Chapter XI: Introduction (11)

His first appearance in female make-up was at the Queen’s Theatre, Toronto, Canada. Later he was engaged by J. H. Haverly for the latter’s new “Mastodons,” with whom he played for three seasons; after the consolidation of the two companies (Haverly’s), Mr. Malcolm continued with Mr. Haverly for nine months; a record of which to be proud.

An engagement of three years with Billy Emerson’s Minstrels in San Francisco followed; during this time Mr. Malcolm was away from the company but four weeks.

A return engagement with Haverly, opening at the Drury Lane Theatre, London, England, May 31, 1884, and continuing as a member of that organization for one year, followed. Returning to America, Mr. Malcolm remained with Mr. Haverly until the latter sold out to W. S. Cleveland. He became a member of McNish, Johnson and Slavin’s Minstrels in 1886, and continued with them until the dissolution of the organization, about May, 1888; subsequently joining Johnson and Slavin’s Minstrels.

Since that time Mr. Malcolm did concert work chiefly. In his early career he did a specialty in the leading variety theatres with the late Arthur Doty.

Fred B. Malcolm was born near Morris, Ill.; he died in Chicago, Ill., April 3, 1910.

FRANK H. WHITE began his professional career as a member of the Aeolian Quartette in his native city in 1871, and continued with them for seven years.

He married in 1879, and as Frank H. and Lillian White they played variety engagements until about 1891, when they separated.

He played black-face parts in dramatic companies for a while, and about fifteen or eighteen years ago was with Lew Dockstader’s Minstrels.

A few years ago he joined Lew Simmons in an old-time black-face act, with whom he is still associated.

Mr. White is a great delineator of the scary coon.

Frank H. White was born in Newark, N. J.

RICHARD MAGEE, JR., well known as a vocalist in Philadelphia, joined Simmons and Slocum’s Minstrels in that city late in December, 1872, terminating his engagement April 5, 1873.

He died February 27, 1880.

“MEMPHIS” Kennedy, a well-known black-face performer, who did a unique musical act, was with Lew Dockstader’s Minstrels about 1893, also other well-known companies.

He was drowned near Hannibal Mo., October 12, 1907.

BOB HEIGHT, the well-known colored comedian, who was a favorite with Sam Hague’s Minstrels in Liverpool, England, in the middle 70’s died in Manchester, England, September 8, 1881.

BURTON STANLEY was famous for his female impersonations. In 1875 he was with Haverly’s Minstrels; September 2, 1879, he joined a dramatic organization in “Larks,” and a few months later was traveling with Stanley’s Juvenile Company. August 24, 1881, he opened with Brooks, Dickson and Clapham’s Minstrels; the tour was a brief one and in November following, Mr. Stanley joined Leavitt’s Minstrels. His next important engagement was with Emerson’s Minstrels in San Francisco; here he met Gus Pixley, later forming an alliance, playing the variety houses for several seasons. Mr. Stanley retired from the profession some years ago, and is now a prosperous boniface in the West.

HARRY (Jas. H.) ARMSTRONG or “Handsome Harry” (see portrait) as he was known, began his professional career about forty years ago, and only a short time later launched Armstrong’s Constellation Variety Troupe and Female Minstrels.

W. W. BLACK

CHAS. T. WHITE

JOHN J. BLUE

BILLY GRAY

JOE. BROWN

JNO. E. GREEN

HOW’S THIS FOR A COLOR SCHEME?]

In 1874 he was with Harry Robinson’s Minstrels and the following year with one of Leavitt’s attractions.

In the fall of 1879 he joined the Big Four Minstrels, and in 1881 became a member of Leavitt’s Minstrels. 1882 saw him with Courtright and Hawkin’s Minstrels in Philadelphia, and the following season he was with Haverly’s Minstrels.

Mr. Armstrong joined Sweatnam, Rice and Fagan’s Minstrels in 1887 for the season; in 1892 he was again with Haverly at the latter’s permanent home of minstrelsy in Chicago; at this house he did acts with Harry Constantine, the female impersonator.

Harry Armstrong was born at Wilmington, Del., April 3, 1850.

HARRY SHIRLEY, a well-known singer, who was with Emerson’s Minstrels in San Francisco in 1881, also other prominent companies, died in Los Angeles, Cal., September 22, 1889.

OTIS BOWERS, of the old minstrel firm of “Beach and Bowers” Minstrels, when last heard of was a contented resident of Maquoketa, Iowa.

After six months of constant practice, the author is able to spell and pronounce properly the name of the thriving little town in the state that produced Bert Leslie.

HARRY SHAY (Shea) was a well known and capable black-face comedian and general performer. He had been associated with many of the prominent variety theatres as stock comedian, and was especially a favorite in Paterson, N. J., where he died, November 4, 1886.

HURLEY AND MARR, famous for many years in their black-face songs and dances, formed a partnership about 1869; they appeared with Hooley’s Minstrels in Brooklyn, N. Y., in December of that year.

Subsequently they played successful engagements with Hooley in Chicago in the Fall of 1872, leaving Hooley to join Arlington, Cotton and Kemble’s Minstrels, in the same city.

They also appeared with Bryant’s in New York, and Simmons and Slocum in Philadelphia.

Mr. Marr later separated from Hurley, and for about ten years worked with his brother John, as the Marr Brothers.

J. Hurley died in New York, July 22, 1886.

Billy Marr was born in New York; he died in Brooklyn, N. Y., December 13, 1892; age 40 years.

JAMES HOLLY, of the once well-known and favorite black-face song and dance team of Homer and Holly, died in Memphis, Tenn., January 17, 1891; age 40 years.

CARROLL JOHNSON (James Carroll) is one of the foremost living minstrels, and is justly entitled to the appellation “Beau Brummell” of minstrelsy; his costumes and acting as the dandy darky, making him a likely prototype in black of that famous personage.

Mr. Johnson’s theatrical career began at the Bowery Theatre in New York, about 1866, doing a singing and dancing specialty.

He played the usual variety engagements until November 1, 1869, on which date he joined Newcomb’s Minstrels in Washington, D. C. The following year, September 5, he formed a partnership with George Powers, doing a high kicking song and dance, starting with Hooley’s Minstrels in Brooklyn, N. Y.; when that company opened in Chicago, January 2, 1871, Mr. Johnson was with them, and continued for several months.

August 26, 1872, he opened with Birch, Wambold and Backus’ Minstrels in New York, and except during the season of 1874-75, when he was with Carncross and Dixey’s Minstrels in Philadelphia, he was with them until 1882.

