A - E      C - E      F - J      K - M      S - U      V - Z

N

Kaichi Namba was an orphan adopted by the Namba troupe in Japan. the troupe came to the United States in the 1900. After much practice, Kaichi presented his act of going both up and down steps on his head. He was with Gollmar, Hagenbeck-Wallace, Sells-Floto, Tom Mix, Sparks, Ringling-Barnum and others. He also appeared with tubling or acrobatic troups. Later he worked with Paul Jung in clown alley, behind the scenes working the clown props. When he retired he returned to Japan. Died September 5, 1979. Circus Report, October 8, 1979, pp. 7, 16. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Mons. Natalie, was born in Salonico, Turkey, but is of Grecian parentage. His father was the proprietor of a famous circus company of that country. Natalie’s induction into the business as a performer was natural, and at a very early age we find him doing the features peculiar to his country. In 1883, Mons. Natalie came to the United States, and astonished the audiences of a number of circuses with his remarkable pyramid performances. He has been with the Ringling Brothers four years, the past three of which he has introduced in his clever pantomimic work the funny performing pigs that make such a hit during the performances of the Ringling Bros.’ Great Circus. Offical Route Book of Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Railroad Shows, Season of 1893, Buffalo, NY: Courier Co., 1893. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Sophie V. Nathans, a daughter of Levi J. North, professionally known as Sophia Victoria, was granted a decree of absolute divorce from Philo Nathans, Dec. 17, in Brooklyn, L.I. New York Clipper, December 29, 1877, p. 319. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Navarro Troupe, wire walkers, Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1911. Lima (OH) Lima (OH) Daily News, May 28, 1911; Fort Wayne (IN) Sentinel, May 29, 1911. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Mr. Nederweld, German dog and monkey act with Barnum & Bailey, 1911. Logansport (IN) Reporter, May 27, 1911.

Researcher note: His name is Simon Nederveld. (during the Barnum & Bailey tour he indeed was advertised as Nederweld, but this should have been Nederveld) Simon Nederveld, son of Jan Nederveld (1 May 1843 - 4 Nov 1910) and Trijntje Nieuwenhuis (23 Sep 1846 - 19 Sep 1884), born 15 Sep 1881 Nieuwer-Amstel, died OCT 1951 New Orleans. So he came from Holland (The Netherlands), not from Germany. In 1905 he worked in Berlin (I don’t know the name of the circus). Simon emigrated at age 28, to US by ship Minnehaha, leaving Southampton (UK) on 5 Feb 1910, arriving in New York (US) on 15 Feb 1910. Kind regards, Wouter Blees (my great grandfather was his older brother)

Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Nell Sisters, high wire, Wallace Shows, 1900. Billboard, June 16, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Artie Nelson, son of Bob of the old Nelson Family, is doing comedy acrobatics and clowning with the B. & B. Show. Billboard, April 20, 1918, p. 30. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Arthur Nelson, of the Original Nelson Family, after closing the season with the John Robinson Circus, left for his home in Mt. Clemens, Mich. and after a four weeks' vacation opened in vaudeville with his novelty wire act, The Three Nelson Sisters, comprised of Rosina, Hilda and Oneida Nelson. Mrs. Nelson and the rest of the family are at home in Mt. Clemens. Billboard, December 7, 1918, p. 26. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Bert Nelson, "Snyder," was a wild animal trainer. He appeared in films and with the Ringling show, Hagenbeck-Wallace and Al G. Barnes. Died June 16 at Ventura, California. Circus Report, June 30, 1975, p. 11. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Della Nelson, wire evolutions, Wallace Shows, 1900. Billboard, June 16, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Peggy Nelson, Theira Luella Crawford, an all around circus performer, working elephants, a goat act, swingling ladders, a risley kicker and top mounter. One of the original members of the Young Nelsons of the original Nelson Family, an acrobatic-risley act started by Paul Nelson on the Lewis Bros. Circus. Was on the Lewis Bros., Cole Bros, and appeared at parks and fairs. She was a grandaughter of Nora Hathaway, principal resin back rider who trouped with the Ringling show, Hagenbeck-Wallace and Forepaugh & Sells. Worked the sideshow on Lewis Bros. and Hunt Bros., handling the big snakes for the bally. Assisted Harris Reynolds in his tight wire performance with the Nelson Troupe. Born July 7, 1923 and died on September 16, 1979, at Marysville, California, burial at Fremont Township Cemetery. Circus Report, February 18, 1980, p. 17. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Robert Nelson, Nelson Family, acrobats, tumblers, Great Wallace Circus, 1900; 1903: Robert Nelson, head of the Nelson Family of acrobats. Owns property in Mt. Clemens, Michigan; Nelsons, nine in number, Walter L. Main, 1904; Flying Nelsons, aerial, Gollmar Bros, 1908; Nelson Family, acrobats, Sells-Floto, 1909; Flying Nelsons, ten in number, acrobatic company, Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1911. Billboard, August 18, 1900; Ottumwa (IA) Daily Courier, July 27, 1903; Elyria (OH) Reporter, April 26, 1904; Sheboygan (WI) Daily Press, July 15, 1908; Yuma (AZ) Examiner, April 16 & 17, 1909; Lima (OH) Daily News, May 28, 1911; Fort Wayne (IN) Sentinel, May 29, 1911. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Nelson Family
Said to be the four sons of Robert Nelson, circa 1888 - from a scrap book, provided by Norman Sandys

Sara Warren Nelson. When Mrs. Sara Warren Nelson, widow of the late Arthur Nelson, retired from the realm of sawdust and spangles to her home in Mt. Clemens, Michigan, in 1936, she had rounded out half a century on the stage and under the big tops. But unlike many retired stars of the circus, Mrs. Nelson had little time for leafing through scrapbooks or reflecting on her long career in show business. For Mrs. Nelson has children and grandchildren carrying on the Nelson family name and traditions, keeping her in close contact with the circus world. Furthermore, the transition from a member of an acrobatic act to the relative quiet of home life, was facilitated by the fact that the Nelsons had maintained their home in Mt. Clemens between seasons for the past 25 years, during which Mrs. Nelson and her husband reared a family of six beautiful daughters and a handsome son, who for years composed "The Nelson Family, Premier Acrobats of the World." And when little granddaughter, Mary Lou Burkhart, made her debut in the act in the traditional manner - popping out of a carpet bag brought into the ring by the equestrian director - she was of the third generation to make her entry in that manner. Now Mary Lou is the mother of Richard Mader, Jr., which makes Mrs. Nelson a great-grandmother.
          Mrs. Nelson was born in London, England, in 1879, and made her first appearance on the stage at the age of six years in an English pantomime. None of her family had been in show business, but Sara Warren progressed to cycling and skating acts, and when she was 17, she came to this country with a troupe of pantomimists. Her future husband, Arthur Nelson, was the son of Robert Nelson, Sr., a native of London, who with three associates, formed the acrobatic act known as the Original Nelson family, which came to America in 1866.
          A few years later Nelson, Sr. and his two small sons, Robert, Jr. and Arthur, appeared in a risley act in which the family was to become famous. The try-out was in Vancouver, British Columbia, and so well known did the act become known that they were invited to New York City in 1871, where they signed a contract to appear with the Dan Rice circus, with which they were associated for the next four years. A risley act is a type of acrobatic skill in which somersaulting acrobats are propelled, caught and balanced on the feet of other performers lying on their backs on pads.
          For the next several years, Arthur Nelson, his brother and father, traveled extensively in South America and Europe, and returned to the States in 1881 to play for Barnum & London Circus. They went to India and back to Europe before coming to the United States to remain permanently in 1886. In 1895 and 1896, they were with Ringling Brothers Circus, the act then consisting of nine persons. In the latter year, Arthur Nelson met newly arrived Sara Warren, and they were married on July 9, 1896 at Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.
          Mrs. Arthur Nelson teamed with Mrs. Robert Nelson, Jr. in a tight wire act and later joined the family acrobatic troupe, as well as doing individual acts. From 1897 to 1901, the Nelsons were with the Great Wallace Circus, again with Ringling Brothers in 1902 and 1903, and with Walter L. Main Circus in 1904. The troupe left the circus in 1905 and 1906 to play fairs and amusement parks, but were back under the big top with Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus in 1907. The Sells-Floto show featured the Nelsons from 1908 to 1910, when the elder Nelson retired to Mt. Clemens, where he and his wife had owned a home since 1889.
          Arthur Nelson and his wife then took over the act and brought their seven children up in the troupe. The children included six daughters, Rosina, Oneida, Theol, Estrella, Hilda and Carmencita, and son, Paul, youngest member of the family. The act was with Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus in 1911 and 1912, went to Australia with Wirth's circus in 1913, was back in the States with John Robinson from 1914 through 1916, and again in 1921 and 1922. Featured by Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus in 1924 and subsequent years, fairs and vaudeville engagements were played in 1927 and 1928. Theol Nelson, one of the daughters, left the family act to remain with the Ringling show in which she was featured performing a series of backward flip-flaps on the hippodrome track for several years, and she is still with the Ringling show as a performer, as is her daughter, Sally Marlowe. From 1929 through 1931 the Nelsons were featured in the Sparks circus and were with Sells-Floto in 1932, when Zack Terrell was manager. Estrella, Carmencita and Paul Nelson were featured in the Standard Oil Company circus, managed by Terrell at the Chicago World's Fair in 1934. When Mr. Terrell and Jess Adkins organized Cole Brothers Circus in 1935, the Nelson family was reunited to present their featured risley act for their last season.
          Since then, Mrs. Nelson has lived at Mount Clemens, where one daughter, Rosena, now Mrs. George Brown, has lived since her marriage and retirement from the circus. Just as Mrs. Nelson met her husband on the Ringling Brothers Circus, so have three of her daughters and a granddaughter met and were married to men associated with Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Combined circus in later years. The daughters are Hilda, who is Mrs. Noyelles Burkhart, wife of a legal adjuster of the Ringling show; Theol, who is the wife of Ray Marlowe, for years in charge of reserved seat ticket sales for the show; and Estrella, wife of Zack Terrell, who managed the Sells-Floto Circus for the Ringling interests for years before he owned his own show. The granddaughter is Mary Lou Burkhart, who was married to Richard Mader, while he was associated with the Ringling show. Mr. Nelson and two daughters, Oneida and Carmencita, have passed away since the breaking up of the family act. The son, Paul Nelson, headed an acrobatic act billed as The Nelson family on Cole Brothers Circus, for several years after the family retired, and later was principal horse trainer for the show, owned by his brother-in-law. When Mr. Terrell sold the circus two years ago, and retired to the Terrell farm home at Owensboro, Kentucky, Paul Nelson went to the Dailey Brothers Circus, where he is equestrian director.
          Thus, Mrs. Nelson, on her visits among her children and grandchildren, and as hostess to them in her own home, has never been out of earshot of show business shop talk, and she maintains a lively interest in the profession which she enjoyed for five decades. Strangers in Mount Clemens, would scarcely associate the trim white-haired matron, whose dark eyes flash from rimless spectacles, with a circus career. But not so, the home town folks of Mt. Clemens. There are some people there who have known five generations of the Nelson family during the past 60 years. And most of the Mt. Clemens citizens are acquainted with Nelson's exceptional career under the big tops, and the unique accomplishments in their chosen field of endeavor by the lively, acrobatic Nelsons. A. Morton Smith, "Circus Stars of Yesteryears, IV. Sara Warren Nelson" Hobbies, October 1950, pp. 24-25. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

William Nelson, the rotund knight of the bass drum of the side-show band, is a resident of Vinton, Iowa. His genial nature has made him a general favorite on Ringling Bros. Offical Route Book of Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Railroad Shows, Season of 1893, Buffalo, NY: Courier Co., 1893. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Nio Neuberger was billed as the only woman to do a somersault on a tightwire. She was born in China and started performing at age 6, performing for 35 years, retiring in 1954. She was with Ringling-Barnum 1936-41. She died circa 1976, age 63. Circus Report, April 5, 1976, p. 2. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Flying Nevilles, John H. Spark's Shows, 1908. Titusville (PA) Morning Herald, July 4, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

H. C. Newman, advance, Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1910. Fort Wayne (IN) Journal-Gazette, June 20, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

J. D. Newman general agent of Cole Bros. Circus from 1936 to 1946. Born July 8, 1869 at Hannibal, Missouri, died April 23, 1946 at St. Joseph Hospital, St. Paul, Minnesota. Burial at Rose Hill Memorial Park, Whittier, California. Cole Brothers Circus Route Book for Season of 1946, p. 32. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

William Newman, "Bath, Dec. 30 - The death of William Newman occurred suddenly this morning at at the State Soldiers' Home, death resulting from heart disease. Mr. Newman was familiarly known as 'Jumbo Bill.' He was for years connected with the Barnum & Bailey circus. . . . famous elephant Jumbo, and for years served as the animal's trainer and exhibitor. He was 72 years old." Syracuse (NY) Herald, December 30, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Hal Newport, clown, John Robinson's, 1911. Laurel (Mississippi) Chronicle, May 19, 1911. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Marga Nicholas was a member of the Wallenda troupe. She came to the United States circa 1949. She appeared in the movie, "Greatest Show on Earth." Died April 4, 1988 at Sarasota, Florida, age 68. Circus Report, May 2, 1988, p. 2. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Lew Nichols, funny old clown of Sig Sautelle fame, has settled in Billings, Mont., working for the U. S. Express Company. He claims he is through with the business. Billboard, February 22, 1919, p. 31. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

L. F. Nicodemus, advertising program, Pawnee Bill Shows, 1900. Resides Chicago, Illinois. Billboard, May 1, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

H. J. Nickle, an old time rider and tumbler, died at Garrison, Neb., Sunday, July 30 [1905], aged fifty-seven years. He had made his home in Des Moines, Ia., for nearly thirty years, and was a member of the Masonic lodge there. His last professional engagement was with "Yankee" Robinson's Wagon Show, many years ago. His wife and three children survive him, including Chas. Nickle, manager of the Century Theatre, Mishawaka, Ind. New York Clipper, August 12, 1905, p. 623. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

J. W. Nix traveled with Ringling-Barnum and Cole Bros., working in the dining department. Died December 29, 1982, age 65. Circus Report, September 26, 1983, p. 20. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Alfred Noakes, "Jack," was a clown who started with the Joe B. Webb Circus in 1931. He also performed on rings and bars, slacks wire and trapeze. Was with Bud Anderson, Bailey & Barnes, Cole Bros., Seal Bros., Jungle Oddities, Dailey Bros., Goly Myre, Russell Bros., Kelly-Miller, Ringling-Barnum, Wallace & Clark and Pop Porters Combined Shows. He was in the movie "Jessie James." He retired from the circus when he fell some 25 feet during a performance and later operated a real estate business. Died August 4, 1986 at Independence, Kansas, age 85. Circus Report, April 5, 1982, p. 23; September 1, 1986, p. 29. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Clyde V. Noble, see Clyde V. Fisher.

Nerveless Nocks, Eugene A. Nock, Aurelia Nock (Aurelia Cannestrelli), and Eugene S. Nock, performed their high pole act for four seasons with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. The fifth and sixth generations of the family started in Switzerland's Circus Nock in 1840. The Nocks came to America in 1954 for Ringling-Barnum. The Nocks also have their own Nock Family Circus. Southern Sawdust, No. 94, February, 1978, p. 29. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Geo. and Laura Le No?r have joined Norris & & Rowe's Circus, to do their marionette act. New York Clipper, March 17, 1906, p. 114. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Andrew C. Norris (Andrew Crosby Cozad) was born January 1, 1863 in Ohio and died in Santa Cruz, California. His father was D. A. Cozad and his mother's maiden name was Crosby. Andrew and his brother, Clarence, were proprietors of dog and pony shows. They owned the Norris & Rowe Circus with Hutton S. Rowe in the late 1890s and early 1900s. Bandwagon, Vol. 16, No. 1 (Jan-Feb), 1972, pp. 4-14. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Clarence I. Norris (Clarence Cozad), brother of Andrew Norris, was born in Ohio. See Andrew C. Norris.

Mrs. Sophie North, wife of Levi J. North, the old rider and manager of shows, and mother of Victoria North, died in Brooklyn, N.Y., Nov. 22 [1904], aged eighty-eight years. New York Clipper, December 10, 1904, p. 984. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Dana Novotny was born in Czechoslovakia and came to the United States circa 1970. She performed with Circus Bartok, Sells & Gray, and King Bros.-Cole Circus. On King Bros-Cole she was doing a single trapeze head balancing act as "Miss Danuska" in 1977. She married Charles Armstrong, and in 1978 she and her husband put together a perch aerial act, titled the "Lister Duo." They were to be with Roberts Bros. Circus in 1978. Southern Sawdust, No. 94, February, 1978, pp. 8, 13. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

C. W. Noyes. To circus managers, Mr. C. W. Noyes and wife can be engaged for the coming season. Mr. Noyes to act as assistant manager, equestrian manager, ringmaster if necessary. Mrs. Noyes to ride entree. Address care of Everett House, St. Louis, Mo. [Advertisement] New York Clipper, February 10, 1877, p. 367. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Johnny Nugent, swords, fire, knife throwing, snake. Worked with circuses from 1930s to 1960s. Had his own show titled Claws and Fangs. Died May 27, 1980, age 65. Circus Report, June 30, 1980, p. 25. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Top

O

John O'Brien, a circus performer, brother of Jennie and Archie O'Brien, died at Baraboo, Wis., March 11 [1903]. He was born in South Wales in 1858, and began his circus life with the O'Brien Family, soon attaining prominence as a trick and jockey rider in England. When he came to the United States he appeared in a menage act with Barnum & Bailey's Circus, and was also the equestrian director with the show, with which he remained for four years. In 1897 he joined Ringling Bros.' Shows as equestrian director and horse trainer, and remained with that show up to the time of his death. His widow, two children and a brother and sister survive him. The remains were interred in Baraboo. New York Clipper, April 11, 1903, p. 170. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

