his relatives in Cohoes, N. Y., in 1876, at the immature age of four years. Young Mr. Guy was always ambitious, and seventeen years later was quali- fied to vote. His debut was made in white-face, as a singer; subsequently de- veloping into a comedian of unusual ability. Mr. Guy early showed executive talents, and it was no surprise to his friends - when on February 22, 1909, he organized and produced what he claims to be the originator of giving a complete minstrel performance in vaudeville. Six years previous to this, however, he organized Arthur L. Guy's Novelty Minstrels. º --- Arthur Leopold Guy was born in New York City, January 26, 1872. MANUEL ROMAIN is the happy possessor of one of the most pleasing tenor voices in minstrelsy, and has the faculty of using it to the very best advantage. In 1893 he made his bow to a minstrel audience in New York, with Prim- rose and West's Company. In 1895 he was with Cleveland's Minstrels, subse- quently playing extended engagements with Primrose and Dockstader's, and - later Dockstader's Minstrels. . . In 1907 Mr. Romain entered the vaudeville field with an elaborate produc- tion entitled “Down in Music Row,” and met with flattering success. Two years later he produced “Before and After the Ball,” which, if possible, achieved even greater success than its predecessor. - - Manuel Romain was born in Cambridge, Mass., October I, 1872. º - Wºr F. PHILLIPs, whose clever portrayal of light comedy roles in “Ha- vana,” the “Top O' the World” and other Broadway successes, the past few years FROM “DADDy" Rice to DATE, 347 has brought him such deserved success, was a member of a stingy troupe with the explanatory title of the “American Minstrels,” in 1887. The company was sans band, sans five dollars collectively and sans nearly , everything that could be sansed. They arrived in Haverhill, Mass., the same day as the Thatcher, Primrose and West's Company, and when the latter made their noonday parade, the “American Minstrels” acted as trailers. Strange to relate, the T. P. & W. show did the business on that memorable, never-to-be-forgotten evening. - Will F. Phillips was born in Albany, N. Y., October 31, 1873. EDDIE MAZIER is one of the cleverest of the latter-day minstrel comedians; for a performer who can sing and dance equally well, and tell a story in such a way as to bring out its best points, is certainly clever; and such is Eddie Mazier. His first appearance was as one of the team of Cain and Mazier, at Youngs- town, Ohio, doing a black-face song and dance; the alliance lasted two years. Other partnerships were—one year as Morgan and Mazier; Wright and Mazier, three years, and Mazier and Conley, three years. Mr. Mazier was with Haverly's (Nankeville's) Minstrels, four years; two seasons with Primrose's Minstrels, and with Lew Dockstader's Minstrels 1908– 'O9-'IO-'II. & Eddie Mazier was born at Niles, Ohio, March 14, 1873. - HARRY C. SHUNK began his professional career with a repertoire company in 1887. He had to begin it sometime; and as 87 rhymed with Heaven and 7-II, there was no trouble in reaching a decision. In 1890 he joined Beach and Bowers' Minstrels; then came Sweeny, Al- viedo and Goetz's Minstrels. Mr. Shunk was now thoroughly seasoned, and became a member of Al. G. Field's Minstrels, with whom he remained eight years. - - Subsequently he was a season with Carncross's Minstrels in Philadelphia, and off and on for seven seasons with Dumont's Minstrels; same theatre; same city. Mr. Shunk played the black-face comedy part in “Hip, Hip, Hooray” a few years ago. We hope it won't be such a long time before we see him again in something similar. - Harry C. Shunk was born in Cardington, Ohio, October 25, 1872. CHAs. D. WILSON began his professional career in an humble capacity in his native city, where later he joined Primrose and West's Minstrels as drummer in the band and Orchestra. - Mr. Wilson quickly displayed talents that gained for him promotion; and later he was made treasurer of the company. Subsequently he cast his fortunes with Lew Dockstader's Minstrels, and became manager of that company a few years ago; he continued under the Dockstader banner several seasons. Mr. Wilson is at present engaged in an executive capacity with William A. Brady. - - º Chas. D. Wilson was born in Seattle, Wash., June 10, 1872. t AUGUSTUS PHILLIPS, a black-faced comedian P. Well, not exactly a comedian, but honestly, it did seem funny to see this handsome leading man of the Spooner 348 MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, Stock Company at the Bijou Theatre, Brooklyn, N. Y., week of April 9, 1906, play Uncle Tom, in “Uncle Tom's Cabin.” But then he played Othello about the same time; and that was even funnier. TOM WATERS was known as a Boy Prodigy several years before he achieved the popularity as a comedy pianist that later came to him. But his minstrel career, which is of primary importance to readers of this volume, began in 1892 as comedian and tambourine end with Charley Dock- Stader's Minstrels. - After some vaudeville playing, he joined Dumont's Minstrels in Philadelphia about 1899, and remained there three seasons, part of which time he did an act with Bill Barlow. - - Mr. Waters is meeting with success in vaudeville with his specialty. Tom Waters was born in Shenandoah, Pa., January Io, 1873; and Shenan- doah is proud of it. The DE RUE BROS.—Billy De Rue (Willis De Rue Eldridge) and Bobby De Rue (Robert De Due Eldridge), come honestly by the varied talents they possess, for both of their parents were well known and capable musicians some years prior to the event of their interesting offspring. In 1883 the boys, in conjunction with their father and mother formed the 4 Brass Monarchs 4, traveling under this title for four years. In 1887 their father, Prof. R. D. Eldridge, organized the Eldridge Comedians and Con- cert Company, consisting of a first-part and variety; both Bobby and Billy made their debut as black-face performers here, each doing an end. In 1893 the family separated; the boys at this time taking the name of De Rue, by which they have since become so prominently identified. They sub- sequently appeared with such well-known minstrel organizations as Cleveland's; J. H. Haverly; Hi. Henry; Gorton's; Culhane, Chace and Weston’s; Hi Tom Ward and the Fulton Bros.; Ted E. Faust's, and Washburn's Big Double Min- strels. They likewise appeared successfully in vaudeville. July 15, 1904, De Rue Bros. Ideal Minstrels were launched, each successive year bringing them new friends and laurels. - Billy De Rue was born March 6, 1873, at Conajoharie, N. Y. Bobby De Rue was born at Little Falls, N. Y., May 21, 1877. DOC. QUIGLEY (Dockery Quigley) enjoys the unique distinction of having spent his entire professional career in one minstrel company. Mr. Quigley joined Al. G. Field's Minstrels at the age of sixteen as a song and dance performer. Since then he has been stage manager, comedian, pro- ducer and manager; and equally successful in each capacity; but Mr. Quigley's grotesque dancing is a feature that one remembers for a long time. Doc. Quigley was born in Columbus, Ohio, July 17, 1873. - º º FREDERICK V. Bow ERS. The success of this young man lies in the fact that he is an actor that can act, a singer that can sing, and a dancer that can dance; truly a rare trinity of theatrical virtues. Mr. Bowers sang in the Grace Episcopal Choir in Boston, before starting out on his professional career, which began at Keith's Old Theatre (Bijou) in his native city in 1888. - º JNO. F.