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Lonnie Virgil Sagraves was an elephant trainer on Mills Bros. Circus from 1940s to early 1960s. He was known as Capt. Ky Sagraves. Later he worked as a carpenter on a carnival and was a house builder. Died November 24, 1985 at Ashland, Kentucky. Circus Report, December 17, 1985, p. 10. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Carl William Sahlen came to the United States at age 15 and joined the Peerless Potters with the Barnum & Bailey Circus, an aerial casting act. He was an aerialist, acrobat and gymnast. After he retired from the circus he did independent work putting up banners and flags for conventions, fairs, etc. He made nets and equipment for acts and at the time of his death had developed a five member tumbling act with five small children touring the tri-state area. Born in Sweden, died September 18, 1977 at Carmi, Illinois, age 85. Circus Report, November 28, 1977, p. 2. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Frank T. Saluto was a clown with Ringling-Barnum for 43 years, retiring in 1973. Died July 30, 1982 at Sarasota, Florida, age 75. Circus Report, August 23, 1982, p. 26. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

John C. Sanders, "Smokey," was a transportation mechanic with Ringling-Barnum from 1955 to 1983. Died September 7, 1983 at Venice, Florida. Circus Report, September 26, 1982, p. 20B. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Akimota Sankichi. The name of the leading member of the troupe of Japanese performers is Akimota Sankichi. He is an accomplished wire performer and works, in conjunction with other members of the Japanese company, as a perch balancer, etc. Akimota is an Oriental of considerable intelligence and a man of excellent education in his own language, but during the two years he has spent in this country with the Ringling Bros.’ Show, he has made but little progress in English. He is a native of Yokohoma, Japan. 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).

Capt. Santiago, high diver, Lemen Bros., 1900. Billboard, June 2, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Nola Satterfield, rider, Ringling Bros., 1905; five horse liberty act, manage, Dode Fisk, 1910. Piqua (OH) Daily Call, August 3, 1905; Marshfield (WI) Times, July 13, 20 & 27, 1910. 1910 census, Wonewoc, Juneau Coumty, Wisconsin: Nola Satterfield, age 32, single, equestrian circus, born Kentucky. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

J. Sauer, performer, 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).

F. G. Sauthoff [Southoff?], the popular “trap drummer,” who has been a member of the Ringling Bros. organization the past three seasons. His residence is at Madison, Wisconsin. 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).

Savoys, dogs, Great Wallace, 1906; Savoys and their kennel of bull terriers, Cole Bros., 1909; Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1910; seven riding and acrobatic dogs, Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1911. Waterloo (IA) Times-Tribune, June 5, 1906; Lethbridge (Canada) Herald, July 24, 1909; Daily Independent (Monessen, PA), April 28, 1909; Evening Telegram (Elyria, OH), May 24, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Eddie Sawyer, balancing trapeze, Shipp's Indoor circus, 1905. Cedar Rapids (IA) Evening Gazette, February 21, 1905. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Arthur Saxon Trio (Arthur, Kurt, Herman), strongmen, came from Europe, Ringling Bros.,1909. New York Times, April 4, 1909; www.oldtimestrongman.com/arthursaxon_trio.html. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Frank Schadel. Possibly Frederick and Augusta Schadel, riders, with Ringling Bros., 1902; possibly Joseph and Augusta Schadels, trick rider and somersault equestrian, 1902.(1) Frank Schadel, rider, Ringling Bros., 1903; Schadel, burlesque equestrian act with a trained zebra, Ringling Bros., 1908.(2) "The only man in the world who has ever dared to twist a zebra's tail is Frank Schadel, the German burlesque rider. Schadel has broken and trained a zebra to drive in harness or under the saddle and do all the tricks of the well-guided menage horse. His act is one of the recently imported novelties of Ringling Brothers . . . Schadel in grotesque make-up does a screaminly funny burlesque cart-riding act. The zebra does the cake-walk, kneels and dances the houche-kouche after the manner of the trained mule. It is the only trained zebra in the world . . ."(3) Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

1. Fort Wayne (IN) News, May 17 & 21, 1902.
2. Oakland (CA) Tribune, September 1, 1903; Evening Tribune (Marysville, OH), April 23, 1908; La Crosse (WI) Tribune, July 4, 1908.
3. Des Moines (IA) Daily News, July 6, 1908; Fort Wayne (IN) Journal-Gazette, July 23, 1908.

Annie Schaffer, rider, Buffalo Bill's Wild West, 1908. Washington Post, May 17, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Alfred Schieritz was a member of the trick cycling and bicycling act, the Shyrettos, a trio that included his sister Hanni and Walter Heinze. The Shyrettos toured in Russia before they came to the United States in 1938. In their first five years in the United States they performed at the International Casino, New York. They then played night clubs, theaters. They toured with Ringling-Barnum 1941-43 and with major Shrine and Police circuses and fair dates in the 1940s-1950s. Alfred married comic Sue Carson in 1957 and then managed her career. Died January 25, 1990, age 77. Circus Report, February 26, 1990, p. 3. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Charles J. Schlarbaum, musician, band leader and composer began his career in the circus on the Cristiani Bros. Circus. Was with Clyde Beatty-Cole Bros., Ringling-Barnum, Garden Bros. circuses. Also conductor of the Florida Sunshine State Band. Circus Report, December 21, 1981, p. 6. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Fred H. Schmidt (Conley) joined his father's riding act, the Riding Conleys, owned by Fred Schmidt and Jim Conley. Then he formed his own riding act, the Riding Fredricks. He later was a prop boss with Hamid-Morton. He married Beckie Loter and together they started Schmidt Concessions. Died circa 1987 at New York, age 53. Circus Report, April 6, 1987, p. 6. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

John Schmidt performed on the triple horizontal bar, teeterboard, had a comedy acrobatic act and was a fill-in in clown alley in the 1920s-30s. He was on the Gentry Bros. railroad circus; Sells-Floto two train circus; Sam B. Dill's motorized Circus; Sam B. Dill & Tom Mix Wild West, and Tom Mix Circus. Born circa 1900. Circus Report, April 29, 1985, n.p.n. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Hugo Schmitt was an elephant trainer with Ringling-Barnum for about 25 years. Born in Germany, came to the United States from Sweden and spent more than 50 years in the circus. Died August 10, 1977 at Sarasota, Florida, age 73. Circus Report, August 29, 1977, p. 2. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Conchita M. Schneider (Erikson) was an aerialist for over 60 years, travling with Ringling Bros., Clyde Beatty and a number of other circuses. Died October 25, 1977 at Tampa, Florida, age 71. Circus Report, November 14, 1977, p. 2. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Hilda Emma Schneider, "Daisy Doll," member of the Doll midget family. A native of Germany, came to the United States in 1922. Toured with Ringling-Barnum for 40 years. Died in March 1980 at Sarasota, Florida, age 72. Circus Report, April 14, 1980, p. 2. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Leopold Schneider was a circus performer and clown. He did a perch act with his brother in Germany as the Schneider. Bros. They came to the United States in 1910 and toured with the Ringling Bros. Circus, Cole Bros., vaudeville circuit and other shows. They did a hand balancing, chair pyramid, tumbling and knockabout act. In 1914 they named the act The Excellos, later knowns as the Freehand Bros. When they settled in the Redlands area, Leo became a clown and an instructor at the Redlands Great Y Circus. Died February 22, 1986 at Redlands, California, age 85. Circus Report, March 31, 1986, p. 8. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Belva Schrader, high wire artist. See Belva Schrader

Elmer Schrader, "Scotty," was the son of Emil and Alma Lindemann Schrader. Elmer traveled with the Seils-Sterling Circus, owned by his uncles, the Lindemann brothers. Died May 14, 1976 at Sheboygan, Wisconsin, age 67. Circus Report, June 21, 1976, p. 7. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Nellie Schrader and her husband toured with the Lindemann-Seils-Sterling Circus. She was known for her dancing horse acts. Died August 22, 1974 at Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Circus Report, September 9, 1974, p. 11. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Steve Schrieber is one of the most persistent seller of side-show tickets that have ever graced the oratorial stands that are lined up in a long row in front of the side-show paintings. Mr. Schrieber occupies the stand at the right of the entrance to the big museum, and his powerful voice and eloquent words can be heard, from early morning until late “candle-light,” depicting in “words of learned length and thundering sound” the wonders of the show to “the simple rustics gathered round.” In making opening announcements, Mr. Schrieber brings an amount of energy and persuasive eloquence into play that never fails to tell its story in the enormous crowds that flock under the spacious canopy of the side show exhibition. 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).

Harry Schubert, animal trainer, Carl Hagenbeck Trained Animal Show, 1905; Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1908. Daily Courier (Connellsville, PA), May 16, 1908; Duble, C. E., "Carl Hagenbeck Trained Animal Show - Season 1905," CHS Note Sheet, No. 8, September 15, 1943, pp. 1-2 (Circus Historical Society). Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Annie Scott, Marie Scott. See Dan Leon.

Mrs. Bessie Scott, performer, 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).

M. B. Scott (M. B.?, blacksmith, Campbell Bros., 1910. Brownsville (TX) Daily Herald, November 29, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Mamie Scott, slack wire, W. H. Coulter's, 1911; Misses Scott, rolling globe, W. H. Coulter's, 1911. Adams County Free Press (Corning, IA), May 11 & 17, 1911. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Maude Scott, bicyclist, carrying 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).

May Scott, rider, Sells-Floto, 1909; May Scott, acrobat, injured, possibly fatal in San Francisco, Sells-Floto 1909. Oakland (CA) Tribune, April 29, 1909; Des Moines (IA) Daily News, May 9, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Oliver Scott, has been engaged to take charge of the advance cars of Walter L. Main's Circus, 1892. New York Clipper, April 2, 1892, p. 50. In 1911, agent, age 72, has been with John Robinson Shows 40 years. See Slout's Olympians on this website. Waterloo (IA) Evening Courier, April 1, 1911. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Walter Scott, band leader, 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).

Romeo Sebastian, the celebrated equestrian, who for the last twelve years has been traveling through Europe, sailed from London on March 2 for this city, 1894. [New York] 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).

Frank Seigear was assistant trainmaster on the 101 Ranch Wild West Show. Later he was trainmaster of that show, Sells-Floto, Hagenbeck-Wallace and other shows out of Peru, Indiana. His last position was with the Al & Hattie Wagner's carnival Calvacade of Amusements. Died November 6, 1977 at Moberly, Missouri, age 93. Circus Report, December 19, 1977, p. 25. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Charles Seldman was a contracting agent for a number of circuses, including Beatty-Cole. Died December 17, 1975 at Springfield, Ohio, age 82. Circus Report, March 15, 1976, p. 4A. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Chris Seltz (Seitz?), educated elephants, 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).

Estelle Settler, rider, Norris & Rowe, 1905. Daily Nevada State Journal (Reno, NV), April 18, 1905. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Charles Sewell, bill poster, Cooper & Co., 1900. Billboard, August 18, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Charles Shannon, Shorty the Clown, was with several shows, including Ringling-Barnum. Died September 16, 1973 at Greenfield, Massachusetts. Circus Report, October 15, 1973, p. 7. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Barney Shay, clown, Harris' Nickel Plate Shows, 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).

Lottie Shaw, menage, wild west rider, 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).

Rev. William H. Sheak (1866-1956), show chaplin, John Robinson's show, 1903, 1905; lectures in menagerie and holds religious services, combines a vocation for zoology by lecturing on wild animals in a tent during the week and holding religious services there on Sunday, from Peru, Indiana, Barnum & Bailey, 1904.(1) 1905: "Fairfield, Ill., Aug. 31. - While performing a marriage ceremony in an aerial whirl going at a rate of twenty-five miles an hour at a circus here, Rev. William Sheak, of Peru, Ill., lost his balance and fell to the ground, breaking his right arm. . . . the injured preacher was able to complete the ceremony. The couple being married in this novel way in response from the manager of the circus was James French of Kansas City, Mo., and Miss Irene Stroder, of Dayton, O. The injured preacher declares that he will sue the owner of the circus for $5,000 damages."(2) William S. Sheak, minister of the United Bretheren faith, chaplain and zoologist with Ringling Bros., 1906; "With the advent of spring the old fever came back again and I have joined the Ringling show in my capacity of zoologist and chaplain. This work is a new thing, an experiment, with the Ringling Brothers, and I am here on trial only, but hope to make a success of it, as I did with Robinson and Barnum & Bailey. I have now reached the height of my ambition, so far as circuses are concerned. I have always wanted to get with this menagerie, as it is the largest traveling. . . ."(3)
      1916: "Peru, Ind., April 25. — For the second time in the history of his ministerial career, the Rev. William H. Sheak, of the United Brethren denomination, will drop pastoral duties for a circus. Mr. Sheak has signed a contract to become the treasurer of the Alderfer shows, which leave here next Saturday night. The aggregation, which is now four years old, has been growing since its first season and now it is classed as one of the largest overland shows in the business. Mr. Sheak will, besides handling the money, lecture in the menagerie tent before each performance. He also has made arrangements with the management of the shows to hold religious services in the tent each Sunday afternoon, and the people of the town where the show may be will be invited to join with the show people in the services. Several years ago Mr. Sheak joined the Barnum & Bailey circus as a lecturer and spiritual, adviser. Later he was with the John Robinson shows in the same capacity until his health failed, and then he went to the mountains, where he remained for many months."(4) Sheak published articles on the circus and natural history: "The Elephant in Captivity," "Circus Scares," and "Anthropoid Apes I Have Known"; his knowledge of performing animals was cited by the famous Robert Yerkes.(5)
      "PERU, Ind. — Services for William H. Sheak, 94, were held Thursday at Philadelphia. The body was to be cremated and the ashes are being sent here for interment in Mount Hope cemetery. He died Tuesday at Philadelphia. An ordained United Brethren minister, he was a doctor of ornithology and toured with the Hagenbeck-Wallace circus, as well as other circuses, furthering his knowledge of zoology and ornithology. He taught ornithology in the Philadelphia schools before retiring several years ago. Survivors are a brother, a sister and a niece, Mrs. Martin Lanahan, Route 1, Peru. His wife, the former Myrtle Miller, died June 5, 1944, and a son, Myer N., was killed in action in World War I. The Allen mortuary is in charge of arrangements."(6) Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
      According to Doc Waddell, William Sheak was with the Edwards' Zoo in 1910. SPAN CLASS="note">(7) All information should be checked with additional sources

1. Fort Wayne (IN) Journal-Gazette, March 10, 1904; Butler County Democrat (Hamilton, OH), March 31, 1904; Elyria (OH) Chronical, March 25, 1904; Democratic Standard (Coshocton, OH), April 21, 1905; Van Wert (OH) Daily Bulletin, July 26, 1905.
2. La Crosse (WI) Tribune, August 31, 1905.
3. Fort Wayne (IN) Sentinel, April 17, 1906; http://peruthenandnow.blogspot.com/2006_03_12_archive.html
4. Kokomo (IN) Tribune, April 25, 1916.
5. Sheak, W. Henry, "The Elephant in Captivity," Natural History, September-October 1922; Sheak, W. Henry, "Circus Scares," Open Road for Boys Magazine, July 1935, cover story; Smuts, Barbara, Natural History, Dec., 2000; Robert M. Yerkes, Margaret Sykes Child, Quarterly Review of Biology, Vol. 2, No. 1 (Mar., 1927), pp. 37-57.
6. Logansport (IN) Pharos-Tribune, March 23, 1956.
7. Billboard, July 9, 1910, p. 10.

Herbert L. Shellhammer, clown, claimed to be the original Bozo. He was known as Zeka B. Lamont when he was with Barnum & Bailey, Al G. Barnes, Sparks, James M. Cole and Lewis Bros. circuses. Was also on radio as Grandpappy Sears in Cincinnati. Died at Findlay, Ohio circa 1980-81. Circus Report, March 2, 1981, p. 21. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Rollin Sherbondy was a drummer with Ringling-Barnum for 15 years. He also played with the Holton Elkhart Band and retired in 1968 from the Frank Holton & Co., a band instrument factory. He died in 1974 at Albany, Wisconsin, age 72. Circus Report, January 20, 1975, p. 2. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Chester Sherman, clown, began just as WWI started. He toured with old circuses, such as Yankee Robinson. In later years he was with Polack Bros., Wm. Kay, Clyde Bros. and others. Died November 4, 1976 at Bellevue, Kentucky, age 82. Circus Report, November 15, 1976, p. 15. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Joseph Sherry, clown, John H. Sparks, 1910. Correctionville (IA) News, June 9, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

William Sherry, musician, Dode Fisk's circus, 1910. Marshfield (WI) Times, May 18, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Phil Joseph Shevette was listed twice in the Guiness Book of World Records as a bar performer. His career began before 1916 as a trapeze artist, his original flying act consisted of his two brothers, Frank and Zenoble and Claude Newell. The troupe performed in Russia for four years as the Orloff Troupe, where Phil perfected this triple somersault to catch. Zenoble died from a fall, and Frank was killed in Cuba. Born in Quebec in 1873, died December 29, 1952, buried at Saginaw, Michigan. Circus Report, July 11, 1983, pp. 30-31. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Earl Shipley, 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).