John O’Brien was born of poor, hard working parents, at Frankford, a suburb of Philadelphia, on the 29th day of January, 1836. His father [Michael O'Brien], who was a stone mason, was the first workingman who spread plaster on Girard College, Philadelphia. John was ever a restless, roving boy, starting for school bright and early on Monday morning, with his books under his arm, and often returning late on Saturday night, minus his books, hat, shoes, and sometimes bringing home an elegant black eye - the effect of arguments he often entered into with other boys. His father at last concluded that John was not intended for a great scholar, and so the boy was set at work mixing plaster. He diligently mixed the sand and lime, when, one day, a big boy threw the core of an apple at our hero. Here was an opportunity not to be lost, and in less than a minute a grand "clem" began, and was soon finished. John came off with flying colors, only to receive an inglorious defeat at the hands of his father, who administered a highly refined thrashing unto his son. This was too much for the lad, so he stepped around the corner, out of his father’s sight, and remained there about four years. One day the old gentleman stepped into a stage to go to Philadelphia - there were no cars between the two places in those days - and greatly to his surprise, found his son John driving. Here O’Brien remained some six years, driving stage and buying horses, the animals he dealt in being high bred and usually costing from five to fifteen dollars.
       But horses became a drug, as it were, and seeking "fields fresh and pastures new," he went to Washington, where, as Lew Simmons says, the greatest collection of wild animals in the world may be seen - when Congress is in session. O’Brien again drove stage from the capital to Alexandria, and, making some money, finally became interested in the line of stages. He had on hand a large number of very fine horses, and becoming acquainted with a certain well known showman, rented him a lot of horses to pull a show through the country. The experiment proving highly satisfactory, he determined to go into the show business himself, so in the spring of 1862 John O’Brien first stepped upon the carpet as a showman, being owner of Mrs. Charles Warner’s Circus. The show made money, but from all I have heard regarding the concern, it must have been a very "light waisted" affair. Parties have told me that when it started it had three performers, four musicians, four canvassmen, and everything else in proportion. Be this as it may, the concern made money, and if I understand rightly, during the next season Adam Forpaugh became Mr. O’Brien’s partner. They did well, but for some reason sold the show to Stone and Rosston. In 1865 Jeremiah Mabie, who was the proprietor of a very fine menagerie, finding his health failing, concluded to sell his animals, and Forepaugh and O’Brien bought the whole establishment, paying a large figure for it. Poor Mabie! He lived but a year or two after, and sleeps his last sleep far away in the west.
       In the spring of 1866 Forepaugh and O’Brien dissolved partnership, divided the menagerie, and ran separate shows, both meeting with much success. In 1867 Mr. O’Brien rented a menagerie to "Yankee" Robinson, and, after supplying De Mott and Ward with a menagerie, and stock to haul the show, ran another show under the title of Whitby & Co.’s Circus and Menagerie. In 1868 he placed a show on the road for the first time under his own name - "John O’Brien’s Grand Menagerie and Circus." He ran it in 1869, and also another one under the name of . . . Campbell, of Frankford. It was called "Campbell’s Zoological and Equestrian Institute," and it met with uniform succes from the opening until the closing day of its season. For this show he secured the able services of Hyatt Frost, to whose efficient management much of its success was due. In 1870 these two shows again took the road - the Campbell show under the management of Jas. De Mott, but the circus was dispensed with in his big show, and the menagerie alone was exhibited. In 1872 he startled everybody by placing four shows on the road, two of which met with great success, while the other two did but a moderate business. Mr. O’Brien formerly resided at Twenty-first street and Ridge avenue, in Philadelphia, but a year or two ago he purchased an elegant mansion at No. 28 Harrison st., Frankford, Pa., the place of his birth, and now resides there. Two squares away stand his animal buildings, covering an acre of ground. On these premises in the month of March, 1871, I saw forty-nine cages of animals, five elephants, four beautiful chariots and several camels, and was told by Mr. O’Brien that he had five hundred head of stock on his farm, twelve miles away. The baggage wagons, tents, seats, and other circus paraphernalia, were piled up in utter confusion under sheds covering another acres of ground, and it was altogether too much mixed up to be enumerated here. Much of Mr. O’Brien’s success is due, not alone to his own great abilities, but to the excellent appointments he makes. He has had in his employ some of the ablest and most efficient managers and agents in the country, among whom were Hyatt Frost, James De Mott and John Sears as managers, and Charley Castle, J. E. Warner, Billy Gardner and others as agents. All of these gentlemen, in their own departments, have won reputations as being among the very best in the business and these positions Mr. O’Brien always fills with the best men money can procure. He is a plainly dressed man, short of stature and somewhat stout; he has a round, full face; his is free with everybody - a king or a canvassman would be all the same to him. Once in a while - on stated occasions, so to speak - he "comes out," and then he is resplendent with diamonds. A velvet vest, every button of which is set with diamonds, a watch chain with a big diamond in every link, a large solitaire on his bosom, and a big ring of diamonds on his fingers, make him sparkle all over, and on beholding him, one is most tempted to go into the show business on the spot. Occasionally he visits one of his shows, and selecting his man, will lavish the poor fellow with "kids" sufficient to sink a vessel; "kidding" is O’Brien’s element; here he is always at home, and he will lay back on the seats and laugh until it would seem he would explode with laughter. As a matter of course, when the "main guy" laughs, everybody else must join in, and so it is a general laugh all around. He is always in good humor, and his fund of anecdotes never gives out. Some fo them are reserved for a future article. On one occasion, while in New York, he entered a restaurant, and the bill of fare, printed in French, was placed before him. He wished to get some mushrooms, but not understanding the language, he asked for a sheet of paper and a pencil and sketched a mushroom. The waiter understood him promptly, disappeared, and in a moment returned with a beautiful - umbrella. John O’Brien is still a young man, and the knowledge of the show business he has displayed is very remarkable. Wherever he is known his word is equivalent to his note. But thirty-four years of age, in excellent health, with ample wealth, and with an interesting family about him, he has all that can make a man happy in this world. [Died 1889] New York Clipper, January 33, 1872. Information should be checked with additional sources
      John O’Brien’s first connection with the circus business was in 1861, when he rented horses and harness to (Dan) Gardner & Hemmings to haul their show over the country, Mr. O’Brien acting as boss-ostler of the whole establishment. In 1862 he purchased a third interest in the show, and was the assistant manager. In 1863 he disposed of the same to J. E. Cooper, an organized a company traveling under the title of Bryan’s & Mrs. Dan Rice. He sold out in the Fall, and put on the road in 1864 Tom King’s Excelsior Circus, disposed of it at the end of the season to Palmer, and joined Forepaugh in the purchase of Mabie’s Menagerie and christened the show Dan Rice’s Circus and Menagerie. The partnership having been dissolved and the animals divided, he rented his portion to "Yankee" Robinson on percentage. In 1867 he fitted out a show under the name of Whitby & Co., and again leased the animals to "Yankee" Robinson. In 1868 he organized the De Mott & Ward Show, and also ran Bryan’s Circus and Menagerie. In 1860 he organized the Campbell Circus and Menagerie, Hyatt Frost manager, and at the same time owned Bryan’s Circus and Menagerie. In 1870 he kept upon the road the same two, De Mott assuming the management of the Campbell show. In 1871 he had four shows, viz., Sheldenberger’s Circus and Menagerie, O’Brien’s Menagerie (without circus), J. E. Warner & Co.’s Circus and Menagerie, and Handenberger & Co.’s Circus and Menagerie. In 1872 he merged the quartet into the following three: O’Brien’s Circus and Menagerie, J. E. Warner & Co.’s and Kleckner & Co.’s. In 1873 he ran O’Brien’s Big Twenty-five-cent Show, and was interested with Dr. Spaulding and Patrick Ryan in the Dan Rice Circus and Menagerie. In 1874 he managed P. T. Barnum’s World’s Fair on Wheels, and was a partner in Maginley & Co.’s Show. In 1875 he continued to manage the Barnum wagon show, and organized the Rothchild & Co.’s, De Mott managing the latter. In 1876 he ran O’Brien’s Six Shows Consolidated, and the Rothchild & Co.; in 1877 O’Brien’s Six Shows, and in 1878 the Campbell Show, from which date up to the present time he has continued in active management. The past season he was "the man at the wheel" in directing the affairs of an extensive circus and menagerie. [Died 1889] New York Clipper, December 3, 1881. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

O'Brien Troupe, acrobats, W. H. Coulter's, 1911. Adams County Free Press (Corning, IA), May 17, 1911. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

O'Briens, seven in number, riders, Forepaugh-Sells, 1905. Galveston (TX) Daily News, November 6, 1905. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Clarence W. Ocobock, cornet, is another student of the famous cornet soloist, Chas. Petit, whose instruction he ably displays in his work on that instrument. His home is Muskegon, Michigan. Ringling Bros. 1893. Offical Route Book of Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Railroad Shows, Season of 1893, Buffalo, NY: Courier Co., 1893. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Odell Bros., contortionists, and Mrs. May Odell have signed with the W. B. Reynold's Shows. New York Clipper, March 25, 1893, p. 34. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Frank J. O'Donnell, general press agent, Buffalo Bill's Wild West, 1900. Billboard, July 7, 1900.    Frank O'Donnell, recognized as one of the top-notch circus press agents and one of the most welcome in editorial sanctums, for years connected with Ringling Bros., Forepaugh-Sells, and the past two seasons with the Wallace-Hagenbeck Show, is successfully managing the Columbia Theater, Grand Rapids, Mich., playing vaudeville. Billboard, December 21, 1912, p. 38.    Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Gladstone O'Keefe, commissary, Gollmar Bros., returned home and re-entered high school. Stevens Point (WI) Daily Journal, November 3, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Lugardo Olague, dwarf from Guadalajara, Norris & Rowe, 1905. Brownsville (TX) Daily Herald, November 23, 1905. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

William Oldknow, "Whitey," boss canvasman, died at the winter quarters of the John Robinson Circus at Peru, Ind., last Sunday, of influenza. He was about 55 years of age and had followed the circus business since a boy. He was with practically all of the big shows, and for the last three seasons with John Robinson Circus. Previous to joining the Robinson Circus, he was with Hagenbeck-Wallace. He was married and had a daughter. His home was near Peru, where he had a farm. Billboard, October 26, 1918, p. 54. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Harry B. Oliver, formerly with Ringling Bros.' Circus, is a purchasing agent for the American Amusement Company. Billboard, June 1, 1918, p. 26. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

William L. Oliver was a member of the billposter's union for 35 years. He joined Gollmar Bros. Circus in 1914 and worked with the major shows. At one time he was the manager for the Hilton Sisters, Siamese twins, and the Georgia Minstrels. He operated the Dilley & Oliver outdoor advertising company and Contrath's Advertising Company. We was advance advertising car manager for Hagenbeck-Wallace. Died September 18, 1977 at Bedford, Virginia, age 81. Circus Report, October 10, 1977, p. 13. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Marceline Orbes, clown, born Marcelino Orbes in Saragossa, Spain, died 1927. Marceline performed with a trained goose, he was age 28 in 1906, New York Hippodrome, 1906.(1) New York Times, April 11, 1906. Barnum & Bailey 1907, performed as an 'August,' ". . . a performer who wears evening dress, a top hat of any color and who is licensed to wear a red nose . . ."(2) Marceline, earth's funniest man, Hippodrome, 1908.(3) Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1915: ". . . There are six French clowns, headed by Marceline St. Varain. . . ."(4) Marceline St. Varian was with Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1913, 1915.(5) Barnum & Bailey, 1918: ". . . Well, there is Marceline, the clown, for instance. Marceline is a little chap with the softest voice and the kindest brown eyes in the world. And he left the circus business three years ago, after having been in it thirty-eight years - ever since he was six - to run a restaurant in New York. 'And now,' says Marceline in a recent interview: 'I am back in the circus, where I know what I am doing. When I was running the restaurant I never knew when a delivery man was shoving five or six pounds of fresh butter under his blouse. I went broke quick. I can sell laughs much better than I can sell table d' hotes. Believe me, any man, a circus man or anyone else, should know what he is doing before he does it - or, at least, puts his money in it.' "(6) With Sells-Floto, 1920.(7) Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

1. New York Times, April 11, 1906.
2. Daily Review (Decatur, IL) May 31, 1907; Anaconda (MT) Standard, May 26, 1907.
3. Ad. New York Times, January 26, 1908.
4. Eau Claire (WI) Leader, June 12, 1915.
5. Newark (OH) Advocate, April 16, 1913; Chillicothe (MO) Constitution, July 8, 1915.
6. Lowell (MA) Sun, June 4, 1918.
7. Lowell (MA) Sun, June 9, 1920.

Clifford Orr, "Gip," former circus sideshow man, died at his home in Cincinnati March 12, of typhoid fever. Orr was 37 years old, a native of Newport, Ky. He entered show business at an early age and was for many years with the John Robinson Ten Big, and for three years with the Ringling Bros.' Circus. He quit the show business about five years ago and engaged in manfacturing business in Cincinnati. Billboard, March 23, 1918, p. 65.

Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

A. C. Orcutt, steward with the Sparks Shows for the past four years, died suddenly at Vandergrift, Pa., March 30, of heart failure and Bright's disease. He was taken ill the middle part of last season and after recovering he accepted the management of a picture house in Vandergrift, owned by John H. Sparks Jr. Several months ago he married a Vandergrift girl, who survives him. He was known as "Comrade" Orcutt, and was for years one of the best known advance agents, working ahead of dramatic and musical shows. A few years ago he entered the circus game, going with Andrew Downie and steward and manager of privilege car. He was about 51 years old. Billboard, April 13, 1918, p. 66. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

William Organ, ringmaster of Montgomery Queen's Great California Circus, is open for engagement this coming Winter, for horse training. Direct to W. Organ, Montgomery Queen's Circus, St. Louis, Mo. New York Clipper, October 27, 1877, p. 248. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Ortaney Sisters, Forepaugh-Sells, 1911. Charleroi (PA) Mail, May 4, 1911. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Albert Orton, bareback rider, Harris' Nickel Plate Shows, 1900, 1901. Billboard, May 21, 1900; New York Clipper, January 19, 1901, p. 1046. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Bernard Orton, Ed. F. Davis Shows, 1900. Billboard, June 9, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Claude Orton returns to the John Robinson Circus this season as boss hostler. Claude has been with Jerry Mugivan and Bert Bowers since 1913. Billboard, April 13, 1918, p. 29. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Little Fugi Orton, a member of the Orton Troupe with Ringling Bros., fell from a pedestal while playing Duluth, Minn., August 17, 1918, fracturing his spine. The injury is serious, but Orton is improving and his physician reports good chances of recovery. Billboard, September 7, 1918, p. 24.
    Fugi Shimia (Fugi Orton), Japanese wire performer of the Orton Troupe, the past season with Ringling Bros. Shows, who received severe injuries to his spine when he fell during the engagement at Duluth, Minn., August 17, died at Duluth, October 18, from the effects of the injuries. "Fugi," ans he was known, had been with The Ortons since 1911 and had made his home with them. He was 25 years of age. The remains were laid to rest in Calvary Cemetery. He is survived by a mother, two brothers and one sister, who reside in Panama. Billboard, November 2, 1918, p. 26.

Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Gorden Orton, equestrian, John Robinson's Ten Big Shows, 1909. Tyrone (PA) Herald, June 10, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Ike Orton, clown, the fat policeman, Norris & Rowe 1908. Woodland (CA) Daily Democrat, April 20, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Iva Orton, perch, Iva and Norman, carrying act, Frank A. Robbins, 1907. Bandwagon, Nov-Dec, 2001, p. 33.; Portsmouth (NH) Herald, June 6, 1907. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Myron Orton, comedy wire act, trapeze, Frank A. Robbins, 1907. Bandwagon, Nov-Dec, 2001, p. 33; Portsmouth (NH) Herald, June 6, 1907. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Burns O'Sullivan, late assistant equestrian director under Fred Branda, with the Barnum Show, is now manager of the tour of the Daredevils, 1918. Billboard, June 15, 1918, p. 28.

New York, Feb. 25, 1918. Mrs. Burns O'Sullivan (Freda Comfort), long a member of the famous Bird Millman wire-walking troupe, is critically ill at New York. The attending physician announced that there was no hope for recovery. Bird Millman and her mother have been at her bedside, and her husband, formerly assistant arena director with Barnum & Bailey, and who will be equestrian director of Frank Spellman's show this season has been devoted to his wife throughout her illness. Billboard, March 2, 1918, p. 62.

Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Harry R. Overton, contracting Agent, 1896, Washburn Allied Shows, Circus, Museum, Menagerie (from his business card). Advance, Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1909. From: Alton (IL) Evening Telegraph, August 10, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

James Owen, horse trainer, Ringling Bros., 1908. Marion (OH) Weekly Star, August 15, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Otto Owen (Bud), last season on the advance staff of Al G. Barnes' Circus, is with the Aviation Mechanics, Third Reg., 4th Co. Billboard, April 27, 1918, p. 29. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Shepard Owen, bicycle death trap loop, Forepaugh-Sells 1904. Resided Waterloo, Iowa. Waterloo (IA) Times-Tribune, May 3, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Cal Owens, properties, 1941. "Los Angeles Shrine Had One Night Circus," White Tops, Vol. 14, Nos. 4-5 (Feb-Mar), 1941, p. 4. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

William Owens, known in theatrical circles as Van Tin, died at his home at Red Bank, N.J., May 15, at the age of 73. He was of European birth, and came to America early in his childhood. For many years he traveled with circuses as a clown, and later with his wife appeared in vaudeville in this country and abroad. Comedy hat spinning and juggling were his specialties. He also was a trapeze performer of note. He traveled with Barnum & Bailey and Forepaugh circuses. For several years past he has conducted a boarding house catering to theatrical people. Two sons and a daughter survive him. Billboard, May 25, 1918, pp. 6, 82. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Top

P

1. Daily Review (Decatur, IL), January 6, 1905.
2. Lowell (MA) Sun, June 2, 1908; Oakland (CA) Tribune, August 25, 1909.
3. Evening Gazette (Cedar Rapids, IA), December 5, 1914.

Tony Padilla was boss canvasman, superintendent and all around showman with Carson & Barnes, Kelly-Miller, Fairyland Circus, Fisher Bros., Clark & Walters, Sells & Gray, Seils-Sterling and the Cole show. He married Frances Loter. Died March 3, 1982, age 56. Circus Report, March 29, 1982, p. 19. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

William E. Page, "Shotgun," owner of Henson Bros. Circus and Page Bros. carnival. Died November 23, 1983, age 74. His wife, Inez, died circa 1983. Circus Report, January 9, 1984, p. 17. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Mr. Painter, of Painter and Durand, acrobats and gymnasts, died in the City Hospital, Cincinnati, O., December, 1877. From his partner, A. P. Durnad, now living in New Orleans, La., we learn that Mr. Painter left there in the Summer of 1877 with a show consisting of an educated pig and a female rope-ascensionist. While in Cincinnati he was taken ill, and was sent to the hospital. His real name was William Bracken, and he was born in Jamestown, Pa. Painter and Durand had worked together since 1855, traveling with numerous circuses. In 1859 they performed in this city with Joe Pentland's Circus, at the corner of Broadway and Thirteenth street. In 1860 they went with the Aymar Brothers - Wm. and Walter - to California under engagement to Wilson & Hendrickson, whose show traveled under the name of Dan Rice's Circus. Subsequently they went through Central America. During the past few years they had not performed together. Mr. Durand says that Mr. Painter left either two or three half-brothers residing in Philadelphia. New York Clipper, October 26, 1878, p. 247. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Pajara Family, gypsy riders, Forepaugh-Sells, 1910-1911. Warren (PA) Evening Mirror, April 29, 1911; Charleroi (PA) Mail, April 30, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Emil Pallenberg, trained bears. Emil Sr. and Emil Jr. both had trained bear acts in 1942. White Tops, Vol. 15, Nos. 7-8 (Jun-Jul), 1942, p. 16. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Prof. Arthur Palmer will engage for the coming season with a circus compaly to play and manage calliope. Was with Cooper & Bailey(?) the last two seasons, also with Great Eastern. Address Eastern avenue, Cincinnati, O. [Advertisement] New York Clipper, January 27, 1877, p. 351. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Inez Palmer, probably iron jaw, Wallace Shows, 1900. Billboard, June 16, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Geo. Parento, equilibrist and aerialist, closed his second season with A. F. Tuttle's Olympic Circus Oct. 18, 1892, and has joined Wren's Specialty Co. New York Clipper, November 5, 1892, p. 557. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Harry Parker, former member of the Hagenbeck-Wallace Show, has gone into the automobile business in Cleveland. Neither he nor his wife will be on the road this year. Billboard, March 16, 1918, p. 30. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Henry Parker, animal trainer and in charge of the camels, African-American, Gentry Trained Animal Show, 1901. Waterloo (IA) Daily Courier, May 13, 1901. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Doc Parkhurst, boss canvas man, Norris & Rowe, 1900. Billboard, May 1, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Harry P. Parkhurst writes: "I trouped on the Great Wallace Circus, Siebert & Darry, W. D. Reynolds, Adam Forepaugh, Barnum & Bailey, W. L. Main, J. H. LaPearl, John Robinson, Campbell Bros., and other small shows. My son, Harry Jr. became a circus decorator. My uncle Sylvester Parkhurst travelled with wagon shows through the East. He was with Cooper & Whitby and the Sloat Shepard circus. My father, W. B. Parkhurst, known as "Bandwagon Queen," travelled with G. G. Grady, VanAmburg, Cooper & Jackson, Montgomery Queen, Miles Orton, Burr Robbins, Wallace & Co., and J. H. LaPearl. Dad drove the band team when the Wallace & Co. first opened in Peru, Ind., in the Spring of 1884. My father's brother travelled with the G. G. Grady, Van Amburg and Wallace & Co. shows. My brother, Henry E. Parkhurst (better known as Doc), was on the Miles Orton, Cooper & Jackson, Sells Bros., Burr Robbins, W. W. Cole, Bob Hunting, Fisher & Akin, J. H. LaPearl, Gollmar Bros., John Robinson, Wood Bros. Dog & Pony Show, Frank A. Robbins, Norris & Rowe, Sipe Dallman and Blake Dog & Pony Show." Note Sheet, No. 4, July 15, 1945, No. 19, p. 1. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Albert Parsons, superintendent of the refreshment privileges, Ringling Bros. Mr. Parsons has held this important position for a great many years, and the manner in which he conducts it reflects great credit upon him. In looking after the interests of the refreshment stands, Mr. Parsons brings great hustling qualities into play. He is a very strict disciplinarian, and the many salesmen who handle his goods on the seats and at the different stands are held strictly accountable for the most rigidly honorable treatment of patrons, and are required to conduct themselves with the greatest courtesy and politeness. It is not so much, however, in the strictness of his rules as in the employment of thoroughly competent assistants, that Mr. Parsons accomplishes these results. Offical Route Book of Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Railroad Shows, Season of 1893, Buffalo, NY: Courier Co., 1893. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

R. E. Parsons, advance, John Robinson circus, 1905. Coshocton (OH) Daily Age, April 6, 1905. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

D. Pascatel, contortionist, press agent, Shipp's Indoor Circus, 1905. "Of course Mr. and Mrs. Pascatel as bride and groom are the interesting figures in this family just now," Shipp's Indoor Circus, 1905. Pascatel married Maude Maitland, monologist and singer, vaudeville. Daily Review (Decatur, IL), January 3, 1905, January 6, 1905. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Frank Pastor. Tony Pastor has just received a letter from his brother, Frank Pastor, equestrian, which chronicles the latter's arrival from Valparaiso, Chili, after a pleasant voyage from Liverpool, Eng., of thirty-nine days. New York Clipper, February 24, 1887, p. 383. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Mr. Patterson, menagerie, head keeper, Forepaugh-Sells, 1905. Galveston (TX) Daily News, November 5, 1905. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Mrs. Charles Patterson, "Madame Segrist," aerial, died in Chicago, age 30, 1909, Barnum & Bailey, 1909. Wellsboro (PA) Gazette, April 29, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

James C. Patterson was co-owner and manager of Patterson Bros. Circus. He operated tent and indoor shows in the Great Lakes states, mostly in Michigan and Ohio. Said to have been a pioneer in telephone promotions. Before he had his own show he was with the original Lewis Bros. Circus. Died August 9, 1976 at Holly, Michigan, age 73. Circus Report, September 6, 1976, p. 2. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

The Aerial Patts are now touring the Pantages Time. While playing in Oakland the week of June 15, Mr. Patt received news that his father, Anthony Patt, passed away at their home in Grand Rapids, Mich. Billboard, June 29, 1918, p. 9. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Patty Brothers (Alexander Patty, Felix Patty), walk, skip rope, dance on their heads, Ringling Bros., 1907-1908.(1) "Madison, Wis., July 31. - Just as the announcer of the Ringling circus was calling the attention of the 14,000 people of the audience at the afternoon performance to Alexander Patty, the man who walks on his head, the up side down pedestrian was making an earnest endeavor to kill his brother and companion on the road. Patty was beating his brother with a heavy hardwood club. The brother is an assistant in the act. Patty is an encentric fellow and was apparently in an insane fit. Employes rushed in and restrained the performer, the injured brother was assisted to the dressing tent and the show went on, Patty performing his feat, but in an abbreviated manner. . . . The Patty brothers are Europeans and are accompanied on the road by their father. He was terribly broken up by the occurrence and wept bitterly after the acident. It appears that the performer is not normal mentally and has been subject to outbreaks. There was absolutely on [sic] reason for his assault upon his brother. The extreme heat is assigned as the sole cause of his disturbance. Two years ago he was similarly affected, striking his brother with a cane and breaking some teeth. . . . "(2) ". . . Alexander and Felix Patty of France have reversed the natural order of things. With hands in pockets and feet in air they can use their heads with more agility than many people use their feet. By a series of peculiar head hops they walk up and down stairs, skip the rope and dance. . . ."(3) Patty Brothers in vaudeville, 1911; late of Ringling Bros., 1913.(4) Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

1. Oakland (CA) Tribune, September 7, 1907; Evening Tribune (Marysville, OH), April 23, 1908; Eau Claire (WI) Leader, June 19, 1908; Ogden (UT) Standard, July 26, 1909.
2. Eau Claire (WI) Leader, August 1, 1908.
3. La Crosse (WI) Tribune, July 3, 1908.
4. Waterloo (IA) Evening Times-Tribune, December 16, 1911; Salt Lake (UT) Tribune, May 19, 1913.