—SHERIDAN & MACK–JAS. W. BEN COTTON, JR.—HARRY BOOKER—BOB BIRDUE FRANK CONVERSE—TOMMY PEEL EUGENE CAN FIELD JOE LOVELY BURT WAYNE 350 MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, Subsequently he was with Pauline Hall in “Puritana,” “Niobe,” “Prodigal Father,” and other first-class companies. In 1893 he joined Charles Horwitz, and as Horwitz and Bowers, for five years played the cream of the vaudeville houses, singing their own compositions, of which Mr. Bowers wrote the music; among the best known were “Always,” “Wait,” “Because,” and “When I Think of You.” Mr. Bowers' first minstrel engagement was with the Cleveland Company, others were Frank Cushman's, Dockstader's in 1903, and Wm. H. West's (Ric- aby’s) in 1905. - He was subsequently two seasons with McIntyre and Heath, in the “Ham Tree,” followed by as many seasons in vaudeville in his offering “College Days" As a reader of a song Mr. Bowers has no superior in present-day theatricals. Frederick V. Bowers was born in Boston, Mass., June II, 1874. PETE DETZEL hails from the home town of such celebrities as Johnny Jen- nings, Mark. Sullivan and Clarence Burton, naturally he must be good. His first professional appearance was with Hi. Henry's Minstrels in 1805, doing an end and acting as drum major; Billy Van's Minstrels was next, after which Mr. Detzel says he “laid away” for a few months. But one can't lay away much while idle, so he played two seasons with the Ted Faust's Minstrels, and an equal length of time with Vogel's Minstrels. The best part of the past three years have been spent with Dockstader's Minstrels. Mr. Detzel is now a vaudevillian with Billy Cawley. Pete Detzel was born in Erie, Pa., November 25, 1875. BERT WILLIAMs. This truly great colored performer made his first appear- ance with Lew Johnson's Minstrels twenty odd years ago; the remuneration was $12.00 per week and “cakes” with an occasional chunk of pie. His next minstrel engagement was with Martin and Selick's Mastodons—salary no object. Mr. Williams decided on having a partner after this, and while in San Fran- cisco met George Walker; the rest is fairly well known. \ | Mr. Williams starred successfully in “Sons of Ham,” “Bandanna Land” and “Mr. Lode, of Koal.” The partnership terminated about 1900. Mr. Williams subsequently has played vaudeville, where he has been one of the most pronounced hits of years. Always working with corked features, he sings a song in a way that you always remember, especially is this true of “Nobody,” which will always be associated with his name. Mr. Williams is a truly unctuous comedian, and worthy and deserving of the distinction of having received by far the highest salary ever paid to any per- former of his race. In New York in the Summer of 1910, he was highly successful in the “Fol- lies of 1910.” - - Bert Williams was born on the Island of Nassau, British West Indies, No- vember 12, 1874. THE BOWMAN BROS. are frequently spoken of as the “brilliant brothers Bow- 33 man,” and justly, too, for no duo of vaudeville performers to-day give greater promise than these two boys, whose versatility is a matter of much comment among artists of more lengthy experience. - They have appeared in burlesque, drama, farce and minstrelsy, and in each have scored unqualified successes. > - . M. ROS.–JAS B WM. T. BOWMAN zºº - - FROM “DADDY” RICE TO DATE. 35 I Their first joint appearance was in a black-face specialty at West Point, Ky., in 1896; they then separated and played various individual engagements until 1902, when they joined the “Sandy Bottom.” Company; with this troupe “Bill” Bowman did a minister, and “Jim” Bowman did a rube, which was not the right thing to do exactly; there is some excuse for “doing” a rube; but a minister— 11eVer. That same year they joined the stock at the Orpheum Theatre in Chicago, and in 1903 were with Miss Grace George in “Pretty Peggy.” Subsequently they did a black-face act with that “youth” Jack Sheehan; he of the “Four Planets,” likewise of the “Four-in-Hand.” Other legitimate engagements were the “Runaways,” and their own produc- tion of the “Isle of Mirth.” The seasons of 1907-08-09 were spent with Bob Manchester’s “Cracker Jacks” Company, where they resumed playing in black-face, and in which they still continue. July 31, 1909, they made their first appearance jointly with a minstrel com- pany, when they opened at Union Hill, N. J., with Eddie Leonard's Minstrels; Wm. Bowman playing on one end, and James Bowman officiating as interlocutor; and seldom in latter-day minstrelsy have these positions been more ably filled. James Bowman played individual engagements with Harry Ward's Min- strels in 1900-01; with Robert Loraine in “The Tragedy at Trenton” in 1904 and Wm. A. Brady’s “Siberia” in New York in 1905. - Wm. T. Bowman played individual engagements with Wm. A. Brady's all-star cast of “Uncle Tom's Cabin” in New York in 1904, and that same year appeared with Wm. Morris in the “Business Man,” and Joe Welch in “Cohen's Luck.” - Wm. T. Bowman was born in Munfordville, Ky., February 4, 1875. Jas. M. Bowman was born in Munfordville, Ky., April 17, 1878. ſº MRS. ARTHUR L. GUY is the wife of Arthur L. Guy, naturally. For the past seven years she has enjoyed the unique distinction of being the manager of the Arthur L. Guy Novelty Minstrels, where she has displayed executive ability of pronounced Order. º BAILEY AND Austin need no introduction to theatre lovers of the lighter forms of amusement, for most of us have seen these brilliant young artists in the “Top o' the World,” and “Two Men and a Girl.” But as “corked comedians”—that's different. Bailey and Madison did an acrobatic black-face song and dance about six- teen years ago; and Ralph Austin did a tip-top end with Al. G. Field's Min- strels about the same time; he was also of the black-face song and dance team of Austin and Curran. º - - Mr. Bailey deserves no credit for once having been a good black-face per- former, for his mother (Polly Higginson) was a prominent dancer with the old “Black Crook” (near joke). Mr. Bailey was born in New York, November 5, 1873. º Mr. Austin was born in Dayton, Ohio, about 1877. * , - EDDIE LEONARD (Lemuel J. Tuney) says he entered his teens and Haverly's Minstrels about the same year. - 352 MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, With the minstrels he selected as his favorite, wholesome Billy Rice, of whom he was very fond. Mr. Leonard says he used to buy the New York Cliffer each week, and on these occasions he was immediately besieged by members of the company for “just one look”—which no one but Billy Rice ever got. Mr. Leonard subsequently was with Thatcher, Primrose and West's Min- strels; Primrose and Dockstader's; Haverly's (Nankeville's); Primrose's, Dock- stader's Minstrels, and in 1908 was one of the features of Cohan and Harris' Minstrels. - A few seasons ago during the