In the Summer of 1880 he played a brief engagement with Moore and Burgess’ Minstrels in London, England. Subsequently he played engagements with Courtright and Hawkin’s Minstrels, in Philadelphia; Emerson’s, in San Francisco, and Haverly’s in Chicago; it was here in the Summer of 1883 that Johnson and Powers dissolved partnership. Mr. Johnson later played with Haverly, in Europe, after which he returned to America, and with Charley Reed gave a fine minstrel performance in San Francisco, opening August, 1884, and remaining until July following.

On July 30, 1885, he became one of the proprietors of McNish, Johnson and Slavin’s Minstrels, opening on that date at Paterson, N. J.; the organization was in existence for three seasons. Johnson and Slavin’s Minstrels took the road in 1888; the partnership was dissolved in June, 1889.

September 9, following, Mr. Johnson began a starring tour in white face, appearing in “The Fairy’s Well”; he was with this company two seasons, and the next two years in “The Gossoon,” and the “Irish Statesman” respectively.

In 1893 with George Thatcher he organized, and conducted, for two years Thatcher and Johnson’s 20th Century Minstrels.

Three years in vaudeville in black and white face was followed by an engagement with the William H. West Company of the Primrose and West’s Minstrels, there being two companies of that name season of 1897-98.

Mr. Johnson joined West’s Minstrels in 1898, and continued until 1900; then three more years of vaudeville, followed by two and a half years with Lew Dockstader’s Minstrels.

He was with Dumont’s Minstrels in Philadelphia, season 1909-10. August 3, 1910, he began an engagement with Lew Dockstader’s Minstrels for the season.

Mr. Johnson was married in Boston, Mass., June 15, 1871, and lived happily ever after.

Carroll Johnson was born in Carlingford, Ireland, December 16, 1851.

TOMMY GRANGER, the “Prince Jockey” as he was sometimes called, from the fact that his entrance on the stage was made on a coal black steed arrayed in Tod Sloan habiliments (Granger, not the horse) began “acting up” in 1861, doing a black-face song and dance at an exceedingly tender age, and in black face; this was in Buffalo; “Root Hog or Die” was the song used on this auspicious occasion.

But it was as a dancer that Mr. Granger gained fame; and his “Raffle for an Eight Day Stove,” is recalled by many a theatre goer of 30 years ago. His first minstrel engagement was with W. W. Newcomb in 1865; subsequently he allied himself with such well-known companies as Simmons and Slocum’s in Philadelphia; Thatcher, Primrose and West’s and the “California” Minstrels; his last engagement with a minstrel company was with the Barlow Brothers.

Tom Granger’s Georgia Minstrels in 1878 didn’t conflict with Haverly’s Mastodons of the same year.

Tommy Granger was born in Kingston, Canada, August 9, 1851.

JOHN MCVICKAR (Harrington), one of the original “Bay State Boys,” who did a good clog dancing act, made his first appearance as a member of that quartette at the old Howard in Boston, Mass., September 13, 1869. They played with the Morris Brother’s Minstrels, also with Dougherty, Wild, Barney and Mac’s Minstrels in the Hub.

The four disbanded in 1871. About 1883 Mr. McVickar went to Lothrop’s Theatre in Boston, as manager, later going to the Howard, where he continued until about 1904.

John McVickar died in Boston, Mass., May 24, 1909.

SEAMON S. PETTITT made his first professional appearance at the age of nine years.

His first partner was James Sharpley; subsequently with Tommy Moore they worked as Masters Tommy and Willie. In 1871 Pettitt, Phillips and White formed an alliance which continued one year, after which Pettitt and White did a double song and dance until the death of Mr. Pettitt.

He had been with Skiff and Gaylord’s Minstrels and other well known companies. During the Summer season he acted as singing clown in the circus.

Mr. Pettitt was born October 6, 1851; he died at Taylorsville, Pa., August 10, 1880.

TOMMY WINNETT made his first appearance in 1864 at the Canterbury Music Hall. In 1866 he formed a partnership with Charley Holly, and as Winnett and Holly they continued until July 10, 1868.

Mr. Winnett has been associated with the following well-known minstrel companies--“Campbell’s”; Sam Sanford’s; Kunkel’s “Nightingale’s”; Skiff and Gaylord’s; Hooley’s, in Brooklyn, and Welch, Hughes and White, same city.

Mr. Winnett won a medal in Mobile, Ala., for his dancing, and a silver cup in Memphis, Tenn.

For twenty-five years he traveled with his wife, as Tom and Lottie Winnett. His last professional appearance was in Chicago, at the Olympic Theatre, in 1898.

Tommy Winnett was born in New York, May 25, 1851.

THE GORMAN BROTHERS, or the three Gorman boys, as they are invariably spoken of, are synonymous with all that is best in minstrelsy; for these gentlemen had the schooling on the variety and minstrel stage that the present generation of performers never may hope to attain.

TOMMY GETTINGS

DICK SLITER

BILLY ALLEN

MIKE KANANE

BOBBY NEWCOMB

BILLY SHEPPARD

WASH. NORTON

TIM. HAYES

WALLY THOMAS

DAISY DANCERS OF MANY DECADES.]

Gifted with natural talents that place them on the highest plane in their profession, they used these to the best advantage, and thus hold the enviable positions they occupy to-day.

James Gorman, or “Jim” as we all love to call him, was the first of the trio to make his professional entrée, which he did with Hooley’s Minstrels in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, N. Y.; the theatre is now known as the Novelty; the date, February, 1869.

Mr. Gorman’s salary was seventy-five cents per night, most of which he has since squandered.

In 1872 brother John joined brother Jim, and as the Gorman Brothers made their first joint appearance at the Bowery Theatre, in New York.

Three years later little Georgie joined his brothers, then and there creating a trade-mark which subsequently became prominent all over the country.

Several years were spent in the principal variety houses, and on October 21, 1878, at the Adelphi Theatre in Chicago, they made their appearance with the newly organized Haverly’s Mastodon Minstrels, at the initial performance of that famous organization.

The brothers continued with Haverly mostly until 1883, when in conjunction with Gorton’s Minstrels, Gorman Bros.’ Royal Pantomime Company toured the country for several months.

In the Summer of 1884 they rejoined Haverly at the Drury Lane Theatre, London, England, playing there ten weeks; after which they made a tour of the provinces, and returned to the United States, opening in Cincinnati, Ohio, at Heuck’s Opera House, March 18, 1885.

They remained under the Haverly banner until they organized their own company, the Gorman Bros.’ Minstrels, giving their first performance August 24, 1887; they continued as an organization for six consecutive seasons.