Comment: The info on the Patty Brothers was interesting to me as these men were the brothers of my grandmother. I had promotional photos of Alex bouncing down the stairs on his head. Imagine my surprise when I saw a huge poster of the same thing at the Ripley’s Believe it or Not museum in St Augustine FL. http://staugustine.ripleys.com/. If you know other sources for information, I would love to know. I am actually trying to find information about my grandmother who was a dancer at the Paris Opera in the early 1900s. Thanks! Margy Peterson.

Comment: I'm the grandson of Alexander Patty. I don't know much about them, except that Alexander went to New York in the early 20's and performed in Vaudeville touring the United States and later returned to Paris before the Depression. His real name was Schultz. Lou Schultze.

Comment: The article was very interesting to me as Felix Patty was my grandfather. I have photos also. My mother's name was Georgette and her brother Robert Patty. Their mother was Charlotte Marcus Patty. I am very interested in getting in contact with relatives. Please respond to mareli@frazmtn.com and put Circus in big letters in the subject line. Marlena.

Note: In August, 1906, the Patty Brothers performed at Ramona Park, East Grand Rapids, Michigan. The article from two years later, tells about their joining the Ringling Bros. - from Gail Snow.
    "The Patty Brothers, the up-side-down head walkers who are featured in the Ringling circus, were at Ramona last night renewing old acquaintances. They spent a week at Ramona theater and Reeds lake last year and made numerous friends at the resort. 'It was at Ramona where the Ringlings first saw our act,' said one of the Patty Brothers last evening. 'We were performing here one day when the circus was in town.' One of the Ringlings came out to the lake and saw our act. He immediately entered into negotiations with us and the result is that we are now doing out act with the circus. We had only been over from Europe a short time when we came here. We will always remember Grand Rapids and Ramona for the important part it has had in our career.'"

Walter D. Paul was an inside lecturer with the Ringling-Barnum side show for many years. Died March 10, 1988 at Gibsonton, Florida, age 88. Circus Report, March 28, 1987, p. 21. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

C. E. Payne, clown, W. H. Coulter's, 1911. Adams County Free Press (Corning, IA), May 17, 1911. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Chas. Payne, who has closed with Hurlburt & Leftwich's Circus, will join his partner Barney Hall, at Milwaukee, 1892. New York Clipper, November 5, 1892, p. 554. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

John M. Paynter
    The funeral of J. Milton Paynter, formerly of Forepaugh's Circus, took place in Philadelphia, Pa., March 21. Wm. McConegal, Sam Cox, John Phillips and Charles Hill were the pallbearers. Our informant does not give the date or cause of his death. New York Clipper, March 30, 1878, p. 7.
    John M. Paynter, last in the employ of Joseph Mackin (who keeps a saloon in Chicago), died March 16(?), aged 31 years. He was born in Philadelphia, to where his remains were forwarded by Chicago Lodge B.P.O.E. He had been a resident of Chicago about four years, and was at one time connected with Forepaugh's show as assistant advance agent. New York Clipper, April 6, 1878, p. 15.

Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Ricardo Pearea Family, from Italy, Forepaugh-Sells, 1910. Bedford (PA) Gazette, April 29, 1910; Charleroi (PA) Mail, April 28, 1910; New Castle (PA) News, April 29, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

W. E. Pearsons (Slim), who was with the Barnum & Bailey advance the past two seasons, has joined the colors. He is at Camp Grant, Rockford, Ill. Billboard, June 22, 1918, p. 27. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

George Peck, sideshow, Buckskin Bill's Wild West, 1900. By June Peck left the show due to a severe spell of illness. Billboard, May 1, 1900; June 23, 1900, p. 5. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Ralph Peckham, excursion agent, Ringling Bros., 1900. Billboard, June 9, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

William Peewee, John Rooney and William Peewee, riders, jockey act, Frank A. Robbins, 1907, Bandwagon, Nov-Dec, 2001, p. 33; Portsmouth (NH) Herald, June 6, 1907. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Kate Peoples, widow of Gevre Peoples [George?], bareback rider, died in San Francisco, Cal., Oct. 30. She was for a long time connected with John Wilson and Omar Kingsley's Circus and accompanied that troupe during their tour through South and Central America, and continued to perform up to the time the Circus left for Australia, when her declining health compelled her to retire. New York Clipper, November 17, 1877, p. 271. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Oscar Pepper, clown. Norris & Rowe, 1908. Woodland (CA) Daily Democrat, April 20, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Peralia Troupe (Peraita?), Norris & Rowe, 1905. Woodland (CA) Daily Democrat, April 11, 1905. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Dave Percival, once well known as a chariot driver, died in destitute circumstances at the Philadelphia Almshouse about June 9. He had retired a few years ago, and was then well off, but lost lately, in an unexplained manner, all he possessed. He was originally from Camden, Oneida County, N.Y., but had been living in Philadelphia about a year prior to his sudden demise. His remains were sent to Utica, N.Y., where his brother-in-law is now living. New York Clipper, June 29, 1878, p. 111. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Rev. James D. Percy traveled with shows from 1968 to 1975, including Boas Bros., 1968; Circus Kirk, 1970; Children's Magic Circus, 1972; Royal Wild West, 1973-74; and Hoxie Bros., 1974-75. He did magic, announcing, promotion, sales and other jobs, including minstering. Died December 12, 1983, age 53. Circus Report, January 9, 1984, p. 22. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Frank Perez was a performer with Sparks and Downie Bros. circuses. He was on concessions with Ringling-Barnum in the late 1940s to mid- 1950s, then with Mills Bros. His wife, Delores (Lolita) did a Spanish act on Ringling-Barnum, then a low wire act on Mills Bros. and other shows. In later years Frank worked concessions on spot dates. Died in January 1988, age 74. Circus Report, May 23, 1988, p. 3. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

George Perkins began as a ticket seller on Al B. Barnes Circus in 1918. He began clowning in 1920 and was with Cole Bros., Russell Bros., Clyde Beatty, Yankee Patterson, Ken Jensen and the Carden Johnson circuses. Died April 29, 1990 at Los Angeles, California. Circus Report, May 14, 1990, p. 16. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Paul Lorenzo Perkinson, "Great Lorenzo," aerial acrobat, age 40, fell to his death, July 29, 1942. Fell from a 116 foot pole during his performance at Salem, Illinois. His pole snapped and he missed grabbing the platform on which his wife Vicki was standing. White Tops, Vol. 15, Nos. 9-10 (Aug-Sep), 1942, p. 12. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Alfred Perrin, lion trainer. "Alfred John Lincoln Perrin, a lion tamer, who lives in the house of Mrs. Emma Smith at 118 Lynch Street, Wllllamsburg, had his neighbors in Lynch Street, between Lee and Marcy Avenues, in a state of great excitement early yesterday morning by his strange actions on the roof of many dwellings. Perrin and his wife were known as 'The Perrinos,' lion tamers, and traveled together for years with Sparks's Circus in the South. The couple separated after a quarrel, and Perrin came North, while his wife remained with the circus. Lately Perrin had been acting queerly. He put on his old circus costume, including tights, early yesterday morning and proceeded to the roof. He ran from one house to another, dropping bricks down chimneys. His last exploit was on the roof of August Bechlott's house, at 98 Lynch Street. Bechlott was awakened by a clatter on his roof, and while he was listening a dozen bricks were dropped down to a fireplace In his room. Bechlott went up to the roof to investigate and he found Perrin in his circus outfit. The lion tamer frightened Bechlott and he summoned Policeman Schneider of the Clymer Street Station, who, hastening to the roof, arrested the lion tamer after a chase. Later Perrin was taken to the Lee Avenue Court in his circus costume, and Magistrate Tighe remanded him to have his sanity inquired into."
      "Crazed in Cage of Lions. Animal Trainer in Florida Develops Madness During Performance. Special to The New York Times. Jacksonville, Fla., March 16. - While in a cage with three lions this afternoon, Alfred J. F. Perrins, the animal tamer, suddenly became insane. Soon after he entered the cage Perrins struck one of the lion's a vicious blow and cried, 'Why don't you bow to me, I am God's agent.' Perrins then left the cage, leaving the door open and saying, 'They will not come out, as God is looking after them.' He then stood on a box and called on the spectators to come up and be healed, saying he could restore sight to the blind and hearing to the deaf, and hoal any disease by a gift just received from God. The lions started to leave the cage and the spectators fled. The cage door was slammed by a policeman, who arrested Perrins. Physicians pronounced Perrins hopelessly crazed on religion. He has been in the show business thirty years, having been with Robinson, Barnum, and Sells." New York Times, May 17, 1904; New York Times, April 29, 1904. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Alfred Francis Perry was a member of the Australian circus family, spending his entire life in the circus. Said to have been the third man to achieve a forward somersault on the tightwire. His sons, Albert, Jr. and Robert operated Alberto's Circus. Died August 23, 1976 at Canberra, Australia, age 71. Circus Report, February 28, 1977, p. 18. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

E. W. Perry. To circus managers. E. W. Perry, two and four horse rider, and Miss Minnie Perry, principal act rider, can be engaged for the tenting season. Address E. W. Perry, Frankford, Philadelphia, Pa. [Advertisement] New York Clipper, February 24, 1887, p. 379. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Joseph K. Perry spent all of his life in Australian circus and vaudeville. With his brother, Cliffy, he learned to walk the tight wire and perform knockabout comedy, performing with the Tivoli, Leggetts vaudeville circuits and the tent shows of Bartons and Sorlies The family went to South Africa in the 1920s with Sole Bros. Circus when Joe was three years old. He married Jean Lindsay, whose family had the Sole Bros. Circus, and later Joe purchased this circus. In the 1960s, Joe and Jean took out Sorlies vaudeville tent show, but it was a failure. They revived the Sole Bros. Circus in 1963. At one time Joe trained and presented most of the elephants under Capt. Joseph Eroni and performed a lion act. In 1983 Joe tried to establish a circus record in Australia, playing every mainland capital city within a year. Earlier, the Soles circus was the first circus to circumnavigate Australia in one year. Joseph died October 27, 1983 in Australia, age 59. Circus Report, November 21, 1983, pp. 29-30. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

N. J. Petit, advance, Barnum & Bailey, 1909. Cedar Rapids (IA) Evening Gazette, May 15, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

W. J. Petit, contracting agent, Forepaugh-Sells, 1911. Newark (OH) Daily Advocate, March 24, 1911. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Petits, triple bar, Rhoda Royal Show, 1900. Billboard, July 7, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Marie Petrot, automobile double somersault act, Forepaugh-Sells, 1911. Newark (OH) Advocate, April 29, 1911; Charleroi (PA) Mail, April 27, 1911. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

The death of Edward Pettingill has just reached us. Mr. Pettingill passed away about four months ago at Rockford, Ill. He started out with Burr Robbins' Wagon Show when a boy as a cornet player, and followed the white tops all of his life, generally holding responsible positions, being agent or 24-hour man most of the time. He had worked for the Sells Bros., Gollmar Bros., Ringling Bros., Geo. Hall Sr., and Jerry Mugivan and several others. His last engagement was with the Campbell Circus out of Drummond, Ok. Interment was at his home town, Durand, Ill. Billboard, February 9, 1918, pp. 31, 66. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Bert Pettus spent his entire life as an animal trainer with circuses and was best known for his work with elephants. He was with most of the major shows. Died January 11, 1978 at Mt. Athens, Texas, age 63. Circus Report, January 23, 1978, p. 17. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Chas. A. Pheeney, late special agent with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Shows, has accepted a position with the American Red Cross. When he closed his engagement with Hagenbeck-Wallace, he finished his tenth season with that organization. Billboard, November 16, 1918, p. 26.   Charles A. Pheeney has been engaged as contracting agent under Ed Knupp on the Hagenbeck-Wallace Show, his twelfth season on the H.-W. outfit, starting as route rider under R. M. Harvey in 1907, being advanced to 24-hour man the same year. Billboard, February 15, 1919, p. 61. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Jack Pheiffenberger, canvas, Buckskin Bill's Wild West, 1900. Billboard, May 21, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Clarence Phelps, known as Pete the Tramp, was big top boss and superintendent with Ringling, Cristiani, Cole Bros., Beatty-Cole, Sells & Gray, Hoxie Bros., Lewis Bros. and Great American circuses. Died January 24, 1987 at Sarasota, Florida. Circus Report, February 9, 1987, p. 18. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

D. P. Phillips, manager, winterquarters, Piedmont Park, Atlanta, Georgia, Van Amburg Circus 1908; manager, Van Amburg, 1906-1909. Atlanta Constitution, November 5, 1908; Atlanta Constitution, March 18, 1906; Galveston (TX) Daily News, April 4, 1907; Atlanta Constitution, February 28, March 8, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Percy Phillips, Percy, elephants, Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1908, 1912; performed elephant Queen Victoria, Animal Show, Greater Sheesley Shows, 1917. Daily Courier (Connellsville, PA), May 16, 1908; "Complete Circus Roster Season 1912", Billboard, March 23, 1912; Kingston (NY) Daily Freeman, August 7, 1917. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Russell Phillips, acrobat, a local person, joins show in Cincinnati, June 5th, Sells-Forepaugh, 1911. Portsmouth (OH) Daily Times, April 22, 1911. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Picard Troupe, aerialists, Norris & Rowe, 1906, 1908. Four Picard Troupe ". . . The clean-limbed, graceful acrobats, flying through space and accomplishing seemingly incredible feats upon the elevated bars . . ." Advocate (Victoria, TX), September 22, 1906; Reno (NV) Evening Gazette, April 9, 1908; Ad, Woodland (CA) Daily Democrat, April 17, 1908. Said to be the Brothers Picard, French Gymnasts, with Ringling Brothers in and before 1904, Louis Alexander (Alex) Picard and his brothers Fred and Phil. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Pichianni, teeterboard act, Grotto Circus, 1941. "Conn. Fans Buck Snow to Attend Indoor Circus," White Tops, Vol. 14, Nos. 4-5 (Feb-Mar), 1941, p. 8. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

William T. Pickard, Sr., was one of the Pickards who trained seal acts. He was one of the first to train seals to play musical horns. He retired in 1962. Died April 9, 1975 at Tonawanda, New York, age 85. Circus Report, May 5, 1975, p. 12. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Harry Pierce, mule act, Frank A. Robbins, 1907. Portsmouth (NH) Herald, June 6, 1907; Bandwagon, Nov-Dec, 2001, p. 34. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Lucille Pierce died at Elmira, N.Y., January 23, of influenza. She was one of the best rough riders in America, and had been with many Wild West shows, including Dakota Max, Buffalo Bill and 101 Ranch. She was forced to retire from the riding game on account of an accident, and during the past season was with the Johnny J. Jones Shows as ticket seller on the Over the Falls. She was buried in the Showmen's League Rest, Chicago. Billboard, February 8, 1919, p. 66. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Pina Troupe, acrobats, 1941. "Los Angeles Shrine Had One Night Circus," White Tops, Vol. 14, Nos. 4-5 (Feb-Mar), 1941, p. 4. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Dick Pinkney, clown, Hagenbeck-Wallace 1924. White Tops, Vol. 16, Nos. 3-4 (Feb-Mar), 1943, p. 7. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Aerial Pinsons, Dennie and Joanne Pinson, performed a trapeze act in 1978. Dennie started with the circus in 1946 on the Gainesville Community Circus. He did the flying trapeze for 25 years before forming the cradle act with his wife. He worked the Paul Kayes elephants in 1972-73. Dennie and Joanne were with the Hubert Castle Circus in 1974, managing Castle's five elephants. In 1978 the Pinsons were training a dog act with eight Siberian Huskies. Joanne was the daughter of the clowns Dime and Connie Wilson. She was born on the Arthur Bros. Circus. The Wilsons had six children: Penny, Trudy, Joanne, Linda, Donna, and Dime Jr. All worked in the circus except Penny. Southern Sawdust, No. 94, February, 1978, pp. 14, 22, 23. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Frank E. Piper, excursion agent, Cooper & Co. Circus, 1900. Billboard, June 30, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Jake Platt, oldtime showman, died March 14 in New York City. He was 71 years old. Platt was a native of Waterbury, Conn., and embarked in the show business in the early seventies with the Adam Forepaugh Show. Later he was with Barnum & Bailey, Irwin Bros., Walter L. Main and for fifteen years was boss canvasman with the Buffalo Bill Show. When the Buffalo Bill Show returned from Europe, Platt retired from the outdoor show business on account of failing eyesight, to take a position as stage door tender at the Garden Theater, New York City. This position he held until a year ago, when his health began to fail. Internment was in Calvary Cemetery. Billboard, March 30, 1918, p. 31. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Charles Ploepp, menagerie, from Sheboygan, Sells-Floto, 1909. Daily Press (Sheboygan, WI), August 4, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Louis Plomondon, clown, Hagenbeck-Wallace 1924. White Tops, Vol. 16, Nos. 3-4 (Feb-Mar), 1943, p. 7. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Joseph Pluhacek. ". . . I trouped with Ringling Bros. in the early days when W. F. Weldon was Bandmaster and A. C. Vradenberg had charge of Second Band in Parade. I also was with Lemon Bros., Campbell Bros. and the first Gentry Bros. Dog and Pony shows, as well as with Dode Fisk and with the Walter Savage shows. My brother and I played with Ringling shows when my brother was 10 years old and I was 9. In those days it was a novelty to see such small children playing musical instruments. We both played Clarinet with the show and sure enjoyed it. I most likely would be trouping today if the shows would play 6 days per week, but at my age 74 years - 7 days per week is too much, as we all like to rest at least one day each week. . . ." Bandwagon, Vol. 1, Jan-Feb, 1956, p. 14. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Charles Edward Plunkett was the famous child singer at the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis. He was a violinist, first at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, 1893. Between the fairs he toured with the Buffalo Bill Show. He retired until the 1929 stock market crash, when he began touring with his family as the Plunketts. Died April 28, 1977 at San Antonio, Texas, age 91. Circus Report, May 16, 1977, p. 6. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Jesse James Plunkett was a musician who played with many circus bands and with Benny Goodman during World War II. He was a member of the Plunkett family, brothers Corky, Cleo and Fuzzy, sisters Pricilla, Snooks, Maisie, Jerrie and Gloria. Died April 28, 1988 at Gonzales, Texas. Circus Report, July 4, 1988, p. 18. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Genevieve Beatrice Polack was an equestrienne and aerialist with Hagenbeck-Wallace and Russell Bros. circuses. She also rode with the Poodles Hanneford riding act. She married Sam T. Polack in 1939, and later she traveled with him on his yearly round of circus dates. Born in 1902, died November 8, 1979 at Fort Madison, Iowa. Circus Report, December 3, 1979, p. 6. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Sam T. Polack, circus producer, originally planned on a career as a chemist, but his uncle talked him into joining his Polack Bros. Circus as a manager. Sam started as a booking agent for Polack Bros. in 1933 and by the 1940s he began his career booking circus acts. By the 1980s his circus only played events sponsored by Shriners. Circus Report, August 15, 1983, p. 25. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Frank Pollock, advertising 1909, had been in advance of Wallace, Ringlings and Buffalo Bill shows for several years. Fort Wayne (IN) Sentinel, January 21, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Eddie Polo, for so long with the Siegrist-Silbon aerial act as principal catcher, who was lately in pictures, is going to be starred in a circus serial, entitled "The Lure of the Circus." Billboard, June 29, 1918, p. 27. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Ruth Pontico, fat woman, died November 30, 1941 at Tampa, Florida, age 37. Known as "Baby Ruth," 815 pound carnival performer. Native of Kempton, Indiana. "World's Fattest Woman Is Dead," White Tops, Vol. 15, Nos. 1-2 (Dec-Jan), 1941, p. 14. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