Summer months he appeared in New York on the New Amsterdam Roof in white-face as Texas Dan ; subsequently as Dandy Dan on another roof; he scored a success on each roof with each “Dan.” Mr. Leonard's prominence is due to the fact that he sings a song different from any other living performer; a sort of a crooning lullaby, that goes direct to the hearts of his audience; and the ladies say he dances divinely. Certain it is that this undoubtedly clever artist possesses that mysterious, indefinable attribute what we call magnetism, and possesses it to a large degree. Late in July, 1909, he headed Eddie Leonard's Minstrels; also early in August—same year. Mr. Leonard, also in 1909, headed for the matrimonial altar; Miss Mabel Russell, daughter of the late W. J. Russell, of the old team of Le Clair and Russell, was his happy choice. Eddie Leonard was born in Richmond, Va., October 18, 1875. FRANK MORRELL, the “California Boy,” made his first appearance as a boy soprano with Cleveland's Minstrels in 1890 at Los Angeles, Cal.; this was fol- lowed by an engagement with Sells Bros. Circus, with whom he went to Aus- tralia. - Returning to his native heath he next appeared at the Bella Union Theatre in San Francisco, subsequently playing an engagemet with Haverly's Minstrels in the same municipality; the latter being the high-brow term for the word city. Later, Mr. Morrell appeared with success with several burlesque and farcical attractions, and at various times was of the vaudeville teams of Morrell and Evans, and Morrell and Deely. - After a five-year tour of England and Africa, he returned to the United States, and in 1906 formed one of the original members of “That Quartette,” and continued with them until 1908, when, Cohan and Harris seeking for the best vocal talent obtainable, cabled to Mr. Morrell, who was in England, an offer that he just simply couldn't refuse. His success with this organization is a matter of theatrical history. - In 1909 this clever young man made one of the most astonishing moves ever recorded; it was no more nor no less than making the jump from ballad singer to singing comedian, doing a black-face monologue that has given him. already an eminent position in his new field of endeavor. - Frank Morrell was born in San Diego, Gal., October 10, 1875. DANA H. CLAUDIUS, the well-known young banjoist, is now of the team of Claudius and Scarlet, but it was not always thus, for away back in the days of 1900, and until the month of February, 1902, Claudius and one Edmond Gilmore Corbin were members of the Primrose and Dockstader's Minstrels, - CHARLEY SUTTON - - THEY WERE THE “CHEERFUL CHARLEYS” OF MINSTRELSY. MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, - doing their classic act in black-face; after the last named date they worked in white-face. See James H. Decker for particulars. Dana H. Claudius was born in Canandaigua, N. Y., June 1, 1875; and has been “hopping” ever since. “MINSTREL" BILLY CLARK (Wm. E. Clark) began his professional career in a theatre, and has been around theatres ever since; and this is how it happened. - He entered his thirteenth year and the Powers' Opera House in his home city at the same time, at the latter place he was usher; he ushered so well that he was promoted—he became scenic artist at the Grand—in Grand Rapids; this is not a joke. At eighteen he made his first appearance in black-face with a local min- strel show; subsequently he played character parts, and did a monologue in white-face. - His first minstrel show was the Crawford Bros.; in 1895 he joined the Hi Henry Minstrels and continued with them for five years; then came Billy Clark's Minstrels, followed by the season of 1902-03 with Wm. H. West's (Ricaby’s) Minstrels. * -- In 1903 he made his initial bow with Al. G. Field's Minstrels, remaining until 1905, when he became a vaudevillian for two years; he rejoined Field's in 1907 and remained two years. - “Minstrel” Billy Clark was born in Grand Rapids, Mich., March 15, 1875. TRIXIE FRIGANZA, the popular young comedienne, celebrated the author's birthday August 24, 1908, by blacking up and doing an end with Cohan and Harris' Minstrels at the New York Theatre in New York City; she sang “I’m Glad I’m Married”—mind you, she only sang it. - BEVERLY SITGREAVEs showed her versatility at the New Theatre, New York, just previous to the new year in a new character which everyone knew would be a clever portrayal; and it was. - She played the negro “mammy” in “The Nigger,” December 6, 1909. HARRY A. ELLIS (Ralph A. Grande), who was one of the singing duo of Ellis and McKenna, also a member of “The Quartette,” made his first pro- fessional appearance at Rahway, N. J., March 12, 1900, with the Heywood Comedy Company, in the play of “Mamma's Pet.” It is the author's impres- sion that Mr. Ellis played the title role. “Mamma's Pet” never had a met- ropolitan run; in fact, no run at all—but let bygones be bygones. April 28, same year, he joined Primrose and Dockstader's Minstrels at their inaugural performance under canvas; this was at Newport News, Va., and Mr. Ellis sang “The Blue and the Gray,” and what's better sang it so good that he was engaged for the regular season of the company a few months later, being the only vocalist of the “tenters” so honored." The tent season lasted about seven weeks. º - He continued with Primrose and Dockstader's until the dissolution of that company in 1903; the same year he became a member of Lew Dock- stader's Minstrels, and remained four years. Eight years of minstrelsy FROM “DADDY" RICE TO DATE. 355 in black-face. Mr. Ellis has a robust tenor voice of high quality. He is again with Lew Dockstader's Minstrels, 1910. Harry A. Ellis was born at Potenza, Italy, February 20, 1876. HERMAN MARION (Etzer) joined Billy Pearl, doing a black-face act in Lowell, Mass., in April, 1899; and subsequently appeared with La Pearl’s Circus; Vogel and Deming's Minstrels; Primrose and Dockstader's ; Gus. Sun's ; Haverly's (Nankeville's), and Washburn's Minstrels. He continued with Pearl until the latter's death ; subsequently joining Geo. Cunningham, one of the original “Brutal Brothers,” and as Cunningham and Marion have met with success in a white-face acrobatic act. Herman Marion was born in Paterson, N. J., December 17, 1876. CECIL SPOONER.