Edwin Shipp, Shipp's Indoor Circus. 1903(1): Shipp, an old performer, now in management. Began in 1879 with Harry G. Lambkin's vaudeville company. Was with Cooper & Jackson's circus and menagerie 1881-1883. In 1882 show went to Texas, Mexico. The next three years toured West Indies and Isthmus of Panama. Also visited British and Dutch Guiana and Venezula. In 1891 and 1892 was with Orrin Brother's circus in Mexico. Was with Ringling Bros. shows four fourteen years in the early years when they traveled by wagon. Shipps did a jockey act and a bareback rider. Was assistant equestrian manager for Ringling Bros. for several years. The coming season will be with Forepaugh-Sells as equestrian manager. Mrs. Shipp, known professionally by her maiden name, Julia Lowande. Shipp's Indoor Circus was organized at Petersburg, Illinois in 1883. Harry Lambkin was a rider from Petersburg.
      Shipp with Sells Bros., 1903; 1905: Shipp's Indoor Circus, 1905; equestrian director, Forepaugh-Sells, 1905; equestrian director, past few years with Forepaugh-Sells, with Ringling Bros. before Forepaugh-Sells, with Barnum & Bailey, 1910.(2) 1905: Billboard noted that Ed Shipp has an offer from a theatrical syndicate to make the Indoor Circus an all-the-year-round affair, playing parks and places of that class in the big cities.(3) All information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

1. Cedar Rapids (IA) Sunday Republican, February 1, 1903; Cedar Rapids (IA) Evening Gazette, January 30, 1901.
2. Ottumwa (IA) Daily Courier, July 27, 1903; Daily Review (Decatur, IA), January 7, 1905; Hamilton (OH) Sun, April 26, 1905; Van Wert (OH) Daily Bulletin, July 11, 1910.
3. Daily Review (Decatur, IA), January 29, 1905.

Carrie Showers, "Lyons, June 1 - issued a marriage license yesterday to Tan Araki (Arakis?) of Nuga??, Japan and Miss Carrie Showers, dau. of Andrew Showers of this village. Both performers with Haag circus. Araki manager of Japanese performers. Miss Showers a slack wire artist." Post Standard (Syracuse, NY), June 2, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Charley Shultz was a clown with Hagen Bros. Circus, then worked rodeos and roundups. He also toured with the 101 Ranch Wild Est, Pawnee Bill's Show and Tex Ritter's Circus. His daughter, Norma Ward, was a trick roper and she and her family were the Ward Family of Trick Ropers. Circus Report, January 13, 1986, n.p.n. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Si Hassan Ben Ali Troupe. Arab acrobats, pyramid builders, swordsmen, etc. At the head of the troupe of Arabs, whose curious and barbaric feats of strength and agility have delighted the Ringling Bros.’ millions of patrons during the season of 1893, is Si Hassan Ben Ali. He is a native of Agades, a city in the Province of Tawarek, on the Desert of Sahara. He is a devout Mohammedan, a world-wide traveler, and the master of seven different languages. He is designated in the picture by the number 7. No. 6, expert swordsman and under-stander for the pyramids, has the Oriental name of Salleen Nassar. He is a native of Ajdad, Arabia. No. 5, Fredo Hadji, acrobat, native of Tangier. No 8, Kablen Dahdooh, a native Bedouin from the village of Sabba. No. 9, Abraham Hen Hamo, native of Bameide, Morocco. No. 1, Ben Sahib, native of the Province of Najo, Arabia. No. 2, Solayman Ben Damod, from Murzuk, Fezzan, North Central Africa. No. 3, Saad Kablen Dahdooh, native Bedouin from the village of Subba. No. 4, Stamato Kolema, a Berber. Offical Route Book of Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Railroad Shows, Season of 1893, Buffalo, NY: Courier Co., 1893. All information should be checked with additional sources. Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Peter Howard Siebrand took control of the Siebrand Bros. Circus & Carnival in 1965 and operated it until 1972. He was past president and director of the Arizona Showman's Association. Died November 1, 1984 at Phoenix, Arizona, age 61. Circus Report, January 7, 1985, p. 25. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Butch Siegrist, see Francis Edward Brann.

Charles Siegrist, real name Charles Patterson, adopted son of Charles Lee, owner of the Lee Circus; Siegrist first appeared on the Ringling lot in 1898 with the Siegrist-Selbon Aerial Troupe. While doing a flying stunt in Madison Square Garden in 1930, Siegrist fell. He hit the edge of the safety net and broke his neck. Orthopedic specialists agreed he would never "fly" again, but five months later he rejoined the show and was still aloft at age 72. Towanda Review, August 7, 1963.
      Siegrist, equestrian, also gymnast & trapeze, with Sells-Floto, 1907-1908; equestrian, Barnum & Bailey, 1911-1912. Turned at least ten backward and forward somersaults on the back of a galloping horse in 1907. 1916 interview: has been with Barnum & Bailey for more than 17 years; wife is his catcher; Charles born Portland, Oregon, is age 36. A vaudeville acrobat, Joe Adams, saw Charlie at age 9. Charles later traveled with Adams and learned many difficult tricks from him. Seventeen years ago joined Barnum & Bailey. For last six years has had his own troupe of aerialists with the show, the Siegrist troupe. Galveston (TX) Daily News, September 24, 1907; Eau Claire (WI) Leader, June 27, 1911; Evening News (Ada, OK), September 22, 1908; Fort Wayne (IN) Sentinel, July 22, 1912; Lima (OH) Times Democrat, July 10, 1916. All information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Eugenie Silbon. In suburban Albany, California, overlooking San Francisco bay, there lives quietly and unpretentiously, a lovely lady who spent 37 years as a member of one of the most famous aerial acts of circusdom, acclaimed throughout Europe and starred in the arenas of America's largest big top aggregations.
          Neighbors who chat with her in the corner grocery or exchange pleasantries across the hedge, must stretch their imaginations, to visualize this soft-spoken gray-haired matron of 71 as a catcher in a high trapeze act, apparently effortless in her skill and strength as male and female aerialists came zooming through space in such evolutions as double and two and one-half somersaults, to land safely in her grip.
          But these same neighbors recall vividly that time did not dim the romance of Eugenie and Eddie Silbon, who remained sweethearts more than half a century, from the day of their marriage in Guatemala City in 1894, until his passing some two years ago. And they recognize in the handsome features of Mrs. Silbon, the qualities of beauty which caused her to be cast in the feminine leads of circus spectacles of Barnum & Bailey's Greatest Show on Earth for more than a decade in the early 1900's.
          Eugenie Althea was born almost within sight of her present home in San Francisco February 15, 1879. She was a granddaughter of Etien Guinde, well known French opera singer, and she made her debut on the stage early in childhood as an actress with the Morosco Stock Company in her home town. When she was 14, she and an older sister, Cecile, were appearing in a dancing and singing act in vaudeville and it was during such an engagement that handsome young Eddie Silbon first saw her perform.
          Young Silbon, a native of the seaport city of Hull, England, received his first training as an aerialist in his home town when he was eight, joined the Silbon flying act in Hamburg, Germany, in 1830, and came to this country for the first time in 1882 to join the Adam Forepaugh-Sells Bros. Circus. In 1892, he met Toto Siegrist and they built a rigging for a flying return act, appearing at the World's Fair in Chicago in 1893. In January, 1894, while playing a four weeks' engagement at the Orpheum theatre in San Francisco, they organized a small vaudeville company to play port cities of the west coasts of Mexico and Central America. The company sailed February 9, 1894, and among the 12 members were the Althea sisters.
          Three months later, Eugenia Althea became Mrs. Eddie Silbon and the couple returned to the states in 1895, joining a circus at New Orelans. During the winter months that followed, Mrs. Silbon rehearsed a single trapeze act, which she performed above her husband's flying act rigging when the troupe joined the John Robinson and Franklin Brothers Circus for the season of 1896. The following winter they toured Venezuela and returned to America in the spring of 1897 to go on tour with Forepaugh-Sells Bros, but they remained only part of the season, returning to the John Robinson show.
          On January 1, 1898, the troupe sailed for England and played the island kingdom and France, joining the Barnum & Bailey Circus for the first time at the Olympia in London in December. In 1899, they were featured in the Cirque Royal in Brussels and in 1900 returned to the Barnum & Bailey Circus with a seven-people act.
          Silbon and Siegrist started as partners in a two-people flying act but from time to time varied their rigging and routine. They added a single trapeze above the flying rigging on which Mrs. Silbon performed and later this was increased to a double and finally a triple trapeze rigging.
          When the Silbon-Siegrist troupe returned to the United States in 1903, they were featured in the center ring of the Barnum & Bailey Circus with nine performers in the act. They used two catchers, one of whom was Mrs. Silbon. The catchers were in the center of the double rigging, facing opposite directions. There were pedestals at each end of the exceptionally long rigging and leapers flew towards each other to the catchers. The act was billed as the Imperial Viennese Troupe. During the 1916-17 seasons, the troupe built a rigging in the shape of a giant Maltese cross, with leapers passing each other at right angles in mid-air on their flights to the catchers and 14 persons participated in this, the largest troupe ever seen on a flying act rigging.
          The Silbon-Siegrist troupe, although changing personnel from time to time, remained with the Barnum & Bailey Circus until its merger with the Ringling Brothers Circus at the end of the 1919 season, continuing with the combined Ringling Bros. & Barnum & Bailey Circus through the 1931 season. Thus the troupe spent 34 consecutive years with one circus - a record unequalled by another feature act in the history of the circus in America.
          But Mrs. Silbon did not confine her circus work to the flying trapeze. In 1903 when the Barnum & Bailey Circus returned to the United States from its triumphant five-year tour of Europe, Mrs. Silbon was selected for the role of the queen of Sheba, in the gorgeous opening spectacle, "Balkus or the Queen of Sheba." She continued playing leading roles in the circus spectacles through the 1913 season, when she was Cleopatra in the pageant of that title.
          In 1906, Mrs. Silbon's cousin, Emily Hedder, joined the flying act, and when the so-called "iron jaw" or teeth acts were introduced in the circus, Mrs. Silbon, her cousin, Emily, and another young woman in the flying act, Marion Bordner, formed a trio. Billed sometimes as the Silbon Sisters and on other occasions as The Eugenies, the women wore butterfly serpentines while suspended by their teeth from a revolving aerial rigging.
          During the long period of time with the No. 1 circus of America, the Silbons and their acts played numerous winter engagements here and abroad. They had their own circus in Hawaii during the winter of 1911-12 and were with Mills Olympia Circus, England's largest, during the winter of 1920-21. Other years, they appeared in Shrine Circuses and some winter seasons they laid off to perfect new tricks and routines and to build new rigging.
          In 1930, Eddie Silbon suffered a heart attack during the Madison Square Garden engagement of the circus and he did not continue that season with the act. He returned in 1931, however, to manage the troupe, traveling with the show while Mrs. Silbon remained as a performer. At the close of the 1931 season, the couple retired to the comparative quiet of North Hollywood, Calif., where they bought a home. After four years, however, they moved to Albany, a suburb of Berkeley, where they owned valuable income properties and which Mrs. Silbon has looked after since her husband's death. The Silbons did not lose interest in circuses upon their retirement, however. They never missed a show which came to the San Francisco area, and they often motored to neighboring cities and towns to visit circuses and relive their happy experiences under the big top in other years.
          Mrs. Silbon says, however, "There is nothing new in the circus today." To be sure, there are new ways of presenting acts, but the most sensational of present-day turns are to be found in old programs which Mrs. Silbon has saved as mementoes of her trouping years. And she points out that for lack of top acts, the circus today intersperses dancing and singing spectacles peopled by pretty girls, in the program. Mrs. Silbon insists there is no circus today which approaches the Barnum & Bailey show from 1898 to 1902, with which she and her husband traveled throughout Europe. "Three rings and five stages," she recalls, "and something doing in each of them throughout the show." And she believes no closing act of today is as thrilling as the hippodrome races with their jockey, Roman standing and chariot races.
          To interview Mrs. Silbon about her accomplishments in the circus arena is difficult because she concludes every answer to a question with mention of her husband's great accomplishments in the circus field. There is no doubt but that Mrs. Silbon considers her husband the greatest aerialist the circus world has ever known. And many circus enthusiasts concur with her in this belief. - A. Morton Smith, "Circus Stars of Yesteryears, Eugenie Silbon" Hobbies, July 1950, pp. 24-25. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Wilhelmina Sils (or Sills) was Cimse, of Cimse's Russian Wolfhounds and Pomeranians act. Deid December 9, 1984 at Cleveland, Ohio. Circus Report, February 4, 1985, p. 33. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Silverton. Carlosa and Silverton, tight wire, ladders, Frank A. Robbins, 1906-1907. Portsmouth (NH) Herald, June 6, 1907; Bandwagon, Nov-Dec, 2001, pp. 30, 33. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Ruth I. Simmons was a trapeze performer for 45 years, performing with Shrine circuses as "Peaches O'Neill." Died April 9, 1984 at Osprey, Florida, age 74. Circus Report, April 30, 1984, p. 29. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Joe Simpson, "Smokie," was an animal man with Robbins Bros., Parker & Watts, Cole-Walters and Famous Cole circuses. Died January 13, 1982, buried at Showman's Rest, Hugo, Oklahoma. Circus Report, March 29, 1982, p. 25. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Mary Louise Simpson, known as Boots Salle, was a stunt rider with Ken Maynard and Hoot Gibson, and appeared with the Tom Mix Circus. Died in January 1985 at Jacksonville, Florida, age 74. Circus Report, February 25, 1985, p. 19. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Noble Sims worked concessions and the front door on Walalce Bros., King-Cristiani, Sells & Gray, Clyde Beatty and other show. Died April 28, 1987 at Sarasota, Florida, age 78. Circus Report, July 13, 1987, p. 17. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Bruce Sinclair, Norris & Rowe, 1905. Daily Nevada State Journal (Reno, NV), April 14, 1905.. See Belfords. Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Edith Sinclair, 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).

Charles O. Sipe, barber, Sells-Floto, 1909. Anaconda (MT) Standard, Friday, July 16, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Charles Sivalls, railroad contractor, Buffalo Bill Shows, 1900. Took over from Mike Coyle. Sivalls' bill posting plant is at Houston, Texas. Billboard, June 2, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

L. C. Sloman, excursion brigade, Ringling Bros., 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).

William Sloman, contracting agent, Buckskin bill's Wild West. 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).