In 1893 they played with Primrose and West’s “Monte Carlo” Company. The “boys” next appeared with the “Gilhooley’s Abroad,” as the vehicle for their talents; they continued with this for three seasons.

Subsequently they produced “Mr. Beane, from Boston,” which ran for two seasons.

In August, 1906, the Gorman Brother’s Minstrels again took the field, but owing to gross mismanagement, did not continue as long as the artistic merits of the organization justified it in doing. As a production, this company was an event in minstrelsy.

We are wont to speak of the Gormans as dancers; and of James, as a producer; but the versatility of these “youths” know no bounds.

John and George are comedians of high degree, as attested by their success with Marie Dressler, in “Tillie’s Nightmare” at the Herald Square Theatre, New York, during the Summer of 1910; and they have many other successes to their credit.

George Gorman is conceded to be one of the world’s greatest dancers. And John, the altitudinous one, excels as a character comedian. Such in brief, are the careers of the “Gentlemanly Gormans.”

James Gorman was born in New York City, August 23, 1852.

John Gorman was born in New York City, November 4, 1855.

George Gorman was born in New York City, December 16, 1864.

WM. F. HOLMES, the favorite baritone vocalist, began his professional career at an early age with the Caroline Richings Troupe.

He was with several prominent minstrel companies, notably Thatcher and Ryman in Philadelphia in 1881, and McNish, Johnson and Slavin’s, with whom he was at the time of his death in Boston, Mass., December 10, 1886. He was 34 years of age.

CHARLES BRICKWOOD (Brickett), well known as a comedian and banjoist, entered the profession about 1875. He had been successfully identified with the minstrel companies of Whitmore and Clark’s; I. W. Baird’s and George Irving’s California Minstrels. In 1878 he was with Washburn’s Last Sensation.

For several years he had played Uncle Tom in a most acceptable manner; he had likewise played Marks, also in “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.” Mr. Brickwood was a brother of the late Mayor of Haverhill, Mass., and a man of unusual intelligence. Charles Brickwood died at Haverhill, Mass., October 22, 1900; age 48 years.

EVERETT WESLYN joined Frank Casey about 1872 in a musical act, and continued with him until his (Weslyn’s) death.

He was with Carncross and Dixey’s Minstrels in Philadelphia, in 1877; subsequently with Haverly’s Mastodons.

He died in St. Louis, Mo., November 8, 1879; age 27 years.

FOX AND WARD--To Fox and Ward belong the enviable distinction of having existed as partners (perhaps we should say theatrical associates), for a longer period than that of any other team; active partners is the term meant. Their initial joint appearance was in Cincinnati in 1868.

Early in 1870 they played their first minstrel engagement with Dan Shelby’s Company, and the same year they joined Duprez and Benedict’s Minstrels, and were features of this famous organization until 1879, when they joined Barlow, Wilson, Primrose and West’s Minstrels.

Subsequently they were with the Skiff and Gaylord Company, and in September, 1882, Fox and Ward’s Minstrels made their first appearance.

In 1884 they were members of Haverly’s Minstrels.

In 1886 they played with Lester and Allen’s Minstrels, and two years later returned to Haverly.

In 1890 they traveled with George Arlington’s Minstrels.

Fox and Ward eschewed minstrelsy for several years, when in 1897 they played their third engagement with Haverly.

Again deserting their burnt cork friends, they played vaudeville and combination dates for a few seasons. They joined Dumont’s Minstrels in Philadelphia in 1905, and the major portion of the intervening time has been since spent with that notable organization.

Joseph Fox (Monahan), was born in Ogdensburg, N. Y., May 7, 1852.

William H. Ward (Marvin Morton Mallison), was born in Canandaigua, N. Y., September 17, 1852.

* * * * *

Did it ever occur to you that of the many minstrel companies of the past in which two or more headed the organization, the last named member of the alliance was the first to pass away?

For example, Skiff and Gaylord; Low. Gaylord was the first to die--there are about thirty other such instances.

* * * * *

GEORGE H. PRIMROSE (Delaney), in addition to being one of the most graceful dancers in the profession, is concededly one of its best business men; a rare combination in theatrical history.

Mr. Primrose’s career began about 1867 in Detroit, Mich., with McFarland’s Minstrels, at which time he was billed as Master Georgie, the infant clog dancer; subsequently he joined the New Orleans Minstrels.

In the Summer of 1871 he went to Smith’s Opera House, Saginaw, Mich.; here he met and formed a partnership with Bobby McGown, and shortly afterwards they joined O’Brien’s Circus, where they performed a double clog in the concert; at the end of the tent season, Primrose and McGown dissolved partnership, and Mr. Primrose went with Skiff and Gaylord’s Minstrels; it was here he first met William H. West; late in 1871. A few months later they formed a partnership that continued about thirty years.

About May 1, 1873, Mr. Primrose and his new partner joined O’Brien’s Circus, again playing in the concerts; a little later they played their first joint minstrel engagement with Simmons and Slocum in Philadelphia, closing with them in the Spring of 1874. That same year, November 20, they made their initial appearance with Haverly’s Minstrels in Brooklyn, N. Y.; continuing with them until June 14, 1877; two months later Barlow, Wilson, Primrose and West’s Minstrels gave their first performance; this was a grand organization; it continued until the Summer of 1882.

In conjunction with George Thatcher, Mr. Primrose and his partner organized Thatcher, Primrose and West’s Minstrels at Elmira, N. Y., August 3, 1882; this alliance was dissolved at the conclusion of the season of 1888-89. In the Summer of 1889, Primrose and West’s Minstrels made their initial bow and continued as an organization until April 30, 1898, when at Milwaukee, Wis., the long partnership that existed between Primrose and West dissolved.

Season of 1897-98, Mr. Primrose headed one minstrel company, while Mr. West piloted another; both companies being under their joint management.

Beginning in 1898, and continuing until the Spring of 1903, Mr. Primrose and Lew Dockstader joined forces, and Primrose and Dockstader’s company was the premier minstrel organization until the Spring of 1903.

Since that period Mr. Primrose has headed his own organization, with an occasional season in vaudeville.

On August 2, 1879, Mr. Primrose married Miss Emma Catlin, at Buffalo, N. Y. The first Mrs. Primrose died some years ago. On April 24, 1904, he married Miss Esther Nerney, at Mount Vernon, N. Y.

George H. Primrose was born in London, Canada, November 12, 1852.