—This dainty, effervescent and charming bit of femininity, who has won enviable honors as America’s leading soubrette, and whose popularity in Brooklyn, N. Y., and other places, including Centreville, Iowa, seems to know no bounds, gave a delightful performance of Topsy in “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” at the Bijou Theatre, Brooklyn, N. Y., commencing April 9, I906. - - JIMMY DEVLIN entered the minstrel profession as a boy, and few were petter esteemed. - He was a clever dancer, but was best known for his baton swinging. We worked with Johnny Whalen for a time, and subsequently with Doc. Quigley. He was associated with Primrose and West’s ; Al. G. Field's and Wm. H. West's Minstrels. - - Jimmy Devlin died at Pitttsfield, Mass., July 31, 1901; age 24 years. EMIL SUBERs, the “Georgia Sunflower,” whose rich Southern dialect has delighted thousands, began life as a ballad singer in an amateur minstrel show in Macon, Ga., in 1897, after which for three seasons he was a member of the well-known repertoire company of Peruchini-Beldini. A couple of weeks with Harry Ward's Minstrels in 1900, and then he joined Al. G. Field's Company same year. In 1902 he became a member of Quinlan and Wall's Minstrels, remaining two seasons. - - On Christmas Day, 1904, he joined Geo. Primrose's Minstrels in Spring- field, Mass., and continued with them until 1907. }. Mr. Subers subsequently entered vaudeville, and in 1909 formed an aſ liance with those clever black-face entertainers, Coakley and McBride. Emil Subers was born in Sparta, Ga., January 7, 1877. ARTIE HALL, in private life Mrs. Robert Fulgora, gives one of the most faithful portrayals of the Tennessee and Georgia negro ever seen on the vaudeville stage. Commencing March 18, 1901, Miss Hall gave a series of splendid performances of Topsy in “Uncle Tom's Cabin” at the Academy of Music in New York City. - - JAMES GoRMAN, one of the most prolific producers in the annals of min- strelsy, was the first to write a bitrlesque on the “Mikado” when that opera 356 MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, had such a vogue here many years ago. Mr. Gorman showed it with Hav- erly's Minstrels in San Francisco in 1885. “The Princess of Madagascar,” one of the most pretentious offerings ever shown with a black-face organiza- tion, also emanated from the fertile brain of Mr. Gorman; and there were others. Joseph GoRTON, Jr., was the son of the prominent manager of that name, and a musician and composer of extraordinary ability; no less than three operas, as well as several songs, have come from his prolific pen. - He had been several years with Gorton's Minstrels, and for about ten seasons he did a musical act with Sam Lee, as Gorton and Lee. Jos. Gorton, Jr., was born in Friendship, N. Y., May 30, 1877; he died there, December Io, IQ08. HARRY W. SMITH, the pleasing young bass vocalist and interlocutor, has a brief, but none the less meritorious professional career. It began in 1904, doing concert work; subsequently he was with Rich- ard Carle's and other musical extravaganzas. July 31, 1909, he became a member of Eddie Leonard's Minstrels at their initial performance in Union Hill, N. J. In the Summer of 1910 Mr. Smith and Fred P. Russell launched Russell and Smith's Tabloid Minstrels on the vaudeville sea, Mr. Smith act- ing as interlocutor, the duties of which he performs admirably. Harry W. Smith was born in Albia, Ia, November 3, 1878. GEO. M. CoHAN. It will not surprise many to know that this famous young author-actor-manager-producer, etc., , ever appeared in black-face; the year is said to be 1891, when he played Banty Bob in his father's production of “The Molly Maguires”; nor must it be overlooked that he was co-proprietor and part producer of Cohan and Harris' Minstrels, the first performance of which was at the Apollo Theatre, Atlantic City, N. J., July 27, 1908. George M. Cohan was born in Providence, R. I., July 4, 1878. ºf ºn sº STANLEY FORDE, whose ponderous bass voice has been heard to such excel- lent advantage in the “Geisha”; the “Talk of New York”; “The Man Who Owns Broadway,” and other popular successes, joined Primrose and Dock- stader's Minstrels at the Victoria Theatre, New York City, about March 1, 1902; singing a ballad in black-face. He finished the season with that or- ganization, and the following one he toured with George Primrose's Min- strels. Then Mr. Forde said, “Never Again”; but that's what they all say. Mr. Forde was born at Buffalo, N.Y., February 9, 1878. -º- º º ºgº ºr ºf . . . --- º FRANK LEIGHTON began his career as a black-face performer with a medi- cine show, June 1, 1897, at London, O.; joined Burt Sheppard's Minstrels March 1, 1898, remaining until company disbanded at Waterloo, Wis., April IO, same year. With this company he formed a partntrship with Ed. Elliott, doing a talking and dancing act; the partnership was dissolved January 15, 1809; Mr. Leighton shortly after became a member of the Vogel and Dem- ing Minstrels, joining his brother Bert, with whom he has since been asso- ciated. - - - Frank Leighton was born April 14, 1880, near Cowden, Ill. JAS. M. TIERNEY - TIM. CRONIN (TIERNEY & CRONIN.) (HOGAN BROS.) 358 MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, BERT LEIGHTON joined Barlow Bros. Minstrels (Ward, Coburn and Bald- win. owners), August 21, 1899, doing a black-face singing and dancing act with Walter Wilson, closing June 2, 1900. Leighton and Wilson opened - with Vogel and Deming's Minstrels, August 27, 1900; this partnership was dissolved later in the season owing to the ill health of Mr. Wilson. Mr. Leighton - º was joined by his brother Frank at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., December 8, 1900. Bert Leighton was born in Altamont, Ill., December 29, 1878. LEIGHTON and LEIGHTON's first appearance as a team was at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., December 8, 1900, remaining the season. Other engagements were Vogel's Minstrels; Pan-American Minstrels. September 15, 1902, they made their first appearance in white-face at the Howard in Boston. April, 1903, they joined Quinlan and Wall's Minstrels. Considerable time was given to vaudeville before they made their appearance with Lew Dockstader's Minstrels, July 23, 1904, ending May 8, 1905. July 14, 1905, they began their second season with this company, terminating their engagement November 17, same year, since which time they have been playing the best houses in vaudeville; their pres- ent offering “A One Night Stand in Minstrelsy” is a gem of its kind. The Messrs Leighton in addition to being exceptionally clever dancers, are authors of several songs that are recognized successes, among them are —“There's A Dark Man Coming With A Bundle”; “Eb’ry Dollar Carries Trubbles Ob Its Own”; “The Message of the Old Church Bell”; “Ain't Dat A Shame”; “Casey Jones” and others. JoE LEIGHTON (Le Strange), better known as “Rags,” made his first ap- pearance with Lew Dockstader's Minstrels, at Harrisburg, Pa., October 31, 1904, remaining until November 23, 1906; shortly after this he joined the Leighton Brothers, the alliance being known as the Three Leightons; he has been with them ever since, except for a brief period in the early part of the season of 1908, when he was with Cohan and Harris' Minstrels. Mr. Leighton is an eccentric dancer of uncommon ability. Joe Leighton was born in New York City, October 7, 1887. - BILLY BEARD. This really clever performer who styles himself “The Party from the South,” actually is from that interesting part of the country which has produced so many capable burnt-corkers. w His story is best told in his own language, and here it is—“Trouped with Hypnotists, Magicians and sundry other “one night organizations” in- cluding a season in repertoire at 10–20 and 30; the above includes several journeys on foot and on top of box-cars.” Mr. Beard has an engaging personality which brought him engage- ments with Ricaby’s “West’s” Minstrels; Nankeville’s “Haverly’s” Minstrels, George Primrose's Minstrels and Ted Faust’s Minstrels. As a monologist and comedian