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Excerpts From the New York Clipper - 1860s

1860s     1870-71     1872-73     1874-76     1877-79     1880s     1900s

Maginley and Carroll's Circus will exhibit in Washington, D.C. September 8th and 9th. This will make the sixth circus that has performed in Washington this year. . . .

Dan Rice's Circus exhibits in Brooklyn on Sept. 1st, remains three days . . .

James Demott met with an accident of quite a serious nature at Danville, Ky. by spraining his knee.

Hemmings, Cooper and Whitby show in Mt. Vernon, Ind. on Sept. 1st and New Harmony 2d.

Stone and Murray's Circus will exhibit in Quincy, Mass. Sept. 1st; East Abington 2d, Plymouth 3d, Sandwich 4th . . .

Circuses, New York Clipper, November 14, 1868. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.

James J. Johnson and Co.'s Circus is to go into winter quarters at Galesburg, Ill., where they intend erecting an amphitheatre, and by giving good performances anticipate success financially. They have done well in the west during the summer, we are informed.

Sammy Rinehart and Charles Seaman joined Lake's Circus at Florence, Ala.

Charles Noyes' Circus takes a trip south this winter. They made their first stand at Brady's Bend, Pa., on Nov. 7th, and were to go thence to Pittsburgh, Pa. for the 9th and 10th, and then take the steamboat, New York, for a trip down the river. Clark Gibbs is principal clown. James De Mott and wife are in the party.

Yankee Robinson closed his tenting season at Dayton, Ohio on Oct. 30th, with a complimentary benefit to the "Yank." The attendance was quite large and Yankee left for Chicago with a packet full of stamps. The concern is wintered on the Fair Grounds in Dayton. Yankee Robinson is in Chicago, still suffering from his recent accident.

Charlie Pell, avant courrier of Dan Castello's Circus was in Mobile, Ala. Nov. 2d, making arrangements for the concern to open there.

1869

Circuses, New York Clipper, March 27, 1869. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.

The Coming Tenting Season. . . . The season of 1868 proved anything but a lucrative one to nine-tenths of the concerns. Very few made any money, while many came home considerably out of pocket. The coming season gives promise of proving a fruitful one, for the farmers have money, with every prospect of good crops. Besides, the country in not in such an excitement as it was last summer, when the approaching Presidential election created such interest. The circus is an institution that has from time immemorial been attractive. As fast as one generation tires of it, another arises ready to enjoy the evolutions of the gymnasts and acrobats, and laugh over the whimsicalities of the "Nation's Clown." The circus will draw when other show fail. There is no kind of entertainment that causes managers of other shows so much dread as the coming of a circus. A great deal of money has to be expended to put a first class show on the road, the daily expenses and profits of which are quite large. The season lasts from the 10th of April to the lst of September. From three to five thousand miles are traveled over, averaging twenty-three miles a day. There are employed from eighty to one hundred people in various capacities. The hotel expenses for people are from $20,000 to $25,000, and about $30,000 for stabling of horses. With a menagerie, the animals receive about 150 pounds of beef a day, swelling the expenses up to nearly $125,000. The receipts run from $660 to $1,200 a day for afternoon and evening, everything depending upon the weather. We have known shows to strike a rainy season and encounter rainy or cold days for three weeks together, during all of which time the attendance was small, and as a natural consequence the receipts the same. In addition to the daily expense of feeding the animals all through the winter, and the hire of men to take care of them. As great as may be the receipts of some of these concerns, there are very few rich managers, and we think it a great mistake for country officials to put up the license at so high a pitch as is the case in some of the State. The circus is an institution that is the subject of every kind of abuse from all classes of the community in the country. Some towns - and West Troy, in this State is one of them - it is very seldom a circus will visit with a deadly onslaught is made upon members of the company by roughs, the canvas cut in many places, wagons run down hills, and everything done to injure the concern, and because they are circus men is the only excuse given. A gang of roughs will go to the door and demand free admission, and if they are refused they go off and shortly return with an augmented crowd, and hoot and howl, until they make night hideous, an disturb the performance all they can. We recollect two incidents occurring to Hank Madigan's circus while it was traveling through this state. It was in June 1860, while the first three months' volunteers were called for. The concern was showing in Troy . . . The treasurer's wagon was stationed . . . with locked wheels. It was during the afternoon show, while the canvas was crowded, that a number of soldiers came into town and demanded free admission, which was refused. After creating considerable trouble they left, but returned in the evening greatly increased in number. The first thing they did was to break the chain that held the wheels of the wagon, and away down a steep hill went the vehicle, with the treasurer inside, money and all. The wagon brought up rather suddenly against an awning post, which saved the treasurer a ???, as the river was near at hand. The crowd then found a lot of torch balls in one of the circus wagons, which they set fire to and threw upon the canvas, burning it badly, and causing injuries as well as fright to the ladies inside. The following day the company performed in West Troy, and there they met with great difficulties from the roughs. It was during the excitement of "Show Your Colors," and the treasurer had to hunt up their flage, which was in a wagon box, and show it. The crowd next went for the side show, where they demanded to see the flag, and the treasurer had to get the same flag as before, crawl under the canvas and bring it forth to the crowd, which quieted them. There are hundreds of insults offered in various ways that circus men have to put up with in order to avoid a general riot, and we are astonished that riots and bloodshed do not occur oftener than they do. Managers pay a license in every town they show in, and in some places a heavy one, too, and we concord that the town officials are are consequently duty bound to see that they are protected. . . .