George Pope, trainmaster and purchasing agent of the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, seasons of 1915-1918 and Miss Cornelia E. Wulfman, non-professional, were married November 30. Mr. Pope is at present Sheriff of Orange County, Ind. Billboard, November 15, 1919, p. 93. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Genevieve P. Porter was a wardrobe mistress for Ringling-Barnum for 17 years. Died June 12, 1984 at Sarasota, Florida, age 67. Circus Report, July 2, 1984, p. 3. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Albert Poss (Curly), last season with John Robinson Ten Big Shows as a cowboy, is at the aviation camp, Waco, Tex., with the 25th Squadron. Billboard, June 1, 1918, p. 27. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Thos. C. Post writes from Lewiston, Me.: "I started in the billposting game in 1871, my first circus experience being with the Howe & Cushing Show. I was afterwards with the John h. Murray Show in '79 and '80, B. & B. in '81 and '82, and with the 4-Paw and Sells Bros. from '83 to '96, which closed my circus career. Since that time I have been city billposting. Although 61 years of age, I am still as young as ever." Billboard, November 16, 1918, p. 27. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Potters, equestrians and aerialists, have signed with the F. J. Taylor's Circus. New York Clipper, April 7, 1894, p. 68. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Peerless Potters. Forepaugh-Sells, Madison Square Garden, 1902, " 'Peerles Potters,' led by Harry Potter - swung, leaped, dived, caught, and fell from horizontal bars suspended high in air. There were five bars and ten performers. Men made human trapezes of themselves and swung the other agile Potters through the air at a wonderous rate. The chef d'oeuvre of this act ws the double somersault of one of the women while swinging through the air from one Potter to another. . . ."(1) Ten Peerless Potters, aerial act, ten in number, Forepaugh-Sells, 1902, had Anita Stirk and Marie Silbon; Harry said he got his start in a college gymnasium, his father wanted him to be a lawyer.(2) Peerless Potters, acrobats, Sells-Floto, 1907; ". . . I am the sixth generation of performers in the Potter family. We go back more than one hundred and fifty years, an during all that time every member of my family has been a circus performer. . . ."(3) Peerless Potters, aerialists, seven in troupe, Norris & Rowe, 1908; six (or five at times) in number, four men, two women, Sells-Floto, 1908.(4) Peerless Potters, acrobats, Mrs. Roy Potter, Mrs. Harry Potter, 1909; Gentry Bros., 1928.(5) "P. H. Potter of Bensenville, and formerly one of the world's greatest and well known aerial performers, has again taken up aerial performing. For many years himself and wife, since deceased, . . . with Barnum and Bailey, also Ringling Bros., . . . Last fall, after several years away from the ropes, rigging and nets, Mr. Potter decided . . . to train another set of actors to do the many things he formerly did, and thereby leave some one to carry on his many wonderful acrobatic feats after he passed on. . . ."; he planned to take the act on the road this summer (1932), to Ohio, Montana, South Dakota, then south and east.(6) Gymnasts with Seal Bros. circus, 1934.(7) 1937: "Peru, Ind., Jan. 8 - Word has been received here that the 'Peerless Potters' aerial act that includes two Peru men. Harry Potter, a former noted aerialist, and Ralph Swisher, has had an unusual success in several weeks' engagement at the Olympia Coliseum in London, England. . . . opening performance in London on December 22."(8) Peerless Potters, gymnasts, Bud Anderson Circus, 1940.(9) "Henry P. Potter, Bensenville Circus Man, Dies. Harry P. Potter, probably unknown to most local folk as one of the greatest circus performers of his time, died Sunday at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Aeriel Marquette [probably Aerial], in Bensenville at the age of 70. Recognized by the critics of the circus trade as a top ranking trapeze artist at the turn of the century, Potter who was born on an Arkansas farm saw the bright lights and received the applause in the leading cities of the world, including London. Organizer of the Peerless Potters, he won fame far and wide. Although he retired in 1911 because the pace of his aerial acts became too strenuous, he never lost his enthusiasm for the show and the crowds. In 1931 at the age of 64, he came out of retirement to again make the headlines with a new act which included a half-dozen young men he had under his tutelage. A short time ago the key man of this troupe volunteered for the army when Mr. Potter, now 73, quit the field for the last time to come home to spend his remaining days in Bensenville. Mr. Potter was well known and greatly revered by many in Bensenville where he always obliged with a number or two at various occasions. At one time he was employed on the Milwaukee road. He died after a three day illness. Funeral services were conducted by the Rev. E. M. Ringe. Burial was in Acacia cemetery."(10)
      Possible, 1894: "Cedar Rapids Gazette: The band leader in Reynolds' circus sued the show in the superior court here for $300 and its horses have been attached according to the following paragraph in a Creston paper: Sheriff Davenport went to Afton yesterday and levied on the horses and railroad cars of Reynolds Bros.' circus, on a writ of attachment sworn out by Harry Potter and wife for labor, in the sum of $891.05. Representatives of the circus were in the city today endeavoring to effect a settlement. Circuses seem to be having a rough time of it this year."(11) Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

1. New York Times, April 3, 1902.
2. Lowell (MA) Sun, June 16, 1902; Racine (WI) Daily Journal, August 21, 1902.
3. San Antonio (TX) Light, September 15 & 18, 1907.
4. Reno (NV) Evening Gazette, April 10, May 12, 1908.
5. Oakland (CA) Tribune, June 6, 1909; Titusville (PA) Herald, May 28, 1928.
6. Daily Herald (Chicago, IL), July 29, 1932 (DuPage County Register).
7. Evening Tribune (Albert Lea, MN) May 29, 1934.
8. Logansport (IN) Pharos-Tribune, January 8, 1937.
9. Reporter (Emmetsburg, IA), May 2, 1940.
10. Daily Herald (Chicago, IL) April 11, 1941 (Roselle Register).
11. Waterloo (IA) Courier, July 18, 1894.

Charles. A. Potter
    C. A. Potter can be engaged as advance, assistant, or programme agent, by circus or hall show proprietors. Six seasons with Murray's Circus, two seasons with the Alleghanians, Cool Burgess, Bryant's Minstrels, E. S. Washburn and Boston Theater Co. Address, Central Village, Ct. [Advertisemen] New York Clipper, February 23, 1878, p. 384.
    Chas. A. Potter, 73, years ago agent for Barnum & Bailey, died at St. Cloud, Fla. Billboard, June 29, 1918, p. 86.   Louis E. Cooke writes: "In the paragraph telling of the death of Charles A. Potter, at St. Cloud, Fla., June 25, age 73. He was never in the employ of Barnum & Bailey, but for years was with the old Adam Forepaugh Show, in my employ as an advertising car manager. He was an agent for Murry & Stone's Circus after the Civil War, Spaulding's Bell Ringers and other traveling organizations, including the Forepaugh Show, where he remained for years. After retiring he was appointed postmaster at Moosup, Connecticut, and was also elected to the legislature from that district, serving several terms. Only recently I had a letter from him announcing that his commission as postmaster had expired and he was ready to take up the circus reins once more." Billboard, July 13, 1918, p. 52.

Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Harry Potter was a farm hand near Quincy, Illinois. In the early 1880s joined Tom Baldwin in an acrobatic act. Baldwin afterwards became world-famous as the original parachute jumper. Potter was with little wagon shows and his wife worked with him. Was with Ringling Bros., 1903. Ottumwa (IA) Daily Courier, July 27, 1903. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Walter Potter. 1912: "Bridgeport, Ct., Dec. 11 - Suffering from an affliction due to constant shock received in the act in which he had become famous, Walter Potter, an acrobat for a life time, connected with the Barnum and Bailey circus died. Porter was the originator of the double somersault over elephants and the creator of the famous Melrose troupe of acrobats. The acrobat's death is ascribed to the continuous performance of his feat of catching upon herculean shoulders the uppermost man ?? a human pyramid. Repeated blows upon the head developed paralysis from which he failed to recover." Sandusky (OH) Star Journal, December 11, 1912. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Potters, Three Potters, clowns, Hagenbeck-Wallace 1924. White Tops, Vol. 16, Nos. 3-4 (Feb-Mar), 1943, p. 7. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Wm. Powley, will not go with the Wallace Shows. He will probably be found with the Sells-Gray Show. Billboard, May 1, 1900, p. 6. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Albert Powell Trio, five in number, tight wire, swinging ladder, comedy acrobats, Hagenbeck-Wallace 1924. White Tops, Vol. 16, Nos. 3-4 (Feb-Mar), 1943, p. 7. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Col. Powell is doubtless one of the most remarkable productions of the human race ever placed on exhibition. There is hardly any doubt but what he is rightly styled the “tallest man in the world.” He occupies one of the stages in the museum, and the wondering crowds that daily gaze in amazement at his gigantic proportions, acknowledge his right to the above-mentioned title. Mr. Powell is a native of Texas, and it is presumed that that was the only state in the Union large enough to produce a man of his size. Offical Route Book of Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Railroad Shows, Season of 1893, Buffalo, NY: Courier Co., 1893. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Walter Powell

Walter Powell, wire act, courtesy of Gregg K. Schrader, Belva V. Schrader collection.

1916: Wheeler Bros. circus, Delphos, Ohio, May 19. . . . Walter Powell joined the Powell Family at Tiffin, and is getting a big hand with his flip-flaps and cartwheels in the Powell Family big wire act. . . . Billboard, May 27, 1916, p. 62.

1916 A number of old-timers . . . Walt. Powell, Albert Powell, Jr. . . . are enjoying life this winter touring Southern Florida in a yacht. Billboard, December 30, 1916, p. 56.

1920: Chicago, August 23. Walter Powell, of the Powell Brothers' act, has informed the Billboard that the team will play Pantages Time, opening in Minneapolis this week. Billboard, August 28, 1920, p. 16.

1922: Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus. With half of the Canadian engagement played and passed into history the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus has nothing but praise to sing for its triumphal progress thru the Dominion. Hamilton, Ontario, gave the show a great reception and capacity business was done at both performances. It was here that the Walter Powell Troupe stopped the show, receiving an ovation. Billboard, June 24, 1922, p. 48.

1923: The Powell Troupe, Houma, and Irma Conner were featured on the wire. The Powell Troupe was composed of three men and two women who used two tight wires and Walter Powell was the star performer. Powell Troupe, wire-walkers. Reynolds, Chang, "Carl Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus 1923", Bandwagon, January-February, 1966, pp. 4-10.

1928: John Robinson's circus is coming to Reading, May 9. . . . Among the international features will be . . . Walter Powell, wire act . . . Reading Eagle (Reading, PA), April 27, 1928, p. 26.

1929: Robbins Bros. . . . a recent arrival for the performance is Walter Powell, who scores highly with his wire act. Bandwagon, November-December, 1982, p. 26. Citing Billboard, September 7, 1929

1930: Robbins Bros. Circus. Walter Powell and Nick Gallucci, wire walkers, who were one of the feature acts of the Shrine Circus in Detroit, are contracted to be with Robbins Bros. this season. It will be Powell's second season with the show and Gallucci's seventh. Bandwagon, March-April, 1983, p. 7.   Newton, Ia., Robbins Bros. Circus . . . Walter Powell, "Wizard of the Silver Wire," stops the show and causes a sensation with back somersaults and fancy dances on the slender wire. Citing Billboard, April 19, 1930. Bandwagon, March-April, 1983, p. 9. Circa 1939: Ten Years Ago . . . Walter Powell, somersaulting wire performer, returned from Europe and joined the Whiteside Troupe. Billboard, November 19, 1949, p. 57.

1940: Polack Brothers indoor circus, April 25-28, Eugene Oregon, under the auspices of the local Shrine club. . . . Walter Powell, tight-wire artist, was born in a circus wagon in Louisiana, making his first public appearance at the young age of eight and has since appeared in all European countries. Powell has also performed in Africa, New Zealand, Australia and Central and South America. Register-Guard (Eugene, OR), April 21, 1940, p. 15.

1942: Walter Powell, wire-walker who was familiar to vaudgoers of a decade ago, is back in Chicago. In recent years Powell toured Europe and when he returned to the States last year he was forced to leave his rigging and other property behind. Billboard, July 18, 1942, p. 46.   Barker Bros.' Rodeo and Circus closed the outdoor season. . . unit will play theaters and other winter dates under direction of George E. Engesser . . . Walter Powell signed to do his wire act with the unit. Billboard, November 21, 1942, p. 37.

1945: Bailey Bros. . . . The feud between Jack Kenney and Walter Powell continues . . . Billboard, July 14, 1945, p. 44.   Bailey Bros. . . . An orchid to Walter Powell, branded by some as a has-been. Thru determination and practice, Walter is once again the artist of former years. He stops the show with a series of back flips on the wire and finished with a difficult back somersault. Billboard, August 11, 1945, p. 46.

1946: Cape Girardeau, July 26, Bailey Bros. Mammoth Show . . . Walter Powell, King of the Silver thread . . . Southeast Missourian (Cape Girardeau, MO), July 20, 1946, p. 6.   W. D. Clency writes that Walter Powell, wire walker, was injured and underwent an operation at Charity Hospital, Monroe, La., September 24. Billboard, October 5, 1946, p. 51.

1948 Dailey Bros. Circus. . . . Walter Powell is doing a bang-up job on the tight wire, his somersault finishe always scoring. Billboard, May 22, 1948, p. 72.

Photos, Walter Powell, courtesy of Gregg K. Schrader, Belva V. Schrader collection.

Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Mr. Power, elephants, Howard Damon Australian Shows, 1909. Charleroi (PA) Mail, May 25, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

"Tiny" Van Praegh, late usher and candy butcher with the Barnum & Bailey Circus, is now in the New York hospital suffering from typhoid fever. Billboard, June 22, 1918, p. 62. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

U. S. Park Prentiss, former Yumamite, band leader, Sells-Floto, 1910. Yuma (AZ) Examiner, April 23, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Alexis Preskorn. The entire Sells-Floto Circus organization paid a tribute of respect to the memory of Alexius Preskorn on May 30 at Baker City, Ore. Mr. Preskorn died at Baker City in 1904 while the circus was playing there. He was a trick cvcllst and a great favorite with his fellow players. He died of typhoid fever and was buried in Mount Hope Cemetery. The managers of the circus arranged their dates so as to be in Baker City on Decoration Day, and early in the morning the circus people walked to the cemetery and covered the grave of Preskorn with flowers. A service was read by the clergyman attached to the circus, and the band played appropriate music. New York Dramatic Mirror, June 15, 1907, p. 16. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

James N. Price, trombone player, for fourteen years with circuses and carnivals, died October 29 at Camp Mills, N.Y., of pneumonia. He was with the army band there. Billboard, November 9, 1918, p. 58. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Mattie Lee Price was one of the Georgia Magnets, Magnetic Girl, Electric Girl, etc. She performed at dime museums all over the country and in London until 1897, when she signed on for the Barnum & Bailey London tour. She was with Barnum-Bailey in 1899. New York Dramatic Mirror, January 7, 1899, p. 21.. "The Greatest Show on Earth has suffered the loss of its 'Magnetic Wonder,' Mrs. Mattie Price, who has succumbed to a sharp attack of peritonitis at the early age of 32 years. Deceased was a popular member of the freak department, and her part consisted principally in resisting the efforts of 10 of the strongest members of her audience with a pole to push her along the platform." Lloyd's Weekly Newspaper (London, England), March 19, 1899.
    She was one of the Georgia Magnets, Magnetic Girl, Electric Girl, etc. She performed at dime museums all over the country and in London until 1897, when she signed on for the Barnum & Bailey London tour. Similar acts were performed by Lulu Hurst, Annie Abbot and others. Some of her performances from various newspapers: 1884 or 1885 Sep 13 at Council Bluffs under management of H.B.Robertson; 1884 Jun 2 stage performer at Harris's Museum, Cincinnati Ohio; 1884 or 1885 Sep 8/9, Des Moines, IA; 1891 Jan 15, Philadelphia; 1891. Feb 16. Evening World - Great Attractions this week- Mattie Lee Price. Worth's Family Theatre and Museum, Soto St & 6th Ave, New York; 1891 Jun 8, Denver; 1892 15 Feb, South London Palace, Palace, London Rd SE; 1895 Mar 27, Midway Kentucky at Colins Opera House; 1897 Dec 4, Austin & Stone Museum, Massachusetts; 1898 Barnum & Bailey in their second London Season.
    Mattie Lee Price was born in May 1869 in Murray County Georgia, the daughter of George W. Price. She married 29 Nov 1885 in Madison FL to Samuel Wise, a traveling salesman who worked for a Savannah Georgia house. She married second to a William W. White at the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Texarkana Bowie TX 13 Aug 1888. Her third husband was a Louis (Lew?) Aronson, a circus grifter (possibly the Lew Aronson who later worked for Gollmar circus). She married him in about 1893-1894. Her death occurred in Fulham London England on 11 Mar 1899 while on tour. She is buried at Hammersmith Cemetery, London, England. She left two orphan children, Charles Joseph & Jeanette Leona White. More information is needed on her 3 husbands.
    The Electric Girl Married. Texarkana News: Married - At the Cosmopolitan Hotel, in Texarkana, Texas, on Monday, at 3 o'clock p. m., August 13th, 1888, by Rev. Chas. F (?) Lamb (?), Mr. W. W. White to Miss Mattie Lee Price.The above records the marriage of the "Magnetic Girl" to her manager. Mr. Clifford, who has been her manager, and who accompanied her to our city, will leave for Colorado. Mr. and Mrs. White left yesterday on a bridal tour. The bride is the divorced wife of a Mr. Wise. Arkansas Gazette, 15 Aug 1888.
    Her birth year is from the 1880 census in Murray County Georgia. Marriage to Samuel Wise is from the official marriage record & Madison Florida Herald, Dec 1885 Georgia’s Electric Girl Lulu Hurst’s Only Successful Rival quietly marries a drummer.
    Married - At the Cosmopolitan Hotel, in Texarkana, Texas, on Monday, at 3 o'clock p. m., August 13th, 1888, by Rev. Chas. F (?) Lamb (?), Mr. W. W. White to Miss Mattie Lee Price. The above records the marriage of the "Magnetic Girl" to her manager. Mr. Clifford, who has been her manager, and who accompanied her to our city, will leave for Colorado. Mr. and Mrs. White left yesterday on a bridal tour. The bride is the divorced wife of a Mr. Wise." Texarkana News.
    Death is from official death record and burial is from Barnum & Bailey in the old World 1897-1901. Mattie Lee Price The mother, brother, sister died several years ago (would be prior to 1874). 1884 St. Louis medical journal, Volume 11.
    Some twenty-six years ago I was on the bill with Mattie Lee Price, who, though less well known, was in many ways superior to either Miss Hurst or Miss Abbott. For a time she was a sensation of the highest order, for which thanks were largely due to the management of her husband, a wonderful lecturer and a thorough showman. I think his name was White. He "sold" the act as no other man has sold an act before or since. Houdini worked together at Kohl and Middleton's, Chicago, and the following week at Burton's Museum, Milwaukee; but when we made the next jump I found that White was not along. They had had a family squabble, the other apex of the triangle being a circus grafter who "shibbolethed" at some of the "brace games," which at that time had police protection, so far as that could be given. He had interfered between the couple, and was, I am sorry to say, quite successful as an interferer; but he was a diabolical failure when he attempted to duplicate White's work as lecturer, and the act, after playing a date or two, sank out of sight and I have heard nothing more of her professionally. Lately I have learned that she died in London in 1900 and is buried in Clements Cemetery, Fulham. This was one of the most positive demonstrations I have ever seen of the fact that showmanship is the largest factor in putting an act over. Miss Price was a marvelous performer, but without her husband-lecturer she was no longer a drawing card, and dropped to the level of an ordinary entertainer even lower, for her act was no longer even entertaining. Miracle Mondgers and Their Methods by Harry Houdini.
    24 Jun 1884 Mattie Lee Price "the magnetic girl" sued the manager of a Cincinnati museum for $10,000 for defamation of character. Sailing from New York, she arrived in the U.K. before Christmas 1891 and performed her act in the British Isles till at least April of 1892. (British Library). "Personally Miss Price (Mrs. White her name is now) is a pleasant, well-bred Intelligent little woman. She talks with perfect frankness and with charming modesty about herself and about her wonderful gift which is as much a mystery to her as it is to everyone else." - http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83040340/1889-08-30/ed-1/seq-5.pdf
    Mattie Lee Price (d. 1900): During Annie Abbott's appearances at the Alhambra in London in 1891, The Star referenced Miss Price's performances in San Francisco and hypothesized that Annie Abbott had taken the act from her. "Miss Mattie Lee Prive V. Mrs. Abbott. Mr. W. W. White, the manager of Miss Price, the lady magnet, at present performing in this city, writes to us a direct denial of the statements of 'L. H. Oldham, M.D.,' which appeared in our columns yesterday, maintaining that Miss Price had been only three years before the public and was merely an imitator of Mrs. Abbott. Mr. White writes that he himself has accompanied Miss Price for over five years, and that she has in her possession a silver cup presented to her by the Governor of Georgia over ten years ago. 'I am well acquainted with Mrs. Abbott's first manager,' continues Mr. White, 'and know that her first public performance was given less than four years ago. She may have given some private tests to of it.'" Freeman's Journal and Daily Commercial Advertiser (Dublin, Ireland) 29 Dec 1891
    "The Greatest Show on Earth has suffered the loss of its 'Magnetic Wonder,' Mrs. Mattie Price, who has succumbed to a sharp attack of peritonitis at the early age of 32 years. Deceased was a popular member of the freak department, and her part consisted principally in resisting the efforts of 10 of the strongest members of her audience with a pole to push her along the platform." Lloyd's Weekly Newspaper (London, England); 19 Mar 1899
    All information on Mattie Lee Price is from Linda White.