he ranks with the best performers of his time, which began in I902; at present he is in vaudeville. - Billy Beard was born in Columbia, S. C., September I, 1879. WILL PHILBRick made his first and only appearance in minstrelsy 3.S. 3. member of Primrose and Dockstader's Minstrels at the Victoria Theatre, - -- FROM “DADDY” RICE TO DATE. 359 New York City, in the Spring of 1902; he sat on the end, sang “The Fortune Telling Man”; did “some” dance and made every one clap their hands awfully loud. But I'm a trifle ahead of my story. His first appearance was selling peanuts in Barnum's Circus in 1893; he came near being arrested for run- ning a shell game. After that he became a real actor with “A Trip to China- - town”; in this company he first appeared in black-face, doing a specialty with Eleanor Falk. Mr. Philbrick played in other Hoyt productions, and “starred” for five years in “The Beauty Doctor.” - Likewise was he prominently identified with “Panhandle Pete”; Grace Cameron Opera Company, and “Foxy Grandpa.” t In vaudeville he was of the team of Philbrick and Cardownie, also with Joe. Hart’s “Bathing Girls.” Will Philbrick was born in Boston, Mass., October 16, 1879. JoHNNY Dove excels as a dancer, but whatever he does he does well; now for the rest. Mr. Dove's first stage appearance was with the original Bootblack Quartette, in 1896; the following year with James Corrigan he did a black- face act, which qualified him to becaome a member of Hi Henry's Minstrels, where he remained six years. Lew Dockstader's Minstrels was the next big show, and though Mr. Dove was surrounded by a galaxy of stars, his own light was none the less resplendent. His next engagement was a white-face affair with the Imperial Burlesquers, where he met with unquali- fied success; his own act “The Dancing Burglar”; it has a story, and here it is ACT I. “As a boy, Master Dove in response to queries as to his future ideas in life, gravely told his Father he would be a dancer or a burglar. - -- ACT II. !-- In a dancing contest, one night young Dove “flew the coop” and hiked away to the town hall while the family were in dreamland; Johnny won the coveted prize, a silver set of 24 pieces; sneaked home, and placed his win- nings on the table; thence to bed. ACT III. Next morning, Dove Sr., being the first to arise, sees the new addition to the family plate, hastily concludes that John had decided on the profes- sion of burglar. º - - CURTAIN. Johnny Dove was born in New Brunswick, N.J., April 15, 1879, and is at present with Al. G. Field's Minstrels. - EDDIE CASSADy, a great Philadelphia favorite, is one of the most pleasing of present-day comedians. His first professional appearance was with Simº mons and Slocum's Minstrels in 1893. - - 360 MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, In 1903 he became a permanent feature during the Summer season at Atlantic City, N. J., with Murphy and Gibson's Minstrels; continuing with them until 1907. - The Summer of 1908 again saw him at the famous sea-shore resort with Murphy's Minstrels, with whom he has since appeared. The present season of 1910. Mr. Cassady is doing one of the principal ends with Dumont's Minstrels in Philadelphia. He also played a white-face part with Gracie Emmett's Company—and some day may play another. - Eddie Cassady was born in Philadelphia, June 17, 1880. ToMMy HYDE is justly entitled to take the highest rank with the younger generation of dancers; convincing proof of this can be had from the fact that both Barney Fagan and James Gorman, the world's leading minstrel pro- ducers, found his (Hyde's) assistance an invaluable auxiliary to their own endeavors on various occasions. His first appearance professionally was at Rochester, N. Y., with P. J. Mundy, on a Tuesday. - For two years he played vaudeville houses, after which he joined Gil- more and Leonard in “Hogan's Alley.” - His next engagement was with Al. G. Field's Minstrels, and that gen- tleman thought so well of Mr. Hyde, that the engagement was extended until six seasons had been rounded out with that prominent organization. Mr. Hyde subsequently joined Lew Dockstader's Minstrels, and re- mained six years with the most famous of all black-face comedians. Tommy Hyde was born in Fresno, Cal., February 10, 1881. VAUGHN COMFORT belongs to the younger generation of minstrels, and has all the qualifications that tend to make an artist; youth and a handsome appearance combined with recognized ability gained in the dramatic pro- fession might be mentioned. His first appearance was with the Empire City Quartette in Philadel- phia, at the Globe Theatre, in 1895; he continued with them all that season, serving also in the capacity of manager. Next came a brief tour with Carl and Johnson’s Minstrels. In 1897 he joined the Irene Myers Stock Company, remaining seven. years all told. In between this engagement was one with the A. E. Davis Stock Company; here Mr. Comfort played leads. Season of 1908–09 he was with Dumont's Minstrels in Philadelphia, where he had the distinction of taking more encores after a ballad than any singer of late years ever did in that house. Seasons of 1909-10 Mr. Comfort became a member of Cohan and Harris' ". Minstrels; his work as interlocutor with this organization brought forth lavish encomiums from the press in general, and the Metropolitan papers in particular. - - The present season of 1910-II he is with Geo. Evans' Minstrels. Prior to the last two engagements, he was with the Earl Burgess’ Stock Company, also with George Primrose's Minstrels. º - Mr. Comfort's voice is a pure tenor; it is worthy of note that seldom in minstrelsy has a tenor occupied the position of interlocutor. TOM_WATERS & KELLY-NOLAN MORT.-EMERSON & COOK–JAS. MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, As this is a purely minstrel volume, it is in perfect good taste to remark that he is a great “comfort” to his friends and family. Vaughn Comfort was born in Philadelphia, August 7, 1881. JoHN J. BLUE, an efficient dancer of the present generation successfully conducted a dancing school in Hoboken, N. J., about eight years; desiring wider scope for his talents, he engaged with the Cohan and Harris' Minstrels at their inception in July, 1908; he remained the season, and re-engaged for 1909-10. John J. Blue was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., October 31, 1881. HARRY Joison (Joelson) is undoubtedly the premier operatic black-face comedian of the day; to hear Mr. Jolson warble selections from “Lucia” gives one that Oliver Twist feeling—you want more. - The first thing theatrical he ever did was to become an usher at the Bijou Theatre in Washington, D. C.; in this way he got many good “tips.” Mr. Jolson next became a singer “in the gallery,” same theatre; after that it was eaSy. - -*--- His first appearance. in black-face was with the Mayflower Burlesquers, where he worked with his brother A1. About five years ago at Robinson's Park, Ft. Wayne, Ind., he appeared for the first time in a single specialty, and since then has played vaudeville. - º - July 31, 1909, Mr. Jolson opened with the Eddie Leonard Minstrels at Union Hill, N. J., doing an end and his specialty. º May 4, 1910, he