Mr. Smith, show's detective, John Robinson's, 1911. Alton (IL) Evening Telegram, May 11, 1911. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Avery Smith. The Times of yesterday contained a report of the funeral of the late Avery Smith, the well-known circus proprietor whose desth occurred on Tuesday last, after a protracted illness, at his residence in Newark, N. J. The prominent public live of this man deserves more than a passing notice, as he was probably one of the best managers of the circus business in his generation. Mr. Smith was born in North Salem, Westchester County, N. Y., in February, 1814, and was consequently 62 years of age. His father was a showman before him, as were also his uncles, and the youthful Avery sniffed the smell of sawdust and had his eyes dazzled by spangles from his earliest infancy. Unter these circumstances, it was not strange that he inherited a natural proclivity for the fascinations, excitements, and vicissitudes of a showman's life. After finishing his school days, he availed himself of the first opportunity which offered to cut loose from the sugar, molasses, teas, and spices of the grocery business in which his father had placed him, and engaged himself to a travleing circus. He early displayed many of those qualities for which he became more remarkable in after life, but yielding to the solicitations of his family, he once more became a grocer, and his rare business qualifications made him notably successful among persons engaged in the same business, and at the close of a few years he bacme the head of a large wholesale establishment in partnership with William Howes, at the corner of Versey and Greenwich streets. Accumulating quite a fortune, he retired, and invested the bulk of it in the circus business in consouance with the strong predilections which he had always felt for that occupation.
          The first establishment with which he was connected was that of Van Amburgh & Co., Van Amburgh having won his first reputation under the management of Mr. Smith's father at the old Zoological Institute in the Bowery. With this company he made the tour of Great Britain and the principal cities of the continent. On his return to America he organized the well-known traveling company of Sands, Nathan & Co., his partners being Richard Sands - sho created so great a sensation through this country and in Engalnd, by his antipodean feat of wlaking across a smooth marble slab head downward - Jared Quick, Lewis June, and John J. Nathans. This establishment was exceedingly popular from Maine to Georgia, and continued traveling every Summer for a number of years. Mr. Smith then engaged the celebrated Franconi, of Paris, to come to htis country, and built the Hippodrom on the former site of "Corporal" Tomson's cottage, on the corner of Twenty-third street and Broadway, where the Fifth Avenue Hotel is now located. At the colose of the season of 1854 this establishment traveled under the management of Mr. Smith, together with another company known as that of June, Nathan & Co. Mr. Smith again visited Europe, and entered into a contract with Seth Howes, by which he obtained control of the novel paraphernalia, "Dragon Chariots," and other vehicles of novel form and gaudy ornamentation which had largeley conducted to the popularity of the circus establishment of Howes & Cushing in Great Britain and on the Continent. With these properties, and others which he had manufactured in America, he started what was known as "The Great European Circus," the firm being Quick & Nathans. This establishment was celebrated more especially for the magnificent street display which made on entering the various towns in which it exhibited; a notable attraction being a large lion, which was drawn through the streets on a gilded platfrom car, loose and unchained, guarded only by his keeper, Crockett. This lion was named "Parker." He first distinguished himself by killing and partyly devouring, two of his keepers, at Astley's Amphitheatre, London, and hs since added to his reputation by killing one or two others in this country, and maiming several more. This "noble brute" is now in transient retirement among the zoological collections at Central Park. A few years ago Mr. Smith dissolved partnership with those with whom he had been connected, and retired from the circus business for a short time, devoting himself to other business pursuits. But "once a showman always a showman," is an adage with which every showman is familiar. Avery Smith was not an exception to the rule, and it was not long before he organized a company and sent it to South America, obtaining as a reward for his enterprise large returns of coffe, logwoods, &c.
    His latest enterprise was in conjunction with P. T. Barnum, with whom he joined forces last Winter, and placed the "Great Roman Hippodrome," which lately closed its season at Gilmore's Garden, upon the road last Spring. All of Mr. Smith's ventures in the show business proved successful and he realized therefrom a large fortune, in which his partner shared. He was a man of great shrewdness and solid commercial ability. During his career as showman he made himself a through master of the topography of all parts of the country. He knew every turnpike, neighborhood road, bridge in every county, North, South, East, and West, and the distnces from one town to another, and even the conditions of the ways of travel. Was a bridge a covered one, he could tell its height in the clear, and whether chariots, band wagons, and platform cars could pass under it without unlimbering. Did he send his circus through an agricultural county, he was a well acquainted with the crop prospects there as the farmers themselves; whether the route lay through a manufacturing, mining, coal, or lumber district, he knew its exact condition. In fact, there was very little likely of affect his business with which he was not thoroughly familiar. He advice was always taken by all with whom he was associated, and the greatest confidence was reposed in his judgement. He was regarded as strictly honest in all of his transactions, his word being emphatically "as good as his bond." His judgment was sound, and he was endowed with great shrewdnes. He was liberal and broad in this views, keeping thoroughly up with the times in all matters of progress. He was a firm friend, generous and charitable. None will miss him more than his associates in business. He was taken ill some time ago, but it was not until a short time since that any great anxiety was was felt by his family and friends. The disease from which he suffered, however, made rapid progress, and his death had been hourly expected for several days. He leaves a wife and one son. New York Times, December 31, 1876. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

C. C. Smith operated minstrel shows and circuses. He was on 101 Ranch and other shows of that era. Was an agent and backer for several shows that came out of Hugo, Oklahoma. He last toured with Sells & Gray Circus. Died June 12, 1977, age 78. Circus Report, July 4, 1977, p. 17. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Charles A. Smith, superintendent of menagerie, animal trainer, Ringling Bros., 1908-1910, 1915; wife a famous bareback rider. Decatur (IL) Daily Review, August 17, 1908; New York Times, March 29, 1909; Waterloo (IA) Times-Tribune, July 5, 1910; Fort Wayne (IN) Sentinel, April 29, 1915. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Ed Smith, billposter, Lemon Bros., 1905; probably lived at Chillicothe, Missouri. Chillicothe (MO) Constitution, April 12, 1905. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

George Washington Smith was general manager with Ringling-Barnum, 1930s to 1948. He was general manager for Dailey Bros, and Cylde Beatty Circus in 191. He retired in 1952 after 40 years in managerial positions. Died August 2, 1986 at Sarasota, Florida, age 93. Circus Report, December 1, 1986, p. 26. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Hal Smith, aka Hubert Castle, aka Hal Silvers, was a tight wire performer on a number of circuses. He was with Al G. Barnes, Ringling-Barnum, Polack Bros. and Shrine circuses. For many years he operated his own circus that was later sold to Tarzan Zerbini. Died January 29, 1989 at Newburg, New York, age 76. Circus Report, February 13, 1989, p. 22. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Herman Q. Smith, agent, Norris & Rowe, 1908. Woodland (CA) Daily Democrat, April 14, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Jessie Smith, clown, toured with Elmer Jones, George W. Christy, Sells-Floto and Hagenbeck-Wallace. Married Lee Smith. Died August 23, 1975 at Rochester, New York. Circus Report, September 22, 1975, p. 8. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Kate Smith, iron jaw, resided Maquoketa, Iowa, Gollmar Bros., 1908. Cedar Rapids (IA) Evening Gazette, June 22, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Mark T. Smith was a horse trainer for circuses and films. He trained horses for Bob Steele, Gene Autry, Roy Rogers and others. He joined Al G. Barnes Circus in 1928 and later worked with Arabian horses, trained reindeer, hippos and rhinos for circuses. He had his own show at one time and built an all girl riding act. Died February 21, 1985 at Burbank, California, age 83. Circus Report, June 17, 1985, p. 8. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Morton Smith. A. Morton Smith of Gainesville died on April 8th at Gainesville. He was a native son having been born in Gainesville in 1903. He was, at the time of his death, editor of the Gainesville Register. Burial was in Gainesville, and C. H. S. was represented by Wm. T. Randolph. He is survived by his wife and two sons. The following is reprinted from the Gainesville Daily Register.
      When Morton Smith was a lad in short trousers, he displayed a love for the circus, although then never having witnessed such a tented organization. With childish ingenuity, he erected a tiny "big top" under which were a few animal toys. Neighborhood children paid admission with buttons, marbles, etc. As he grew older, the circus become one of the interesting phases of his leisure hours. It was not surprising, therefore, when in 1924, in cooperation with seven other young men he founded the Gainesville Little theatre and out of it grew the Little Theatre Mammoth Three-Ring circus in 1929, that become the Gainesville Community circus. He was equestrian director and announcer for the circus the first few years, and was program director for the 25 years he was active with the group.
      With his uncanny knowledge of circus lore and circus management (although he had never been with a professional show), the home town enterprise was for several years the third largest circus in the nation, exceeded only by Ringling-Barnum and Bailey, and the Clyde Beatty circuses. Gainesville become known in many parts of the English-speaking world because of this unique amateur entertainment and Smith was recognized in a Christmas issue of Billboard magazine, as perhaps the most prolific and authentic writer of circus lore in the United States, it being noted this in spite of no professional experience.
      His library of circus posters, programs, books and other historical mementoes of the circus profession, is recognized as among the most complete in the nation. His circus connections prompted him in 1931 to join the Circus Fans of America, an exclusive group limited to 1000 members, devoted to aiding the welfare of the tented enterprises. The association held its annual convention in Gainesville in 1952, on which occasion Smith was elected president. He presided at the 1953 convention in Wichita, Kans. He also was a member of the Circus Historical association. Bandwagon, Vol. 1, May-June, 1957, p. 4. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Roy Smith Troupe, revolving trapeze, Sells-Floto, 1911. Oakland (CA) Tribune, April 28 & 30, 1911; Nevada State Journal (Reno, NV), May 18, 1911. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Silver Smith, 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).

Thomas Smith, an expert tumbler and leaper, whose first season In this country has been spent as one of the arenic celebrities of Ringling’ World’s Greatest Show. He is a native of Liverpool, England, and in his country enjoys great distinction as a circus performer. 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).

William Smith, bill poster, Cooper & Co., 1900. Billboard, August 18, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Smiths, flying trapeze, Harris' Nickel Plate Shows, 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).

John Snellen. The portrait is a fair representation of our efficient Master of Canvas, Mr. John Snellen. Mr. Snellen possesses great ability in his overseeing of the daily erection and taking down of the enormous city of tents used by the Ringling Bros.’ Show. His executive ability and knowledge of the various details of the work under his charge are most aptly shown in cases of great emergency, such as the severe storms experienced during the first part of this season. Many a blow-down has been averted by the timely and vigorous manner in which he grapples with the elements when they are apparently trying to get the upper hand of “Happy Jack,” as he is affectionately called by the army of employees in his department. Mr. Snellen’s career as a boss canvasman covers a period of some ten or twelve years, the past three years of which have found him with the World’s Greatest Shows. 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).

Forrest Snider. 1907: "Forrest Snider left Friday in company with Dolph Jaggers to join Adams Fetzer's Great Star circus for the tenting season of 1907. Snider is an expert trapeze performer and juggler. Jaggers expects to take part in the concert with his Indian club act. Snider has been traveling with shows for several years."(1) 1910: "Forrest (Snider) De Cleo, who is touring with the Royal Entertainers, . . . visited Sunday with his mother . . . this city. DeCleo's company are at Canal Winchester all this week . . . The Royal Entertainers carry eight people, who are artists in musical comedy and vaudeville. . . ."(2) Forrest D. Snider, professionally "Harry DeCleo," trapeze, juggling, Smith's Combined Shows, 1911.(3) Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

1. Richwood (OH) Gazette, May 2, 1907.
2. Marysville (OH) Tribune, January 6, 1910.
3. Evening Tribune (Marysville, OH), March 9, 1911.

Captain Snyder, animal trainer, Wheeler's circus, 1910. Marion (OH) Weekly Star, March 19, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Alexander Sokolove started as a car porter on J. Augustus Jones' Cole Bros. Circus in 1917. For most of his career he was in the concession department with a number of circuses. Died May 25, 1984 at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, age 97. Circus Report, July 23, 1984, p. 8. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Carl Solt, aerialist, was performing by age 9. In 1915 he was with the Alderfer Show, then the Mighty Haag and vaudeville. At one time he had three acts with Hagenbeck-Wallace. Also worked on various Shrine and other shows. Died January 1, 1976 at Peru, Indiana, age 81. Circus Report, January 19, 1976, p. 9. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Herr Sommit, strongman, John Robinson's Big Ten Shows, 1910. Cedar Rapids (IA) Tribune, May 13, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Pearl E. Souder (said to be Edouard Souder, "Perl"), elephant trainer, Ringling Bros., 1901-1902, 1905; native of Zateski (Zaleski?), has traveled with Ringling Bros. 14 years, died 1908. Cedar Rapids (IA) Republican, June 19, 1901; Fort Wayne (IN) News, May 31, 1902; Moberly (MO) Democrat, September 10, 1905; Athens (OH) Messenger, August 27, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Charles McGee Sparks was born in the state of Utah in 1882. At the age of seven he was adopted by J. H. Sparks, operator of the Sparks Brothers Circus and was with them until 1903 as an animal trainer and acrobat. Beginning in 1903 and continuing through 1928, Charles Sparks became manager and proprietor of the Sparks Circus, one of the finest twenty-car railroads in the east, with an outstanding circus parade. The Circus was known as a cleanly operated show both morally and factually and from the standpoint of not permitting any gambling or other vices commonly known in show business at that time. In 1929 the Sparks Show was sold to Mugivan, Bowers and Ballard. A certain amount of subterfuge was employed by a third party as Mr. Sparks had refused to make sale of the show to the American Circus Corporation many times prior to this. From 1930 to 1937, Sparks, operated the Downie Brothers Circus, one of America's largest motorized circuses at that time. It was sold at auction April 15, 1939 to a Mr. Bill Miller. In 1934, at the request of Ringling Brothers Circus, Mr. Sparks came out of retirement and opened a number two show called "Spangles." Charles McGee Sparks died on July 28, 1944, pre-deceased by his wife, Mrs. Ida Sparks, by some five years. Mrs. Sparks had been most active in his enterprises. He is outstanding in circus history for his superior circus management and the clean type of shows he produced. "Elected to Circus Hall of Fame," Bandwagon, Vol. 5, No. 2 (Mar-Apr), 1961, pp. 21-22. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

John Speer, rider, Forepaugh-Sells, 1911. Warren (PA) Evening Mirror, April 29, 1911. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

George Spongberg. Word has been received of the death of George Spongberg. George played first clarinet with Carl Claus on Barnum and Baileys Circus band in 1903-4-5-6. He was a member of the first band to ever ride in the historic Two Hemispheres bandwagon and was on the wagon when the 40 horse team picture was taken in Brooklyn in 1903. Jim Thomas was the driver. Bandwagon, December, 1952, p. 3. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

John Spreda "Sport", bill poster, Gollmar Bros., 1908; left show July 1908. Gazette (Stevens Point, WI), April 22, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Roy Spur, Forepaugh-Sells, 1908; Coshocton, Ohio man, left town to go with circus, will sail in about 3 weeks for 3 year tour of Europe. Coshocton (OH) Daily Age, September 21, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Minnie Squiggles, trapeze, Sells-Downs, 1905. Atlanta (GA) Constitution, November 10, 1905. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Fred Stachowik, musician, cornet, Ringling Bros., 1911. Stevens Point (WI) Daily Journal, May 2, 1911. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Fred Stafford, Jr. After a lengthy illness, our dear friend, Fred Stafford died on June 29, at the age of 35. Fred had been press agent for Mills Bros. Circus for seven years, and was making preparations for the eighth season when he was stricken at Greenville, Ohio, just before opening. He recovered enough from this to fly to Boston where he stayed with an uncle and aunt until his death. Survivors include the aunt, Mrs. C. W. Crockett and his father, Fred Stafford, Sr., of Bristol, Connecticut. Burial was in Rutland, Vermont. Fred grew up in Rutland, Vermont and graduated from Amherst College in 1941. He was sports writer on The Springfield (Mass.) Union until 1944, when he became sports editor of The White Plains (N. Y.) Reporter-Dispatch. He joined the Mills Circus in 1948 as an assistant to Charles Schuler and later he headed the Mills press department. He was regarded as one of the promising men among younger circus staffers. He not only headed the Mills Bros. press department but sometimes doubled as general agent and handled public relations roles with the show. He handled arrangements for the Mills elephants to appear in the Eisenhower inaugural parade. He was the publisher and author for the Mills Bros. route book. We really lost a dear friend, and our sympathy goes not only to his father and aunt but also to the Mills Bros. organization. Bandwagon, Jul-Aug-Sep, 1954, p. 5. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Standing Rabbit, Sioux brave with John Robinson Shows, 1905. Auburn Bulletin (Auburn, NY), May 27, 1905. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Drew Stanfield and wife, riders, 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).

Henry Stantz, clown, first with Rhoda Royal; comedy wire act, Walter L. Main, 1901, 1903; Great Wallace Show, 1902, remained with Wallace show until Wallacke absorbed Hagenbeck show; 'old lady' act, Barnum & Bailey, 1908-1909; mid-winter circuses, 1907-1908; with Cooper show, a smaller show, 1904. Hagenbeck-Wallace. Oelwein (IA) Daily Register, June 16, 1910; Iowa City (IA) Citizen, August 2, 1909; Neward (OH) Advocate, April 23, 1903. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Harry Stanwood, "Daivolo" [sic?], died doing bicycle death trap loop in New York City, 1908. 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).

George O. Starr, see Hutchinson Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

W. H. Startzel "Skip," reserved seats, side show, Buffalo Bill's Wild West combined with Pawnee Bill's, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Frank Stearns, 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).

Guy D. Steely, publicity, 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).