New York Clipper, June 19, 1869. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.

Stickney's Circus is billed ahead as follows: Fisherville, N.H. June 16th; Franklin 17th; Lebanon Centre 18th; Claremount 19th; Charlestown 21st; Walpole 22d; and Keene 23d. Business thus far is said to have been fair with the company. It was the intention of the company to go into Vermont, but the state license is so high, and money so scarce, that the manager concluded to keep out.

Miles Orton & Co's Circus with Miles Orton, Master Claudie, Mlle. Caroline, Leon Orton, W. W. Coles, W. Holland, N. Renfroth, the Lamont Brothers, Al. Richards, Taylor Trush, Mat Hosmer, Jerry Hopper and Jerry Hart in the company, was traveling through Iowa the past week, and is to be in Manchester, Iowa, 21st; and Independence 22d.

Samuel H. Joseph informs us that he is the only agent for the George De Haven Circus, instead of Mr. Burt, as has been reported.

Campbell's Menagerie is billed ahead for this week as follows: Richmond, Vt. 14th; Burlington 15th; Fairfax 16th; St. Albans 17th; Enosbury Falls 18th; and Richford Springs 19th.

Bryan's Circus and Menagerie will be in Blairville, Pa. on the 14th; Latrabe 15th; and Greensburg 16th.

Stickney's Circus continues on its eastern tour and is billed for this week as follows: Yarmouth, Me. 15th, Fisherville, N.H. 16th; Franklin 17th; Lebanon 18th; Claremont 19th and Charleston 20th.

Yankee Robinson's Circus had a densely crowded audience within its pavilion in Cleveland, Ohio on June 9th, and the entertainment is said to have given great satisfaction. The concern was in Chagrin Falls on the 11th, and was to go thence to Wooster, Ravenna, Warren and through the oil regions. . . . visited Alliance, Ohio on the 24th inst.

The European Circus, on its eastern tour, stopped at Worcester, Mass., 7th, where Mad. DeBerg sprained her ankle. The European Circus will exhibit in Woonsocket, R.I. 17th, Providence 18th and 19th, Pawtucket 21st, Fall River, Mass. 22d, Newport, R.I. 23d, and New Bedford, Mass. 24th.

George Clifford - right name Clinger - is reported to have died in St. Louis, Mo. on the 7th inst., of congestion of the lungs. He had been connected with the circus profession for thirteen years.

Dr. Thayer's Circus is billed for Ann Arbor, Mich., 15th; Plymouth, 16th; Pontica, 17th; Rome, 18th; Almont, 19th; Lapar, 21st; Pine Run, 22d; East Saginaw, 23d and 24th; Bay City 25th; Saginaw City, 26th; Flint, 28th; Fenton, 29th; and Howell, 30th.

Lent's New York Circus has been posted for Woonsocket, R.I., 26th; Pawtucket, 28th; Phoenix, 29th; Providence, 30th and July 1st; Newport, 2d; and Fall River, Mass., 3d. Lent's New YOrk Circus gave two performances at New Haven, Conn. on the 9th. At the evening performance many were turned away unable to gain admittance, and the canvas was crowded to its utmost capacity.

Dan Costello's Circus was in Golden City 8th; Central City, Colorado Territory, 9th, 10th and 11th; Georgetown, 12th;; and was to be in Boulder 15th.

Circuses, New York Clipper, August 7, 1869, p. 148. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.