sailed for Europe. Harry Jolson was born in Srednick, Russia, January 12, 1881. JoE B. McGEE didn't go to school with Mark Twain, nor did he start the late lamented humorist on the road to fame; but Mr. McGee and Mr. Clemens were both born in the same house, and evidently Mr. McGee imbibed there Some of the humor created by the immortal wit. His first professional appearance was with Robinson’s Minstrels at Han- nibal, Mo., in 1898. Subsequently he was with Ward and Wade's, and George Van's Minstrels; also did he tour with his own minstrel company. -- Mr. McGee joined Al. G. Field's Minstrels in 1909 for the season; the fol- lowing year he was in vaudeville with Russell and Smith's Minstrels. He is a comedian of original methods, and a dancer of more than ordinary merit. - º: º - Joe B. McGee was born in Florida, Mo., ebruary 20, - º - º --- º I88 º GEORGE JONES, one of the original members of “That Quartette." WaS a “boy singer” with Al. G. Field's Minstrels in 1896. Subsequently he did meritorious work as a comedian with Wm. H. West's (Ricaby's) Minstrels. - - After the dissolution of “That Quartette” in 1909, Mr. Jones continued in . vaudeville as one of the team of Jones and Deely. - George Jones was born in St. Louis, Mo., September 22, 1883. - WILL OAKLAND (Harry Hinrichs) possesses that extremely rare quality of VO1Ce that is known as a contra-tenor, which he uses to the best advantage, his enunciation being well nigh perfect. - - AL. JOLSON. FROM “DADDY” RICE TO DATE. Mr. Oakland made his professional debut with George Primrose's Minstrels in Rochester, N. Y., February, 1905, and continued with that company until he joined Lew Dockstader's Minstrels in 1907; he remained with Mr. Dock- stader two seasons, after which he joined Cohan and Harris' Minstrels. Early in 1910 Mr. Oakland joined Wm. H. Thompson in a high-class sing- ing act, reviving a well-known trade-mark of two decades ago. Will Oakland was born in Jersey City ,N, J., January 15, 1883. JULIAN ELTINGE (Dalton) is usually billed as “the artist without a peer;” and you may believe it, every word. The scion of an old Boston family, Mr. Eltinge adopted his present calling for the avowed purpose of “killing time;” that he made a “killing” there is no dispute. He was a member of the First Corps Cadets in his native city, and when this notable organization produced “My Lady” in 1899, Eltinge was cast for the Soubrette role. - In 1895 the play of “Miss Simplicity” was written around Mr. Eltinge's talents; subsequently it became a vehicle for Frank Daniels; afterwards he ap- peared in “Baron Humbug” and other plays. -- His first Metropolitan appearance was at the Bijou Theatre in New York City in 1903, with “Mr. Wix of Wickham.” Later, and until July 27, 1908, he - played vaudeville engagements in the United States and Europe. - - On the latter date he made his first minstrel appearance with the Cohan and Harris Company, at Atlantic City, N. J.; his success with this organization was nothing short of phenomenal; he remained the entire season, appearing with darkened features in the after-piece. It may be of interest to know that during Mr. Eltinge's Cadet Days; he played male juvenile roles equally as clever as when encompassed by skirts and those other things that it is said females wear. . Recently, while fulfilling an engagement at the American Music Hall in New York City, Mr. Eltinge performed his specialty a la minstrel. Julian Eltinge was born in Boston, Mass., May 14, 1884. AL. JoLSON (Albert Joelson). Seldom in the annals of minstrelsy has a performer risen to such heights, and achieved such success in the brief period that this brilliant young performer has accomplished. Three years ago he at- tracted the attention of Lew Dockstader, who saw him perform in the South on several occasions. - - Subsequently the latter engaged him for his (Dockstader's) company, and in the Summer of 1908, Mr. Jolson made his first appearance with the fatter's minstrel organization. His success was instantaneous and pronounced. He remained with Dockstader all that season, and part of the next; after- wards making his appearance in vaudeville, where if anything, he was even a greater hit. In the vernacular of the Rialto, Mr. Jolson was a “riot.” Like everything and everybody, he had to have a beginning, and Mr. Jol- son's first professional appearance was with Al. Reeves' famous Beauty Show. Subsequently with his brother Harry, and Joe Palmer, as Jolson, Palmer and Jolson, played vaudeville. Up to this period Mr. Jolson was working in white- face. , - º MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, At Keeney's Theatre, Brooklyn, N. Y., he first applied cork; and cork it has been ever since. Mr. Jolson is a comedian by nature born; his monologue, interspersed by clever whistling solos, fully merits the approbation it receives. Al. Jolson was born in Srednick, Russia, May 16, 1885. NEAL ABEL, who appeared with much success with Primrose's Minstrels about four years ago, subsequently went into vaudeville with Dave Irwin. Mr. Abel is unquestionably a comedian of more than ordinary merit; and anyone in Kansas City, Mo., will tell you the same thing. º CHARLEs HILLIARD (Hurst). From chorus man to burlesque prima donna in two years is certainly going some; nevertheless, that is the proud distinction accorded to the subject of this sketch, who made his first professional appear- ance with Frank Lalor in “Prince Humbug” in 1908, in the minor capacity al- ready referred to. The following year Mr. Hilliard was engaged with Cohan and Harris' Minstrels, also as a chorus singer; before the season was over he was playing a prominent part in the after-piece. August 10, 1910, Mr. Hillard played for the first time, the principal female role in the “Firemen's Picnic” with George Evans' Minstrels; his success was emphatic. Charles Hilliard was born in Sumter, S. C., June 23, 1885. EARL BENHAM (James Benham) made his first professional appearance in 1903 in the chorus of “The F1sher Maiden,” and has been fond of fish ever since; this is of course sub rosa. It was in the year of 1907 that Mr. Benham acquired his first minstrel ex- perience, and came face to face with a box of cork. The following year he was a ballad singer with Cohan and Harris' Minstrels, and in 1909 he began his second season, with that company, playing and end, working in a big song and dance number and in the after-piece. Mr. Benham is an accomplished dancer and possesses a pleasing tenor voice. - As a composer he has won conspicuous success, some of his best composi- tions being “I’m Happy When the Band Plays Dixie,” “My Little Rose of Kil- larney,” “Mandy,” “May Moon” and “I Can't Think of Anything That's Half As as You,” the latter by all odds having one of the sweetest refrains heard e conclusion of the season of 1909-10, Mr. Benham, in conjunction with John King, went in vaudeville, making their first appearance at the War- burton Theatre, Yonkers, N. Y., May 22, 1910. At the present time, Mr. Benham and Miss Effie Snowden are meeting with pronounced success in a clever singing and dancing act; vaudeville, of course. Earl Benham was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., April 