Robert D. Stephens and his wife, Yvonne Ray, worked Shrine circuses and fairs with their sway pole, helicopter trapeze, sky cycle and sky dancing acts in the 1950s-60s. In the 1960s-70s Robert did double trapeze and perch on tent shows. Later he worked as an animal trainer and handler. He was with Von Bros., D. B. Wharten, Hoxie, Barnes & Daily, American Big Top, Roberts Bros. and all the Gopher Davenport show spin-offs. Died December 13, 1988 at St. Petersburg, Florida, age 60. Circus Report, January 9, 1989, p. 25. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Louis P. Stern was a partner with Irving J. Polack, founders of Polack Bros. Circus. After Irving's death, Louis continued to operate the show up to circa 1980. Died November 24, 1983 at Chicago, Illinois. Circus Report, December 19, 1983 (Vol. 12, No. 42), p. 8. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Dennis Stevens, clown, contortionist, joined Polack Bros. Circus in 1945 and remained with the show until 1953. He was with Ringling-Barnum, 1954-56; Tom Packs Circus through the late 1960s; then with Clyde Beatty-Cole Bros. from 1971-77. Died December 3, 1986 at Sarasota, Florida, age 72. Circus Report, December 22, 1986, first section, p. 21. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

William O. Dale Stevens died of heart-disease at his home, 847 Newark avenue, Jersey City, N. J., Sept. 30, aged 29 years. He was born in Portsmouth, Eng., in 1854, and had been in the circus business since he was four years of age, his parents having followed that profession. With them he sailed from England in 1861 for the Cape of Good Hope, S. A.; thence to India, where they remained five or six years. Afterwards they visited China, the Philippine Islands, Japan, New Zealand, Australia and Madagascar, where his father died in 1872. Thenceforth the care of the family depended upon the deceased, he being the eldest son. He next engaged with Chiarini's Circus, and with it revisited India and Japan. In this country he had traveled with John O'Brien's Show, John Murray's Circus on its trip to the West Indies when it was shipwrecked, Barnum's Show, and the London before it was consolidated with Barnum's. He accompanied W. W. Cole's Circus and Menagerie to Australia, his third visit there, and, returning here, joined Ryan & Robinson's Consolidated Shows. He next organized a show of his own called the Great Australian Circus, and gave performances in theatres. Under the same title he ran a show during the past tenting season, exhibiting for several weeks on the Park-square Grounds, Boston, Mass. After closing there Aug. 4 he went to Brooklyn, and a month later went into Winter-quarters. He married Linda Jeal, a fearless and dashing hurdle-rider, who survives him, as does his mother, a brother and a sister (now in England). He was an excellent performer, doing an equilibristic act, balancing with his feet a large cross, a table and a barrel, a globe-running act, besides being an excellent leaper and a good general performer. His funeral took place from his late residence at two o'clock p. M. Oct. 2. New York Clipper, October 6, 1883, p. 480. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

William Stevenson. See William Robinson.

Emily Stickney, rider, Sell-Floto, 1913. Known as the original "Polly of the Circus," educated in France. Sister of Robert Stickney. Manitoba Morning Free Press (Winnipeg, Canada), July 5, 1913. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Emma Stickney, equestrienne, Ringling Bros., 1909. Richwood (OH) Gazette and Marysville Republican, March 25, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Robert Stickney, rider, Ringling Bros., 1908; Robert and Louis, manage, Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1909; Sells-Floto, 1913; Robert went to Harvard, but afterwards returned to the circus, brother of Emily Stickney. Decatur (IL) Daily Review, August 18, 1908; Ogden (UT) Standard, June 21, 1909; Manitoba Morning Free Press (Winnipeg, Canada), July 5, 1913.

Stickney died October 3, 1941, age 69, at Des Moines, Iowa. Was traveling with a carnival company with his pony act when he suffered a stroke. Was a grandson of John Robinson and Sam Stickney. His wife was a DeMott of the equestrian troupe. After several years with Ronbinson, Barnum & Bailey, Hagenbeck-Wallace, Sells-Floto and other circuses, Robert and his wife started a pony and dog act in vaudeville, county fairs and carnivals. In 1936 Robert was given a place with the WPA recreation program. The family also tried operating service stations and lunch rooms. "Bob Stickney Died at the Age of 69," White Tops, Vol. 14, No. 12 (Oct-Nov), 1941, p. 4. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

William Allen Stiles was one of the old Barnum & Bailey clowns. He began his career in 1912 under the name of Willie Davenport, but later used his own name. He retired in 1948. Died December 28, 1977 at Madison, Tennessee, age 89. Circus Report, January 23, 1978, p. 2. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Stirk Family and company of twenty performers played March at Stirk's Hall, East Boston, Mass. The following people appeared: The Stirk Family, Prof. T. Stirk, Mrs. T. Stirk, Geo M. Stirk, Gaynell(?) Stirk, Nellie Stirk, Viola Stirk; the Diamonds, Frank and Pearl; Al. Eveling, . . . Fred Bowman, Nellie Zolla, . . . Joan Breen, Thornton, Moore and Heid, the Neville Sisters, Rose Bacon. New York Clipper, April 7, 1894, p. 70. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

St. Leon Family, acrobats, from Trasmania, Harris' Nickel Plate Shows, 1900; St. Leons, Great Floto Shows, 1904; Norris & Rowe, 1908; Ringling, 1908; Frank A. Robbins, 1910. Billboard, May 21, 1900; Billboard, June 16, 1900; Oakland (CA) Tribune, April 30, 1904; Anaconda (MT) Standard, July 2, 1908; Evening Tribune (Marysville, OH), April 23, 1908; Bandwagon, May-Jun, 2002, p. 23. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Stolgoff Troupe, Cossacks and Russian acrobats, Norris & Rowe, 1909. Modesto (CA) Morning Herald, April 2, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Arthur Stone was a professor at Louisiana Tech University at Ruston. His wife, Bee, was a nurse. When they retired they began clowning, announcing, advance publicity and booking for circuses. Were with Dailey Bros., Jungle Wonders, Franzen Bros., Williams Bros., Ford Bros. and with Hoxie Bros. in 1982. Circus Report, March 29, 1982, p. 12. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Dennison W. Stone, Circus Manager. . . . once a popular favorite as Den Stone the clown, has for many years past been a manager, and as such he is already on the New England road for the season, with his "Grand Circus and Musical Brigade," the personnel of which was given in our circus news department some weeks ago. There are several reasons why Mr. Stone should have piled Littleton upon coke and become a disciple of Blackstone. There is probably only one reason why he became a circus performer, instead of a lawyer - when he was fourteen years old he ran away from his home, Burlington, Vt. Not only is he the son of a lawyer, but he was named in compliment to a prominent Vermont lawyer, Judge Denison. Yet even these propitiatory circumstances did not incline him towards scaling was, tape and briefs, for he walked twenty-five miles from Bennington to Brattleboro to join Ira Cole’s Zoological Institute, of which Seth B. Howes was equestrian director. The menagerie consisted of six cages of animals, and the chief performance in the arena was Elbert Howes’ act of riding and driving two horses an carrying th newcomer (Stone) in much the same fashion as Righas the Greek brought little Frank Whittaker before the public at our old Mt. Pitt Circus, where now stands R. M. Hoe’s manufactory. Righas carried Whittaker in his teeth, and literally spat him out when he had got through with him. As we have said, Righas was a Greek - a magician, not a rider. Den Stone’s second season in the arena was with Nate Howes’ Circus, to join which it took him three weeks to travel from New York to Pittsburg, Pa., by stages. It was in 1840 that, having appeared as clown under the late Joseph Foster, in the pantomime of "Mother Goose," he first took to the cap-and-balls. As a manager, between 1842 and 1875, he was prominently identified with Stone & McCollum’s, Stone & Madigan’s, and Stone & Murray’s Circus, and also with Den Stone’s Circus and Central Park Menagerie. In 1865, despite a law against equestrian entertainments, which law, if enforced, would have bankrupted his company, he boldly pitched tent in twenty towns and cities of Vermont, and, clearing $30,000, strengthened the foundation of his fortune. After the Rebellion his company was the first to appear in many of the Southern cities, and that trip was also quite profitable. In addition to his numerous other enterprises, it is claimed for Mr. Stone that he was the first manager to put a circus on boat and railroad, and travel from point to point. [Died 1892] . New York Clipper, April 27, 1878. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

A. F. Stonehouse, agent, Barnes' Dog & Pony Shows, 1900. Billboard, July 21, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Aerial Stones, high wire, Dode Fisk, 1910. Marshfield (WI) Times, July 27, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

I. V. Strebig is one of the most popular and widely-known circus agents in the United States. His popularity is not confined to the circus branch of the amusement profession, but extends into the theatrical as well. Mr. Strebig’s genial nature and social qualities have also made him a host of friends among the passenger officials of the various railroads of the country. With these his position of excursion agent brings him in daily contact, and the greatly reduced rates arranged for by Mr. Strebig show that he possesses the faculty of presenting to railroad officials the mutual advantages to them and to the show of special excursion service and rates. Mr. Strebig’s experience covers a wide field and many years of efficient work in the interests of the various tented organizations. Offical Route Book of Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Railroad Shows, Season of 1893, Buffalo, NY: Courier Co., 1893. Ike Streibig, Rhoda Royal Shows, 1900. Billboard, August 11, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Frank Strode, equilibrist, hand balancer, 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).

Melvelle Brothers

Albert Arthur Strout, 72, who died in his sleep in the last week of 1936, at his home, 131 Clinton Rd., East Weymouth, marks the last of that famed team of acrobats, the Melvelle Brothers who thrilled circus loving crowds of two continents over 40 years ago. Strout was born April 24, 1864 in Bangor, Me., and ran away from home at the age of 16 to join the circus. In a few years, he teamed up with two other acrobats and under the name of Melvelle Brothers, they played under the big tent with the great Barnum and travelled all over this country, Mexico and England. In the course of ten years they reached their peak and the strain began to tell. Their muscles became less resilient and they gave it up, for once stiffness begins to grip a circus performer he has only two courses of action. He must get himself some white paint and join the ranks of the clowns, or he can say goodbye to the big top. The three Melvelles chose the latter course. Strout came to Boston and entered the postal service in 1895. His mail route for many years was from the Boylston St. post office near Trinity Church. At that time, he started carving a model of the Church in his spare time, but later put it away and took up new interests. In 1929 he was retired from the postal department after 34 years of faithful service. Shortly after this, he suffered the loss of his right leg in an automobile accident. To keep busy during the day, he went back to the modelling job that he started 35 years ago. . . . He is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Edward Rideout and three grandchildren, Edward, Shirley and Herbert Rideout, all of East Weymouth. "Last of Famous Acrobats Dies at East Weymouth," Quincy Evening News (Quincy, MA), January 6, 1937. Contributed by Herbert Arthur Rideout. Note: Ernest was Ernest C. Whitney. In the early 1890s there were four of Melvelles for a short period. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Frank Stuart, press agent, Gollmar Bros., 1907. Woodland (CA) Daily Democrat, April 6, 1907. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

J. C. Stuart, advertising agent, Norris & Rowe, 1908. Woodland (CA) Daily Democrat, April 7, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Dr. Stull, veterinarian, 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).

W. G. Stultz, treasurer, 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).

Jim Sturgis, was with the Cooper Show, 1900. Mrs. Sturgis had the uptown show with Buckskin Bill's Wild West. Billboard, August 11, 1900, p. 5. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Arthur Sturmak was an owner and concessionaire. Toured with John Robinson, Al G. Barnes, Hagenbeck-Wallace, Cole Bros. and King Bros. In 1948 he formed his own show, Biller Bros. Circus, that used the slogan, "The show that travels on G.M.C." Died May 25, 1984 at Louisville, Kentucky. Circus Report, June 18, 1984, p. 6. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

James F. Stutzman was a circus agent working for Baron's European Circus, Hunt Bros. and the New Jersey State Fair. Died in March 1974 at Trenton, New Jersey, age 72. Circus Report, April 22, 1974, p. 11. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Raul R. Suarez was a clown throughout his life, known as "Aranita." Was related to the Riding Suarez Troupe family. Died May 29, 1981 at Mexico City, age 53. Circus Report, June 22, 1981, p. 5. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Sugiamtoes Imperial Yeddo Troupe of Athletes, Howe's Great London, 1910. Charleroi (PA) Mail, September 26 & 27, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Lute Summers, bill poster, Cooper & Co., 1900. Billboard, August 18, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Louis F. Sunlin’s induction into the business of clown and animal performer was through the medium of the variety stage. His first circus engagement was with the Sells’ Bros, in 1880 as a concert performer and comedian. His natural abilities and fund of humor soon won him recognition as a clown, and he “donned the motley garb.” Mr. Sunlin’s feature act is that of a very laughable performance with his trained donkeys “Peanuts” and “Pickles,” but his versatility as a clown wins a world of laughter at each performance of the show. He has played engagements with the Ringling Bros. for several seasons.(1)
    Allie Jackson, May Weldon, the Sunlin Brothers, and Melville and Arville were announced at E?ber's Alhambra Theatre, St. Louis, May 8, 1882.(2) Opening at Gilmore's Zoo, Indianapolis, Ind., Feb. 26, 1883: . . . Sunlin Brothers, Allie Jackson.(3) Champions of all acrobatic song-and-dance artists, the Sunlin Bros., Lew and Charles, and Miss Allie Jackson, America's greatest character change artist and vocalist. Read what the Daily Freeman, Peoria, Ill., 1883, says: The Sunlin Brothers - Lew and Charley - acrobatic song-and-dance artists, are well known to the Adelphi audiences (this being their fourth engagement), and their appearance on the stage was greeted with cheers. Miss Allie Jackson, the greatest favorite that has ever appeared at this house, was compelled to respond to encore after encore . . . Advertisement.(4) It appears Louis' brother may have been Charles.
    Sells Bros. Circus, 1887, Allie Sunlin, rider.(5) Sells Bros. & Barrett, San Francisco, 1889. Allie Jackson, menage act. Elephant Syd, with her trainer, Lew Sunlin.(6)
    Notes from the Irwin Bros. Circus, 1891. At Sing Sing, N. Y., May ?, about two o'clock A. M., fire was discovered in our stock car, which was ??? to the trucks. We had just finished loading when the fire was discovered, and on account of the doors not being closed, it made quick headway. Inside of six minutes it had destroyed the entire car with the contents. One end was used for our working people, and the other end for ponies and donkeys. Lew Sunlin lost his trick donkey, Peanuts, while Pickles was pretty well scorched before we got him out of the car. Loss about $???. Some of the papers had it that the show was totally destroyed, which is not the case. We are giving the whole show, just same as when we opened, and we will be all right in a day or two.(7)
    Ringling Bros., 1892. Allie Jackson, manege, lady jockey. Queen of the side-saddle, introducing her high-school manege act, with her thoroughbred horse, 'Mizpah.' Lew Sunlin: two ludicrous ear winking donkeys, known to the world as Peanuts and Pickles, performed by their trainer, Lew Sunlin; troupe of trained dogs, acrobatic and talking clown; leaper and tumbler. May 25th. Arkansas City, Kansas: Lew Sunlin’s new cinnamon bear, tied in dressing-room, upsets buckets and stands on his head in the water barrel. Also makes a lion-leap at Sunlin, intent to chew him up and spit him out. (Laughter.) Lew finally pacifies him, and jumps him up under a flat car cage. May 28, McPherson, Kansas, Lew Sunlin buys a coyote with teeth as sharp as Sharp’s needles. June 3, York, Nebraska, Madame Sunlin’s beautiful manege horse Brilliant died in the cars last night. September 15, Memphis, Missouri, the Sunlins buy a very beautiful new chestnut sorrel thoroughbred, of mixed Hambletonian and Kentucky breed, and rejoicing in the Scriptural name of “Mizpah.” (8)
    Ringling Bros., 1893. Allie Jackson, known in private life as Mrs. Sunlin, is the very clever manege rider billed on the programme of the show as the “Queen of the Side Saddle.” She commenced her professional career as a character vocalist, and, although she no longer uses her powers as a descriptive singer in a professional way, can often be heard at the piano entertaining the members of the company with her rare and pleasing rendition of popular ballads and songs. Show: Aug. 27, 1893. Arrived in Grand Rapids early. Lew Sunlin and wife are residents of this city. Aug. 28, Sunlin has baby donkey photographed. The donkey was born at La Porte, Ind., and looks very much like a jack rabbit. It is two weeks old to-day. (9)
    Ringling Bros. 1894. Performing donkeys and Sunlin, the humorist; Sunlin is nature’s clown, and his pair of donkeys are quadrupedal imitations of their amusing master. Allie Jackson, manege. (10)
    Louis and his possible brother Charles may have attempted to take out a circus in 1895. Advertisement, June 1895: Wanted, performers in all branches for Sunlin Bros.' Great R. R. Shows, including Japanese Troupe, Two Brother act . . . or any acts suitable for circus. All people must do two or more acts. Want people that double big show and concert. L. F. Sunlin, Grand Rapids, Mich. However, by July, Sunlin placed this advertisement: To circus managers. Lew Sunlin and wife, with three head of stock, can be engaged for bal. of this season, for high schooled menage act and comical donkey act. Also first class knockabout and talking clown and comical trick leaper. Can join immediately. Lew Sunlin, 300 N. Front Street, Grand Rapids, Mich. N.B. Last three seasons with Ringling Bros.' Circus.(11)
    Ringling Bros., 1896. Mlle. Sunlin, high school equestrienne. Lew Sunlin, performing donkeys, clown. Ringling Bros., 1897. Trick donkeys are always welcome, particularly if they are thoroughly well trained, as are those performed by the jolly clown, Louis Sunlin. High school manege act Miss Allie Jackson. The retrieving horse Mizpah, ridden by Miss Jackson. Miss Jackson, is a superb rider. Her mount is “Mizpah,” another Arabian of finest blood, and as high-spirited as any horse that ever lived. The guiding hand of Miss Jackson, however, directs him through all the series of high school tricks and gaits with unerring certainty and artistic finish. Miss Jackson has taught Mizpah to retrieve like a dog. In the concert, Mrs. Lewis Sunlin.(12)
    Ringling Bros., 1899. Miss Allie Jackson, menage act introducing the marvelous "Mizpah." Lew Sunlin, clown, dog race. Ringling Bros., 1900. Lew Sunlin, clown and his donkeys. Miss Allie Jackson, Extraordinary high-school menage act, introducing the marvelous "Mizpah," the only retrieving horse in the world.(13)
    Notes from the Circo Curana(?), 1900-01, now touring the island of Cuba. We opened our traveling season at Matanzas, Cuba, Dec. 14, showing there one week to crowded tents. . . . Lew Sunlin, and his performing bull; . . . We will show all the principal towns in Cuba, the season running until July. Advertisement: Managers of parks, fairs, or any outdoor attractions, take notice. Prof. L. F. Sunlin and Madam Maria Sunlin. Coming to America in May, 1901, with two great novelty acts.(14)
    Ringling Bros., 1902. Grand Rapids, Mich., June 9, 1902. Mr. and Mrs. Charley Carroll found Lew Sunlin, formerly with the Ringlings, and brought him to the lot. Mr. Sunlin is operating a stone quarry near Grand Rapids and avers that he is fairly coining money.(15)
    Shipp's Indoor Circus, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Jan-Feb, 1903. L. F. Sunlin lives in Grand Rapids, Mich. He has been in the show business 23(28?) years, all the time in the trained animals' act. The bull which he had here is seven years old. The princiapl act is the pedestal act, the pedestal being six inches square and the animal mounting it with his four feed. The animal does several trick acts which no trick horse has ever done. A bull which is attracting attention in this country to-day is the one owned and trained by Mr. L. F. Sunlin. This animal is in training all the time, for he travels during the Summer season with a circus, and in Winter he must likewise be kept in practice. King Bill, for that is his name, is a Durham and Jersey. He is five years old and weighs 1,400 pounds, and is a fine-looking fellow. More than a year was required to train him, and the task was a most difficult one. He does not enjoy performing very much, and, anyway, a bull cannot be regarded as a very intelligent animal. A horse can be trained in half the time that is required to teach a bull, says Mr. Sunlin. No breed of bull seems to be more susceptible to training than another. While training, Bill was inclined to be ugly, and even now sometimes becomes cross while with the circus. King Bill's acts are unusual and remarkable. The most difficult one he has been taught to perform consists in his standing with all four feet on a box 6 inches wide by 8 inches in length. For as clumsy an animal as a bull to undertake such a task requires more skill than most people would imagine. King Bill will also sit down squarely on his haunches, just like a dog or cat. He will lie down on his side at the command of Mr. Sunlin and allow his trainer to lie down on him. He will stand upon a tub and Mr. Sunlin will sit upon his back, stand with his front feet upon a tub with Mr. Sunlin standing with one foot on his head and the other upon the middle of hisback; will place his head upon the ground, while Mr. Sunlin, with feet in the air, rests his own head between the animal's horns. King Bill will also roll a barrel with his nose. A most interesting part of King Bill's programme is his firing of a revolver. This he does without any show of fright or excitement, though the smoke curls about his head and the report is loud and near to his ears. The revolver is placed upon a slanting pole and, to reach the trigger with his mouth, the bulls tands with his fore feet upon a tub. Mr. Sunlin has made this work a business for fifteen years. Any bull can be made the subject of training, said he, but the reason that few try it is because most people don't know how, and also because it is decidedly dangerous. Mr. Sunlin has slo been successful in training dogs and horses.(16)
    1903: Performers Who Are Wealthy. Mr. and Mrs. Lew Sunlin, the latter being known to the profession as Allie Jackson are probably the richest performers in America. They are with the Wallace show this year, exhibiting the trained bull and the high jumping horse. They have valuable property of various kinds in and around Grand Rapids, Mich., one of their greatest sources of wealth being some extensive rock quarries near that city, which were purchased undeveloped with money they had saved from their salaries in the business.(17)
    1905. One of the novelties of Shipp's Indoor Circus, playing at the Powers this week, it the performing bull and this same bull has an interesting history. The animal is the property of L. F. Sunlin ot Grand Rapids, Mich., and is 7 years old. His name is "King Bill" and he is the succesor to what Mr. Sunlin declared was the original and only trained bull. Several years ago Sunlin, who had spent many months in training his first bull, took that animal to Cuba, where he gave exhibitions. The bull took a fever and died and Sunlin was disconsolate. His bull was his only stock in trade and he was face to face with ruin. In a desparate moment he concluded to find a bull in Cuba to take the dead animal's place and he found the present one in a bull fighting arena. This one with others was waiting to take part in a bull fight. He looked good to Sunlin, and he bought him. He still had his doubts, however, about training a Spanish fighting bull to be a well behaved performer on the vaudeville stage or in the circus ring, but he went to work with the animal. In five weeks he had the bull on the stage doing turns of the one that had died. He was by no means a finished performer, but good enough to enable Sunlin to fill his contracts and draw is salary.
    Sunlin and his wife are celebrated trainers of animals, but Mrs. Sunlin, who does an act in the show with her educated horse, "Mizpah," says her husband can have the bull training end of it; she is satisfied to educate horses. "Mizpah's" most pleasing feats are his dances and his great hit is the "hoochie-koochie," which he does with reckless abandon and evident delight. Mrs. Sunlin declares she "almost worships her horse and that she is really ashamed to risk wrecking his morals by letting him do the oriental steps but that the people seem to want it and she has to submit.(18)
    Advertisement: Circus managers, take notice. Prof. L. F. Sunlin, presenting King Bill, the only trained bull on earth. Madam Marie, presenting Mizpah, the equine wonder. A combination manage, retrieving and dancing act. Also a troupe of English whippet racing hounds, for the Hippodrome races. Managers wishing to engage the above acts can address L. F. Sunlin, 500 N. Front St., Grand Rapids, Mich., or per route Shipp's Indoor Circus.(18) All information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