J. MARCUS DOYLE, the accomplished dancer, producer and comedian, made his first appearance at a concert hall in Buffalo, N. Y., as boy, in the middle 60’s, subsequently joining a circus, and later forming one of the team of Baker and Doyle.

BILLY EMERSON

WM. HENRY RICE
(1870)

BILLY MANNING

SHINING LIGHTS OF MINSTRELSY.]

His best work was done in minstrelsy, and he was identified with such organizations as Barlow, Wilson, Primrose and West’s; Hi Henry’s; Cleveland’s and Barlow Brothers.

About 1896 he joined the May Russell Burlesque Company.

J. Marcus Doyle was born in Elyria, Ohio; he died in Buffalo, N. Y., December 23, 1899; age 47 years.

HARRY WOODSON (John Archer Shields), considered by many as the greatest delineator of the “aged darky” that the stage ever knew, began his professional career as an amateur in his native city. His first professional engagement was with the Buckley and Morris Minstrels singing in character “Old Black Joe.”

September 2, 1878, he began an engagement at Carncross’ Minstrels in Philadelphia, and in the Spring of 1881 he played another engagement in the same city with Thatcher & Ryman’s Minstrels. Commencing in 1880 he was one of the proprietors of Woodson and Allen’s Minstrels, which made tours off and on until October 28, 1883, when the last performance was given at Cynthiana, Ky. Season of 1886-87 he created the part of “Rufus,” the old negro in “Held by the Enemy.”

He married Miss Laura Bennett, a well-known star of the old variety days; they had one daughter.

Mr. Woodson’s singing of “That Old Gray Mule of Mine” was a classic.

His last engagement was with Cleveland’s Minstrels in 1891.

Harry Woodson was born in Richmond, Va., January 15, 1852; he died at Amityville, Long Island, N. Y., August 30, 1898.

W. S. BELKNAP, prominent as a bass singer with Haverly’s Mastodon Minstrels; Barlow, Wilson, Primrose and West’s and other minstrel organizations, died at Louisville, Ky., February 15, 1900; age 48 years.

BILLY O’DAY (Geo. F. Day), who excelled as a “rough wench,” commenced “acting up” late in 1871 at Frank Wild’s Varieties in Buffalo, N. Y.; remained one year at $12 per -- not $12.00 per year; but perhaps you have guessed it.

Afterwards he was with Shay’s Quinciplexal Minstrels, and joined Billy Wild; known as O’Day and Wild, the “Ebony Kings,” the partnership continued two years. He then played variety engagements, and was three years at Harry Enoch’s in Philadelphia.

In 1890 O’Day and Jerry Cunningham were partners, and remained so for one year. Mr. O’Day has since that time played white- and black-face characters in several prominent dramatic organizations, including Rufus, in “Held by the Enemy” and Decatur in “Alabama,” not forgetting Uncle Tom in the latter’s Cabin.

I most forgot to say that about 1873 Mr. O’Day appeared as “Master Willie” with the San Francisco Minstrels in New York, and sang “There’s A Letter In The Candle.”

Mr. O’Day was married at Johnstown, Pa., October 13, 1892, to Miss Mary Eagel, a non-professional.

Billy O’Day was born April 1, 1852, in Brooklyn, N. Y.; that’s no joke.

THE REYNOLDS BROTHERS were a well-known and popular song and dance team. As early as 1865 as the “Utica Boys” they were with Burgess, Prendergast, Hughes and Donniker’s Minstrels; the year following with Burgess and La Rue’s Minstrels.

They joined M. C. Campbell’s company in 1867, and subsequently appeared with Emerson and Manning’s; Emerson’s, and Arlington, Cotton and Kemble’s Minstrels; the latter in 1872. After the death of his brother Charles, George Reynolds appeared for a short time with Charley Cogill as Cogill and Reynolds.

CHARLES REYNOLDS was born in Utica, N. Y., in 1852; he died in San Francisco, Cal., January 7, 1878. GEORGE REYNOLDS died in New York City, March 4, 1895.

TOMMY TURNER (Trainor) was one of the Three Turner Brothers, and well known as a banjoist.

He was the husband of Lulu Francis, and had been in the profession about ten years prior to his death, which occurred in Leadville, Colo., May 31, 1879, at the age of 25 years. Mr. Turner was born in New York, September 29, 1854.

FRED WALZ, during his comparatively brief career as a vocalist in minstrelsy, achieved distinction that has often been denied those of more mature years.

His first professional engagement was with Newcomb and Arlington’s Minstrels in 1871. In 1872 he was with Moran and Dixey’s Minstrels in Philadelphia, and subsequently with Frank Moran’s Minstrels.

In 1873 he joined Simmons and Slocum’s Minstrels for the season, also in the Quaker City. August 31, 1874, he became a member of Bryant’s Minstrels in New York, and continued with them until the death of Dan Bryant, April 10, 1875, when he almost immediately joined Emerson’s California Minstrels in Chicago, and continued with them several weeks.

Subsequently he became a member of Carncross and Dixey’s, and later Carncross’ Minstrels in Philadelphia, where he remained until his death.

Fred Walz was born in Philadelphia about 1852; he died there September 7, 1884.

JAMES H. CUMMINGS was one of minstrelsy’s best dancers. He formed a partnership with John P. Hogan late in 1871, and played an engagement at Moran and Dixey’s Minstrels in Philadelphia, terminating about February 1, 1872.

Later his partner was W. H. Delehanty, whom he joined August 23, 1875; the alliance lasted about fifteen months.

Mr. Cummings subsequently did an act with Harry Orndorf while with the Emily Soldene Company, where he remained two seasons. He left the profession for a time, and embarked in business in Indianapolis, Ind.

Mr. Cummings married one of the Stanley Sisters, well known performers of three decades ago. James H. Cummings was born in Rochester, N. Y.; he died in San Francisco, February 15, 1889; age 37 years.

WELBY AND PEARL are not exactly the pioneers of song and dance teams, but they have been associated as partners since 1874, which is enough to make them qualify.

They have been with several first-class organizations, including Al. G. Field’s Minstrels, with whom they were with in 1899; subsequently they joined Gorton’s Minstrels, and continued with them almost to date. Mr. Pearl, of recent years, was manager of the company.

Jake Welby (Bucher), was born October 13, 1852, at Syracuse, N. Y.

Charles C. Pearl (Fell), was born in West Chester, Pa., December 4, 1858.

DAN COLLYER (McAnerny), the well known comedian of Broadway fame, was one of the Collyer Brothers as early as 1872, doing black-face acts. Doesn’t look it, does he? November 16, 1889, he opened in New York with “Running Wild,” in which he played the wench.