15, 1886. SAM. SANFORD built the first theatre ever constructed especially for a min- strel company, in Philadelphia. - It opened August 1, 1853. “BUN” GRAN VILLE (Bernard Ralph Granville). The distinction of being one of the youngest of minstrel comedians belongs to Mr. Granville, who at the CHAS. H. DAY NED. GREENLAND D. B. HODGES JOHN P. (“CULLY”) SMITH WM. H. SMITH WM. FOOTE CHAS. R. BUGBEE MONARCHS OF MINSTRELSY, age of 16 years joined the forces of Al. G. Field as a song and dance performer; and step by step rose in his chosen profession until he had the honor of sitting on the principal end in the organization of the “famous Field funsters.” - Mr. Granville remained in the above company until 1909, when he joined Will Rogers to do vaudeville; he is still doing. “Bun” Granville was born in Chicago, Ill., July 4, 1886. THE Foley Twins began lives as newsboys in the metropolis, and were endowed by nature with good singing voices and ditto dancing legs; so it was but natural that talents like those must have an outlet, which they quickly found at clubs and entertainments. - Their first engagement was with the May Howard Company in 1899; it was during this season that George Primrose heard of them, and made arrangements for the boys to join Primrose and Dockstader's Minstrels, which they did at At- lantic City, N. J., July 31, 1900; they remained with this company three seasons, and with Dockstader's Minstrels two years; their greatest prominence, however, was achieved with Mr. Primrose in his vaudeville act, with which they remained two years. - It is pleasing to relate that these boys cheerfully and freely give all credit for their success in life to Mr. Primrose, of whom they speak in the highest praise. - - A season in vaudeville with Manuel Romain followed their last minstrel en- gagement. Johnny Foley was born in New York City, September 12, 1886; and Willie Foley was born in New York City, September 12, 1886. - THE END. *AN 21 "m Typical exponents of M in strelsy & S. s. -º-º-º-º-º-º-º-º-º-º-º-º-º-º-º-º-º-º-º-º-º-º-º-º-º-º-º: The Gorman Bros. 3-º-º-º-º-º-º-º-º-º-º-º-º-º-º-º: - Jas. Gorman, Gen. Producer FOR - ohan and Harris' Attractions * * * * * * Geo. Gorman, with Marie Dressler, --IN GEO. SIDNEY'S GE0. SIDNEY'S ºcLARABELLE JEROME's COMPOSER and LYRICIST ..Writer of.. Many Minstrel Hits of the present generation 3.3 Productions BUSY IZZY'S B00DLE JOY RIDER JOYLAND “Mandy Lane” “Linda” (Won't you throw a Kiss to Me?) “Lady Love” “Dancing on the Levee” . “Emmalina Lee” MAY IRWIN'S “Matrimony” and “She Borrowed My 0n ly Husband” Writer of the American version “Has Anybody Here Seen Kelly” Will and Jim; black and white; tall and slim. T H E New York Clipper The “Old Reliable” printed all the minstrel news and gossip more than half a century ago; it still prints it in con- junction with a weekly record of all the important 32.32 32.32 32.32 32.3 32.32 Theatrical, Vau de ville, Circus and Musical & 3. EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS. Notable Players Past and Present Now Running. A complete history of the old and present day favorites. Get the “Reminiscense ’’ Column. Published. Every Wednesday. Price, 10 Cents Per Copy. Four Dollars Per Year. The Frank Queen Publishing Co., Ltd. ALBERT. J. BORIE 47 West 28th Street, General Manager. NEW YORK, & The Original Great Southern Tenor & B AN K S W INTER Author, Composer, and Singer of the famous song * WHITE WINGS ’’ - and Sire of NMI SS WIN ON A WIN T E IR “Hank” Mudge The Original GEO. De VERE THE OLD TIME CLOG DANCER known of late years as , , g GEO. M. De VERE is still amongst the liv- Second Season Management ing, and will be glad to hear from friends. * * HENRY B, HARRIS “Julius ” in “The Traveling Salesman” ADDRESS, 23 Duane Street, N.Y. City Only 38 Years Blackfacing 3ſulut (L. kire at #allie (Juliett Present their compliments to their many friends - • • TELEPHONE ESTABLISHED 1895 127:3 NMADISON SQUARE THE OLDEST AND BEST ELK NMAGAZINE . : . . :. THE ELKS- A N T L E R º - ARTHUR C. NMORELAND EDITOR AND PUBLISHER 115S BROADWAY NEW YORK =I BUY= The a trical Program mes - A N D Photographs of every description Send list, with price desired Edw. Le Roy Rice Room 10, 22 N. William Street NEW YORK CITY “Cold Cream ‘Jack’ Haverly” and full line of theat- rical toilet accessories. I D A H A V E R L. Y. 208 west 42nd St., New York. F a m o u s M in strels Less than 4 per cent of the above group, origin- ally reproduced in 1866, are living. An enlarged photo, with names of all the performers can be had for 25 cents. EDW. LE ROY RICE, Room 10, 22 N. William Street NEW YORK CITY The Great English Vaudeville Paper The Music Hall —AND– T H E A T R E REVIEW 14 Leicester Street, Leicester Square, London, W. C. - Professional Advertisements, - - 2s. 6d. Single Column Inch == G º = 8s. 8d. Per Year “MADISON's BUDGET is a valuable publication for performers and others. . I consider you one of the best parody writers that we have.” - The Late TONY PASTOR. “MADISON's BUDGET re- ceived and would say that one dollar is not enough for such good stuff. The price should be five dollars and no questions asked.” - Yours in German, SAM BERNARD. “Use my name any time you want to and tell them I said MADI- son’s BUDGET is the best ever! Fine and daisy and worth a hundred times the price.” JACK NORWORTH. “I have been a BUD- GET subscriber from the start, and you can count on me clear through to the finish. Enough said.” FRED NIBLO. “I am hard “audience,’ but your stuff made me laugh right out.” LONEY HASKELL. “I must compliment you on the absolute merit of MADISON’s BUD- GET. You have dis- covered a new field and it is a boon to vaude- ville artists.” HARRY MONTAGUE. “By long odds the brightest aid to vaude- villists is MADIson’s BUD- GET. It is the source of nearly all the jokes and gags used on the vaude- ville stage.” N. Y. JOURNAL. “A laugh in every 1íne.” THE LONDON ENCORE. Hundreds of other en- dorsements from such artists as Marshall P. Wilder, Fannie Fields, Maude Courtney, Wil- son and Waring, Her- bert Lloyd, Will H. Fox, James Donavan, . Law- rence and Harrington, Junie McCree, Lydia Yeamans Titus, Frank Latona, Jules etc., etc. The Recognized Book of its kind Used by Best Artists the World Over M A D IS ON'S B U D G E T The Book of Ten Thousand Laughs MADISON'S BUDGET is a year-book of comedy for vaudeville artists and contains the latest and best monologues, sketches for two and more characters, parodies and popular songs, minstrel first-parts, farcial afterpieces, sidewalk patter, jokes, gags, stage poems, etc. etc. PRICE ONE DOLLAR for which the latest issue will be sent you postpaid. & & & 3, & JAMES MADISON 14O4. THIRD AVENUE, NEW YORK ACTS ALSO WRITTEN TO ORDER JUST DELIGHTED YOUR MONOLOGUE GREATEST . OF SUC- with the monologue you THE BEST CESS have written for me, as I ever is the audience wherever I appear. JOE WELCH. used. You can is all I can say about the go ahead on another new monologue you wrote one for me. for me. BEN WELCH. NAT CARR. MATER.A.;IMPLY ACT IS IMMENSE Every line a laugh. You can depend that we will always call on you in future. EMERALD & DUPRE. - - AFTER LOOKING Anytime .*.