It appears that Louis Sunlin died on April 11, 1935 at Cook County, Illinois. From Janet Bussi. Death record, Cook County Clerk, Cook County, Illinois

Allie Jackson may have been Maria Hart, listed in a marriage record and as the wife of Louis in the 1900 census. However, by 1930 Louis' wife was listed as Hazel. It is not known if Allie/Maria died or they divorced. No trace of Allie/Maria has been found.

Marriage record: Lewis F. Sunlin, born at Dayton, Ohio, married Maria Hart on December 5, 1883 at Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan. Extracted marriage record for locality listed in the record. Source Information: IGI Individual Record FamilySearch™ International Genealogical Index v5.0 North America, Batch No.: M018145.

Grand Rapids, Michigan City Directory, 1889, Lewis F. Sunlin, 124 Legrand, showman, Grand Rapids.

1900 Federal Census, Grand Rapids, Michigan. L. Sunlin, no age listed, born in Michigan, circus man. Maria Sunlin, wife, age 42, married 20 years, no children, born in Michigan, parents born in Ireland. Louis Sunlin, born February 1857, age 43, married 20 years, born Ohio, father born France, mother born Baden, performer. Maria Sunlin, born February 1860, age 40, married 20 years, born Michigan, parents born Ireland, performer. These appear to be double entries of Louis and Maria. However the 1900 census of the Ringling Circus at Columbus, Ohio listed a Lew Sunlin, age 24, born in Indiana in 1876, father born in Indiana, mother born in Ohio.

1930 Federal Census, Flint, Michigan: Louis F. Sunlin owned his home, worth $70,000. He was age 72, married at age 18, born in Ohio. His father was born in Alsace Lorraine, Germany; mother was born in Germany, occupation theater proprietor. His wife was Hazel P. Sunlin, age 42, married at age 19, born in Michigan, father born in Michigan, mother born in New Hampshire. Living with them was Lillian B. Peters, mother-in-law, age 72, widow, born in New Hampshire. Indicates that Hazel's maiden name was Peters. The family had a cook, Mansel Vardeman, living with them. The 1910 census for Battle Creek, Michigan lists a Lillian B. Peters, age 48, divorced. Living with her was a daughter, Hazel L. Gillis, age 22, married twice, no children, occupation theatrical musician.

Mansel Vardaman, female impersonator, photos and information courtesy of Janet Bussi

    The Mansel Vardeman, living with the Sunlins, listed as a cook, was a vaudeville performer, real name Mansel Boyle. He was known as "Vardaman,the Auburn-haired Beauty." Mansel was born in 1877 in Santa Cruz, California, son of Arthur and Jenny (?) Boyle. Arthur Boyle was a miner, who came from Massachusetts, settling in Butte, Montana. Mansel's mother may have left Butte, since Mansel was born in Santa Cruz. However, Mansel grew up in Butte, worked as an accounting clerk in a liquor store and was active in the Overland Minstrels, a local amateur theatrical group. Mansel donned female attire for the first time in the Minstrel's annual comedy revue. Mansel started playing the Midwest Vaudeville routes, then the bigger houses in Chicago, Toledo, and other cities. He was playing some of the top houses from 1903 to 1913, still a performing as a female impersonator. Vardaman toured the world, sailing from Honolulu in 1913. He performed in Melbourne, South Africa, and England. He later attempted a vaudeville comeback as "LaVardy," with his same act, with limited success. His career continued until about 1925, the year of his last contracts. Princeton University Library, Department of Rare Books and Special Collections

1. Offical Route Book of Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Railroad Shows, Season of 1893, Buffalo, NY: Courier Co., 1893.
2. New York Clipper, May 13, 1882, p. 126.
3. New York Clipper, March 3, 1883, p. 814.
4. New York Clipper, June 30, 1883, p. 244.
5. Stevens Point Journal (Stevens Point, WI), July 23, 1887, p. 1.
6. Mountain Democrat (Placerville, CA), May 18, 1889.
7. New York Clipper, May 9, 1891, p. 150.
8. Official Route Book of Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Railroad Shows, Season of 1892, Buffalo, NY: Courier Co., 1892; New York Clipper, April 2, 1892, p. 50.
9. Offical Route Book of Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Railroad Shows, Season of 1893, Buffalo, NY: Courier Co., 1893.
10. Official Route Book of Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Railroad Shows, Season of 1894, Buffalo, NY: Courier Co., 1894; New York Clipper, April 14, 1894, p. 85.
11. New York Clipper, June 8, 1895, p. 223. New York Clipper, July 20, 1895, p. 316.
12. A Route Book of Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Railroad Shows, Seasons of 1895 and 1896, St. Louis: Great Western Printing Co.; Route Book of Ringling Brothers World’s Greatest Shows, Season of 1897, Buffalo, NY: Courier Co., 1897.
13. A Circus Year Book of Ringling Brothers World’s Greatest Shows, Souvenir 1899, Chicago: Central Printing and Engraving Co.; Route Book, Ringling Bros.' World's Greatest Shows, Season 1900; Emmetsburg Democrat (Emmetsburg, IA), July 4, 1900, p. 3.
14. New York Clipper, January 19, 1901, p. 1046; New York Clipper, April 20, 1901, p. 176.
15. Route Book of Ringling Bros. World's Greatest Shows Season of 1902, Chicago, IL: Central Printing and Engraving Co., 1902.
16. Cedar Rapids Sunday Republican (Cedar Rapids, IA), February 1, 1903, p. 5; New York Times, July 26, 1903.
17. Ottumwa Courier (Ottumwa, IA), July 27, 1903, p. 2.
18. Decatur Review (Decatur, IL), January 4, 1905, p. 6; New York Clipper, January 28, 1905, p. 1152.

Earl Sutton and wife. Earl wild west rider, trick rope. Mrs. Sutton, menage, wild west rider. 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).

William SuttonM, rider, Norris & Rowe, 1905. Daily Nevada State Journal (Reno, NV), April 18, 1905. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

John Swallow, rider, Barnum & Bailey, 1906; Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1907-1908. Post-Standard (Syracuse, NY), June 1, 1906; Weekly Press (St. Joseph, MI) July 11, 1907; Racine (WI) Daily Journal, May 13, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Charles H. Sweeney, equestrian director, Wallace circus, 1902-1903, 1905, also Miss Sweeney, equestrienne; Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1908-1909; Yankee Robinson, 1913. Cambridge (OH) Jeffersonian, December 3, 1903; Fort Wayne (IN) Sentinel, August 11, 1902; Cambridge (OH) Jeffersonian, April 6, 1905; Indiana (PA) Weekly Messenger, May 13, 1908; Daily Courier (Connellsville, PA), May 16, 1908; Kennebec (ME) Daily Journal, January 18, 1909; Janesville (WI) Daily Gazette, April 2, 1913. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Edward C. Sweeney was a clown for 16 years with Ringling Bros. Circus. Died June 11, 1979 at Southport, Connecticut, age 93. Circus Report, July 2, 1979, p. 11. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

William Sweeney, band leader, cowboy band, Buffalo Bill's Wild West, 1908. Colorado Springs (Co) Gazette, August 17, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Winnie Sweeney, 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).

Lee Sycle, advance, Campbell Bros, 1910. Humeston (IA) New Era, August 17, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Sylvester Sisters, five in number, Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1908. Indiana (PA) Weekly Messenger, May 13, 1908; Charleroi (PA) Mail, May 12, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

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John Talbert, fixer, Sells-Gray, 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).

Gus Taliaferro was in charge of program sales on Cole Bros. Circus 1940-1949, and was with Biller Bros. Circus in 1949. He had concessions on the Blue Grass Shows for several seasons. Died June 16, 1985 at Louisville, Kentucky, age 71. Circus Report, July 29, 1985, p. 10. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Edwin M. Tandy was an elephant handler with Hagen Bros. and Famous Cole circuses, and Superintendent of Elephants at the Tulsa, Oklahoma Zoo for several years. He worked for Dave Hoover on Beatty-Cole and had animals acts on Royal Ranch Wild West, Roberts Bros., and International All Star circuses. Died December 6, 1984 at Frederick, Maryland, age 62. Circus Report, February 4, 1985, p. 33. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

George Tardy, from Waterloo, Iowa. La Pearl's Circus, 1896; George & Henry Tardy, Gentry Trained Animal show, 1901; George, Ringling Bros., 1909; George, reserved seats, lion keeper, attacked by a lion & left circus, Yankee Robinson, 1910; George, animal caretaker, winter quarters, Ringling Bros., 1917; George and Henry Tardy, Ringling Bros., 1911; George in charge of chimpanzees, Ringling Bros., 1912; George Ringling Bros., 1913; George, in circus 19 years, menagerie department, Ringling Bros., 1915. Waterloo (IA) Daily Courier, October 5, 1896; Waterloo (IA) Daily Courier, May 13, 1901; Waterloo (IA) Semi Weekly Courier, April 2, 1909; Waterloo ((A) Evening Courier, June 17, 1910; Waterloo (IA) Reporter, May 4, 1910; Waterloo (IA) Evening Courier, November 21, 1917; Waterloo (IA) Evening Courier, August 22, 1910; Waterloo (IA) Evening Courier, August 23, 1911; Waterloo (IA) Evening Courier, August 15, 1912; Waterloo (IA) Evening Courier, August 25, 1913; Waterloow (IA) Evening Courier, April 5, 1915. "Twenty Years Ago, July 7, 1897. George Tardy, who learned the business with Pearl's circus, has been appointed superintnedent of the Cedar River park menagerie." Waterloo (IA) Evening Courier, July 4, 1917. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Bert Dearo Tarrant performed a contortion frog man act and on the slack wire. Was with Ringling-Barnum, Cole Bros., Sells-Floto, Sparks and Russell Bros. circuses. He was with the Orrin Davenport Shrine shows for a number of years, where his wife Connie also appeared. In his later years he worked as a rigger. Died September 12, 1978 at Venice, Florida, age 80. Circus Report, January 1, 1979, p. 30. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

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

Tasmanian Sisters, acrobats, four in number, Norris & Rowe, 1905; six in number, Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1910-1911. Woodland (CA) Daily Democrat, April 11, 1905; Evening Telegram (Elyria, OH), May 24, 1910; 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).

Tasmanian Troupe, five in number, three women and a boy, acrobats, Frank A. Robbins, 1906; seven in number, Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1908; equilibrists (wire), six women, Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1911. Bandwagon, Sep-Oct, 2001, p. 34; Oelwein (IA) Daily Register, August 17, 1908; Fort Wayne (IN) Sentinel, May 19, 1911. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Nolly Tate, see Emanuel Goudsmit.

Taylor-Huttons of America, Forepaugh-Sells, 1910-1911. Bedford (PA) Gazette, April 29, 1910; Charleroi (PA) Mail, April 28, 1910; New Castle (PA) News, April 29, 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).