Additional note: Also billed in some performances as Gaza. She married Louis Barela in 1894. He was a magician. - Linda White

Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Mrs. Lily G. Pride, cowgirl, who had been with the Gollmar Bros.' Circus, John Robinson's 10 Big Shows and other outdoor enterprises, died at the age of 44 years, January 2, at Columbus, O., following an illness of two months. Her husband and one daughter survive. Billboard, January 19, 1918, p. 66. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

W. F. Primrose, advance, Gollmar Bros., 1904. Racine (WI) Daily Journal, April 28, 1904. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Roman Proske, animal trainer, Hamid-Morton indoor circus, 1941. "Circus Sawdust," White Tops, Vol. 14, Nos. 4-5 (Feb-Mar), 1941, p. 14. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Antonio V. Pubillones. May 25. A cablegram from Mme. Geraldine Pubillones, from Havana, Cuba, told of the death of her husband, Antonio V. Pubillones on May 23, in Mexico City. Antonio V. Pubillones was a prominent figure in Latin-American amusement enterprises in Cuba, Central and South America. He was owner of Gran Circo Pubillones, which for many years past, toured Cuba, Mexico and South America. He has also had at various times several other circus enterprises. Another of his enterprises was the Grand Pueret Theatre, at Havana. Many artists from the United States have played either at the Pubillones theaters or with one of his tented attractions. Billboard, June 1, 1918, pp. 3, 61. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Pullman Brothers of Buffalo, N.Y., who had part of the privileges with Adam Forepaugh's Circus last season, have their baggage stored and thirty-two head of stock wintering in Norristown, Pa. New York Clipper, January 20, 1877, p. 343. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Giles Pullman, a veteran showman, died Oct. 11 [1900] at his home in Buffalo, N.Y., from pneumonia. The deceased was born in Herkimer County, this state [New York], in [1839 or 1836]. After serving through the Civil War he settled in Buffalo. In ___ he joined Alex Robinson's Circus as a general agent, and in succeeding years was connected with other ventures. From 1873 to 1876 he was with Adam Forepaugh's Show. In 1881 he was associated with his brother, Henry Pullman, and Dan Shelby, in the management of a circus menagerie. In 1894 and 1895 he was in Antwerp, managing a museum in connection with Pawnee Bill's Wild West. In 1891 he returned to Europe and toured the German theatres with an Indian troupe. He returned home last June and joined Harrison Bros. Show as general agent in the latter part of August. He fell ill on the road and was for six weeks in bed. He became somewhat stronger and was brought home a short time ago, but he suffered a relapse and died. He leaves one daughter, two brothers and two sisters. Mr. Pullman was a member of ___ Post, G. A. R. Contractor, Harrison Bros. Shows, 1900. New York Clipper, October 20, 1900, p. 753; Billboard, July 7, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Frank L. Purcell, press agent, Sells-Floto, 1909-1910. Daily Press (Sheboygan, WI), August 4, 1909; Yuma (AZ) Examiner, April 16 & 17, 1909; Yuma (AZ) Examiner, April 23, 1910.
    Frank Purcell, well known circus agent, died of heart disease at the home of his sister, Mrs. Mary Goffe, in Cincinnati, O., January 28. He had at various times been connected with the Wallace Circus, Forepaugh-Sells, Sells-Floto, and during part of the last season with Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus. At the time of his death he was advance for one of the Hearts of the World companies. He was 50 years old and is survived by his sister and two brothers. He was a brother-in-law of Col W. C. Franklin, retired circus man. Billboard, February 8, 1919, p. 66.

Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Oscar Pucket, solo alto, is also a modern addition to this musical organization, this being his first season with the Ringling Bros. “World’s Greatest.” He has ably filled his position as well us his instrument, and has the heartiest and best wishes of his co-laborers. His long winter days are “ whiled away” in Winchester, Ind. Offical Route Book of Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Railroad Shows, Season of 1893, Buffalo, NY: Courier Co., 1893. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Top

Q

Ed Quick, former program man with Barnum & Bailey and Hagenbeck-Wallace shows, has returned to his home in Elgin, Ill. Billboard, May 11, 1918, p. 45. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Lew Quillin
    Notice to circus managers. Lew Quillin, the American jester, comic clown and vocalist, can be engaged. Address, Syracuse, O. [Advertisement] New York Clipper, February 17, 1877, p. 376.
    Notice to circus managers. Lew Quillin, musical clown, trick tumbler, gymnast, leaper and double somersault thrower over nine horses, can be engaged for the coming tenting season. Address, North Branch, Minn. [Advertisement] New York Clipper, January 19, 1878, p. 344.

Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Quinnett. O. W. Quinnett Hendricks, known as "W. H." or "Pop" Quinnett, had his knee thrown out of place and right shoulder injured in a railroad wreck near Clip, N.D., some time ago. He tried to hold down his position on the advance of Yankee Robinson Show, but was forced to return to his home at Wooster, O. Mr. Hendricks has been in show business since 1868, having started in that year with the original Yankee Robinson at Quincy, Ill. Billboard, June 22, 1918, p. 26. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Top

R

Percy Rademacher, clown, began performing clown acts in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and then joined the circus, touring with many major shows. In 1931, when with Hagenbeck-Wallace, he developed an exploding car act. He married Ella Steffen in 1926 when they both were on Seils-Sterling Circus. Died March 8, 1978 at Sheboygan, age 78. Circus Report, March 27, 1978, p. 10B. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Luis Iglesias Raluy and his wife created a double human cannonball act, first performing it with Cirque d'Hiver. In the 1950s they had the act with Chipperfield's circus. When he was 70, he was still working as a clown on the horizontal bars with his sons. He also had a comedy car act. Died May 20, 1984, age 73. Circus Report, January 7, 1985, p. 27. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Dan Railey, principal clown, Howard Damon Australian Shows, 1909. Charleroi (PA) Mail, May 25, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Ramones, club juggling, barrel jumping. With John Robinson circus last season, will join them again the coming season, 1911. San Antonio (TX) Light and Gazette, January 15, 1911. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Henri Rancy was the head of the Rancy family circus in France. He operated the Cirque Napoleon Rancy that was founded by his father. His grandfather, Theodore Rancy, founded the Cirque Rancy in 1856. Henri was a ride and appeared in many European shows. He was president of the Syndicate des Directors of Circuses in France, and operated circus buildings in at least two cities. Died December 20, 1972 in France. Circus Report, February 12, 1973, p. 5. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Gene Randow spent his whole life in the circus as a clown. He worked with many shows, including Polack Bros., Hubert Castle and Hamid-Morton. Died August 17 at Dallas, Texas. Circus Report, September 5, 1983, p. 28; September 12, 1983, p. 26. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Carl Raschetta, see Carl Johnson

Rattlesnake Tom is one of the most peculiar and strange beings that have ever appeared before the public. This is not only true of his accomplishments as a subduer of poisonous snakes and reptiles, but his entire life and habits sustain this opinion. Reared in the Kickapoo hills of Wisconsin we are told by his parents that as a boy he acquired a peculiar fondness for the rattlesnakes that infest his native hills, and unbeknown to the members of the family kept a collection ot them on hand. His transition from the farm to the exhibitional stage was natural, and for several years he has astonished the public with his fearless feats as a performer with poisonous snakes. He has been in the museum of the Ringling Bros. two seasons. Offical Route Book of Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Railroad Shows, Season of 1893, Buffalo, NY: Courier Co., 1893. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

F. J. Rawley, aeronaut, last season with Cole's Circus, can be engaged to make balloon ascensions on bar or in basket. New York Clipper, March 24, 1877, p. 415. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Ray Family, performers, Russell Bros. circus, 1940. "Fan Notes," White Tops, Vol. 14, Nos. 4-5 (Feb-Mar), 1941, p. 9. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

I live in new Orleans and know some members of the Ray family. Wanted to know more and possibly get pics of the great grand mother who road and any other family members in the riding shows. Jeff

Mervyn F. Ray began with a partner and performed as the Damm Brothers. He toured with Walter L. Main, Sells-Floto, Hagenbeck-Wallace, John Robinson, Al F. Wheeler and Jethro Almond Shows, Beers Barnes and Hunt circus. In later years the act was known as LaBelle and Ray Troupe. He retired in 1971 after spending several years with the Tommy Scott Show. Died August 12, 1977 at Boulder, Colorado, while traveling with the American Big Top Circus red unit, age 74. Circus Report, September 12, 1977, p. 19. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Madam Rayal, performed smallest horse in the world and best trained. Sells-Floto, 1911. Oakland (Ca) Tribune, May 1, 1911. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Louis Raymond, "Hip," was a clown with the Ringling circus for 50 years, retiring in 1958. Died August 22, 1978 at Riverview, Florida, age 98. Circus Report, January 1, 1979, p. 24. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

M. B. Raymond is one of the special agents of the Ringling show whose duties, while requiring considerable ability and attention, do not come under any particular heading, embracing as they do the work of contracting ahead, making special business trips and entertaining the press I back with the show as occasion may require. The greater part of the present season Mr. Raymond’s time has been occupied as an assistant contractor with Mr. Drake. Offical Route Book of Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Railroad Shows, Season of 1893, Buffalo, NY: Courier Co., 1893. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

W. H. Reany, advance, Gollmar Bros., 1911. Fort Wayne (IN) Journal-Gazette, May 1, 1911. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Billy Reed, clown, Sun Bros., 1906, John H. Sparks Shows, 1909, 1919. Van Wert (OH) Daily Bulletin, June 5, 1906; Gettysburg (PA) Times, June 21, 1909; Cumberland (MD) Evening Times, May 16, 1919. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Miss Blanche Reed is a native of St. Louis, Mo., and one of the famous Reed Sisters. Though she is not yet nineteen years of age, she enjoys a most creditable distinction among the great lady riders that have appeared in this country. Her professional career has been spent to a great extent in Europe, where, in conjunction with the other members of the Reed Family, she has rode in the principal amphitheatres and circuses of that continent. Offical Route Book of Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Railroad Shows, Season of 1893, Buffalo, NY: Courier Co., 1893. Blanche Reed, equestrienne, Wallace Shows, 1900. Billboard, June 16, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Charles Reed is a native of Kentucky and comes from the early school of circus riders. He is said to be the only apprentice of the famous Dan Rice still doing a riding act. He was billed with the veteran clown’s show in 1856 as “Master Charlie Reed, the Famous Boy Rider.” Mr. Reed subsequently married the daughter of his famous employer. Until three years ago, and for ten years preceding, his professional career,together with different members of his family, has been spent in Europe. Mr. Reed, in conjunction with his son Francis, does a very finished carrying act with the Ringling Bros. Francis also does a principal riding act, and the rare grace and finish of his work reflects the able training given him by his famous progenitor. Offical Route Book of Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Railroad Shows, Season of 1893, Buffalo, NY: Courier Co., 1893. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Francis Reed, rider, Forepaugh-Sells, 1900. Fitchburg (MA) Sentinel, June 1, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Harry Reed, animal keeper, John Robinson's circus, 1905. Daily Telegram (Eau Claire, WI), October 3, 1905. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

May Reed is the elder of the two famous Reed Sisters, and whose riding with the Ringling Bros.’ Show during the past two seasons has made them so widely and favorably known to the people of the United States. Miss May Reed invariably rides her graceful acts with a vim and dash that fairly carries the audience away with enthusiasm. Both she and her sister are, aside from their professional acquirements, highly accomplished young ladies and speak four or five languages fluently. Offical Route Book of Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Railroad Shows, Season of 1893, Buffalo, NY: Courier Co., 1893. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Miss Olgy Reed, bareback rider, Wallace Shows, 1900. Billboard, June 16, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

W. K. Reese, formerly a member of the advance forces with several attractions, including the John Robinson, Howe's London, Ringling and Barnum shows, is now in the service of Uncle Sam. Billboard, November 2, 1918, p. 27. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

The Reiche Brothers, the death of the younger of whom The Times announced yesterday, were devoted to each other. Charles died two years ago in Germany. It is coincidence that two between whom there was so strong a bond socially and professionally should have been carried off by the same disease - diabetes. In their animal trade they for many years enjoyed virtually a monopoly of this country, Hagenbach, of Germany, alone interfering with them at times in stocking our circuses. Barnum bought largely of the Reiches, and Forepaugh’s books will show that his purchases from them during the past 20 years footed up more than $300,000 worth. The firm stood well with their patrons besides. Henry Reiche was also a moneyed partner in a number of amusement schemes, the last of note being his backing and directing of the Van Amburgh Circus and Menagerie, which started from Amenia, N.Y., the home of its manager, Hyatt Frost, in the Spring of 1885. It traveled through New England, and then worked West. Charles H. Day was its press agent, and its motto was that it gave no quarter, but took it from everybody - a reference to its admission fee, which had been lowered to the olden time figure, 25 cents. The idea of the show was to establish Henry’s son Herman in a business that would take him out of a sedentary life and put him in the open air. It made money in the East, but there was no great profit to the season in the West. The veteran Den Stone, now creeping along toward 70 years of age, was with the party, which is a reminder that in the Spring of 1879 the Reiches sent him to Germany with a band of 11 American Indians. The project was successful; but the idea was new only as to Germany, the father of McKee Rankin, the actor, having taken a troupe of Indians to England away back in the "forties." It was Henry Reiche’s money that, in the Summer of 1877, fitted up the Aquarium, this city, which was opened in the ensuing Fall. It was where Harrigan’s Park Theatre now stands. The venture cost Mr. Reiche but little short of $90,000. It there is one amusement area that, more than another, will miss him, it is Coney Island. Much of his stock of birds, reptiles, and beasts went year after year to make West Brighton lively. New York Times, June 18, 1887, p. 2. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Doc Reimer, formerly trap drummer with La Tena's Circus, is not on the road this season. He is now head steward at the Elks' Club at Houlton, Me. Billboard, August 3, 1918, p. 25. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

John A. Reis was a concessionaire for Ringling-Barnum and Madison Square Garden for many years. Died in July 1984 at Sarasota, Florida, age 75. Circus Report, August 6, 1984, p. 14. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Allen Reiss, showman, died August 13, 1900 at Cleveland, Ohio, age 42. Had been connected at various times with the T. K. Bush Circus, Tony Lowande's Circus and the Walter L. Main Circus. Billboard, September 1, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Renello (probably Fred Renello), the Marvelous Renello, somersault on a bicycle while leaping the gap, Campbell Bros. Consolidated Shows, 1909-1911; Fred Renello and sister, Ringling Bros., 1911; Fred and sister, vaudeville, 'Leaping the Loop,' 1913. Manitoba (Winnipeg, Canada) Morning Free Press, June 5, 1909; Nevada State Journal (Reno, NV), May 15, 1910; Grand Rapids (WI) Tribune, August 10, 1910; Grand Rapids (WI) Tribune, August 3, 1910; Brownsville (TX) Herald, November 22, 1911; Fort Wayne (IN) Sentinel, February 3, 1912; Daily Courier (Connellsville, PA), May 5, 1913; Indianapolis (IN) Star, June 8, 1913. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Guy Repasz, solo cornet, began his professional career in 1889 with the Wilson Theatre Company. Since then he has advanced rapidly to the front, the past two seasons being passed with the Ringling Bros. “World’s Greatest.” His geniality and generous nature have won for him many friends among the “gang.” Leisure hours are spent in Baraboo, Wis. Offical Route Book of Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Railroad Shows, Season of 1893, Buffalo, NY: Courier Co., 1893. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Samuel C. Reppert, "Tex," was a life-long concessionaire. He was a concession manager or owner in a number of facilities. He joined Carden-Johnson Clyde Bros. Circus Corporation as secretary-treasurer in 1975, managing the Blue Unit concession department and the winterquarters. Died May 13, 1977 at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, age 61. Circus Report, May 30, 1977, p. 2. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Don Rey, circus band leader and organist, was in show business for about 40 years, traveling with a number of circuses and horse shows. He also handled music for various fairs throughout the country. He was a member of Rudy Bros. Circus for several years. He died September 20, 1974 at Vancouver, British Columbia, while he was touring with the Gatti-Charles Circus. Circus Report, September 30, 1974, p. 3. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Ellery S. Reynolds, late of the Rhoda Royal Shows, and formerly of several circus organizations, is connected with a real estate and investment business in Mayfield, Ky., his home town. Billboard, August 30, 1919, p. 41. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Harris W. Reynolds joined the Sparks Circus and was trained as a dancing tight wire performer. He toured as a single act in vaudeville, clubs, fairs, parks. He Was a member of the risley act, the Young Nelsons, of the Original Nelson Family. He married Denise Wathon of the Juggling Jewels. Died circa June 1986 at Atlanta, Georgia. Circus Report, July 21, 1986, p. 6. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Major and Mrs. Charles F. Rhodes arrived in New York from France and left for their former home at Lexington, Va. He was formerly a prominent circus, exposition and Wild West showman in this country, but has been several years in Paris, France, engaged in the manufacture of artificial limbs, in which he has amassed a fortune. Billboard, January 19, 1918, p. 70. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Jay Rial, press agent, Forepaugh-Sells, 1905. Galveston (TX) Daily News, November 8, 1905. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Clyde Rialdo, equestrian director, equlibrist, aerialist and knockabout clown, Reed's 25 cent European Show, 1900. New York Clipper, June 2, 1900, p. 310. "At liberty for any reliable small show, Rialdo. Hand balancer, rings, traps, juggler and acrobat. Address. Clyde Rialdo, Mr. Carmel, Ill." New York Clipper, August 11, 1900, p. 530. "Clyde Rialdo, clown juggler and ????? ring performer, and Walter Hogue, Dutch comedian and aerialist, have joined hands and are at present with the Van Vranken Trained Animal Show, at the Louisville Inter State Fair for two weeks, with Grand Rapids and Indianapolis to follow. New York Clipper, October 12, 1901, p. 703. Clyde Rialdo, princial clown, Bonheur Bros., 1904. New York Clipper, March 12, 1904, p. 62. All information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Matt J. Ricardo (Ryan), well known as an acrobat and gymnast, died at Silver Springs, N.Y., on Nov. 22 [1906], aged forty-seven years. He was well known as one of the Three Origianl Ryan Bros., Wm., Matt and George. George was killed while leaping with the S. H. Barrett Show, at Effingham, Ill., a number of years ago. Matt, for a number of years, was of the team known as Ricardo and Fitz(?), and a test of his ability as a performer was a continuous engagement of seven years as the feature team with the Robt. Hunting Show. He was a member of the B. P. O. Elks, K. of P. and A. O. H. He is survived by his wife, who is a non-professional; one brother, William, of Utica, N.Y., and five sisters. Interment was at is old home, Tidioute, Pa. New York Clipper, December 15, 1906, p. 1140. All information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Stephen D. Ricardo, known as Flying Ricardo, gymanast and acrobat, was for many years with the Adame Forepaugh Shows, and for the past six years secretary and treasurer of the Actors' International Protective Union, Local No. 4. Billboard, January 18, 1919, p. 60. All information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Frederick William Riccobono, 77, a world-famous horse trainer and circus and vaudeville figure at the turn of the century, died last night after a long illness. Mr. Riccobono, who earned international fame as director of the famous Riccobono Equine Comedy Company, is survived by his brother and partner, Ottilio Riccobono, with whom he had resided for the past several years. Born in Hungary in 1869, the son of Italian circus people, Mr. Riccobono grew up in his profession and went on to achieve renown as a horse trainer. He organized an equine comedy company that performed in the leading showplaces of Europe and the United States.
       He came to America in 1907 at the request of the original Oscar Hammerstein and the novelty stunts of his trained horses created a sensation in New York theatrical circles. Later he served as horse trainer and performer for Barnum and Bailey and Ringling Brothers. Mr. Riccobono came to Kingston upon his retirement from active circus work about 37 years ago and settled down with his brother. He maintained a keen interest in equestrian pursuits and continued to train horses for various theatrical and circus groups.
       He was renowned in circus and vaudeville circles as a trainer who never used the whip on a horse. He cajoled the horses with sugar and carrots and achieved remarkable success through these methods. His comedy acts reflecting the almost human reaction of horses have never been equalled in the circus world.
       In one particular act three horses, three men and a dog took part. One of the horses would lie down, then get into bed, and one of the men, who took the part of the clown and furnished the comedy relief, would pull the bed clothes part way over the horse and then the animal would cover himself completely with bed clothes. Another horse would get up on a stool and pose. Later the animal got on a revolving table and a rope was placed in its mouth. The dog hung by the rope and the clown grabbed the tail and hung onto the dog and the three kept spinning around. The horses then played football and kept time with music, and also created a stir by chasing the men. This so-called "Good Night" act was the Riccobono trademark the world over. The "Horse From Ireland" act, when introduced, was hailed as the most intelligent horse act in the history of vaudeville. The highly trained horse appeared to the public walking on her hind legs, wearing an elegant Irish girls' costume. She made a courteous bow to the public and followed with an Irish dance. At the close of the dance, in response to the applause, she made several graceful bows, so perfectly executed that a skilled ballet dancer could hardly improve on. Kingston Daily Freeman (Kingston, NY), April 30, 1946. With Ringling Bros., 1907-1908, said to have come from St. Petersburg, Russia. Hamilton (OH) Daily Republican-News, April 17, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Dan Rice.