* ; ROUND part in a show shall I found th - ń. call on old Dr. iſ."...it. I...". a C11SO11. son. Gee, I’m glad. JACK NORWORTH. AL. CARLETON, ALSO REFER TO THREE PEOPL 2 RESPONSIBLE PLEASED for my success, viz.: . - Edward S. Keller (my with the new material Leech, Howard and agent), james Madison you, Wººte for mº, Have iſoward, Pat Rooney, (my author), and yours used, all of it with great Ély”. B. Vân, Wyſſ, E. Garrison, Lew Fields, Lew Dock- stader, Joe Morris, Al. truly, results. Wm. FRED DUPREZ. in MORE THAN and Lee, CHARLES WAYNE. Whittle, etc., etc. For Prices and Terms Address as above. The Stage Publications (UHF stage The English professional journal with the largest circulation. Covers the Dramatic and Vaudeville Stage of the world. Published Thursdavs. Price 2d. American Subscription 17s. 4d. per annum. Ulle Étage (Lurlupiehiä. Price 10s. 6d. (American Postage 8d.) Compiled by REGINALD CLARENCE An alphabetical list of plays, of which any record can be found, since the commencement of the English Stage, giving authors' names, dates and places of production, and recording principal revivals. 500 PAGES. 50,000 REFERENCES. UHe $tage jear Bunk. An annual publication, issued early in January, containing numerous art supplements and illustrations and dealing with the theatrical work of the year throughout the world. Price 1s, cloth, 2s. American postage 8d. A few copies of the years 1908, 1909 and 1910 can be obtained. PUBLISHING OFFICES: 16 York Street, Covent Garden, London, W. C. England. THE STAGE can be obtained in NEW YORK at Messrs. Samuel French, Ltd. Wheeler Building, 28-30. West 38th Street. Paul Tausig’s, German Savings Bank Buildings and Casino News Stand. Morris Kasdan, 1402 Broadway; in CHICAGO at the Saratoga Hotel News Stand. THE ALBERT DAVIS C O L L E C T I O N OF \ THEATRIGAL PHOTOGRAPHS is one of the largest in the world. I can supply you with ANYTHING; all branches of the profession represented, PAST and PRESENT. Prices quoted on application. “MONARCH OF THE GLEN”—A handsome photo-engraving, 8x10, containing portraits of famous players, and the first officers of the B. P. O. Elks, Feb. 16, 1868. Price 25 cents. A. L. B E R T D A V IS 15 NIYRTLE AVE., BROOKLYN, N. Y. Stageland's Weekly Pictorial Record s. s. s. s. The Standard and VANITY F AIR The Weekly Theatre Magazine Brighter, Breezier and Larger than Ever Under New Management - EDWARD EVERETT PIDGEON, Editor All the popular features retained, Augmented staff of Writers and Artists. Latest and most reliable news and gossip of things theatrical, music, vandeville, College Sports, The Swirl of Society, Sports of the Smart Set. Stage Gowns that set the fashions, etc. Subscription ‘Rates: One Year, $400, Six Months, $2.00, Three Months, $1.00. Single Copies 10 cents each. Subscribe Now! - Subscribe Now ! Ex Exº~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~}} ºf To the Dramatic, Musical and Kindred Professions “Ullr ºra" Welugpaper Deboted to the affairs of the Drama and &Music is published at “THE ERA * BUILDINGS 5, Tavistock Street, Strand, LONDON, W. C. Two Doors off Wellington Street. 32 32 Number Number FiN0 Fiyê TāWistOCk TāWistOCk Street, Street, Stränd, Stränd, W. C. W. C. 32 32 ºw “THE ERA” BUILDINGS. THE EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISEMENT OFFICES OF “THE ERA” 5, TAVISTOCK STREET, STRAND, LONDON, W.C. Members of the Theatrical, Music Hall, and Allied Professions who are travelling about are cordially invited to use the address of “The Era” as their permanent address. Letters received at “The Era” Buildings, Tavistock Street, Strand, W. C., will be immediately re-addressed according to instructions. American and Foreign Artists are welcome. 4747 Central Telegraphic Address: “The Era, London.” Telephones) 1433 Central Cable Address: # ***.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.* The Theatrical Profession forms a Great and Marvelously Interesting World. Ultr Neu turk Dramatic flirrur Established in 1879. Covers every form of theatrical entertainment in this country, weekly, and includes profuse illustrations, criticisms, and biographical records, presented in a clean, reliable and progressive manner. Subscription price $4. one year; $2. six months; single copy 10c. Write for our special trial three months introductory offer to new subscribers and free sample copy. THE DRAMATIC MIRROR COMPANY 121 West 42nd Street, New York City Every Artist Should Read The Player Official Organ of the W. R. A. and the A. A. A. America's Greatest Theatrical Paper -:FOR SALE EVERYWHERE:- Published Every Friday At 1553 Broadway New York City The Al. G. Field Greater Minstrels America's Representative Organization 25 Years of Continuous Success 25 The largest and most complete organization of its kind in the world. AL. G. FIELD, Proprietor and Manager, Home Office:- 50 Broad Street Columbus, Ohio. On the News Stands every Saturday. Five cents a copy. The World's Greatest Amusement Paper Devoted exclusively to the Profession of Entertainers - WARREN A. PATRICK, General Director. The Show World is an Independent Newspaper. It is not owned or controlled by an amusement trust. It is fair and fearless and prints the news all the time. This weeks news this week. Subscription Two Dollars and Fifty Cents the Year, Delivered anywhere on earth PUBLICATION OFFICE Grand Opera House Building, Chicago, U. S. A. Why pay more for an Amusement Paper. Get all the 5c 5 news in the Show World—red-hot, nothing doped, just plain facts. Spend a nickel a week and keep posted. Kenny's Hotel Directory is the most handiest, complete, comprehensive and 'paluable work of its kind. Contains the name of every known hotel in the United States and Foreign Countries, their locations, rates, plans, etc. Com- pletely rebísed from coper to cover, and brought up to date with new and baluable additions. The only dependable and compact little volume that is al?pays consultable and on hand. 400 pages, vest pocket size. Is carried the world oper by Tourists, Trav- elers, Commercial and ‘Business Men, and eberyone who is connected ºpith the Theatrical Profession. Bound in leather, gold edges, $1.00 Bound in cloth, red edges, 50 cts. Patty of the Palms A charming and romantic novel depicting the politic and social life in Porto Rico that is full of humor and pathos, and which is sure to rank among the season's best sellers. By Adam C. Haeselbarth. A much discussed book which has re- ceived no end of favorable criticisms. $ 1. 2 5 N E Tº & & & Send all orders to KENNY PUBLISHING COMPANY 22-24 NORTH WILLIAM ST. NEW YORK CITY, N. Y. - A few copies of my first book “1000 Men of Minstrelsy and I Woman” --- - - may be had. Gives names, right names, dates and places of births and deaths of eleven hun- dred performers, past and present. To close out; 25 cents each. EDW. L.E ROY RICE Room 10, 22 JVCorth William Street NEW YORK CITY JOHN P. HOGAN THE WELL KNOWN ... MINSTREL .". O R. I. G. I. NATO R O F štep attà stage Battrituſ TAUGHT EY MAIL Fully Covered By Copyright Address for prospectas J O H. N. P. H. O. G. A N 108 West 43rd Street, New York City. THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN Univ. of Mich. 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