In the stock with Pastor’s Company, likewise Harrigan and Hart’s, he essayed many black-face roles; he also did vaudeville with Add. Ryman--and there were others, notably Dockstader’s Minstrels in New York, December, 1888. Mr. Collyer was born in Baltimore, Md., March, 1853.

FRANK MCNISH (Francis Edward McNish), like the good American that he is, began his theatrical career on July 4, the year, 1873. Garry Doon shared the honors.

He first appeared professionally April 16, 1877, in Buffalo, N. Y., at the Adelphi.

August 21, 1878, he joined Barlow, Wilson, Primrose and West’s Minstrels, continuing with them until February 21, 1879. Mr. McNish later formed an alliance with the Leland Sisters, and played variety engagements with much success for about three years, after which he joined Thatcher, Primrose and West’s Minstrels, August 3, 1882, and was a feature with them for three years.

Mr. McNish was now ripe for stellar honors, and accordingly on July 30, 1885, the first performance of McNish, Johnson and Slavin’s Minstrels was given in Paterson, N. J.; the organization continued three years, after which McNish, Ramza and Arno’s Minstrels did appear--and disappear.

Mr. McNish was with Al. G. Field’s Minstrels in 1892, and with Hi Henry in 1895--and there were others.

Also did he “star” in “An Actor’s Romance” or “An Actor’s Holiday,” the author forgets which; however, the tour was neither a romance nor a holiday.

January 4, 1887, Meriden, Conn., had the honor of being the first city of witnessing Mr. McNish’s appearance as an end man.

Most everybody knows that Frank McNish was the originator of the Silence and Fun specialty that made him famous, and which has been extensively copied by other performers. In addition to being a good dancer, he is also a good singer; originally a plumber, Mr. McNish always has his pipes in good working order.

An early partner was Edward Gildea; the latest were Joe. Penfield and Frank McNish, Jr.

Frank McNish was born in Camden, N. Y., December 14, 1853.

BILLY LYONS

FRED. MALCOLM

CHAS. HEYWOOD

JUSTIN ROBINSON

THE GREAT “EUGENE”

ERNEST LINDEN

LINCOLN ELLWOOD

BURT. SHEPARD

PAUL VERNON

FAMED FAVORITES WHO FEATURED FEMININE FANCIES--SECOND EDITION.]

GUS MILLS achieved considerable popularity as a female impersonator with Simmons, Slocum’s and Sweatnam’s Minstrels in Philadelphia; Dockstader’s in New York, as well as Emerson’s and other well known organizations; he died in Chicago, Ill., October 6, 1903; age about 55 years.

JOHNNY MACK entered the profession at an early age. He had as partners at various times Johnny Gardner, Billy Conway and Lew Dockstader. With the latter he played with Whitmore and Clark’s Minstrels in 1874, as Mack and Clapp.

He died at Hoosick Falls, N. Y., February 28, 1891; age 38 years.

WILLIE (WM. H.) GUY was the first of the Guy boys to enter minstrelsy, making his initial appearance with Hooley in Brooklyn, N. Y., about 1863; the following year he was with M. C. Campbell’s Minstrels in New York.

Subsequently he joined his brother George, and as George and Willie Guy became quite popular at Hooley’s Minstrels in Brooklyn, where they remained for a considerable time.

The next few years he was with the minstrel organization of Kelly and Leon; Moore and Burgess, Harry Robinson’s, Welch, Hughes and White; Smith and Taylor’s, and George Christy’s.

In 1874 he became a member of Guy Brother’s Minstrels, and as such continued practically until his death. Mr. Guy ranked high as a song and dance performer and comedian.

Willie Guy was born in Hartford, Conn., October 16, 1853; he died in Springfield, Mass., February 26, 1906.

RICHARD GOLDEN (Frank Golden), whose fame as “Old Jed Prouty” will long live, did a black-face song and dance with Lew Davis (later Chace and Davis), in the late 60’s; he was also with Sharpley’s Minstrels.

Mr. Golden was born in Bangor, Me., February 6, 1853; he died in Brooklyn, N. Y., August 10, 1909.

HARRY M. MORSE. It would be a difficult matter to say off-hand whether this gentleman is best known as a minstrel or as a delineator of “rube” characters; in the one he has been associated with several famous organizations; in the other he is as readily recalled by several well remembered characterizations.

He first appeared professionally with Rice’s “Evangeline” in 1877, where his splendid bass voice was used as a member of a quartette.

In 1881 he played his initial minstrel engagement with the Haverly Mastodons; the following year with the new Mastodons saw his first appearance as “middle man.”

In 1883 he was with Sam Hague’s Minstrels, under the Haverly management. Thatcher, Primrose and West’s Minstrels had him for a member in 1884, and the following season he was with the inaugural performance of McNish, Johnson and Slavin’s Minstrels, and remained with them until the dissolution of the company at Washington, D. C., May 19, 1888.

Right here Mr. Morse’s inherent Yankeeism asserted itself; carefully sealing up his box of cork, he placed it in storage, and went in for “rube” characters exclusively.

From 1888 to 1892 he played Zeb in “Old Jed Prouty”; Mr. Morse was great in this character; so was the wig.

“Rush City”; Pete Dailey’s “Country Sport”; Joe Hart’s “Gay Old Boy” and four years as the Giant in “Jack, the Giant Killer,” followed; a return to “Old Jed Prouty” and Mr. Morse began to repent.

Primrose’s Minstrels, Dockstader’s Minstrels and Cohan and Harris’ Minstrels, the latter in 1908, followed the repentance.

Now Mr. Morse is showing his “rube” to vaudeville lovers--and they seem to like it.

Taken all in all, Putnam, Conn., may well feel proud of its distinguished citizen.

Harry M. Morse was born in Woodstock, Conn., August 4, 1853.

FRANK CUSHMAN (Peter Clishman) was one of the very best singing comedians of minstrelsy; he possessed a peculiar voice, and could reach high C with ease.

At the outset of his career he gave impersonations of the old colored man, which ever after he made a feature of his repertoire; in these delineations he was exceptionally clever.

He made his first appearance with Professor John Hammond’s Company at Havre de Grace, Md., in 1874; subsequently he joined Tommy Jefferson’s company, where his success was pronounced.

After this he went to the Odeon Theatre in Baltimore, remaining a year; likewise he played stock engagements at the Grand Central Theatre, Philadelphia, and other houses. His first prominent minstrel engagement was with Carncross and Dixey, in Philadelphia.