A Circus in a Storm. During Charles Noyes' circus performance in Steubenville, Ohio, on July 28th, a heavy storm occurred. Hail fell with the torrents of rain, and the wind blew a hurricane, tore the canvas to shreds, blew out the lights, and produced a scene of the utmost consternation. Women and children screamed, horses snorted, and the audience rushed panic stricken from the enclosure. Woody Cook, the bare-back rider, was in the ring at the time and has his arm broken by a fall from a frightened animal. A lady in the audience, on one of the upper seats, was thrown to the ground, breaking her shoulder-blade. A number of othe persons were more or less injured. The circus company went back to Pittsburgh the next morning for repairs. The old canvas was so badly torn as to be utterly worthless.

The European Circus shows at New Haven, Conn. on the 7th. This concern has been through the Eastern States, and has done a fair business, but not as well as was expected, as that section of the country has been well showed. Stone & Murray's show has done the best of any circus through the east. Lent has left out the states of Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, and gone west. French's Oriental Circus has gone through the above states, but is not doing a business which circuses generally do. The European shows at Branford, Conn. on the 6th, Bridgeport 9th, Stamford 10th, and thence through New York state. New Haven has been well billed and announced by Messrs. L. June and D. W. Hughes, the agents, and will probably do a good business, as there has been nothing in the amusement line there for a month.

Mrs. Charles Warner's National Champion Circus is to occupy the building at the corner of Tenths and Callowhill streets, Philadelphia, during the coming season.

Yankee Robinson's Circus and Menagerie is doing a good business along the Lake Shore road. The concern will be in Dunkirk, N.Y. on the 3d, Gowanda 4th, and open in Buffalo on the 6th for two days.

Van Amburgh's Menagerie exhibits in London, C. W. Aug. 3d, Ingersoll 4th, and Woodstock 5th.

New York Clipper, August 14, 1869, p. 151. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.

The European Circus has lost but one performance since it started out this season, and that was in the afternoon at Clinton, Connecticut on the 5th inst. The reason assigned is a long drive from New London, Conn., to Connecticut river, over a vary hard road, and as they had to cross the river on the Shore Line Railroad ferry-boat during a heavy and terrific thunder shower, the boat could not cross to advantage. They reached Clinton and gave a show in the evening and had a large audience. This concern, under the immediate charge of the veteran Avery Smith, will show through the southwestern part of Connecticut, and then into New York State, and up the Hudson River.

Yankee Robinson's Show pitched tent on the corner of Main and Virginia streets, Buffalo, N.Y. on the 6th. OUr correspondent, Frank says: "The show comprises an extensive menagerie, with a first-class circus combined, but the feature was the beautiful and daring Senyah and husband, who were remembered by our amusement goers. The show remained two days, and carried away a goodly amount of lucre. Lent's New York Circus has been very finely billed here for the 17th and 18th."

Stickney's Circus has re-organized and gone on the road again, making its first stand at Patrson, N.J. on the 7th, and was to go thence to Orange, 9th; Elizabeth, 10th; Newark, 11th; Hudson City, 12th; Hoboken, 13th; Jersey City, 14th, and then take in the towns on Staten Island. All the Stickney family, excepting Robert, have joined this concern. Robert is announced to appear with the party in one month.

Forepaugh's Circus and Menagerie exhibits in Burlington, Iowa on the 10th inst.

French's Circus is billed ahead as follows: Burington, Vt. 10th, Vergennes 11th, Middlebury 12th, Brandon 13th, Rutland 14th, Ludlow 16th, Chester 17th, Bellows Falls 18th, Brattleboro 19th, Greenfield, Mass. 20th, Athol 21st, Fitchburg 23d, and Lowell 24th.

Ames' Circus and Menagerie will exhibit at Harrisburg, Pa. on the 18th inst.

Lent's N.Y Circus and Yankee Robinson's Circus are both elaborately billed for Rochester, N.Y. on the 12th and 13th and 14th respectively. Lent's . . . exhibits in Lockport, N.Y. Aug. 14th, NIagara Falls 16th, and Buffalo 17th and 18th.

John Stowe's Circus is in Wisconsin. It stopped at Berlin on the 3d, Pine River 4th, Weyanwego 5th, New London 6th, Waupaca 7th, and was to go thence to Amhurst 9th, Stevens Point 10th, Grand Rapids 11th, Nerda 12th, New Lisbon 13, Neenah 14th and Sparta 16th.