Buck Taylor (Berry F. Tatum). "Buck" Taylor is dead, and with him passes away much of the primitive glory and sensationalism of the American cowboy. . . . "Buck" Taylor was really the first American cowboy the public had ever been permitted to gaze upon. Every one had read of this wild and venturesome individual of the broad ranges of the West, but "Buck" was the real thing, picturesque in appearance, sensational in his doings and well deserving the soubriquet "King of Cowboys."
    "Buck," whose real name was Berry F. Tatum, his family being one of the oldest and best in Montgomery, Ala., died at the Prividence Hispital, Washington, D.C., on Monday, August 20(?). He was a sergeant in Roosevelt's Rough Riders during the Spanish-American War, and contracted the disease, consumption, of which he died, while in Cuba. Since his return he has been almost unable to attend to any business, although he held a clerkship in the Census Bureau in Washington, having received his appointment through the kindly aid of Governor Roosevelt and Senator Morgan, of Alabama. He went to Cabin John's Bridge, a suburban restor not far from Washington, last Sunday night, and was taken sick on the veranda of one of the hotels, being found there, gasping for breath and in an almost dying condition, before medical aid could be summoned.
    Before he became a cowboy "Buck" Taylor, or Berry F. Tatum, was an opera singer, having appeared as Ralph Rackstraw in "Pinafore" and in other light or comic opera characters. Tiring of the stage, however, he went West, and found employment on one of the ranches in Nebraska, where he afterward became celebrated as one of the most daring cow punchers of the many wild Western rangers. When Colonel Cody undertook the organization of his famous American show "Buck" Taylor became essential to its completeness, and for years was almost as conspicuous and as much applauded in its exhibitions as the famous Bison killer himself. He rode before the Queen at Windsor, and not only received presents from her, but from nearly all the monarchs of Europe, as expressions of their admiration for his skill and daring as a horseman. Billboard, September 1, 1900, p. 5. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Harry Taylor, bill poster, Cooper & Co., 1900. Billboard, August 18, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Herb Taylor, 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).

John Taylor. Miaco Pantomime Co. have closed a successful Winter season, and Alfred F. Miaco, Mrs. Laura Miaco, Stephen Miaco and John Taylor, contortionist, are re-engaged with the John Robinson Show for the coming season, this being their third season with that show. Stephen Miaco and John Taylor will introduce their new aerial act, and Mrs. Laura Miaco will do a balancing trapeze act. 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).

Milt Taylor, clown, with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. Noted for his clown car. "My Last Visit with My Friend Milt Taylor," White Tops, Vol. 15, Nos. 1-2 (Dec-Jan), 1941, p. 10. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Prof. Taylor's company of bicycle riding and wire-walking monkeys, Forepaugh-Sells, 1911. Titusville (PA) Herald, May 5, 1911. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Robert Taylor. Master of Transportation, Ringling Bros. Mr. Taylor’s position requires both great diplomacy and executive ability. His diplomacy is brought into play in securing from railroad officials sufficient and advantageous yard accommodations for the trains of cars under his supervision, for their speedy and safe transit from place to place, and many other concessions not strictly in the official contracts, but still of vital importance in the railroad department of the show. His executive ability is needed in the great daily work of loading and unloading the many heavy wagons, cages, chariots, etc. Mr. Taylor has occupied executive positions with the Main and Forepaugh and other shows, and combines with a wide experience the creditable disposition of taking advantage of new and improved methods in the handling of his work. The hour of midnight or the beginning of a new day has never yet found a wagon unloaded. 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 Tee, professionally known as Lillie Deacon, wife of Adam Forepaugh, Jr. Lived at Brewster, New York in 1900. Billboard, June 2, 1900, p. 5. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Ed. Teirney, accordian player, Hunt Bros., 1892. "Eastern Fans to Meet with Hunt Show at Opening of 50th Year," White Tops, Vol. 15, Nos. 3-4 (Feb-Mar), 1941, p. 3. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Charles Tenny, band leader, Cole Bros., 1906-1909; Howe's Great London, 1911. Hamilton (OH) Daily Democrat, August 6, 1906; Titusville (PA) Herald, May 24, 1907; Fort Wayne (IN) Sentinel, May 18, 1908; Daily News (Marshall, MI), June 22 & 29, 1909; New Castle (PA) News, April 23, 1909; Daily Independent (Monessen, PA), April 21, 1909; Daily Courier (Connellsville, PA) April 19, 1911. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Mrs. I. Teramae, swinging ladder, 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).

J. Teramoi, Kame Tetsuwari, Kame Ueyda, risley, foot ladder balancing, barrel kicking, 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).

Sid Terrell, Buckskin Bill's Wild West, 1900. Billboard, June 23, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Thiel, 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).

Grace Thomas, principal equestrian, 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).

James Thomas, 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).

Jane Thomas (Eliza Jane Banks Thomas), who worked on the trapeze until she was 76, was the mother of the Flying Melzoras. The Flying Melzoras were with Ringling-Barnum from the 1920s-1940s, and she was still a catcher at age 65. Died February 3, 1974 at Saginaw, Michigan, age 87. Circus Report, February 25, 1974, p. 7; August 26, 1974, p. 5. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

George L. Thompson, "Red Cap," was an elephant trainer with the John Robinson Military Elephants, Terrell Jacobs, Sells-Floto and other shows. He handled the famous elephant "Billy Sunday." Died March 21, 1978 in Florida, age 76. Circus Report, April 24, 1978, p. 18. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Ray Thompson, Texas rough rider, artist in highest school of horsemanship, gaited horses, Wallace Shows, 1905; Minnie Thompson, from Dallas, Texas, wife of Ray Thompson, menage rider, Ray horse trainer & menage rider, Barnum & Bailey, 1906; Ray, educated bronchos and mustangs, Buffalo Bill's Wild West, 1908; Ray Thompson's troupe of western range horses, Buffalo Bill's Wild West and Pawnee Bill's Far East, 1909; Ray horse trainer, Buffalo Bill's Wild West and Pawnee Bill's Far East, 1911; Ray menage horses, vaudeville, lured away from circuses by salary offered, 1913; Ray, high school horses, Hugo Bros., 1915. Courier (Connellsville, PA), May 18, 1905; Atlanta (GA) Constitution, October 7, 1906; Mansfield (OH) May 28, 1908; Fort Wayne (IN) Sentinel, June 25, 1909; Fort Wayne (IN) Sentinel, June 29, 1911; Fort Wayne (IN) Journal-Gazette, March 16, 1913; Oelwein (IA) Register, May 19, 1915. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Roy Thompson, troupe of trained ponies and dogs, 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).

S. S. Thompson, agent, E. F. Davis, 1900. Billboard, May 28, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

W. J. Thorn, "Whitey," joined Al G. Kelly-Miller Bros. in 1940 as an elephant man and electrician. He married Mary Keys in 1941 and they were with Kelly-Miller until 1952, when they joined the King show, retiring in 1954. He then became a trick driver and maintenance man in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Born in 1904, he died December 26, 1980 in Oklahoma City. Circus Report, March 16, 1981, p. 12. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Charles Thrall, member of Le Mar troup of aeronauts, trapeze, performed with his brother. In an accident at Madison Square Garden, he fell, fractured his arms, otherwise no serious injury. His home is Bloomington, Illinois. Barnum & Bailey, 1910. New York Times stated that he was critically injured. Gleaner (Kingston, Jamacia), April 1, 1910; New York Times, March 25 & 26, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Roland F. Tiebor began training sea lions at age 14 when he joined his father working with sea lions. He joined Ringling-Barnum in 1929 and worked with them for 25 years with four sea lions acts. Later he was with Bertram Mills Circus in England. His wife, Mary, joined and was the first American female sea lion trainer. When Roland retired, he worked at the Aquarium in Niagara Falls, training dolphins and sea lions. Died February 10, 1987 at Palmetto, Florida, age 85. Circus Report, February 23, 1987, p. 12. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Charles Tiede, of Racine, Wisconsin, advance, Ringling Bros., 1908. 1909: "Charles Tiede, son of W. C. Tiede [William C.], of Main street left today for Philadelphia, where he will join the Advertising car of Ringling Brothers circus. . . . Mr. Tiede has been in the advertising department of the circus for the last four years . . . While he is gone his father will have charge of his son's interest in the new Orpheum theater." In July 1909 he resigned, to devote time to conducting his electric theater at Burlington, had been with Ringling past four years. He went back with Ringlings in 1915. Racine (WI) Daily Journal, April 14, 1908; Racine (WI) Journal, July 28, 1908; Racine (WI) Daily Journal, April 24, 1909; Racine (WI) Journal-News, October 27, 1915. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

James Cook Tiffiny, agent with Barnum & Bailey for many years. Died September 1, 1907 at Providence, Rhode Island, age 42. Originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Billboard, September 14, 1907. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Frieda LaVelda Timson was a performer on Conroy Bros., Eddy Kuhn, Dan Rice, Vandenburg Bros., Bud E. Anderson, Beers & Barnes, Kelly-Miller, Bisbee's Comedians, Herbert Walters Comedians. She previously married Ted LaVelda and they owned Monroe Bros. Circus in the late 1940s. Born in Sweden, died March 5, 1985 at Des Moines, Iowa, age 82. Circus Report, April 29, 1985, p. 21. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Edward A. Tinkham fainted from the bursting of a blood vessel while he was listening to a minstrel performance at the Grand Opera House in Rochester, one evening last week, and died two hours later. During the last four years he has been contracting agent of Barnum's show, and before that he held a similar position in the employ of W. C. Coup. He was 46 years of age, and one of the most widely known showmen in the country. News (Frederick, MD), January 14, 1886. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Captain John Tiebor, trained seals, 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).

Ross Titus, canvas man, murdered last Monday, Sells-Floto, 1909. Anaconda (MT) Standard, Friday, July 16, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Jim Todd, blacksmith, Ringling Bros., 1908. Fort Wayne (IN) Sentinel, August 4, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Frank Tosky, "Tad," clown, was in show business over 50 years. He started in the business full time after playing with the Green Bay football team for four years. He worked as a high wire acrobat with a vaudeville troupe in the early 1900s. Was with Dan Rice, Campbell Bros., Hagenbeck-Wallace, Ringling and Beatty circuses. Died July 7, 1976 at Chicago, Illinois, age 85. Circus Report, July 19, 1976, p. 3. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Francois G. Tournaire, son of Benoit Tournaire, and cousin of Josephine Demott, known by many circus people, died in Bransford(?), Pa., January 1?. New York Clipper, February 1, 1896, p. 761. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Cal Towers, side show, John Robinson Circus, 1907; Towers was youngest soldier in the civil war, age 11 when he enlisted, has a gold medal to prove it.(1) "Veteran Circus Man is Home to Spend Winter After Season with Robinson. Cal Towers, the veteran circus barker, who has been out with the Robinson shows during the season just ended, has returned to his home for the winter. Towers is one of the oldest men in the business, and his voice still retains the fog-horn qualities that have made him known all over the country as a spieler. He is now one of the most prominent showmen in the country."(2) Twenty years ago (1893) Cal Towers left to be with Robinson Circus this season.(3) In a 1921 interview Cal Towers stated he was 53 years in circuses, from drummer boy in side show to assistant manager. Started 1865, left circuses in 1918. First with John Robinson shows.(4) Capt. Cal Towers, sold tickets, museum' exhibition, 1884.(5) "Muscatine, June 23. Mrs. Carrie Towers, age 74, widow of Cal Towers who died a year ago, died yesterday. An adopted son, Wesley, and a son E. A. Towers.(6) Carrie Towers was listed as a widow in Muscatine, Iowa City Directory, January 1, 1923. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

1. Waterloo (IA) Daily Courier, June 11, 1907.
2. Muscatine (IA) Journal, November 14, 1910.
3. Muscatin (IA) Journal, April 19, 1913.
4. Muscatine (IA) Journal and News-Tribune, June 17, 1921.
5. Decatur (IA) Morning Review, May 6, 1884.
6. Davenport (IA) Democrat and Leader, June 23, 1924.

Mrs. Rose Toyer has recovered and with her husband will join the Cole and Lockwood Circus, April 30, 1894. New York Clipper, April 21, 1894, p. 102. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Joseph L. Tracy, animal trainer, died September 1, 1964. Bandwagon, Sep-Oct, 1964, p. 3. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Traviola Troupe (Traviolla?), juggling, Norris & Rowe, 1905. Woodland (CA) Daily Democrat, April 11, 1905; Daily Nevada State Journal (Reno, NV), April 12, 1905. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Warren Lincoln Travis, strongman, Barnum & Bailey, 1907; John Robinson 10 Big Shows, 1905, 1909, 1910. Travis was a weight lifting champion. Newark (OH) Advocate, May 1, 1905; New York Times, May 13, 1908; Duble, C. E., "John Robinson 10 Big Shows, 1911," SPEC, December, 1941, pp. 2-3; Titusville (PA) Morning Herald, May 22, 1909; Evening Tribune (Marysville, OH), April 23, 1910; Newark (OH) Advocate, May 1, 1905. Travis, age 66, Coney Island, strongman, lifted a 1,000 pound cannon ball on July 13th as part of his sideshow routine, then collapsed and died. Has been a physical instructor in a police department circa 1896, won strongman competitions in the US and Canada. White Tops, Vol. 14, Nos. 10-11 (Aug-Sep), 1941, p. 2. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Capt. Treat and wife, trained seals, Forepaugh shows, 1908; in vaudeville 1909; trained sea lions, vaudeville, 1916. Fort Wayne (IN) Journal-Gazette, November 2, 1908; Waterloo (IA) Times-Tribune, July 9, 1909; Manitoba (Winnipeg, Canada) Free Press, November 27, 1916. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Trostl - Evy, 17, member of the Great Arturo high wire act, died as a result of fall from the wire Nov. 14, 1951 during afternoon performance of Polack Bros. Eastern Unit, at the Baltimore Armory. Bandwagon, December, 1952, p. 9. Information should be checked with additional sources

E. A. Trueblood, menage, assist ring stock, 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).

F. E. Tryon, press representative, Gollmar Bros., 1908. Gazette (Stevens Point, WI), July 15, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

McCullem Tunkins, "Tommy," began in 1927 working in the cookhouse on Sells-Floto. Later worked for Hagenbeck-Wallace, Cole Bros. and Dailey Bros. Then was a porter on Royal American Shows. Died May 11, 1980 at Tampa, Florida, age 76. Circus Report, June 9, 1980, p. 10. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Elsie Turner (Jung), web, spec and menage performer, joined the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus in the late 1930s. She married Paul Jung and later they joined Ringling-Barnum, traveling with the show for many years. They also operated the Paul Jung Laugh Factory in Tampa, Florida. She later married Noel Turner. Died May 15, 1987 at Tampa. Circus Report, January 11, 1988, p. 13. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Percy Turner owned Turner Bros. Circus. His show toured Southern California in 1958-59. He was also a sign painter. Died October 6, 1984 at San Diego, California, age 75. Circus Report, October 22, 1984, p. 12. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Red Turner, canvass, 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).

Fred Phillip Turney was a wire walker and trapeze performer who toured with Campbell Bros. Circus as "The Great Signo" from 1899 to 1911. He left the circus and worked as a brick layer at Coraopolis, Pennsylvania. Died March 14, 1982 at Coraopolis, age 97. Circus Report, April 12, 1982, p. 25. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Turnin. Varnin and Turnin, baitleax throwers, 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).

Jules Turnour enjoys the distinction of having been in the employ of the show as a clown longer than any other one of the famous merry-makers whose names are emblazoned on the roster of the World’s Greatest Show. He has been “making them laugh” in the rings of the Ringlings for five years in succession. Jules is also the popular and painstaking mail agent of the Show. 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).

Turnour. Mrs. Richard Williams died in this city Oct. 13, 1892, and was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery. The deceased was a daughter of Mrs. Hepsy Turnour, and the mother of Ed. Turnour and Cyrene. She was a sister of Millie, Thomas and Jules Tournour. She was about firty-five years old. 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).

Tybell Sisters, ladders, Shipp's Indoor Circus, 1905; iron jaw, Sells-Floto, 1908; three sisters, iron jaw, Forepaugh-Sells, 1910-1911. Cedar Rapids (IA) Evening Gazette, February 21, 1905; Reno (NV) Evening Gazette, May 12, 1908; Bedford (PA) Gazette, April 29, 1910; Charleroi (PA) Mail, April 28, 1910; New Castle (PA) News, April 29, 1910; 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).

Ed Tyler, Forepaugh-Sells, 1908. Coshocton, Ohio man, left town to go with circus, will sail in about 3 weeks for 3 year tour of Europe. Coshocton (OH) Daily Age, September 21, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Harry Tyler, high diving dog "Charlie," Sells-Gray, 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).