October 21, 1878, made his appearance at the Adelphi Theatre, Chicago, as a member of Haverly’s original Mastodons. He went to England with Haverly, opening in London, July 31, 1880; he continued under this management for a considerable period.

About 1882 he formed an alliance with the “Only Leon,” playing star engagements in the variety houses and minstrel companies; during this period they made a trip to Australia, where they played several months; they separated in the Spring of 1887.

In the fall of that year he became a member of Sweatnam, Rice and Fagan’s Minstrels; he was likewise with Primrose and West’s; Cleveland’s, and Al. G. Field’s Minstrels.

In the fall of 1889 with Ned Thomas he organized the Cushman and Thomas Minstrels.

Mr. Cushman created the black-face part in the production of “Natural Gas”; and in 1898 he was with the last minstrel show Jack Haverly ever put out. He was married to the widow of Billy Welch about 1888, and they lived very happily together.

His last appearance was at Lexington, Ky., a few days before his death.

Frank Cushman was born in Baltimore, Md., March 11, 1853; he died in Louisville, Ky., December 19, 1907.

EDWIN FRENCH (Adam Kunz) was one of the great banjoists of minstrelsy.

He made his first appearance in St. Louis, Mo., as Master Eddie with Morris and Wilson’s Minstrels.

He next appeared with Green’s “Mocking Bird” Minstrels, and in 1867 was with Sam Sharpley’s Company.

Subsequently he played a long engagement with Birch, Wambold and Backus in New York City.

He was also with Carncross in Philadelphia; Moore and Burgess in London, England, and Dockstader in New York. In 1882 he was with Leavitt’s Giganteans; and likewise played an important engagement with Haverly’s Minstrels.

Edwin French was born in Cleveland, Ohio, January 31, 1853; he died at Saranac Lake, N. Y., September 16, 1903.

BURT. HAVERLY (Geo. Burton Oliver), the favorite minstrel and farceur, began in Boston at an early age with a minstrel company headed by the late Andy Leavitt; Mr. Haverly’s vocal offering on this occasion was--“And His Feet Hung Out the Door.”

In 1881 he was with Billy Emerson in San Francisco, a place where Haverly loved above all others; in this city he was highly thought of, personally and as a performer.

It was in 1879 that he attained his first prominence as a member of Hooley and Emerson’s “Megatherian” Minstrels.

In the middle and late 80’s he was with McNish, Johnson and Slavin’s, and Johnson and Slavin’s Minstrels.

Shortly after leaving the last company, he went into white-face with the “City Directory”; subsequently, with Laura Biggar, he was co-star in “A Trip to Chinatown,” for several seasons.

Mr. Haverly married Miss Nellie Carter, in San Jose, Cal., February 21, 1882.

In New York, on March 21, 1901, he married Mme. Dowling.

Burt. Haverly was born in Saccarappa, Me., August 12, 1853; he died in San Francisco, Cal., October 31, 1908.

HAWKINS AND COLLINS. This great black-face singing act made their first joint appearance at the Garden Theatre in Chicago, Ill., in the Fall of 1882.

They played successful minstrel engagements with Carncross’ in Philadelphia; Thatcher, Primrose and West’s; Haverly’s and Hyde and Behman’s Company, as well as several first-class specialty organizations.

They continued as a team until the death of Ben Collins.

Lew Hawkins made his first professional appearance as a jig dancer in the Winter Garden, Chicago, Ill., in 1873; he worked in white-face, his weekly stipend was $6.00; he gets more now.

He went to San Francisco from Chicago, played all the variety houses on the way back three years later, and opened with Ed. Hodson, again in Chicago, at the Coliseum, where they did a Dutch act; a year later he separated from Hodson and joined J. W. Kelly, who afterwards won fame as the “Rolling Mill Man”; Mr. Hawkins’ claims, and he undoubtedly is correct when he asserts that he first brought Kelly before the public as a professional entertainer; this was in August, 1878, at the Cosmopolitan (present Olympic) Theatre in Chicago; they separated in 1882, and Mr. Hawkins joined Collins.

Since the death of the latter, Lew Hawkins has worked alone doing a black-face monologue and singing act; he is known as the “Chesterfield of Minstrelsy.”

“COOL” WHITE

“COOL” BURGESS

A PAIR OF “COOL” PROPOSITIONS.

“ADD.” RYMAN

“ADD.” WEAVER

NOT A CASE OF ADDITION.

FRANK WILD

JOHN WILD

WILD, BUT NOT DANGEROUS.]

Lew Hawkins was born in Hudson, Mich., August 20, 1853.

Ben Collins was born in Chicago, Ill.; he died in Boston, Mass., March 20, 1890; age 31 years.

WM. H. WEST (Flynn), famous as a great clog dancer and producer, and for many years associated with George H. Primrose in their many minstrel organizations, made his first appearance in a variety theatre in Buffalo, N. Y., August 20, 1870; the following year he joined Skiff and Gaylord’s Minstrels, where he made the acquaintance of George H. Primrose, and shortly after this they made their first joint appearance, playing variety theatres, and continuing with Mr. Primrose for many years.

November 20, 1874, he joined Haverly’s Minstrels, and remained with them until June 14, 1877.

On Aug. 20, same year, with his partner, Milt. G. Barlow and George Wilson, they gave the first performance of Barlow, Wilson, Primrose and West’s Minstrels; the last in the Summer of 1882.

That same year Mr. West, Mr. Primrose and George Thatcher, organized Thatcher, Primrose and West’s Minstrels; they gave their final performance in the Summer of 1889.

From 1889 until April 30, 1898, Primrose and West’s Minstrels took the road; the last season (1897), Mr. West headed his own company, Mr. Primrose another.

In the Summer of 1898, William H. West’s Big Jubilee Minstrels gave their first performance, and he continued with his company until within a few months of his death.

Mr. West was thrice married; his first wife was Fay Templeton, the well-known actress whom he married about 1883; they separated soon after. His second wife was Miss Lizette Morris, of Philadelphia, a daughter of our former Minister to Turkey; on October 27, 1892, he married Miss Emma Hanley, the well-known actress of light opera fame.

Mr. West sat in the middle with his various companies, his style of interlocutor being different from any of his predecessors.

William H. West was born in Syracuse, N. Y., June 18, 1853; he died in Chicago, Ill., February 15, 1902.

EMERSON AND CLARK were a favorite song and dance team of the middle 70’s; they appeared in the well-known variety houses, and in 1877 they played an engagement with Cal. Wagner’s Minstrels; in the fall of the same year they associated themselves with the Daly Brothers, Tom and Bill. The four took a European tour and later were with Hooley and Emerson’s Megatherian Minstrels, in 1879.