O. Sackett was taken sick with the small pox while with Campbell's Circus, and was taken to the hospital in Montreal.

Bryan's Circus and Menagerie will pitch tent in Dayton, Ohio on the 16th inst.

Van Amburgh's Menagerie, now traveling through Canada, will be at Brampton 11th, Richmond Hill 14th, Brownsville 16th, Newmarket 17th, and Markham 18th.

Stone and Murray's Circus is holding forth, all this week, at Halifax, N.S., and goes thence to Truro 16th, New Glasgow 17th, Pictou 18th, Tatama Gouche 19th, River Philip 20th, Amherst 21st, and then visits all the principal cities and towns of New Brunswick.

C. T. Ames' Circus and Menagerie is announced by his avant courier, "Doc" Chambers, to open on Richmond Market lot, Baltimore, on the 11th inst. for two nights, and on Belair lot, 13th and 14th inst.

Campbell's Circus is said to be doing well in Canada. . . . The receipts were nearly $6,000. Pretty good for Montreal.

Circuses, New York Clipper, August 28, 1869, p. 167. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.

Circus managers appear to have met considerable opposition this summer in the way of bad business, hard roads to traverse, heavy rain storms and terrible blows. Of late we have recorded the blowing down of several circus tents, and now we learn of another pretty heavy storm encountered in the West. While Bryan's Menagerie and Circus was exhibiting in Dayton, Ohio, on the afternoon of Aug. 16th, there came very suddenly a furious gale of wind, followed by a heavy shower of rain, which, for a short time, seemed as though it would scatter everything before it. The performance was about half over, when all at once the guy poles inside were lifted from the ground, and considerable squeaking was heard through the entire canvas, which spread great consternation among the vast number of people gathered under the pavilion. It was evident that he pavilion would instantly fall unless great force was applied outside to hold on to the ropes. Some fifty men took hold of the ropes on the south side and attempted to hold it from blowing over, but it was utterly impossible. In another instant the ropes snapped, the centre pole came unfastened, and, with a terrible crash, the large pavilion was dashed to the ground, . . .

New York Clipper, September 4, 1869, p. 175. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.

Wilson's Circus, in California, got badly used recently while showing at Almaden; the tent was cut and the performers stoned, Wilson getting struck in the eye. One of the rowdies attacked a member of the company with a knife, but a revolver weakened him.

At a performance of Lee's Circus, in Portland, Oregon, on the 10th ult., the money box, containing three hundred dollars, was stolen.

Yankee Robinson is fast making his way eastward, and will be in Oswego, Syracuse, and Springfield, this week. On Aug. 23d, Mr. Robinson took his mammoth establishment to Honeoye Lake, a small village near Canandaigua, and containing a population of only two hundred person, men, women and children, and, strange to say, the Yankee had the largest crowd that has been seen in his large pavilion at any day show this season. The secret of this is, it was the birth place of Mr. Robinson and the first time a circus company has visited the town in forty years. Mr. Robinson says it is a great compliment.

Camping Out appears to be getting more popular with circus companies every season. Managers are compelled to do it, for in some places they cannot obtain sufficient accommodations for either man or beast, while in other towns the demands of the hotel proprietors are so extortionate that they cannot submit to them. French, the European and Yankee Robinson are taking care of their own stock under canvas, and intend next season to make the same arrangement for their men, and before the next season is over no doubt all the large concerns will have made arrangements for camping out every horse and their entire force of men. It will be a great saving to managers, more than one-half, not to mention the great convenience it will be to have the men and horses in close proximity to the show lot.

Circus Items in Brief. Hot weather has struck the shows hard. Gardner and Kenyon's Menagerie, with James Robinson's Circus, is drawing the masses in Northern Indiana, and is advertised to be in Indianapolis on Sept. 3d and 4th. The weather has been rough on the stock the last three weeks. Hemmings, Cooper and Whitby were compelled to hold up ten days in Iowa, to give their horses rest and wait for the roads to get better. George Bailey lost nineteen days in the same region from similar causes, besides $10,000 worth of horses. Charley Kenyon has not suffered much, owing to judicious management of his stock. The shows all seem to be steering for Indiana and Kentucky, and Indianapolis the great point of concentration. George Bailey's Circus and Menagerie is to be there a few days after James Robinson. De Haven has just left the devoted city. The business throughout Indiana has been great, notwithstanding the thermometer has been up among the 90s for the last fortnight. So writes a correspondent who appears to be posted as regards the circuses in the west.