He has gone where the clown and the king
    Meet under the canvas as brothers
Where no one need fool in the ring
    To tickle the fancies of others.
And if God loves the man who has curved
    People's lips into smiles, there's a nice
Front seat that has long been reserved
    Over there for jolly Dan Rice.

He marshaled no host on the plain,
    Nor rose above men as a leader;
And naught that he did shall remain
    In the land of the palm or the cedar.
But he made the world laugh in his day,
    And he put sorrow under a ban;
So here is a garland to lay
    On the bier of jolly old Dan.
Chicago Times-Herald, reprinted in Billboard, May 1, 1900, p. 6.

Fanny Rice, vaudeville comedienne, signed contract with Ringling Bros. as a clown, 1908. Fort Wayne News (IN), February 7, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

J. H. Rice, advance agent, Frank A. Robbins, 1908. News (Frederick, MD), September 21, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Joe Rice (Prairie Joe). 1917: "At liberty - For the circus season, for wagon or railroad show, Joe Rice, better known as Prairie Joe, formerly a U. S. Cavalry and ex-jockey man, Boss Hostler, Ring Stock Boss, Twent-Four-Hour Man, Official Announcer or General Lot Superintendent. Strictly temperate, positively no cigarette or dope fiend, no agitator or would-be front door manager, but attend strictly to business. American born, in good health; age 37. Wire ticket; will make use of it. Willing to troupe anywhere, rain or shine. Not afraid of muddy lots. I am not worn out. This is my professional livlihood. Address care The Billboard, New York." Billboard, March 24, 1917, p. 142. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Mike Rice, clown, John Robinson's, 1909. Tyrone (PA) Daily Herald, May 29, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Betty Rich, high traps, 1941. "Los Angeles Shrine Had One Night Circus," White Tops, Vol. 14, Nos. 4-5 (Feb-Mar), 1941, p. 4. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Marilyn Rich, aerial act, casts her body over her shoulder 175 times, 1941. "Los Angeles Shrine Had One Night Circus," White Tops, Vol. 14, Nos. 4-5 (Feb-Mar), 1941, p. 4. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Richards Sisters, butterfly dance 1910, Forepaugh-Sells, 1910-1911. Portsmouth (NH) Herald, July 1, 1910; Charleroi (PA) Mail, May 4, 1911. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Al E. Richards. Mrs. Al. E. Richards, professionally known as Miss Jessie Coles, of the New York and New Orleans Circus, presented her husband in Carey, O., June 14, with a girl weighing twelve pounds. New York Clipper, June 23, 1877, p. 102. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Franco Richards, circus owner, operated Ring Bros., Richards Bros., Fargo Bros. and Trapeze Bros. Died March 24, 1976 at Fairfield, California, age 57. Circus Report, April 26, 1976, p. 15. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Ringling Richards, "Rusty," owner and operator of his own circus and with his brothers. His brother, Franco Richards, was owner and manager of Ring Bros. Circus in 1957. When Franco became ill in 1957, the show title was changed to "Ringling Richards presents Ring Bros. Circus." In later years Ringling was a concessionaire at California fairs. Died on August 12, 1980, age 47. Circus Report, October 20, 1980, p. 8; Billboard, December 9, 1957, p. 66. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

John J. Richards, bandmaster, Ringling 1912 to 1918. "Wallenda Tent of Madison, Wisconsin Honors Former Circus Bandmasters," White Tops, Vol. 14, Nos. 4-5 (Feb-Mar), 1941, p. 10. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Tom Richards, animal trainer and circus man from Toronto, Canada, has returned to Canada as unfit for further miliarty service, after two years in the Canadian service in France, during which he was gassed and wounded in the Battle of the Somme. He has toured almost every country with circuses, including Lord George Sanger's in England; in Germany and France with Circus Busch, Hamburg; through South Africa with Frank Fillis' Circus and Herr Pagel's; toured India, Burma, China and Java with Harmston's Circus; Russia and Siberia with Borrowsky's Royal Russian Circus, and appeared in Australia and America in vaudeville. Billboard, November 9, 1918, p. 32. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

James R. Richardson, prominent in the circus world for the past fifteen years as a clarinet player, formerly with Barnum & Bailey band and Park B. Prentiss' musical organization on the Hagenbeck-Wallace Shows in 1912, and others, died of heart trouble at Los Angeles, Cal., January 17. He is survived by a widow, Elsie; a daughter, Dorothy, and a mother. Billboard, February 1, 1919, p. 28. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

"Tony" Richardson, treasurer, Rhoda Royal Shows, 1900. Had been treasurer of Walter Main Circus. Billboard, June 30, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

John Bill Ricketts, the acknowledged father of the American Circus, began his circus career with Hughe's Royal Circus in London in the 1780's. There is no record of his birth or death. All that is known is that he was supposed to be a Scotsman and was reported lost at sea in the 1800's. John Bill Ricketts built a circus building in Philadelphia in the fall of 1792 in which he conducted a riding school. After training a stud of Pennsylvania horses, he began, on April 3, 1793, a series of exhibitions two and three times a week. He combined instruction and exhibition for the next seven years in Philadelphia, New York City, Baltimore, Charleston, South Carolina, Boston, Hartford, Albany, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and Montreal. His advertisements referred to the Equestrian Exhibitions at Ricketts Circus. Performances included not only equestrian exhibitions, but clowns and music and later rope walkers were added. Each stand lasted from three or four days to several months and for each one he built temporary buildings. In December of 1799 his Philadelphia Amphitheatre burned and he retired from the circus business. His name is enshrined in recognition of his circus pioneering in the United States and his earned title of "Father of the American Circus." "Elected to Circus Hall of Fame," Bandwagon, Vol. 5, No. 2 (Mar-Apr), 1961, p. 21. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Rickman. Bert Rickman, who has been connected with the privilege department of some of the big ones, including Pawnee Bill, Miller Bros., 101 Ranch, two seasons, and with Cole & Rice's shows last season, goes with Kit Carson Buffalo Ranch Wild West this season. Mrs. Rickman, who works under the name of Pricess Zoneta, and who has been with a number of the leading circuses and Wild West shwos, will also be with the Kit Carson Show, working in the annex. Billboard, April 6, 1912, p. 27. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

D. H. Riggs owned and operated Riggs Bros. 3 Ring Circus during the Depression with his wife, Lily Long. He toured with Jimmy Dawson's Variety, Russell Bros., Steven Bros., E. K. Fernandez, Dailey Bros., Kelly-Miller and others. In later years was known as Sailor 'Doc' Riggs, the tattooed man. Born in 1903, died July 26, 1981 at Sarasota, Florida. Circus Report, August 17, 1981, p. 20. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Rigos, from Italy, Forepaugh-Sells, 1910. Bedford (PA) Gazette, April 29, 1910; Charleroi (PA) Mail, April 28, 1910; New Castle (PA) News, April 29, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Dr. Riley, physician, Ringling Bros., 1909. New York Times, March 29, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

A. G. Ringling, ". . . fills a most important position on the advance of the “World’s Greatest.” The amount of real advertising done from Car No. 1 is astonishing in its immensity, and, although a number of other cars follow his, to a casunl observer it would seem that after Car No. 1 has left a town nothing could possibly remain to be done. In the management of this vital and far-reaching part of the advertising, Mr. A. G. Ringling brings into play great natural abilities, and above all a systematic and methodical supervision of the affairs in his department that facilitates the work of advertising the big show throughout its many branches. The forces of bill-posters, programmers, lithographer, etc., employed on the different cars are engaged by Mr. A. G. Ringling, and the uniform efficiency of the men speaks volumes for his excellent judgment of their various capabilities. Offical Route Book of Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Railroad Shows, Season of 1893, Buffalo, NY: Courier Co., 1893. Information should be checked with additional sources

Henry Ringling, of whom the this is an excellent portrait, in addition to his many other managerial duties, has complete charge of the main entrance of the Ringling Bros.’ World’s Greatest Show. With four assistants and a special police force, he keeps the thousands of visitors in a steady stream, good-naturedly pouring through the several passageways. The able executive ability required in this highly important business department of the show can only be appreciated by those familiar with its details. Without the most systematic operation of things the show would here be daily imposed upon in many ways. That Mr. Henry Ringling rigidly carries out certain necessary and important rules with his characteristic firmness and decisiveness can best be seen by watching the work of his department for a short time. Offical Route Book of Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Railroad Shows, Season of 1893, Buffalo, NY: Courier Co., 1893. Information should be checked with additional sources

Joe Ringling will be first assistant to Harry Sells on the canvas of the John Robinson Shows. Billboard, February 9, 1918, p. 31.

See Joe MacMillan

Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

John Leslie Riordan, see John Leslie.

James Rison was promotional director for Polack Bros. Circus for 45 years. He began his career on this circus at its beginning and is credited with helping make the show a major Shrine circus of American. Died September 6, 1982 at Bellair (Largo), Florida, age 72. Circus Report, October 18, 1982, p. 12. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Ritter, clown, Frank A. Robbins, 1907. Portsmouth (NH) Herald, June 6, 1907; Bandwagon, Nov-Dec, 2001, p. 33. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Harry Rittley, clown, Grotto Circus, 1941. "Conn. Fans Buck Snow to Attend Indoor Circus," White Tops, Vol. 14, Nos. 4-5 (Feb-Mar), 1941, p. 8. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Albert Rix, animal trainer, spent his boyhood days with the Hagenbeck Zoo in Hamburg, German, presenting his acts on Circus Busch and Bertram Mills Circus before coming to the United States in 1950 on Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. His daughter, Jeanette Rix, performed the Albert Rix polar bears on Circus Atayde Bros. in Mexico in 1978. Southern Sawdust, No. 100, August, 1979, pp. 18, 19. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Burr Robbins was born in Union, Broome County, New York, August 13, 1837. His people gave him a university education, partially complete, and when they wanted to make a minister of the gospel of him by sending him to the Western Reserve College, there’s where he and his parents differentiated, and the said young man, thinking that a younger head was better than an older one, he ran away to Cleveland, the home of the Standard Oil kings.
       He was sixteen years of age, using the language of Mr. Robbins to the writer of this article, "a slim youngster and without a cent. then, becoming hungry, and with nothing in sight, I shipped as a waiter on a west-bound boat and landed in Milwaukee. Looking for work, I wandered through Wisconsin, up by Geneva Lake, and then back to Racine. Stowing myself away in a lumber boat, I was brought back to Chicago. This was in 1855. Staying around Chicago for awhile, I drifted back to Cleveland, Ohio."
       In this city he became a member of the Atheneaum Theatrical Stock Company, in a general utility and walking gent part. In those days stock companies such as this one sustained the traveling stars, and among all the number that he played with were none who impressed this young man more than that great artist of The Cricket On the Hearth fame - Maggie Mitchell. Right here, Mr. Robbins stated to the writer, that an entire change of mind came immediately to him, and made the turning point in his life. He here determined to become a theatrical manager, and devote himself and his future to the business of public entertainment.
       He was a good singer, his voice being strong, melodious and sweet, and in his boyhood days had become a proficient musician on the guitar, which instrument he played frequently ever since and up to his passing away, for his own and family’s entertainment.
       In 1858 he joined Spaulding & Rogers’ North American Circus, in St. Louis, Mo., at fifteen dollars a month and expenses, as a property man.
       This was considered a big show at the time, but it had only one center pole and quarter poles. "The use of quarter poles was originated with this show," which was the first that had them in those days, a few seasons prior to 1858.
       There was no concert in the big ring after the show like there is to-day, but in a side show with a portable stage on a wagon, was given minstrel and concert features.
       At the end of the season he had one hundred and seventy dollars saved up, and with that amount he financed a concert company of his own consisting of five persons. Prof. C. C. Pratt was the manager and his partner. He put up the experience and Robbins the cash.
       Their troupe was called Harmonium Bards. Like many another experience of like character they had a frosty time and landed up against a Mr. Gay, proprietor of the principal hotel in Bloomington, Ill., who kept all their trunks (a is present day hotel tactics), allowing them some small hand baggage to go as far as Lexington to give a show to get some money. "Don’t this experience sound natural to many an old trooper to-day?"
       But the people of that burg could not have been musically inclined, as they left Prof. Pratt’s Harmonium Bards to struggle along with their presentation to empty benches. They (the Professor and Robbins) slept together, and on the following morning were up at daybreak. Walking through the town they figured how much cash there was left. Pratt had $1.35 and Robbins had nothing. Pratt proposed that they divide the $1.35 and escape. Burr Robbins refused to do so, telling the Professor to keep the entire amount of money and go, which he did, leaving Robbins to face the landlord alone, and he certainly did give the young man a great talking to for daring to invade his premises without either money or baggage. Burr Robbins told him that he would pay him every cent, which he did later. Robbins then told the three members of the company that they must shift for themselves after they arrived at Bloomington, and he would get their baggage out, which he did, telling Mr. Gay to hold the baggage of Prof. Pratt and himself until he paid his bill.
       Robbins went to work, immediately, at harvesting, at $2.50 per day, and as the amounts in each place, Bloomington and Lexington, were small, he soon had both bills paid and his baggage released.
       Not being burdened with dissipating habits of any character, which generally absorbs the resources of the majority of young men, no matter in what their walk of station of life may be, he was always more inclined to saving, and like Adam Forepaugh and Uncle John Robinson, accumulated, with the object always in view of investing the same in show property, of which he had a taste with the Harmonius Bards.
       During the fall of 1859, when all true circus men are trying to learn where they can use some of the surplus cash accumulated during the summer season, he bought McBullwell’s Panorama of the Revolutionary War, which was then traveling in the neighborhood and doing a good business.
       On the 19th of April, 1861, three days after the late and lamented President martyr, Abraham Lincoln, made his call for seventy-five thousand volunteer soldiers, for three months’ service to suppress the rebellion of the Southern States, he enlisted, and after that service became a wagon boss with General George B. McClellan’s brigade, serving throughout the entire war and mustered out at its close a superintendent of transportation of the Twenty-third Army Corps.
       In 1866 and ‘67, with the money he had accumulated in the service, Robbins established two theatres in the oil country, one at Pit Hole and the other at Oleopolis, continuing there until the bottom completely dropped out at these two points.
       A young lady daughter of the late Isaac Blake, who was also at that time a well-known cross-road circus proprietor, alternated at these two theatres as one of Robbin’s leading features, making a tremendous hit in the famous song of the day, entitled If your Foot is Pretty, Show It.
       During parts of 1868, ‘69, he was in the boot and show business at South Haven, Mich., having acquired that business through a real estate transaction. In the winter of 1869 he bought an interest in William D. T. Travis’ painting of the Army of the Cumberland, who, with his brother, was struggling along through the country with mediocre receipts. He laid up his first investment, the McBullwell Panorama, and never used it afterwards.
       He was fortunate in making a partner of Mr. Travis, who was the well-known war artist of Harper’s Weekly on the field during the war, and as the paintings made were historical, Congress absolved him from paying the two per cent tax on gross receipts which every show had to pay then, so they were partners of the United States Government.
       During the summer of 1870, he bought the side show of James McKiver, and offered the Travis brothers to take them in as partners with this show, which Robbins ran at the different county and state fairs in 1871, but they refused. He then picked up the remnants of the then "busted" John Stowe Circus later in 1871, and then formed the Burr Robbins & Company Circus and Menagerie, John Stowe being the company.
       In 1873 they split partnership. John Stowe took all his old stuff and started out the John Stowe again. Robbins then built up an entire new show by buying more or less of the famous old European Show paraphernalia of Smith, June & Nathans, of New York City.
       His last season of the Burr Robbins Show and Menagerie was in 1888. During 1899 and 1890 he held the controlling interest in the French & Compnay Circus and Menagerie.
       At one time he employed the entire Marks Family. Hiram, Sr. was the ring master; Madam Marks and Miss Minnie Marks, principal riders; William and George Marks, riders, leapers and tumblers. They were all good, and pleased wherever they exhibited.
       Peter Conklin was also one of his famous talking and singing clowns, and although somewhat fleshy, made the crowds roar with laughter, the same as his slim competitors of other circus companies.
       While with the James McKiver Show, Robbins had two wagons, five horses and one buggy. He bought at Kempler’s near Madison street bridge, Chicago, Ill., a spotted wild cat that caused considerable question, as he had named it an American leopard. His sacred fowls from India were white hens stained with vermilion a bright red. The animal man sold the eggs of those hens for a dollar apiece throughout the territory they showed, and the amount did not supply the demand.
       One of the greatest curiosities, however that Mr. Robbins owned in his show life experience was a deformed mule, who head was as broad as two ordinary mules and whose nose turned up like a cup in front. He paid $10 for this mule, and billed him extensively as the "Moorish Magi."
       It was Mr. Adam Forepaugh that gave Robbins the advice to increase his canvases and expenses as that would also increase the business of the concern. The larger the canvas Mr. Forepaugh said the more important the show becomes in the minds of the country people, and he was proven correct. From Billboard, November 26, 1910, p. 20. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Milton A. Robbins was a sideshow operator for more than 60 years. Died September 22, 1981 at Dunedin, Florida, age 74. Circus Report, October 12, 1981, p. 16. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

T. Robbins, band, Ely's Combined Shows, 1900. Billboard, June 30, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Ethel Roberts, bareback rider, Sells-Floto, 1911. Evening Standard (Ogden City, UT), May 24, 1911. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Helen Roberts, bicyclist, carrying act, Frank A. Robbins, 1907. Portsmouth (NH) Herald, June 6, 1907; Bandwagon, Nov-Dec, 2001, pp. 33-34. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Frank A. Robertson, trouping cornetist, now in the service of Uncle Sam in the band on the U.S.S. Georgia. Mr. Robertson in 1911 was with Gorton's Minstrels, 1912 Sparks Circus, 1913 Sells-Floto, 1914 Welsh Bros. (bandmaster), 1915 DeRue Bros. Minstrels, 1916 Barnum & Bailey. Billboard, March 2, 1918, p. 28. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Dan R. Robinson, general agent, Buckskin Bill's Wild West, 1900. Billboard, May 1, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

G. E. Robinson, advance, Gollmar Bros., 1910. Daily Huronite, (Huron, SD), June 1, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Circus people now in the carnival business: Howard Robinson, treasurer of the Cole Show, now with Washburn's Shows. Billboard, June 8, 1918, p. 27. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