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Valentine Family, aerial, John H. Sparks, 1910. Correctionville (IA) News, June 9, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Lorraine B. Valentine, aerialist, married George D. Valentine in 1935. She traveled with George and Sue Pelto as the Flying Valentinos from 1932 to 1950. At the time it was the only flying act to use female flyers. Lorraine did a 2 1/2 somersault while blindfolded and a triple into the net. In 1947 the Valentines bought a large barn and land in Normal, Illinois, that they used to practice their act. Died January 10, 1987 at Bloomington, Illinois, age 72. Circus Report, February 9, 1987, p. 30. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Roy George Valentine was one of the original Flying Valentines with Ringling-Barnum. He was the son of George and Lillian Richards Valentine. Sons were Roy and Richard. Died May 4, 1985 at Parkersburg, West Virginia, age 72. Circus Report, May 27, 1985, p. 25. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Valentios, four aerial artists, John H. Sparks, 1909. Coshocton (OH) Daily Tribune, September 18, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Gary Vanderbilt "Gigging Gary," clown. Norris & Rowe 1908. Stevens Point (WI) Daily Journal, April 23, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Estelle Vanderhide, rider, Forepaugh-Sells, 1911. Warren (PA) Evening Mirror, April 29, 1911. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Vandevere Female Zouaves, under direction of Captain Maude Carter, Lemon Bros., 1905. Fort Wayne (IN) Journal-Gazette, April 30, 1905. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Van Dieman's Troupe, Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1907-1908, 1910. Hagenbeck-Wallace 1907: ". . . At a production of the show at Valparaiso last night, one of the women performers was badly injured. The daring of the performers was shown by the repititlon of the act this afternoon, the part of the injured girl being taken by an understudy. Madame Van Dieman of the Van Dieman troupe, in a thrilling stunt of twirling about a wheel, holding on by teeth grip, lost her hold and was thrown heavily to the ground. Two other girls on the same wheel, doing a sister stunt at once, were thrown from their positions but managed to grip with the arms, as the wheel was unbalanced after the flrst accident. Hardly had the injured lady been picked up, and before the audience realized what had happened, a physician was at her side and she was born from the circle. It was found that several bones in her ankle had been broken and numerous other Injuries were found. Millie Du Press, her understudy, at once took up the role and will appear In the part here. . . ." Vaudeville 1913: ". . . 'Aerial Butterfly' act of the Tasmanian-Van Dieman troupe of mid-air performers. A sextette of pretty young women who are accomplished acrobats go through the amazing series of tricks while suspended by their teeth in the air. Afterwards they go through a routine of difficult ground acrobatics. . . ." Lake County Times (Hammond, IN), August 24, 1907; Charleroi (PA) Mail, May 12, 1908; Oakland (CA) Tribune, January 12, 1913. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s). today.

Varnin and Turnin, baitleax throwers, 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).

Emily Vecchi, see Clyde V. Fisher. Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Felipe Salazar Vega, trapeze artist, age 32, died from multiple injuries after he missed the net during a performance of Circus Union in Mexico in November 1982. He was a circus performer for 15 years. He was married to Rosamarie Fuentes Salazar, the daughter of Jesus fuentes, owner of Circus Union. Circus Report, November 29, 1982, p. 23. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Venates, seven in number, female acrobats, 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).

Robert Veno, slack wire, fell from the wire at Wadesboro, did not die from fall, Van Amburg, 1905. Landmark (Statesville, NC), October 31, November 7, 1905. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Benjamin Vernon. The subject of this sketch, Mr. Ben. Vernon, made his first appearance as a performer in 1879, at the International Theatre, Philadelphia. His first attempt was as a bar performer and was made in company with Fred Elmer, with whom he later branched out into the circus business. His career was very successful from the start, and the following years up to 1889 found him filling various engagements with circuses and theatres in the capacity of an expert bar performer and acrobat. The past four years he has worked in connection with Mr. Charles Vernon, as catcher, in the aerial flying act of the famous duo known as the Vernon Bros., and the accuracy and artistic character of his work is too well known to the people of the “World’s Greatest” to need comment here. 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 Vernon. The accompanying picture of Mr. Charles Vernon is a very good portrait and reflects the countenance of an exceptionally clever performer. He is what is known, in dressing-room parlance, as the “flying man,” and in the aerial act of the Vernon Bros. performs the bird-like flights, dives and somersaults that have gained for this great feature its enviable reputation. In conjunction with Benjamin Vernon, he has been with the Ringling Bros.’ Show for two years. He is a native and a resident of Baltimore, Md. Charles Vernon started in the business as a bar performer in 1883, with the Barrett Show. He was for several years a member of the professional team of Dunbar and Vernon. 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).

Victorellas Aerial Victorellas, five, Norris & Rowe, 1905, 1909. Woodland (CA) Daily Democrat, April 11, 1905; Lethbridge (Alberta, Canada) Herald, June 2, 1909. Taber, Bob, "Greater Norris & Rowe Show," Bandwagon, Vol. 3, No. 6 (Nov-Dec), 1959, pp. 7, 9, 11-12. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

William Henry Villeponteaux (Harry) was a clown and trapeze performer, in show business for 52 years. Was with Sparks, Hagenbeck-Wallace and other shows. At one time he jumped 14,000 feet from a hot air balloon. After retiring he worked for an oil company. Died April 1, 1978 at Charleston, South Carolina, age 71. Circus Report, May 22, 1978, p. 19. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Prof. Voce occupies a place in the performance part of the museum programme of which he can well be proud, and to which in equal proportion he adds the interest and entertainment of his unique ventriloquial performance. On the large theatre stage, for which the Ringling Bros.’ Museum is noted, Mr. Voce introduces a complete family of talking figures, some seven or eight in number, and from the manner in which they are put through their life-like imitations of human beings his ventriloquial powers are aptly shown. Mr. Voce is a native of England, where he performed with his dumb yet speaking figures several years prior to bis engagement here. 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).

Bert Vogels was transportation manager of Ringling-Barnum's European tour in the early 1960s, toured with the Blue Unit from 1971-1974. Also Worked with Circus Scott in Sweden and other shows. Died December 27, 1983, age 65. Circus Report, February 6, 1984, p. 12. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

William Vogt is a young man whose experience in the circus business covers only the season of 1893, and yet whose accuracy as an accountant and rapid ticket-seller, and reliable business methods, stamp him as one of the important functionaries in the financial department of the show. Mr. Vogt has had much experience in other branches of the amusement profession, and has filled various positions of importance and trust in connection with numerous theatrical houses. The various details, in a monetary way, he has to deal with during every day of the season, would probably drive a person not possessing his peculiar talents in this direction, to an early grave, but “Billy ” deals with these perplexing questions of dollars and cents with an ease and accuracy that accounts for the habitual bland smile he wears on his good-natured countenance. 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).

Eileen Voise married Harold Voise and was an aerialist and member of the Flying Harolds. Eileen and Harold traveled with Sells-Floto, Ringling-Barnum, Cole Bros., Polack Bros. and Shrine circuses. She did the flying for the movie "The Story of Three Loves." Born in 1906, died January 13, 1983 at Sarasota, Florida, age 77. Circus Report, February 1, 1983, p. 27. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Clarence J. Von Nieda, flyer, began his circus career as a member of the Four Readings acrobatic team in 1909. He also toured in vaudeville. After retiring operated a barber shop at Reading, Pennsylvania. Died December 10, 1981 at Lebanon, Pennsylvania, age 90. Circus Report, January 4, 1982, p. 6. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Col. Bill Voorheis, owner and producer, Voorheis Bros. Circus, Col. Bill's Early American Circus and a tented magic/circus show. Originally a drummer in the 1940s, played the drums and announced in his shows. Clowned as "Willie the Clown," and was the "Amazing Byron" in his magic show. Died in August 1980. Circus Report, September 15, 1980, p. 16. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

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"Doc" Waddell. Death came on July 15, 1952, to "Doc" Waddell, the Circus Parson, at Columbus, Ohio. He was known throughout the country as the "Circus Evangelist" and dean of old time press agents. He was born, William Shackleford Andres, in Portsmouth, Ohio, on Aug. 26 1863. The passing years turned him into a newspaper man, press agent, railroad fireman and engineer, poet philosopher, lecturer, leader in fraternal organizations, saver of souls, but his love for the "big top" never waned. Early in life he joined John Robinson's Ten Big Shows, and became associated with Kid Waddell, from whom he took his name, Waddell. He was known as an all day talker on the Side Show. "Doc" had several years ago expressed the wish that, when his time came, he be buried in an inexpensive box, covered with red, white and blue canvass. Nothing fancy. No flowers, though flowers might be in another room. If a circus was in town, he asked that his funeral be held under the Big Top at 8 P.M. However in later years he changed his request, probably at the behest of his wife, so that he had the regular type of funeral service. He is survived by his wife, and two sons, Parson and William Andres, and several cousins. Burial was in Springfield, Ohio, as he had requested. Bandwagon, August, 1952, p. 15. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

"Hans" Wagner, general manager, Sells-Floto, 1909. Yuma (AZ) Examiner, April 16 & 17, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Waldorf family, from Australia, living statues, Norris & Rowe, 1908. Oakland (CA) Tribune, March 27, 1908; Anaconda (MT) Standard, July 2, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Billy Wales, horse driver, Sells-Floto, 1909. New North (Rhinelander, WI), July 22, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Peter Walker, superintendent of electric light plant, Buffalo Bill show. His wife, of Buffalo, New York, died at Bloomington, Illinois, September 3, 1907, age circa 45. Billboard, September 14, 1907. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Ben E. Wallace, photo from Fred Pfening, Jr.

Harry Wallace, cook, from Fairbury, Nebraska, burned in stove fire May 12, Sioux City, Iowa, Campbell Bros., 1908. Waterloo (IA) Semi Weekly Courier, May 15, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Joe Wallace, rider, Howe's Great London, 1911. Daily Courier (Connellsville, PA) April 19, 1911. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Richard Wallace, 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).

Wallins, two in number, contortionists, Dode Fisk Shows, 1910. Marshfield (WI) Times, July 13, 1910, and July 27, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Dave Walton was born at Toledo, Ohio, and is 20 years of age. His debut was made at the Theatre Comique in his native city as a song and dance artist when a boy of 8 years. His introduction into the circus branch of the amusement profession was made in 1877 in connection with High Walton, Dave doing the “top-mounting” in a very clever brother act introduced by them with the Warner Show. His later successes have been achieved in connection with the Four Waltons in the brother act of which he acts as middle man. This is the first season of the quartette of acrobats with the Ringling Bros.’ Shows. 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).

High Walton, senior member of the acrobatic team known as the Four Waltons, is a native of Toledo, Ohio. He commenced his career as a circus performer in 1872 as a leaper and tumbler. His later accomplishments as an artist in the circus ring are well known to the profession. In 1877 he formed the nucleus of his present success by combining with his brother Dave in the production of an acrobatic act for which the two Waltons became famous. The later addition of Reno and Johnnie Walton to the original two Waltons has formed an acrobatic act that rivals for its superiority of execution and style any act of the kind ever produced in this country. 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).

John Walton, the youngest member of the Walton Bros., and one of the top mounters of the world-renowned acrobats, is twenty years of age, and like the other members of this quartette, is a native of Toledo. Though he has not yet reached the voting age, he has spent six years in the amusement profession; all of this time he has occupied as one of the top mounters of the Walton Bros. Johnnie is also an expert leaper mid turns himself around in the air with a grace that would almost lead to the belief that he possesses wings. 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).

Reno Walton has been connected with the Walton Bros. eleven years, his first season as top mounter being in 1882. Mr. Walton is one of the cleverest double somersault leapers of the saw-dust ring, and clears an unusual number of elephants and camels while passing in double evolutions through space. Reno combines rare grace and skill in his work as one of the top mounters of the act that has made the Waltons so famous in this country. He is a native of Toledo, Ohio, and possesses an affable and genial disposition that have made him one of the most popular actors in the dressing-room. 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).

Richard Walton, rider, Forepaugh-Sells, 1910-1911. Charleroi (PA) Mail, April 30, 1910; Warren (PA) Evening Mirror, April 29, 1911. Information should be checked with additional sourcesCan you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Hotu Wara, 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).

Ward and Brown have signed with the Wallace Circus for the Summer. 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).

Ed C. Warner, contracting agent, Norris & Rowe, 1908. Anaconda (MT) Standard, June 17, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Donald Washburn (circa 1940 - December 1, 1979), Sparky the clown. He was said to have quit high school when he was 17 and joined the circus. He was a magician, juggler, ventriloquist, and pantomimist. Was with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, Clyde Beatty-Cole Bros., Kelly Bros., Mid-America, Circus Vargas, Carden-Johnson, and Big John Strong. While with the Big John Strong Circus, driving from Oregon, he was in a head-on crash near Crescent City, California on September 23, 1979. Died December 1, 1979 at Sedro Wooley, Washington, burial at Chanute, Kansas. Circus Report, January 7, 1980, p. 14; December 17, 1979, p. 28. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Leon Washburn, to put out a Tom Show under canvas, opening his deason at Havre de Grace, Maryland. 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).

Lucille Watton (circa 1917 - 1980), circus organist. Was with Hunt Bros., Al G. Kelly-Miller Bros., Ben Davenport, Cristiani-Wallace Bros., Sells & Gray, Carson & Barnes, Circus Bartok, Harry Beck's Circorama and Century 21 Shows. Died January 15, 1980 at Tarkio, Missouri. Circus Report, February 18, 1980, p. 6. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Otto Weaver, a Decatur man known in the circus world as an expert slack wire walker and trapeze performer, has signed a contract to appear with the Campbell Brother circus for the next season [1908]; Mrs. Weaver, slack wire, Otto, equilibrist, Reside Decatur, Illinois, Campbell Bros., 1908.(1) Decatur (IL) Otto, hand balancer, Sun Bros. circus, 1911.(2) Otto was retired by 1918.(3) Otto Dale Weaver, born October 28, 1876 according to WWI draft card; working for Decatur Extract Co., listed his mother as nearest relative. In 1900 census listed as a trapeze performer, living with parents, single, father Jacob Weaver, mother Lucy. 1910 still living with parents, wife Jessie a show performer, daughter Marie, Otto's occupation 'hand balance show.' 1920 census, Otto listed as divorced, his daughter Marie was living with him, both living with his widowed mother. When his mother died in 1930, Otto D. was still alive and living in Decatur, Illinois. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

1. Decatur (IL) Daily Review, January 25, September 5, 1908.
2. Decatur (IL) Daily Review, April 11, 1911.
3. Decatur (IL) Review, June 23, 1918.

Arthur Webb, of Waterloo, Iowa, band leader, Cook & Barrett circus, 1905; Yankee Robinson, 1910. Waterloo (IA) Daily Reporter, October 3, 1905; Waterloo (A) Evening Courier, June 17, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Captain Webb, trained seals, Forepaugh-Sells, 1905, 1910-1911. Butler County Democrat (Hamilton, OH), April 20, 1905; Bedford (PA) Gazette , April 29, 1910; Charleroi (PA) Mail , April 28, 1910; New Castle (PA) News, April 29, 1910; 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).

Claude W. Webb and his wife, Pauline Russell Webb, founded Russell Bros. Circus in 1928, operating it until 1943, when they sold it to Art Concello. Russell Bros. was one of the larger and best equipped motorized circuses of the 1930s and early 1940s. Died December 5, 1980 at Sepulveda, California, age 86. Circus Report, December 22, 1980, p. 16. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Pauline Russell Webb, owner and manager, Russell Bros. Circus, 1942. Claude ran the business end and Pauline ran the show. White Tops, Vol. 15, Nos. 5-6 (Apr-May), 1942, p. 8; White Tops, Vol. 15, Nos. 5-6 (Apr-May), 1942, p. 18. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Horace Webb, revolving ladder, 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).

Horace Webb (real name Horace Baggs), the acrobatic clown, and his wife, Shipp's Indoor Circus, 1905; revolving ladder, Hagenbeck circus, 1906.(1) 1907: "Fulton, Dec. 16. - Horace Baggs has left for New York, where he will open a Winter's engagement this week in Tony Pastor's vaudeville theatre. Mr. Baggs is well known in this city and has the best wishes of his many friends. He is an athlete and gymnast of no small degree and has traveled the past few years with the leading circuses of the country. His professional name is Horace Webb, and he was lately with Hagenbeck's circus."(2) Horace Webb, Norris & Rowe, 1908; clown, Sells-Floto, 1911.(3) "Before Horace Webb became a clown he was a circus 'leaper.' He held the record for a double turn leap over six elephants. . . . "(4) Horace Webb, clown, Sells-Floto, 1917.(5) 1910 New York census, Fulton, Oswego County, Horace W. Baggs, age 36, born Canada, gymnast show co.; Ella A. Baggs, wife, age 30, born New York, dressmaker. In 1920 Horace still living at Fulton, came to US 1876, now employed as a gardener. WWI draft registration, Horace Webb Baggs, Fulton, Oswego, New York, born March 20, 1874, occupation a market gardner for Wm. Baggs in Fulton. Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

1. Daily Review (Decatur, IL), January 6, 1905; Cedar Rapids (IA) Evening Gazette, February 21, 1905; Racine (WI) Daily Journal, June 18, 1906.
2. Oswego Daily Palladium (Fulton, NY), December 16, 1907, p. 3.
3. Woodland (CA) Daily Democrat, April 21, 1908; Lima (OH) Daily News, August 27, 1911.
4. Evening Post (Frederick, MD), May 25, 1912.
5. Eau Claire (WI) Leader, June 22, 1917.