Lent's New York Circus is on its homeward travels, and will reach New York early in September. The concern will take in the principal towns in the oil regions, stopping at Meadville on Sept. 6th.

Campbell's Circus and Menagerie will be in Herkimer, N.Y. on or about Sep. 4th.

French's Circus pitches tent in Haverhill, Mass. on Aug 27th.

Stowe's Circus exhibited in Sparta, Wis. on Aug. 16th.

Forepaugh's Circus and Menagerie will be in St. Louis, Mo. on Sept. 6th for one week.

Hemmings, Cooper and Whitby drive stakes in East St. Louis, Mo. on Sept. 6th.

James Robinson's Circus and Gardenr and Hemming's Menagerie show in Indianapolis on Sept. 4th and 5th, and is closely followed in the wake by George F. Bailey's Circus and Menagerie . . . The route of the Bailey show is Terre Haute, Ind. Sept. 4th, Brazil 6th, Green Castle 7th, Indianapolis 8th, and thence down to Louisville, where they are to be Sept. 22d . . .

New York Clipper, October 30, 1869. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.

A Resume of the Tenting Season. With the close of the current week will have ended the summer's tenting season with nearly all circuses and menageries, and it has proved . . . the most profitless to nearly every equestrian manager in the country. The season opened the first week in May, and before the month was over ??? organizations were on the road, some traveling on wheels, while others went by railroad and a few by steamboat. About three-fourths of these, including the largest concerns, went out in good shape with larger companies and greater expense than ever before. The consequence has been that, while many of them have taken a great deal of money, very little has been saved, for the daily expenses with some have been very great. Never before did the Western shows experience so much rain, such horribly bad roads for the teams and so much detention on their peregrinations, thereby losing many stands. While some shows have pulled through by the skin of their teeth, and the saying is, many a manager will find his summer's work one of no profit; and some have given up the ghost with a considerable loss of money. All through the country, in almost every instance, advertisers found that the landlords of hotels had raised their prices for keeping the men and horses, per day, and several managers were compelled to camp out their "stock" in the canvas and feed them themselves; and in several instances the same was done with the men. The grand street parades, which have been considered big inducements heretofore to attract a crowded canvas have failed to prove so this season.

The first concern that took to the road was the European, opening in Newark, N.J., form which place they gave New York city a trail, but their business was very light here, and they pulled up stakes and went to Brooklyn, where they did a big business. From there, the show traversed Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, returning through Massachusetts into New York State, up the Hudson river, and crossed over into Jersey; after making a few stands on Long Island, opened in Philadelphia for three weeks, from which city the show returns to this city this week. The stock will winter at Fonda, N.Y., with Abe Soles, and carriages, chariot, etc. housed in the buildings of the company, in 75th st., this city. This concern has taken considerable money, but the profits have not been much.

Lent's N.Y. Circus made its first stand in Washington and after showing in Philadelphia and a few towns in Jersey, went through into Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts, and then turned a complete double somersault into New York State, crossed over into Pennsylvania, made a few stands in Ohio, then into York State, down the Erie road through Jersey, home to this city for the winter. This concern traveled all the time by railroad, visiting only principal towns. The route was laid out for an extended tour of the New England States, but for the first time on record this concern had to back down, take up its stands, and get out of Massachusetts in a hurried manner for New York State, owning to the very bad business and opposition encountered. This concern, while it has not made much money, has lost none.

Stickney's railroad circus went from this city over on Long Island, and then shipped to Providence, R.I., going through that state, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, back into Massachusetts and Connecticut, coming to grief and taking a balloon ascension at Bridgeport, on July 9th, owing to a scarcity of funds and trouble among the performers, caused by not "seeing the ghost walk." After a quiet rest the show again started, making a few stands in Jersey, and then up the Hudson River, again coming to grief a few weeks ago.

J. M. French's Oriental Circus started from Detroit, Mich., went into Ohio, through New York State, crossed over into Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, back into Massachusetts, through Rhode Island, Connecticut and New York, making only a few stands around this city, over in Jersey, and closes the season this week in Brooklyn. This concern has made some money, but not much, as the salary list has been large, as well as other expenses. The largest elephant ever seen in this country, called "Empress," bought in Europe by Mr. French, joined this show on July 2d, and proved a great attraction. In the death of Dr. R. P. Jones, this concern lost a valuable man. The stock will winter at Fonda, N.Y.