James A. Robinson, formerly a contracting agent for circuses, died at Philadelphia, May 6, 1900. For several years he was in the employ of John O'Brien, afterward enlisting under the banner of the late Adam Forepaugh, with whom he remained as long as he cared to travel, having inherited a considerable fortune. In 1891 he was made the local manager of John a. Forepaugh's Temple Theater, Baltimore, and in 1892 was connected with the Forepaugh Theater, Philadelphia. Billboard, May 21, 1900, p. 5. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

J. W. Robinson, veteran sideshow talker, with Little Man (good card), can be engaged the coming season. Address J. W. Robinson, Janesville, Wis. [Advertisement] New York Clipper, February 1, 1879, p. 355. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

John Robinson, the original, whose name is familiar on every continent, was the progenitor of two characters, whose standing in the circus business ranks with that of any of the old-times. The head of the Robinson family was born on July 6, 1804, at Little Falls, N.Y., and died on August 4, 1888. In his younger days he gained an enviable reputation as an equestrian. Later he joined hands with Gilbert N. Eldredge Great Southern, thereby founding the Robinson & Eldredge Great Southern Circus. Particularly in southern climes was this aggregation successful, and for many years after their first invasion into Dixie was their reputation sustained. And at the present time the name John Robinson is considered a synonym for success. In 1856, Mr. Robinson retired, but the call of the ring being too great to go unheeded, he re-engaged in his former pursuit in 1857, by purchasing the Flagg & Aymar outfit which was re-named the Robinson Show. During the season of 1858, "Bill" Lake, the clown, and Mr. Robinson formed a partnership which lasted four years, or until 1862. He made an alliance with his brother Alexander for two ensuing seasons. Until the beginning of 1871, Mr. Robinson was the sole proprietor of the "Old" John Robinson’s Show. To him belongs the credit of first conceiving the dirt ring or bank of earth, as previous to 1852, all tent shows used wooden curb-rings. He also had the distinction of being the first to show a circus in many American towns. A biographer, in commenting upon the character of Robinson, said: "The first of the Robinsons was a ‘diamond in the rough,’ blunt, laconic and very out-spoken. His heart was in the right place and the memory of the famous pioneer circus man will long be fondly cherished by his contemporaries." "John Robinson," Billboard, August 8, 1910, p. 20. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Comment: I am interested in John Robinson III and his circus in Indiana. Michael Floyd

William Robinson. "Story of a Man with a Varied Career. Wm. Robinson, who has been confined for some time in the county jail is a man with a strange history. His name originally is believed to have been Wm. Stevenson, since then he has had several aliases, two of which are known to have been Robinson and Roberts. Twenty years ago Stevenson was agent for the celebrated Barlowe’s Circus while it was traveling through the colonies. After this he traveled widely as the manager of Chang, the Chinese giant. He is now nothing but a shrewd, sharp sneak. He has already served three terms in San Quentin. He seems to have a mania for stealing overcoats. He has stolen three in Modesto, one in Watsonville, one from Hollister, one from Gilroy, two from San Jose and no one knows how many from other places. He was released from jail here on Monday, after serving a forty day’s sentence. Deputy Marshal B.M. Horr, of Modesto, was waiting for him with a warrant of arrest, and immediately took him in and proceeded with him to Modesto, where he will be apt to become pretty familiar with the appearance of the interior of the Stanislaus county jail. Hollister Free Lance (Hollister, CA), March 22, 1889. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

William Curtis Robinson, from Grinnell, Iowa, invented and manufactured monoplane, was engaged at Grinnell, Iowa on Saturday (1910). John Robinson's, 1910. Iowa City (IA) Daily Press, June 20, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Yankee Robinson

Yankee Robinson, Fayette Lodavick Robinson, the famous circus and show manager, died September 4, at 3: 15 o'clock p.m., at Jefferson, Ia., so a dispatch from Silas Robinson informs us. Yankee Robinson was a lineal descendant of the Dr. Robinson, divine, who came from England in the Mayflower. He was born near Avon Mineral Spring, Livingston Co., N.Y., May 2, 1818, and at fourteen years of age began work as a shoemaker with his father in West Richmond, N.Y. His first "appearance" with a circus was a peculiar one. Old Sickles' Show was visiting West Richmond. The troupe were to make a stand next day, and not having teams enough to get through the muddy woods, Yankee was hired as a boy to ride a horse put on the "lead" of a team. At the end of his journey he was paid a shilling for his work. He made his first appearance on any stage at a school exhibition in his native town, playing Jonathan Doolittle in "A Yankee in England." In 1837 he went to Medina, Mich., and started a shoemaker's shop. At the end of a year he returned home, and was married, but his wife died a few months later. Later on he again embarked in the shoe business, this time at Danville, N.Y., where he did fairly well, though all the time he was anxious to make a start in the circus business. The opportunity soon came to him, and he initiated his career in the show business at Dansville in August, 1845, exhibiting two oil paintings by S. C. Jones, about 12 x 15 feet, representing "The Raising of Lazarus" and "The Baptism of Christ." A small drop curtain was used, which had been purchased at the sale of a lot of scenery of a defunct theatrical company of which Wesly Barmore and Dave Oakes were members. The drop represented the usual ancient Grecian ruin. A one-horse vehicle was built to transport the wonders of art, and with a single companion - one Rasselas Fairchild, a typo - Mr. Robinson set out to make his fortune. Arrived at chicago, he exhibited two weeks at Judge Fuller's Museum, then at the corner of Randolph and Dearborn streets. The fortnight's percentage amounted to $9.
      In St. Louis, Mo., in December, 1845, he volunteered to play Ratcliff in "Richard III." The theatre was located in the third story of a block at the corner of Third and Pine streets. Normon Adous(?) was the manager. Mr. Robinson's recollection of his own efforts - his first and only appearance in tragedy - was that "it was the worst attempt at acting ever made." In February, 1846, he organized the Olympic Serenaders, a party of twelve, presenting minstrelsy and variety with a tight-rope exhibition. Robinson did Lucy Long, and made a hit in burnt-cork, which he wore professionally for the next eight years. In August, 1846, at Galena, Ill., he joined June and Turner's Circus, remaining with them two seasons, playing the intermediate Winter with Henry Rockwell's Circus, in Cincinnati, O. In 1848 he again embarked in business on his own hook, starting from Eaton, O., with a two-horse wagon. The company consisted of himself, his second wife and a musician - a versatile performer, one Charles Gilson, formerly of Cazenovia, N.Y. Yankee closed a successful season at New Albany, Ind., late in the Fall of '48, and left team and traps for the Winter. He then engaged with Mr. Lennox (father of Walter Lennox) to appear on a floating theatre, and performed at the various towns en route to Memphis and the South. At Memphis the debts against the company had accumulated to such an extent that the Sheriff possessed himself of the steamer's throttle-valve, in behalf of the creditors. The scenery and properties being clandestinely removed, a theatre was set up in an abandoned church, and a successful season continued until April, 1849. Star engagements were played by the elder Booth, Eliza Logan and father, and Mulholland appeared in "The Old Guard." Miss Canton was the leading lady, and Mrs. Robinson (a novice) played seconds. Old Dan Emmett led the orchestra. Yankee Robinson appeared for fifty-four nights as comic singer. The following Spring, he started out with a two-horse team, playeing "Box and Cox," etc. In the Fall he had a fine four-horse carriage made in Michigan, and enlarged the company so as to present petite comedies and moral dramas like "The Drunkard," and he continued this enterprise until 1851. At Quincy, Ill., he began his first tent exhibitions, employing fourteen horses and giving dramatic performances. He closed the season at Rock Island and prepared a new outfit, hiring thirteen horses in addition to his own band-team and a one-horse buggy. A. S. Burt was in advance, Chas H. Wilson, principal comedian, and the scenery was by H. W. Waugh, who afterwards clowned as Dilly Fay. The season was prosperous, and terminated at Eaton, O.
      In the Winter of 1852-3 Mr. Robinson leased Frank's museum in Cincinnati, where he first prefaced his name by the title "Yankee." He opened the following Spring season at Dayton, O., in a large tent, playing "Uncle Tom's Cabin" and "Sam Patch." R. J. Miller and Ad. Bierce were his comedians, and he employed thirty head of horses. Business proving good, he bought horses and wagons during the Summer, and closed at Indianapolis, Ind. During the Winter he managed a theatre there and at Dayton. In the company were R. J. Miller and his wife (leading), Mary McWilliams (juvenile), Mrs. Robinson (soubrette), Frank Tannehill (juvenile), J. R. Spackman (old man), Tom Jackson (utility), Ad. Bierce (comedian) and DeWitt Waugh (leader). He tented during the season of 1854, playing "Uncle Tom's Cabin," and closed at Indianapolis, Ind., possessed of forty odd horses and ponies.
      During the Winter season of 1855-6 he trained stock with the assistance of O. W. Dodge, and opened in a stable in Indianapolis in February, 1856, giving circus performances twice a week. In the Spring of 1856 he began his first regular circus season under a new tent with fifty head of horses at Dayton, O. In the company were "Dilly Fay" (clown), O. W. Dodge, Tom Shields and A. S. Burt (agent). It ended a splendid season at Chicago. The season of 1857 was successful up to Sept. 1, when the failure of the Ohio Life & Trust Co. threw the West into a panic, and business dropped from an average of $600 a day to less than $100. The season was brought to an end at Noblesville, Ind.
      During his managerial career Mr. Robinson gave no heed to the "whim of the dark ages" in regard to Jonahs, but employed as many of the so-called as possible, and in many instances at very small salaries, thereby increasing his profits and giving employment to a "proscribed people."
      In 1858 he put out two shows. One was Burt & Robinson's Old-fashioned Circus - A. S. Burt, manager; Walter Aymar, equestrian director; and J. J. Justice, agent. Among the performers were Jerry Booker, clown, and Harry Everett (afterwards the well-known actor and manager) as wench dancer and general performer. This show is believed to the the first that ever "camped the entire trick." The Burt & Robinson Co. came well nigh to being annihilated by the small-pox. The other show was a double one, consisting of a circus and theatre under the same tent. Its first trip was to New York State. William June was agent, and William Pastor principal performer in the circus. At Norwalk, O., the two shows met on the same day in deadly opposition (?), each having purposely shipped to that point, one being en route East, the other West. A compromise was arranged, and the two shows combined under one large tent. They traveled on the same route for several days, and again combined at Columbus, O., the two bands and two companies alternating throughout the programme. Sending the Burt & Robinson Co. to Noblesville, Ind., Robinson went South with the circus and theatre.
      In the season of 1859 he started from Charleston S.C. headed north, with "an augmented company of Jonahs" and sixty horses. He turned back at St. Lawrence, N. Y., and when at Raleigh, N. C., whether from the malign influence of Jonahs or not, John Brown raided Harper's Ferry. From that day out the season was a failure. Wm. June, the agent, was mobbed at Grahamville, S. C., by a vigilance committee, and came within one vote of being whipped "forty lashes save one on the bare back covered with tar and cotton and sent back to Charleston." The single vote which saved June and his assistant from indignity was that of a brother Mason. When the news reached Charleston, a "committee" started for Robinson, having evil designs on his person; but Yankee took to his heels, being apprised of his danger by friends, and ran twelve miles into the woods. Sending back word from his hiding place to learn whether he was more scared than hurt, he was advised to "skeddadle," which he did, thereby losing the savings of a busy life, and never recovering so much as a wheel or a hoop. His second wife died during this year at Columbia, S. C. In 1860 he organized at Elmira, N. Y., hiring of the late Daniel Scott (who was afterwards his partner) thirteen horses, and commenced a dramatic tour under canvas, closing the season at De Ruyter, N. Y., with thirty-two horses.
      In 1861 Daniel Scott became a partner, as "Johnnie was off to the war." They made a living, and nothing more, closing at Hornellsville, and starting out from that point in 1862, with the same character of entertainment. Dan Shelby was the principal comedian. They ran thirty-four horses, and traveled the entire season in New York. In 1863 he started out with a new outfit of scenery, employed forty horses and traveled West, terminating a highly successful season at Peoria, Ill. That of 1864 was another dramatic season with Dan Shelby as principal comedian, and was brought to a successful ending at Rock Island, Ill. In 1865 he purchased James Melville and Jerry Mabies' Australian Circus, and ran a forty-horse team and one hundred and twenty-five head of horses, with P. A. Older as manager and Geo. S. Cole, treasurer. In the company were Ed. Perry and family, Snow Brothers and Charley Parker, clown. They closed the season at Decatur, Ill., and started therefrom in the Spring of 1866, with about the same company of performers and John O'Brien's animals. Robinson, we believe, paid O'Brien a percentage amounting to $23,000, proving a big season. He closed at Chicago, and erected Yankee Robinson's Coliseum and Zoological Garden at State and Washington streets.
      He traveled in 1867, making the "Wallapus" the strong card. In 1868, M. Smith of Philadelphia invested $60,000 in the show. W. C. Coup was the assistant manager. The street-procession was described as a "stream of gold and glitter a mile long." It carried everything before it, and its success was prodigious. Among the company were James Melville and family Howard Dorr and A. S. Burt (agent in advance). With the same show in 1869 Madame Sanyeah, female gymnast, was the sensation attraction, the show taking perhaps more money than any previous tent-show in the country. Coup was the assistant-manager, and J. M. Chandler and W. O. Crum were advance-agents; number of horses, 220.
      For the season of 1870 he divided the show, taking a ninety-eight horse "trick" into Canada, and closing at Portsmouth, O., while he rented the show to Enochs & Everett who "petered out" in twenty-one days. In 1871 he first took to rail and boat. In 1872 his circus started from Marshall, Mich., traveling by rail and boat, and closing at San Francisco. In 1873 he combined with John Wilson in California. In 1874 he was general superintendent of the Soulier Hippodrome. In 1875, in company with Dan Scott, he organized a hippodrome, menagerie and circus, with stage. Scott's death, June 28, closed the the season. In 1876 he acted as agent at-large with W. W. Cole. The season of 1877 he devoted to staring in dramatic plays, as had been his custom every Winter except one from 1862. In 1879 he tried his old plan of "Uncle Tom's Cabin" under canvas, and found it successful. In 1880 he starred in a play from the pen of Mrs. Robinson, called "F. F. V.'s." Since then he had been engaged in but few enterprises. As an advertiser and originator of features of street-processions Yankee Robinson was particularly successful. Where he has led hundreds have followed and profited by his own peculiar conceptions.
      The first wife of deceased was a daughter of Silas Nye of Pittsford, N. Y.; and Silas Robinson, issue of that marriage, was at one time in the show business, but is now editor of The Worsaw (Ill.) Democrat. Yankee's second wife was a daughter of Capt. Drake of revolutionary fame and his third was a daughter of Dea. Babcock of Chillicothe, O. This season he had been running Yankee Robinson & Ringling Brothers' Double Show, which started out from Baraboo, Wis., May 1, and which, on account of Mr. R.'s failing health, was to close its season Oct. 8. He had been ill in New Jefferson, Ia, three or four days before his death, which was ascribed to Bright's disease. His remains were taken in charge by the Masons of that place, and were to have been transferred to South Bend., Ind., for interment. New York Clipper, September 13, 1884. Information should be checked with additional sources
      Silas Robinson writes to correct one or two errors as to family matters in our recent obituary notice of his father, Yankee Robinson. Deceased's first wife's maiden name, Silas says, was Nye, and she and her child were buried in the same grave. His second wife, Elizabeth drake of Dansville, N.Y., was Silas' mother, and he was named after the first child, as above. His mother died Nov. 14, 1859, and was buried in Columbia, S.C. Another child by the second marriage is now Mrs. Bulla of South Bend, Ind., who was born in 1853. Silas was the editor of The Warsaw (Ill.) Democrat in 1880, but was forced back into the show business, and is now with Jennie Bowen Co. on tour in the West. New York Clipper, October 4, 1884. Information should be checked with additional sources

Yankee Robinson Token, courtesy of Carl.

La Belle Roche, automobile double somersault, Ringling 1908. Evening Tribune (Marysville, OH), April 23, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

J. B. Rochette. A rich fund of amusement is in store for the denizens of this city and vicinity in the advent of Mons. J. B. Rochette (familiarly known, in former years, as "Frenchy"), who, after an absence of nearly eight years, will make his debut under the management of Messrs. Lee & Ryland, the pioneer circus men, at the commencement of their spring and summer campaign. During the past eight years, "Frenchy" has played, with unbounded success, in the principal cities of South, Central and North America, Great Britian and France; and returns to us, his first love, to exhibit is proficiency in that line in which, even years ago, he held an enviable position. The Paris press accorded him the title of Rex Jocundi, and justly, or our memory is greatly at fault. . . . Mountain Democrat (Placerville, CA), March 18, 1865, n.p.n. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Pete Rogan, an old time circus performer, died suddenly of heart failure on April 24 [1902]. He leaves a widow. New York Clipper, May 10, 1902, p. 251. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Charles J. Rogers, veteran circus manager, formerly of Philadelphia, is the owner of the carriage building in that city which was destroyed at the time of the conflagration at Fox's American Theatre. New York Clipper, March 10, 1877, p. 399. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Peter Rogers. Chicago, Feb. 9. Peter Rogers, oldtime circus and carnival man, who has trouped with the old Barnum Circus, Yankee Robinson, Sells and Hagenbeck-Wallace shows, is laid up at the American Theatrical Hospital, Chicago. He has been unable to work this winter and is in hard straits now. Billboard, February 16, 1918, p. 31. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Mme. Caroline Rolland, bareback and trick act rider, has just concluded an engagement at J. W. Myers' Cirque American, Paris, and is now performing with Batty's London Circus in England. She will return to American in March. New York Clipper, December 29, 1877, p. 319. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Miss Rolland (probably Mrs. William Rollins below), equestrienne, Cole Bros., 1908. Fort Wayne (IN) Journal-Gazette, May 19, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

William Rollins, rider, Cole Bros., 1909. 1908: "Mrs. William Rollins, one of the leading bareback riders of the Cole Brothers' shows, wintering at Harbor Creek near Erie, was the victim of a terrible accident last night, and was fatally injured. The woman and a companion had washed their hair, using gasoline for the purpose. In the room they occupied was an open stove, and the gas arising from the volatile fluid ignited, and in a moment the unfortunate woman was enveloped in flames from head to foot. The interior of the room was in an instant a mass of flames, and Mrs. Rollin's companion jumped from a window to the ground, a distance of 20 feet. Showmen in the vicinity rushed to the scene and extinguished the fire enveloping the woman, but she was so badly burned that she cannot live." Daily Independent (Monessen, PA), April 28, 1909; Warren Evening Monitor (Warren, PA), April 14, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Carl A. Romig was a circus cowboy and horse trainer who owned and trained the original horse, "Silver," for the Lone Ranger show. He was with Young Buffalo Bill & Texas Rangers Wild West Show in 1914. Was with Ringling Bros., Hagenback-Wallace, Gollmar Bros., John Robinson, Sun Bros., Wallace Bros., Russell Bros., Seal Bros., Al G. Kelly-Miller, J. Gould and the Orrin Davenport dates. He married Elizabeth Rooney. He had the Romig & Rooney Circus Attractions in the 1930s-50s. His son was Irv Romig, daughter Fay Yvette and adopted daughter Grace McIntosh. Died November 7, 1979 at Troy, Michigan. Circus Report, December 3, 1979, p. 10. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Emmett Ronstrom, "Rex," played the drums with Ringling-Barnum and Polack Bros. He was in the film Greatest Show on Earth with Merle Evans. Died July 26, 1975 at Galva, Illinois, age 82. Circus Report, September 1, 1975, p. 15. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Annie Rooney (Katie?), rider, Sells-Floto, 1909. Oakland (CA) Tribune, April 29, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Carrie Rooney, equestrienne, Barnum & Bailey, 1907; Sells-Floto, 1909; Forepaugh-Sells, 1910-1911. Racine (WI) Daily Journal, July 9, 1907; Ogden (UT) Standard, June 19, 1909; Portsmouth (NH) Daily Herald, June 30, 1910; Newark (OH) Advocate, May 1, 1911. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Charles Rooney

Charles Rooney, stable boss and Indian baby, Hagenbeck-Wallace 1928.
Photo courtesy of Gregg K. Schrader, Belva V. Schrader collection.

Charles Rooney (1874-1934), boss hostler, was from the big Rooney family of Baraboo, Wisconsin. Entered the circus business with the Ringling and Gollmar shows. After driving a couple of years for the Ringlings, became boss hostler for the Gollmar Bros. in 1896. Then went back to the Ringling Bros. in 1898, driving an "eight" for old "Delavan." Later became an assistant boss to Spencer Alexander (Delavan). After Alexander's death, October 29, 1911, succeeded him as superintendent, remaining until 1919, when the consolidation with Barnum & Bailey gave the position to Tom Lynch, and Rooney had the stock on the John Robinson from 1919 to 1925, then with Hagenbeck-Wallace until his death. He did most of the horse buying for all the American Circus Corporation shows that wintered at Peru, Indiana. White Tops, Aug-Sep, 1944, p. 6.