Mr. Emerson married Julia Emmonds, and as Emerson and Emmonds they played the variety houses; in the course of time the act received an addition, and as Emerson, Emmonds and Emerson they were well known.

Mr. Emerson also did a black-face specialty with James Cook, of the present team of Cook and Lorenz; this was with Barlow, Wilson and Rankin’s Minstrels about 1885.

After their separation, Mr. Clark published “Willis Clark’s Joke Book,” which met with indifferent success.

Mort. Emerson was born in Philadelphia, November 27, 1853.

Willis Clark died (suicide) in New York City, December 23, 1899; age 42 years.

THE DALY BROS. Tom Daly’s early partner was Bob Birdue; they played an engagement at the Howard Athenaeum in Boston, where they met with pronounced success; subsequently he was joined by his brother Bill.

In April, 1871, as Master Willie and Tommy, they did their specialties with Newcomb and Arlington’s Minstrels in New York City; season of 1875 they played Carncross and Dixey’s Minstrels in Philadelphia; the next year they were with Haverly, and after the conclusion of that engagement the brothers joined Emerson and Clark, and the four were known as the King High Kickers.

The Dalys were brothers of the lamented Dan Daly; and Tom Daly’s second wife was Lizzie Derious, the well-known soubrette, now Mrs. Sam Tuck.

Tom Daly was a man of exemplary habits; his death was the result of a brutal assault received in Chicago a few years previous to it.

Bill Daly, or “Cap. Bill” as he is best known, has not appeared professionally in several years.

Tom Daly was born at Bathurst, N. B., in 1855; he died at Somerville, Mass., July 20, 1892.

ORIGINAL BIG FOUR--LESTER-ALLEN-SMITH-WALDRON.

BILLY LESTER (Albert Manasse) made his first appearance as a clog dancer with Sam Colville’s Variety Company, at the age of 13.

His first partner was John Turner, and as Turner and Lester they played the principal variety houses, also an engagement with Simmons and Slocum’s Minstrels in Philadelphia, in 1874.

About October 1, 1875, he formed a partnership with Paul Allen, and in the fall of 1876 the team consolidated with Smith and Waldron; this was the original Big 4.

February 28, 1878, saw the first performance of Billy Emerson’s and the Big 4 Minstrels; which continued several months; Lester and Allen joined Tierney and Cronin, and were known as the 4 Aces; this, however, was not the original act of that title.

About 1884 Lester and Allen’s Minstrels took the road, and continued as an organization for three years.

Shortly after this they appeared in “A Plug Hat”; later Mr. Lester separated from Mr. Allen.

Mr. Lester’s first wife was Viola Clifton, whom he married in 1876. November 24, 1887, he became the husband of Annie Hart.

Billy Lester was born in London, England; he died at Fair Haven, N. J., July 11, 1893; age 40 years.

PAUL ALLEN (Kayser) joined Billy Lester in 1875, and while the major portion of his professional career was identified with Lester’s, it was not entirely so.

In 1880, with Dan Waldron, William Smith and Master Martin the Big 4 Minstrels were on the road.

After separating from Mr. Lester, he did a black-face monologue, and as “Mayor of the Ohio River” met with unqualified success.

Mr. Allen married Louise Montague (Laura Keene Stewart) at San Francisco, in 1877.

Paul Allen was born in Baltimore, Md.; he died in New York City, February 23, 1896; age 43 years.

WILLIAM SMITH associated himself with Dan Waldron in the middle 70’s, doing black-face songs and dances. In 1876 Smith and Waldron joined Lester and Allen, and were associated about three years.

In 1879 the Big 4 consisted of Smith, Waldron, Morton and Martin, and a year later it was Smith, Allen, Morton and Martin.

In 1898 with Haverly’s Minstrels, the Big 4 was Smith, Waldron, Daly and Martin; and at the time of his (Smith’s) death, it was Smith, Waldron, Peasley and Martin.

Mr. Smith was the brother of Helene Smith, the beautiful danseuse of a generation ago.

William Smith died (suicide) in New York City, April 16, 1900.

DAN WALDRON (McQuinny), the last of the original Big Four, joined William Smith in a black-face song and dance act about 1875, and continued a member of the various combinations of “Big 4’s” longer than any of his associates.

After severing relations with them he appeared with many prominent minstrel companies, notably George Thatcher’s, and Haverly’s (Nankeville’s) Minstrels.

Dan Waldron was born in New York City; he died April 1, 1905, at Washington, D. C.; age 47 years.

* * * * *

They tell this one about the famous Billy Manning--Manning’s Company and that of Dan Bryant met on one occasion on the road; in the course of the conversation it turned out that Bryant’s Company was to follow Manning’s in at a certain town; Dan Bryant requested Manning to “announce” the coming of his (Bryant’s) troupe; which of course, Manning promised to do.

About ten days later the minstrels met again, and Manning informed Bryant that he (Manning), had played the previous evening in the town already referred to.

Did you “announce” me said Dan? I was just going to, said Manning, when the _fellow_ got up and went out.

* * * * *

BILLY BRYANT (Wm. Thos. Hanson). Who among theatre-goers of twenty years ago who recall Bryant & Richmond in the act “Imprisoned,” cannot see Billy Bryant as he carefully felt the topmost portion of his anatomy, ruefully exclaiming--“O! my coco.” That was comedy.

Bryant’s career began in 1868 with the Walter Bray Company, where he joined hands with Arthur Hegeney, under the team name of Hanson and Hegeney. It was Bray that suggested a change, and forthwith Hanson became Bryant, in honor of Dan Bryant, and Hegeney was thereafter known as Williams, after the famous Barney Williams, whose early days were spent in minstrelsy.

LEW DOCKSTADER

P. J. NILES

CHAS. DOCKSTADER

WILL OAKLAND,
The Famous Contra Tenor

CHAS. E. EVANS

DOCKSTADER BROS. (1879)

NILES & EVANS (1878)]

Bryant and Williams played the best variety houses in the country until 1876, when he married Lizzie Richmond, and as Bryant & Richmond they gave “Imprisoned” for many years; afterwards they produced “Keep it Dark”; for seven seasons they played it with much success.

Alice Hanson, an unusually clever and vivacious soubrette, is his daughter.

Billy Bryant was born in Platteville, Wis., October 12, 1853; he died at Chicago, Ill., July 22, 1902.

BOB SLAVIN was one of the most brilliant comedians in the minstrel firmament; a natural wit; a great entertainer.