Stone and Murray have made and saved more money than any other concern out this season. They started from Bridgeport, Conn., went through Rhode Island into Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, the British Provinces, back to this city, playing in the adjacent cities. Business has been extra-ordinarily good with them, up to within the past two weeks. This concern re-organizes and goes South for the winter. The baggage stock goes to Claverack, N.Y. to winter.

Yankee Robinson had one of the most extensive and complete organizations on the road, and while the receipts have averaged $1,200 a day throughout the season, no money has been saved, for the expenses have been very great. The Yankee organized and started from Dayton, Ohio, peregrinated through Ohio, the oil regions of Pennsylvania, came down the Lake Shore road, through New York State, closing this week. The animals will winter in Wood's museum, this city, while the balance of the stock will winter with the honest Dutchess County farmer at Claverack. No concern on the road has been better or more extensively advertised than this.

Brian's menagerie started through Pennsylvania, Western Virginia, Ohio, back through Pennsylvania, and closes the season in Chestnut Hill, Pa. on Nov. 13th, and will winter in Philadelphia. This show, singular to say, has not encountered another circus during the entire season, and has made considerable money, notwithstanding it was one of the largest on the road.

Dr. James L. Thayer started from Girard, Pa., opened in Pittsburgh, went through Pennsylvania, into Ohio, Michigan, MIssouri, Illinois, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and made its last stand in Cincinnati on the 21st inst., when the show was attached by Clarry and Reilly, show printers of this city, and the sheriff took charge of the show. This suit was followed by another one, instituted by Russell, Morgan & Simpson, one of the managers of Carucross & Dixey's Minstrels, Philadelphia, is or was one of the principal owners of this circus, which did some good and considerable bad business. . . . It lost its 4th of July, besides other stands.

Forepaugh's Menagerie started from Connersville, made a detour of Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, through Illinois into Indiana again and will reach its winter quarters, at Connersville, Ind. on Oct. 30th. At the commencement of the season business was dull, but of late it has been great and the proprietor has made money. While in Genesee, Ill., on July 24th, the hotel where the boys "hung up" was burnt to the ground, and they lost considerable property.

Dan Rice, the clown, started a curiosity side show, went through Ohio, Missouri, Iowa and Minnesota. This season he traveled with a show of his own, as he has of late years been under salary, but having saved a few dollars he invested in a small concern, chartered a steamboat and paddled up small streams, stopping at little out of the way places, pitched a small tent and opened shop. He has not been successful in his excursion, as the public preferred to see a clown with a little chalk on his face, and listen to wit instead of political harangues.

Campbell's Menagerie and Circus started from Philadelphia, went through New Jersey into New York State, crossed into Massachusetts, Vermont, Canada, back through New York State, and is now on its way to Philadelphia, where it will winter. This concern has not been an expensive one, and has saved money, particularly during its stay in Canada, being the first of the season there.

Gardner and Kenyon's Menagerie and James Robinson's Circus started from Philadelphia, skirmished through New Jersey into New York State, through Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Tennessee and Kentucky, closing the season this week and will winter at Belvidere, Ohio. This concern did well up to leaving Tennessee, when they encountered considerable rought weather, and at Louisville, Ky., encountered a severe snow storm. While in Steubenville, Ohio, a heavy snow storm occurred. Hail fell, with torrent of rain, the wind blew a hurricane, tore the canvas to shreds, blew out the lights and produced a scene of the utmost consternation. Woody Cook was in the ring at the time and had his arm broken by a fall from a frightened animal. This concern took considerable money, but the proprietors have saved none, as Jimmy Robinson's salary of $350 per week, and Forepaugh's twelve per cent for the hire of the animals, too a good slice of the receipts.

George F. Bailey stared from St. Louis, went through Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and ship from Cincinnati to Danbury, Conn., where it will winter. The show has had to contend with a great deal of rainy weather and horribly bad roads. Driving from Muscatine to Davenport a terrific storm was met. Three of the horses were struck by lightning and killed, and a panic seized the entire company. It was the worst adventure that ever befell a circus. While traversing the far west they lost nineteen stands, owning to the roads being flooded with water. They also lost a number of horses. The best business of the season was in Chicago, where the receipts were over $13,000 in six days. Little, if any money has been saved by this show.

Cooper, Hemmings and Whitby started from Ohio, went through Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, back into Illinois, Missouri again, and are now on their way to Texas for the winter. This show also encountered considerable rough weather, and was compelled to hold up ten days in Iowa, to give the horses a rest and wait for the roads to get better. The concern started by railroad to Indiana and then took wheels. Business has been only fair and very little money was made.