"Baraboo - Charles Rooney, 59, for many years a 'boss hostler' with Ringling Bros. circus, dropped dead at Peru, Ind., Saturday and will be buried here today, this city being the family home. Mr. Rooney had been in ill health for the past year. At the time of his death he was superintendent of stock for the Hagenbeck-Wallace shows, owned by the Ringling corporation. A service for his friends of the circus was held at Peru Monday, and services here Wednesday at 2:30 p. m. will be in the Advent Christian church. He is survived by his wife; one son, Gerald; three daughters, the Misses Marabeth and Esther, Baraboo, and Mrs. Irving Carbino, Massena, New York; two grandchildren: and one brother, Frank Rooney, Long Beach, Cal." Wisconsin State Journal (Madison, WI) January 31, 1934.

Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Hugh Rooney, age 90 died October 17, 1941 at Baraboo, Wisconsin. Children, Edward, Minnie (Minnie Ethridge) and daughter Mrs. Carl Romig are performers. Burial at Baraboo. "Hugh Rooney Dies Oct. 17th at Leiser Home," White Tops, Vol. 14, No. 12 (Oct-Nov), 1941, p. 14. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Johnnie Rooney, though only 14 years of age, started in the business of a performer in 188p with Ringling Bros.’ Show. He is a remarkably bright little fellow, and his winning and graceful style never fails to inspire the audience with enthusiasm during his act of driving 21 Shetland ponies at one time on the hippodrome track. He is also an expert Roman chariot driver, and with his four little ponies wins his share of the laurels in the races. Offical Route Book of Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Railroad Shows, Season of 1893, Buffalo, NY: Courier Co., 1893. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Lizzie Rooney, bareback rider, Great Floto Shows, 1905; rider, Cole Bros., 1909. Daily Independent (Monessen, PA), April 28, 1909; Galveston (TX) Daily News, March 28, 1905. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Mike Rooney, equestrian, Cole Bros., 1908-1909.(1) 1909: "Circus Rider Attempts Suicide at Home Near Erie. Erie, Pa. June 11 — Michael Rooney, veteran trainer and daredevil bareback rider for years with Cole Brothers' Circus, slashed his throat with a penknife at the home of his father-in-law in Harbor Creek yesterday morning. Failing with the knife he sawed at his jugular vein with a comb until he fell weakened by loss of blood. He was discovered shortly afterward and hurried to Hamot Hospital this city, where he is in a precarious condition. His windpipe was cut through. He came home a few weeks ago on account of ill health."(2) 1910 census, Wonewoc, Juneau County, Wisconsin. Mike Rooney, age 36, single, circus rider, born Missouri. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

1. Fort Wayne (IN) Journal-Gazette, May 19, 1908; Daily Independent (Monessen, PA), April 28, 1909; Ad. Iowa City (IA) Citizen, June 28, 1909.
2. Evening Times (Cumberland, MD), June 17, 1909.

Ralph Root, advertising agent, Gentry Bros., 1908. Waterloo (IA) Daily Courier, June 9, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Edith Rose, ballet, Great Floto Shows, 1905. Galveston (TX) Daily News, March 28, 1905. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Frank T. Rose (Kid) died in Waco, Tex., April 6. Mr. Rose had a wide acquaintance among the circus fraternity, having traveled with many of the large shows. The last season spent with the circus was in 1915, when he had the downtown ticket office with the Gollmar Bros.' Show. Since then he had been connected with Van Noy-Interstate Co. (railroad news and hotel service) of Kansas City, and stand agent at Ft. Worth, Houston and Austin, Tex. The remains were shipped to Valley Falls, Kan., where the funeral was held. Billboard, April 20, 1918, p. 31. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

J. Adrian Rosenburg was an attorney and founded the Lewis Bros. Circus with his brother, Paul Lewis Rosenburg. This circus toured the midwest in the 1930s to the early 1950s. Died February 13, 1983 at Jackson, Michigan, age 86. Circus Report, March 1, 1983, p. 14. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Ben Rosenthal. “Big Ben” Rosenthal, who was widely known among theatrical people, died recently in Chicago. He was manager of the Studebaker Theatre, Chicago, at one time, and also was manager for Sarah Bernhardt. Of late years he as been associated with vaudeville and outdoor bookings. From a clipping pasted into the 1903 Pan-American Shows Route Book, undated, no source. Ben Rosenthal was a Special Agent with the Pan-American. Note: Ben Rosenthal of Kansas City was to be general manager for the William Sells owned Lemon Bros. circus, said to have opened in Kansas City on July 3, 1907. Lemon Bros. wintered on the Lemon estate, near Dodson, Missouri. Waterloo (Iowa) Daily Courier, June 13, 1907. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Joe Rosenthal, contracting agent, Miller Bros. 101 Ranch Wild West, 1908. Moberly (MO) Weekly Monitor, May 1, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Al Ross, real name Alphonse E. Helwig, was a clown with Tom Mix Circus, Hubler International, Emmett Kelly Jr. and other shows. He joined an acrobatic troupe in early 1930 and took the professional name Ross when he became a member of the Ross Acrobatic Troupe. In later years worked advance for various Shrine circuses. At the time of his death was on the advance with the Hubert Castle Circus and was to have appeared in their performances. Also worked fairs and night clubs. During World War II he was a performer with the Army's Special Services in the South Pacific. Died April 2, 1981 at Columbus, Ohio, age 73. Circus Report, April 20, 1981, p. 26. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

George W. Ross, of Vanceboro, Maine, legal adjuster, Frank A. Robbins, 1908. Daily Kennebeck Journal (Augusta, ME), May 2, 1908.
    In 1918 George W. Ross, former circus trouper, was appointed a Maine State detective for a term of four years. Mr. Ross is from Vanceboro, Me., and for several years was with Howe's Great London Show as legal adjuster. Billboard, June 8, 1918, p. 26.

Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Peter Ross, steward, John Robinson's, 1910. Evening Tribune (Marysville, OH), April 21, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Louis Roth, animal trainer 1941, lions and tigers in a steel arena. "Los Angeles Shrine Had One Night Circus," White Tops, Vol. 14, Nos. 4-5 (Feb-Mar), 1941, p. 4. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

George W. Roueche, bill poster, advertising, department, Sells-Downs, 1905, committed suicide at Covington, Ga., October 30, 1905. Atlanta Constitution, October 31 & November 1, 1905. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Ed Rounds (real name Eddie Eckert)
    1911: Producing clown, W. H. Coulter's, 1911. Mrs. Round, high school act, W. H. Coulter's, 1911. Adams County Free Press (Corning, IA), May 17, 1911.
    1918: Eddie Eckert, known in the circus world as Eddie Rounds, famous whiteface clown, was murdered in Kansas City by an unknown man. The writer knew Eddie Rounds well, as he trouped with him for seven years. Eddie was with the John Robinson Show for several years, Famous Robinson Shows, Campbell Bros.' Circus, W. H. Coulter Shows, Hagenbeck-Wallace and Barnum & Bailey. The writer sends sympathy to Mrs. Eckert and Bertha Rounds. - Herman Joseph. Billboard, January 5, 1918, p. 62.

Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Hutton S. Rowe was born April 1, 1866. He entered show business as a balloon ascensionist and tight rope walker. He was a staff member and later a partner with the Norris brothers and their Norris & Rowe Circus. See Andrew C. Norris. Bandwagon, Vol. 16, No. 1 (Jan-Feb), 1972, pp. 4-14.
    Hutton S. Rowe, showman, died October 25, 1918 at his home in Chicago, Illinois, of heart disease. Mr. Rowe had been suffering for some time, but not considered in dangerous condition until recently, when he gave up his work with the Chicago Permanent Exposition. He was born April 1, 1866, in Decorah, Ia., and started in show business when he was about 18 years old. His first ventures were in making balloon ascensions and in tight rope work. He gradually made his way to the front and finally became agent for the Norris Bros. Dog and Pony Show. He was taken in as a partner, the show becoming known as the Norris & Rowe Shows. Later the Norris interests withdrew and Mr. Rowe, with Walter Shannon as an equal partner, put out the Norris & Rowe Circus as a 31-car show, which ended its career in June, 1910. Mr. Rowe shortly after went to Australia as general agent for the Bud Atkinson Show. He was in the Antipodes about six months, then returned to this country, joining the Young Buffalo Show. His next engagement was with Irwin's Wild West, following which he was with Sells-Floto Circus. During the past season Mr. Rowe was manager of the Coop & Lent Motorized Circus. Following the close of this organization, he joined the World at Home Shows for a short period, leaving it to become associated with A. B Hulit in the Chicago Permanent Exposition. Mr. Rowe married in 1903 to Anna Newton, who came here from England with Major Mite, under contract with the Norris & Rowe Show. Interment was in Showmen's League Rest at Woodlawn Cemetery, Chicago. Survivors include a widow, a stepson, Ellis, and two stepdaughters. Billboard, November 2, 1918, p. 54. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

J. A. Rowe, an old circus proprietor and manager, accompanied Chiarini's Circus to Australia, and, as we are told, the manager thereof, after he had availed himself of Mr. Rowe's knowledge of the colony, greatly to the pecuniary advantage of the former, discharged him at one day's notice, just as the show was leaving Melbourne for Sydney. As Mr. Rowe was without sufficient funds to enable him to return to his home and family in California, a benefit was given him at the Theatre Royal, under the patronage of the U. S. consul, the vice-consul, a committee of the Benevolent Asylum, and a large number of influential gentlemen. . . . Mr. Rowe, some twenty years ago, when in affluent circumstances, gave most liberally to the Hospital, Benevolent and Lunatic Asylums, and other charitable institutions in Australia, and they, not forgetting his generosity, gave him a substantial benefit. He recently arrived in California. New York Clipper, November 29, 1873, p. 279.

Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

W. Rowland, probably rider, Cole Bros., 1909. Ad. Iowa City (IA) Citizen, June 28, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Annie Roy. If Pygmalion had lived in the present day he probably could have found a Galatea who would have had little inclination to become cold marble, and thus drive the enthusiastic sculptor to an early grave, provided, of course, that lovely Annie Roy would not spurn the impassioned kiss, or jealous Bobby go after his gun. In appearance Annie resembles very much the sculptured female loveliness of Grecian art. Her snow-white hair and alabaster complexion, together with her graceful form, if clad in flowing robes of white, such as Grecian maidens wore in ancient times, would make an excellent imitation of marble. Annie poses in the side show as the “White Madagascar Princess.” Ringling Bros. 1893. Offical Route Book of Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Railroad Shows, Season of 1893, Buffalo, NY: Courier Co., 1893. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Charles Roy. In the handling of the illumination of the Ringling Bros. show, Mr. Charles Roy brings into his work special and peculiar abilities. Gasoline is the sole and only material with which circus tents were ever successfully lighted. The chandeliers, by means of which gas is generated, are very delicately contrived mechanical apparatuses, requiring the utmost care and attention for securing good light. That Mr. Roy, with his able assistants, accomplishes the required end can be proven by the bright illumination of the canvases and grounds, which invariably present a picture that rivals daylight. Mr. Roy has been a world-wide traveler, and his reminiscences of travel in various foreign countries are always told with a graphical interest entertaining to his listeners. He has been with the show a number of years. While he is one of the most successful chandelier superintendents in the country, he seems to take the greatest pride in the kerosene torches that are used between the lot and runs and at the cars. Offical Route Book of Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Railroad Shows, Season of 1893, Buffalo, NY: Courier Co., 1893. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Robert Roy is the blood-curdling name of this famous Albino. Just how he obtained the name of the Jesse James of Scotland, the history of freak nomenclature sheds no light upon. In his personal characteristics he possesess none of the attributes of a “dangerous man,” and bis harmless, good-natured and innocent demeanor are at strange variance with the bloody doings of his famous namesake. Rob possesses a luxuriant growth of hair, as white as the driven snow, eyes of a pinkish hue and a “complexion through which the life-blood can be seen coursing through his veins.” This, at least, is the grandiloquent manner in which the side show orator would express his peculiarities of physical composition. Ringling Bros. 1893. Offical Route Book of Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Railroad Shows, Season of 1893, Buffalo, NY: Courier Co., 1893. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Rhoda Royal is the efficient and energetic superintendent of the ring stock, trick horses, ponies, equine curios, etc., and the superb condition of the horses under his charge is largely due to the untiring ability be displays in his department. Upon Mr. Royal depends largely the getting ready of the parade, the overseeing and equipment of the horses for the rings and hippodrome races, etc. He has held his present important position with the show for the past three years, previous to which he held a similar place with the Adam Forepaugh Show. Mr. Royal is an important factor in the handling of the Ringling Bros. show, and is equally competent in cases of emergency for handling trick horses in the ring, participating in the races, riding, manege acts, etc. His affability and courteous treatment of all who come in contact with him makes him a general favorite all around. Offical Route Book of Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Railroad Shows, Season of 1893, Buffalo, NY: Courier Co., 1893. Died July 22, 1940. "Frank Hartless Elected . . .,"White Tops, Vol. 14, Nos. 10-11 (Aug-Sep), 1941, p. 6. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Archie Royer, manager, Andrew Downies' Shows, 1900. Royer will have two next-door companies on the road next season. Billboard, May 28, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Laurence Rucker was with circuses for 30 years. He had is elephants and chimps with Carden-Johnson Circus for seven years, with his wife Jene. Died September 9, 1976 at Dallas, Texas, age 50. Circus Report, September 27, 1976, p. 2. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Erna Rudynoff (Erna Seiffart) was a ballet student when she met and married Rudy Gebhardt in Switzerland. They performed a comedy act in theaters, billing themselves as Rudy and Erna Ernavitch, then changing their stage name to Rudynoff. They debuted their riding act on Circus Knie and then left Europe for the United States. They joined Rudy's sister, Mary Bedini, with the John Robinson Circus in 1923, the beginning of a career of bareback riding, comedy riding, high school and liberty horses. Erna was off the road for several years due to the loss of a leg in a riding accident. She returned in 1935 with an act that combined a high school horse with a high school dog. By 1937 she was performing the act on Ringling-Barnum, leaving the show during the 1938 strike. Thereafter the family worked Shrine circuses and independent dates. Born in 1898, Erna died on October 13, 1982 at age 83. Circus Report, November 8, 1982, p. 27. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

L. L. Rue, who was with the 101 Ranch and the Ringling Brothers' advance forces, has left for camp in Washington. He has joined the camouflage corps of the Engineers' Department. Billboard, February 2, 1918, p. 30. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Clara Ruel, high school rider, Sells-Floto, 1906-1907; Sells-Floto, 1908; Norris & Rowe, 1910; drove two horses tandem in parade, Sells-Floto, 1911. Advocate (Victoria, TX), September 29, 1906; San Antonio (TX) September 23, 1907; Ad. Marion (OH) Weekly Star, May 7, 1910; Ogden (UT) Standard, May 9, 1908; Manitoba Morning Free Press (Winnipeg, Canada), July 26, 1911. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Herbert Rumley, bareback rider, Norris & Rowe, 1905; rough rider, Norris & Rowe, 1906; Norris & Rowe, 1908. Oelwein (IA) Register, September 20, 1905; Woodland (CA) Daily Democrat, April 7, 1906; Anaconda (MT) Standard, June 30, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Runyons. Great Runyons from England, Forepaugh-Sells, 1910. Bedford (PA) Gazette, April 29, 1910; Charleroi (PA) Mail, April 28, 1910; New Castle (PA) News, April 29, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Willis Rusby, of the Sparks Show last year, will be with the Sells-Floto advertising car No. 2. Billboard, March 16, 1918, p. 30. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Hi Russell, clown. Norris & Rowe 1908. Woodland (CA) Daily Democrat, April 20, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

June Russell trouped for more than fifty years and was with Russell Bros., Sells-Floto, Cole, Walter L. Main, Rigers, and Ringing Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. She was married to Carl Woolrich. Southern Sawdust, No. 89, November, 1976, p. 16. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Reb Russell was a football star and movie cowboy in the 1930s. His film career began in 1933, and appeared with Russell Bros. Circus, Downie Bros. and other shows. When he retired he operated a cattle ranch in Kansas. Died March 16, 1978 at Coffeyville, Kansas, age 72. Circus Report, April 3, 1978, p. 6. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Rutherford. Tasmain and Rutherford troupe, lady aerialists, iron jaw, Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1910. See Tasmain. Oelwein (IA) Daily Register, June 16, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Jim Rutherford, principal clown, formerly with Walter L. Main Shows, signed with John Robinson's Ten Big Shows, 1900; clown, Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1908, 1910; boss clown, Sells-Floto, 1911; clown, Sells-Floto, 1912; clown, Barnum & Bailey, 1914.(1) 1909: " . . . President-elect Taft did not visit La Crosse during tho recent campaign. Nor did Vice President-elect Sherman, but a first cousin of the latter is now in La Crosse, and will be here for the remainder of the week. He is no other than James Schoolcroft Rutherford, who claims, and justly so, many distinctions, one of them being that he is a first cousin of the second executive of this country. Mr. Rutherford and his wife are the principals of the company and are at the Bijou this week. . . . Mr. Rutherford and his wife are the principals of the company and are assisted by a very clever actor, who plays an important part in their act. Jim Rutherford also has the distinction of being the only clown who is a college graduate. He is a graduate of Chicago university and played on the football team of that institution for two years. He has been in the circus and vaudeville business for about seven years and has attained considerable success in both lines of his profession. But it is as a writer of what is professionally known as cross fire work that Mr. Rutherford has become best known. At the present time there are a dozen or more vaudeville acts being played throughout the country which came from his own pen. The act which he is now presenting at the Bijou is one of his own writings. It brings out a number of phases in human life which are seldom touched upon, even on the stage, the world of make-believe. . . ."(2) Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

1. New York Clipper, March 17, 1900; Anaconda (MT) Standard, June 16, 1912; Ogden (Ogden City, UT) July 28, 1914; Waterloo (IA) Times-Tribune, December 28, 1911; Oelwein (IA) Daily Register, June 16, 1910; Colorado Springs (CO) Gazette, July 14, 1908.]
2. La Crosse (WI) Tribune, December 23, 1909.

    Researcher note: My Father's Mother Anna was a sister to James (Jim) H. Rutherford. The other members of the family include Margaret Trevesani (nee Rutherford) and Richard Rutherford. I am trying to find out more about James (Jim) H. Rutherford. Can you help me? Sincerely, Harry C. Lewis, Jr.

Lottie Rutherford, musician, saxophone, Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1910. Fort Wayne (IN) Journal-Gazette, August 28, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Faith Ryan

1922: Faith Ryan, dance and equestrienne, Al. G. Barnes' Circus. Official Season Route Book and Itinerary, Al. G. Barnes' Big 4 Ring Wild Animal Circus, Season 1922

1926: In the 1926 Hagenbeck & Wallace, Faith Ryan performed with the horse Ed Ballard, named after the owner of the show at that time. Online, yesterdaystowns.blogspot.com

1936: Miss Faith Ryan is one of the featured performers with Bockus and Kilonis Wild Animal Circus. She performs with her high hurdle jumper and cake walker, high school horse. The Telegraph (Nashua, NH), April 29, 1936, p. 9.

1947: Faith Ryan, who has been off the road for the last six years, is now residing in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. Billboard, August 23, 1947, p. 85.

1948: When Bailey Bros. played Pawhuska, Oklahoma, it was like old home week for Faith Ryan, former riding performer with the Hagenbeck-Wallace show. The former performer, who was forced to leave show business because of a back injury suffered in a fall at Springfield, Illinois, enjoyed a reunion with George Myers, Bailey's equestrian director, with whom she trouped on the Hagenbeck-Wallace show. Billboard, September 18, 1948, p. 92.

Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Mary Isabelle Ryan, one of the oldest circus performers in this country, died October 16 at her home in New York. She was born May 19, 1855. Mrs. Ryan was with Popcorn George's Circus forty-five years ago. Later she was with Lew Cole, whom she married. The Lou Cole Circus was the first to cross the Red River after the overflow. She later married Michael Ryan of the St. Louis Police Department, and retired from the theatrical profession. After the death of her husband, she presented her two daughters in vaudeville, billed as the Kenwick Sisters. Billboard, October 26, 1918, p. 26. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

William A. Ryan ("Rube Ryan"), clown, Hargreaves Bros. Circus, circa 1902-03; Hagenbeck Circus, 1905; died at Syracuse, New York, resided Evansville, Indiana. Post-Standard (Syracuse, NY), October 16, 1905; New York Times, March 6, 1904. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Mrs. Hattie Rysdon, wife of William Rysdon, died Nov. 14 at her home in Huntington, W. Va., from Bright's disease. She was a member of the Rydon and Nelson Troupe of aerialists, the past two seasons with the Campbell Bros.' Circus. She was twenty-four years of age and leaves a husband and a daughter one week old. New York Clipper, November 23, 1901, p. 850. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Top