About 1874 he did a specialty with George Nelson; and a year or so later he doubled with “Buck” Sheffer; the partnership continued about two years. Subsequently he appeared with unqualified success with Haverly’s, the San Franciscos, and Emerson’s, in San Francisco.

In July, 1885, at Paterson, N. J., McNish, Johnson and Slavin’s Minstrels gave their first performance; they continued as an organization for three seasons; Mr. McNish retiring, Johnson and Slavin’s Minstrels took the road; the partnership dissolved in June, 1889.

July 17, 1890, Mr. Slavin opened for a limited engagement with Wm. Henry Rice’s World’s Fair Minstrels, and closed September 2, at Elmira, N. Y. September 10, he opened with the Howard Athenaeum Company in Troy, N. Y., doing his specialty in white-face; sad to say, this engagement lasted only about a month.

Mr. Slavin subsequently appeared with the May Russell Burlesque Company. On November 19, 1892, he began an engagement with Crawford Brother’s Minstrels in South Bend, Ind.; Mr. Slavin made his last appearance with this company about Christmas, the same year, at Toledo, Ohio.

Mr. Slavin married Agnes Louise Laurence, a non-professional, in 1878.

Bob Slavin was born in Baltimore, Md., November 28, 1853; he died in Toledo, Ohio, December 29, 1892.

WILLIAM J. CARROLL, known as a first-class banjoist and negro impersonator, came to this country at a very early age, and began his professional career while yet in his teens; in 1873 he joined William Harris, and as Harris and Carroll remained with him until 1879; they played various variety engagements. December 20, 1880, he joined Thatcher and Ryman’s Minstrels at the Arch Street Opera House, Philadelphia, doing his specialty, and sitting on the end, opposite George Thatcher; he remained all season. Subsequently he was with Primrose and West, and other organizations.

William Carroll was born in Ireland about 1853; he died in Chelsea, Mass., January 25, 1896.

JOHN F. FIELDS made his first appearance with the San Francisco Minstrels in New York City, December, 1865, as a boy vocalist. It was in August, 1874, that his professional career began when he formed a partnership with Fred Sharpley, who died in 1879.

His next partner was William F. Hoey, later known as “Old Hoss,” the team name being Fields and Hoey, doing a black-face musical act. Mr. Fields played an engagement with Cal. Wagner’s Minstrels while a member of this alliance. In 1878 he formed a partnership with Frank Hanson. As the straight man in these acts, Mr. Fields excels, and after thirty-six years we find him as good as ever.

At the termination of his partnership with Mr. Hanson in 1885, Mr. Fields’ took another partner, the team name of Fields & Hanson was retained and is still a valuable trade-mark. Since 1885 “Fields and Hanson” have been with Haverley’s Minstrels; Cleveland’s Minstrels, Gus. Hill, Hyde’s Comedians and Reilly & Woods Company; and for five years he had on tour Fields & Hanson’s Drawing Cards.

Mr. Fields and his present partner are now in vaudeville.

Jno. F. Fields was born in Newark, N. J., October 17, 1853.

FRANK HANSON worked a year with a performer named Billy Phillips, but only as amateurs. He left Phillips in 1877, and joined a party by the name of Smith, with whom he worked several months, making their first appearance at the Boylston Museum. Then came Hanson and Rich, and a short time after, the famous team of Fields and Hanson was formed in 1878.

In 1885 after the team broke up, Mr. Hanson went in the hotel business in Boston, in which he has been ever since.

Frank Hanson was born at Ossipee, N. H., March 13, 1860.

FIELDS AND HANSON joined hands in 1878, playing variety engagements for that season. Seasons of 1879-1880, 1880-81, were spent with Barlow, Wilson, Primrose and West, followed by seasons with Leavitt’s All Star Specialty Company, and Barry and Fay’s organization. In 1883 they began an engagement with the Howard Athenaeum Company, at the conclusion of which they played a season of sixteen weeks in the larger cities of Europe; returning to the United States, they began their last season as a team, with the Howard Athenaeum Company, at the conclusion of which in 1885, they separated.

MANCHESTER AND JENNINGS worked harmoniously as a team for eighteen years, during which period they were associated with some of the best minstrel organizations traveling. As a black-face comedy act they were among the leaders.

Their first joint appearance was in 1870. About 1874 they joined Washburn’s Last Sensation, remaining two seasons.

September 27, 1875, they made their first appearance with Hooley, Haverly and Maguire’s Minstrels in Chicago.

Subsequently they were members of Kelly and Leon’s Company, and then--and then--unable to wait another day--they launched forth Manchester and Jenning’s Minstrels in the Spring of 1878. Without going into details, it may be said that the season was a backward one that year.

The partnership lasted until the death of Johnny Jennings.

Bobby Manchester made his debut on the stage in 1865 with Newcomb’s Minstrels. September 24, 1886, he gave the first performance of his “Night Owls” Burlesque Company; since which date he has been prominently identified with the burlesque world.

Johnny Jennings was an exceptionally clever dancer; he made his first appearance in his native city at old Farrar Hall about 1864. About a year later he joined Morris Brothers, Pell and Trowbridge’s Minstrels in Erie, and subsequently appeared with them in their Boston theatre. He continued with this company for an extended period, part of which time as Collins, Queen and Jennings, they did an act called the “Alabama Triplets.”

Mr. Jennings is reputed to have been the original skate dancer, in which he was marvelously adept.

Bob Manchester (Aaron Mills), was born in Gloversville, N. Y., July 2, 1853.

John Jennings was born in Erie, Pa., about 1857; he died there, November 7, 1888.

GEORGE F. CAMPBELL was one of the original members of the Clipper Quartette, who made their first appearance at Tony Pastor’s Theatre in New York, in 1879.

Subsequently he separated from his partners, and organized a Clipper Quartette of his own.

Several years ago Mr. Campbell retired from theatricals, and entered the mercantile business, in which he is now engaged.

George F. Campbell was born in Baltimore, Md., March 6, 1853.

FRED HUBER was a well-known black-face performer more than thirty years ago. In 1878 Huber and “Boots” Allen did a black-face musical act; 1879; Huber and Glidden were known as the “Oyster Can Mokes”; subsequently he married Kitty Allyne, and for many years Huber and Allyne played the principal variety houses. About seven years ago he formed a partnership with John King while with the William H. West’s (Ricaby’s) Minstrels.

Mr. Huber was also well-known as an excellent “bones” manipulator.

He was several years with Gus Hill in an executive capacity.

Fred Huber was born in St. Louis, Mo.; he died in New York City, April 3, 1904; age 50 years.