Dan Castello took his concern through the far west into Colorado Territory, the interior towns of Utah and then shipped it by the Pacific railroad and made a tour of California. The concern was to be sold near San Francisco during hte past week, the co-partnership dissolved and the managers return to this part of the country. It has done a big business in California. They lost their small elephant on June 9th in Denver City.

Van Amburgh's Menagerie started from Brewster's Station, N.Y.; went through New York State into Canada. Having made a detour of the Canadas it is at present wending its way homeward through N.Y. State to Brewster's Station, where it will winter. It has taken more money than any other concern in the country, and although its expenses have been greater than ever, considerable money has been saved.

C. T. Ames opened his season in New Orleans, from whence he came through the South by railroad to Washington, after which the concern "wheeled it" through Maryland, Western Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Tennessee, and is now moving rapidly towards Mobile and New Orleans for the winter. It has met with a fair share of success and has made some money. On August 26th the large camel died.

William Lake, having made a long tour in the south, came north with his show to St. Louis, Mo., for one week, and went thence up the Missouri river and through the west. On August 21st, Mr. Lake was murdered in Granby, Mo., and on the 28th the assassin was arrested. This concern continued on its travels under the management of the widow, Mrs. Lake.

John Robinson with his menagerie opened in Cincinnati, thence went south through Kentucky, a portion of Tennessee and back into Kentucky, Western Virginia, Maryland up to Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, and back into Virginia. It has not been a very expensive show, so it has laid away considerable money . . .

Charley Noyes, after a lengthy trip through the south and Texas, made a tour through Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and is now going south down the Ohio river by steamer, with the intention of closing in New Orleans. Charley Noyes has done a big business and saved considerable money. He came out of Texas $10,000 ahead. He lost his trick horse Grey Eagle . . .

De Haven went by railroad through Illinois, Iowas, up to St. Paul, Minn., then up the Illinois river. At St. Paul the sheriff took charge for debt, but De Haven proving that he did not own the show, it went on its way rejoicing through Wisconsin, Indiana and Ohio. The receipts of this show have been too small to allow a profit to any one.

G. G. Grady started a circus from Kenton, Ohio, made a tour through Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, and is at present in Western Virginia. Having encountered considerable bad weather, no money has been made. This show was the only one that had a female clown.

Miles Orton & Co. started from Des Moines, Iowa, made a tour of that state, then into Illinois, Missouri and through the west.

Stowe and North's started from Berrian, Mich., went through that state into Wisconsins and Minnesota. Business has been queer, as the show encountered considerable rain.

Levi J. North started with a circus from Chicago, then made a trip about the lakes, through Michigan into Candada, back into Michigan and breaks up at Chicago. The concern has experienced considerable trouble without making a fortune. When in Canada, Mr. Stanton, the sideshow man, was shot and killed by rowdies. At Cassopolis, Mich. nearly all the wardrobe of the company and dresses of the performers were burnt up.

James T. Johnson & Co. started from Macomb, Ill., on wheels, made a successful tour of Illinois, Iowa, west thence into Minnesota, Wisconsin and back into Illinois. . . .

Alex. Robinson left Utica, N.Y., went through New York state and Pennsylvania, and has been doing a fair business.

M. O'Conner & Co. organized in Galesburg, Ill., went through the northern part of that state for nine weeks, when it returned to Gallesburg to recruit the stock, repaint and refit the wagons. Started again and went through the southern part of Illinois, thence into Kentucky.

George Cramer started with a circus from Albia, Iowa, went into Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota and Iowa. This concern made a long trip of it over the desert and has saved little money.

Mike Lipman has been on the road with a circus through Virginia and Maryland, but did not make any money.

Cammilla Beal Gardner, wife of Daniel Gardner, died in Mantua, West Philadelphia, on the 21st inst. Mrs. Gardner was born at Bedford, Pa., Sept. 20th, 1821, and commenced her career as an equestrienne in the year 1855, appearing at the Old Bowery Amphitheatre, New York, under the management of the late Henry Rockwell, and at that time considerable rivalry existed between Madame Macarte and herself. Mrs. Gardner gave birth to nine children, five of whom are now living. The eldest, William Gardner, Eliza (Mrs. Kenyon), Maggie, Camilla and Eddie. Her last appearance in the profession was made with the James Robinson Circus and Gardner and Kenyon's Menagerie, at East Saginaw, Mich., on the 10th of July last. She returned to her home in Philadelphia and has been an invalid since that time to the day of her death. Her remains were placed in a receiving vault in the Mount Union Cemetery on the 24th inst., followed by a large number of relatives, personal and professional friends. The pallbearers were Walter Waterman, Edward Derious, Frank Whittaker and Chas. Conrad. Among those who followed the cortege to the cemetery were Charles Rogers, Samuel Milton, Charles Sherwood and wife, Jos. Murphy, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Brower, Jas. and Chas. Fish, Samuel Long and James Burt. The remains were placed in the vault and will be interred in the spring. The bereaved husband was present at the time of her death, having been hastened by a telegram from the West.

A Circus in Limbo. Dr. Jas. L. Thayer's circus and menagerie exhibited in Cincinnati, four days last week, commencing on the 18th, drawing very finely. "Doc" himself, appeared as clown, and, in connection with Charley Abbott, made things hum. The show is a good one. There was some little trouble on Thursday, owing to the concern being attached by the sheriff for a debt due from the old firm of Thayer & Noyes, to Clarry & Reilly, of New York, for printing. The matter was amicably arranged, but the next day came, at least, half a dozen more attachments. The sheriff gobbled in the whole business, lions, elephants and all, and a receiver is to be appointed and the property sold. So writes our correspondent.

Yankee Robinson's Circus will be in Troy, N.Y. on Nov. 2d, from which place they will pack up and go into winter quarters.

John Robinson's Menagerie exhibited at Norfolk, Va. on the 18th, 19th and 20th inst., to a large business, and went to Princess Anne, C. H., 21st, and Shingle Landing for the 22d.

J. M. French's Circus and Menagerie, which has been exhibiting in the surrounding cities for a number of days, is spoken of as one of the most complete organizations on the road. The collection of animals were all young and lively, while the equestrian performance are equal to anything of the kind seen on the road this summer. Such artists as Frank Pastor, Charles Fish and Lucille Watson, are too well known to comment upon. The monster elephant, "Empress," is a big card. This show exhibits in Brooklyn all this week, and is well worth a visit.

New York Clipper, December 11, 1869. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.

The Great Champion Circus at Philadelphia has introduced the French bears, that have been educated to perform a series of very amusing and interesting tricks. . . .

Mrs. Charles Warner's Circus is one of the fixed institutions of the Quaker City, and meets with the most liberal patronage. A correspondent, who dropped in one day last week, thinks "seventeen such acts as given last week ought to fill the house every night. The leaper, George M. Kelly, turns a somersault over ten horses without any apparent exertion; but his leap for life is a thrilling sight. W. Morgan is very good, and the scene act of W. B. Carroll and his daughter Anne creates considerable enthusiasm, as she fearlessly stood on her father's head with the horse on full galop round the circle. C. Conrad and pupils are very clever and amusing. One of the youngsters also does a hurdle act on two ponies right well. Mrs. Warner's principal act was excellent, showing the lady to have perfect control of the animal on which she rode. Messr. Sandford and Brown did some wonderful things on the trapeze. The battoute leaping was good. . . ."

Stone and Murray's Circus exhibited in Atlanta, Ga., on Nov. 29th and 30th. The first, says a correspondent, "being a beautiful day, the canvas was crowded both afternoon and night, the receipts being $2,200. On the 30th the crowd was large, although it rained very hard. The route of this show is - Griffin, Dec. 1st; Forsyth, 2d; Macon, 3d and 4th; Americus 6th; Albany, 7th; Cuthbert, 8th; Fort Gaines, 9th; Eufola, Ala., 10th, and Dawson, Ga., 11th.

G. G. Grady's Circus exhibited at Marietta, Ga. Nov. 26th, and Atlanta Nov. 27th, to very good business. They were to exhibit at Fairburn, Ga. Nov. 29th, Newman 30th, Hogansville Dec. 1st, Lagrange 2d, West Point 3d, and thence to Tabotton, Hamilton and Columbus.

Doctor Older and Mr. Chandler, managing agents of Yankee Robinson's Big Show, will spend the winter at Independence, Iowa.

Died. On November 22d, at Navasota, Texas, Lydia, daughter of Horace and Ellen Smith, aged thirteen years. Only three months previous they lost their daughter E?? aged eight years, at Ouachita, Texas. Mr. Smith is manager of the Crescent City Circus.

Stone and Murray's Circus exhibited at Atlanta, Ga., Nov. 29th and 30th.

John Robinson's Circus and Menagerie was to exhibit at Augusta, Ga. about Dec. 6.

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