A. L. Webber, steward, cookhouse, Ringling Bros., 1908. Decatur (IL) Daily Review, August 17, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Chatita Escalante Weber was an aerialist and wire walker with a number of major shows. She appeared in her family's Escalaantes Circus at age three. She appeared in motion pictures until the 1930s. She married Herbert Weber in 1936 on the Al B. Barnes Circus. Chatita and Herbert were with E. K. Fernandez's tour of the Orient and shortly after opened their Gran Circo Flamante in 1952. Died December 3, 1985 at Riverside, California, age 74. Circus Report, January 13, 1986, n.p.n.; January 27, 1986, p. 6; Billboard, September 27, 1952, p. 55. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Alexander Weir was a clown for more than 50 years, known as "Deatpan Duke." Toured with many circuses and retired from the Miller-Johnson Circus. Died July 8, 1976 at Richmond, BC, age 73. Circus Report, August 2, 1976, p. 2. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Nellie Welch, of Australia, equestrian, 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).

Gen. Rufus Welch, one of the oldest showmen in this country, died suddenly at his residence in Philadelphia, on Friday night, the 5th inst. His disease was rheumatic gout, and its progress was fearfully rapid. The Bulletin says he was born in New Berlin, Chenango Valley, New York, in September, 1800. When 11 years of age he went to the West, and soon after became connected with the circus business which was then in its infancy in this country. He has traveled in nearly every quarter of the globe. One of his journeys extended two thousand miles into the interior of Africa, from which country he brought over the largest and finest lot of wild animals, including several giraffes, that were ever imported into America. To his great business energy and enterpise, he united extreme amiability and a degree of probity in his business affairs that secured him the respect and confidence of all who were associated with him. From Hornellsville (NY) Tribune, December 18, 1856. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

W. F. Weldon, the musical director of the famous musical organization bearing his name, viz., “Weldon’s Grand Military Band,” was born in San Francisco, Cal., in 1860. His younger days were spent in the regular service under his father, who was bandmaster of the Tenth Infantry Reg’t. He made his professional debut in 1874, with the Transatlantic Circus. Since then he has had charge of numerous bands and orchestras noted for their brilliancy. In 1889, he made his first appearance with Ringling Bros., and by persistent work has brought the band gradually to the front, where it now stands a monument to the energy and vigor he has infused into its work. His permanent address is 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).

Ferdinand C. E. Welk, 84 years old, and a member of the Circus Historical Society, died at Baraboo, Wisconsin, on September 9, 1957. Death occured in the Sauk County Hospital, where he had been since surgery in April. Ferdinand Welk was born July 20, 1873, near Berlin, Germany, and with his family come to Wisconsin, at an early age. The family settled on a farm near Baraboo, where Feredinand Welk carried on farming for a while. After witnessing the first performance of the Ringling Brothers on May 19, 1884, and experiencing a feeling of wanderlust, he joined out with the Ringling Show, and was a campfire tender with the cookhouse for 18 years . . . An injury forced him to quit the road, and he returned to Baraboo, where he resided the rest of his life. He was survived by 3 nephews and a niece. . . . Bandwagon, Vol. 1, No. 4 (Sep-Oct), 1957, p. 2. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Billy Wells, hard-headed man, exhibited in a number of large circuses and museums in the 1800s. He allowed blocks of granite to be broken on his head using a sledge hammer and 1 1/2 inch thick pine planks to be broken by striking them agains his head. Born in Holland in 1840, lived to be about age 70. Circus Report, December 15, 1986, second section, p. 2. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Samuel Welser. "Samuel Rowe Welser, a veteran circus clown, died at Pittsburg, leaving a valuable estate which he accumulated by playing clown. Born in Philadelphia in 1816, he began his circus career when quite a boy by training horses for James Taylor, of McKeesport. In December, 1847, he was employed in the museum at Boston, where he first began his work as a clown. In company with Dan Rice and other noted showmen he traveled with Maley & Older's circus through South America, Central America and Mexico. Upon his return to the United States he entered the service of Dan Rice, who started on the road with a show. As a circus man Mr. Welser traveled over the greater portion of the world, both in the capacity of wagon driver and clown, and he mastered several foreign languages. . . . [While he was] was with the largest circus companies of the country, for several years he conducted a small ventriloquial and tunlbling show of his own. He was well known to all the showmen in the western hemisphere, and kept a memorandum of all the famous circus people he had known and what befell them. He will be especially remembered by the older residents of Pittsburg and vicinity for a remarkable voyage he made many years ago down the Monongahela River from Brownsville to McKeesport in a small canoe drawn by four large white geese. He was cheered by people who lined both banks of the river." Daily Herald (Delphos, OH), August 22, 1901.
      History of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, Chicago: A. Warner & Co., 1889, pp. 341-342. "Samuel Rowe Welser, retired McKeesport, was born in Philadelphia on April 15, 1816, and is of American extraction. When he was twelve years of age, he joined, as a juggler and tumbler, Raymond and Warings' circus, with which and other principle shows he traveled in this country until 1848. He then went to South America as a clown for the circus of Banks, Archer & Rockwell, returning by way of the West Indies. Archer died at Matanzas, Cuba, May 24, 1850, and the show disbanded in Charleston, S.C. soon afterward. The same year Mr. Welser joined Dan Rice's show as a clown, traveling with him from July, 1850 until March, 1851. He was afterward engaged with various leading companies until 1864, his last two seasons being with S.O. Wheeler & Co., Boston. In 1860, Mr Welser was the first and only man to drive four geese hitched to a common tub three feet in diameter down the Monongahela river from Brownsville to McKeesport, PA. In 1854 he came to McKeesport to train horses for Taylor & Wolf's circus, and in 1857 he married Mrs. Julia Stacy, a widow of means, who died February 7, 1886, leaving our subject all her fortune, which included cash, bank-stock and eight houses on Diamond Square and Market Street. Mr. Welser retired from the circus ring in 1864 and has been a resident of McKeesport since 1854. He is a prominent member of the I.O.O.F. and encampment, with which he has been identified thirty years; politically he is a republican."
      "Dead-Oldest Circus Clown succumbs to Paralysis. Was for Many Years a Prominent Resident of McKeesport-Close of a Remarkable Life: Samuel Rowe Welser, the oldest circus clown, died a the home of his father-in-law, James Wilson, 4951 Second Avenue, Pittsburg, from the effect of a third stroke of paralysis, aged 85 years, at 11:45 o’clock yesterday. His death ends a remarkable life. The deceased was born in Philadelphia on Easter Sunday, April 16, 1810, lived for many years in McKeesport, and had been a reident of Pittsburgh for 11 years. At an early age he revealed a fondness for circus life, and began the career, which later gave him a world-wide reputation, by training circus horses for James Taylor, of McKeesport. In December, 1847, he was employed in the museum at Boston, where he first began his work as a clown. In company with the famous Dan Rice and other noted showmen he traveled with Maley & Older’s circus through South America, Central America and Mexico. Upon his return to the United States he entered the service of Dan Rice, who started on the road with what would be called a one-horse show. As a circus man Mr. Welser travled over the greater portion of the world, both in the capacity of wagon driver and clown, and had mastered several foreign languages. While most of the time he was with the largest circus companies of the country, for several years he conducted a small centriloquial and tumbling show of his own. He was well known to all the showmen in the Western Hemisphere, and kept a meorandum of all the famous circus people he had known and what befell them. He will be especially remembered by the older residents of this vicinity for a remarkable voyage he made many years ago down the Monongahela river from Brownsville to Monongahela in a tub drawn by four large white geese. He was cheered by people who lined both banks of the river. Mr. Welser had been married three times. He was united to his first wife in Philadelphia, and to that union were born town sons, who survive him. He came to McKeesport in 1853. His second wife was Julia Stacey, whom he married in 1856 in McKeesport, and who died childless in 1886. In 1889 he fell in love with Pearl Wilson, a 16 year old girl of this city, and they were married on May 10 the same year and moved to Hazelwood. She died June 6, 1891. The funeral services will be held this evening at 8 o’clock at the residence of his father-in-law, James Wilson, in Hazelwood, and the remains will be brought to McKeesport for interment in the Versailles cemetery, on the 11:12 B&O train tomorrow, when the services will be conducted by Yohogany Lodge No. 364, I.O.O.F., of which he was a member. Mr. Welser was possessed of property in McKeesport valued at $60,000." McKeesport (PA) Daily News, May 29, 1901. Also see Slout's Olympians on this website. All information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Betty Wendany was owner of Wendany's Funs-A-Poppin Circus. Died October 23, 1982. Her daughter, Heidi operated the circus after her death. Circus Report, February 1, 1983, p. 8. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Charles West, performer, 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).

Chas. M. West, late of Kennedy and West, has signed with Sells Bros.' Shows for this season to do his harp song and dance in the concert. 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).

James West, principal clown, Norris & Rowe, 1905. Woodland (CA) Daily Democrat, April 15, 1905. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

James G. West. Wm. La Rue and James G. West will go out with the Forepaugh & Sells Bros.' Show this season, joining it at Columbus, O., in April, 1906. 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).

Aerial Wests, trapeze, perch, 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).

George Whalen, 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).

James Whalen, died October 17, 1941 at Baraboo, Wisconsin, age 79. Superintendent of canvas with Ringling brothers shows for over forty years. Buried St. Joseph's cemetery, Baraboo. "James Whalen Passes Away after a Few Days Illness," 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).

David B. Wharton first joined a circus at age 16, the Beers & Barnes Circus. After college and Army service, he owned a restaurant. In 1968 he sold his restaurant, and with additional financial backing he framed the D. B. Wharton Circus, operating it until 1972. After the demise of the show he did booking and promotion for the Hunt Circus and Ozzie Schleentz's Royal Wild West Circus. He framed a walk-thru museum of oddities for carnival midways in 1978. In the 1980s he did booking and phones, and novelties and food concessions, and toured with his Holiday Magic Show. Died at Falls Church, Virginia, age 50. Circus Report, August 3, 1987, p. 29. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Punch Wheeler (real name H. E. Wheeler), press agent, John Robinson shows, 1903-1904, left show 1905; manager for Dockstader, 1905; advance, Floto Shows, 1905; Wheeler Bros. circus, 1916; Rubin-Cherry Shows, 1920. Wheeler said he began working as a press representative in 1873. Coshocton (OH) Daily Age, May 9, 1903; Cambridge City (IN) Tribune, March 19, 1903; 1904. Atlanta (GA) Constitution, September 16, 1904; Galveston (TX) Daily News, March 10, 1905; Coshocton (OH) Daily Age, April 14, 1905; Syracuse (NY) Herald, January 3, 1905; Tyrone (PA) Daily Herald, April 10, 1916; Logansport (IN) Pharos-Tribune, May 31, 1920. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Whirl, assistant to general manager "Hans" Wagner, 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).

F. W. White, tuba, is a resident of Wahoo, Neb. His first engagement on the road was with the D’Ormand Dramatic Company in 1890. He has filled several later engagements satisfactorily, the past season being with the Ringling Bros. “World’s Greatest.” 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).

John White has been in the employ of the Ringling Bros. show a number of years and filled various important positions. In ’89, ’90, ’91 and 92 he acted as boss bill-poster of Car No. 1, but during the present season has occupied a position with the show. His duties are in the nature of an accountant’s at the cook house, and at the front door he is one of the principal ticket takers. In addition to these duties, manny other details are intrusted to his care. 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).

Lawrence C. White was an elephant man for Ringling-Barnum in the early 1930s, later worked at the Jungle Compound in Thousand Oaks, California, training elephants for movies. In later years he worked as a security guard. Born in 1911, he died Mary 8, 1981 at Boise, Idaho. Circus Report, March 23, 1981, p. 19. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

The Whitings have closed with the Orpheum Specialty Co., and in two weeks start out with the Wallace Show for the summer season. New York Clipper, April 21, 1894, p. 102. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

W. C. "Dad" Whitlark, perhaps the oldest active circus star in the circus field. Born in Ypsilanti, Michigan in 1855 [June], he is now in his seventy-ninth year, and yet he does a more wonderful difficult contortion act today than the youth of nineteen years. So remarkable is the work of "Dad" as he is familiarly called around the white tops, that Ripley featured him in his cartoon "Believe it or not." His father having become a hopeless invalid, young Whitlark was forced at the age of ten years to quit school and help his mother keep the family together in Ann Arbor. When eighteen years of age, he lived with an uncle on a farm near Lansing. There was a wagon show wintering there and acting on the advice of his uncle who had noticed the limber antics of the boy, young Whitlark "joined out." Since then he has been constantly before the public, having been with forty-eight enterprises. However he had some vacations when he suffered broken ribs, and again in 1909 when he had both ankles broken. Another time he had six boils on the back of his neck and as his act requires him to put both feet on the back of his neck Dad had another vacation period. . . . "Dad" Whitlark is a remarkable feature with Russell Bros. Three Ring Circus which exhibits in Clearfield Friday, July 13th. . . . "Dad" is modest in reference to his arenic performance but he is proud of the fact that his father was a cousin of Queen Victoria and his mother was a niece of General Lee of confederate fame. [Note: did an aerial contortion act.] From: Clearfield (PA) Progress, July 6, 1934; Coshocton Tribune, May 4, 1934. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Lester A. Whitson, acrobat, traveled with many of the major circuses during his 50 years in show business. Performed with the Lucky Boys and the Six American Belfords. Died late 1979 at Kendallville, Indiana, age 81. Circus Report, March 31, 1980, p. 14. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Francis Warren Whittaker, better known as "Pop" Whittaker, died at the house of his sister, Mrs. Kenerman, at Greenville, N.J., Feb. 12. He had for three years past suffered from dropsy. The deceased was born in this city in 1818, and reared in Harlem, then one of the suburbs of the metropolis. He came of a circus family. When the late Major-general Charles W. Sandford opened the Mt. Pitt Circus in Grand street, opposite Herman street, now East Broadway, on the site occupied at present by Hoe’s(?) manufactory, young Whittaker’s father was back-doorkeeper. Pat Whittaker was rider and tumbler there and John Whittaker (who fought in the Mexican War and died in hospital in April 1847) was pad-rider. That was in 1826-7. It was probably in that spot that Frank was inducted to sawdust. He appeared later at Blanchard’s Amphitheatre, as in 1830 was called the old Chatham Theatre. The place was a circus during one season only, and in 1832 became a Presbyterian chapel and a hall for the performance of oratorios until the Broadway Tabernacle was erected, when it was converted into a hotel. Sweeney’s Hotel is on a part of the site. Young Whittaker was also attached for quite a while to the Bowery Amphitheatre, originally the Zoological Institute, and now a hotel. He had, besides, traveled far and near with circuses. About the time of the Mexican War he was ringmaster with Welch & Delevan’s Circus for several seasons. As ringmaster he rendered P. T. Barnum good service from about 1873 forward, and he will be recalled pleasantly by many of our readers as the hard worker at the Hippodrome, now Madison Square Garden, while James M. Nixon, as director of amusements, was brought in and taken out in a carriage. At the Garden, also, "Pop" Whittaker was master of ceremonies for more than one six-day go-as-you-please pedestrian venture. He was at the Walnut street Circus, Philadelphia, in 1854-5-6. The last circus we remember him as being with prior to beginning his long stay with Barnum was O’Brien’s, about 1871. His wife, Maggie, was then traveling with him. Se was a graduate of the Philadelphia Medical College, and began doctoring about 1861. She survives him. His first wife was a graceful circus rider of the old days, and one of the three daughters - Mary Ann, Amelia and Louisa - of John Grimaldi Wells, the clown, who died in 1852. Frank and Mary Ann separated. During the past ten years Mr. Whittaker had taken part in many ventures. For a while he kept a public house in this city. In the Summer of 1879 he opened a circus in his name at the Brighton Fair grounds, Coney Island, but it was not his capital that was behind it. It closed in about two weeks’ time. Early in January, 1881, while crossing the Bowery at Houston street, he was run over by a freight car of the Harlem Railroad, and had to have an arm amputated. He was a Royal Arch Mason and an Elk, and is to buried in Philadelphia to-day, Feb. 15, under the direction of the Elks’ Lodge of that city. The arrangements are to be immediately under the control of Treasurer Charles H. Brooks and Jule Keen of the Wild West Show, with which the deceased appeared until several weeks ago, when he became too feeble for service. His wife is wardrobe woman with that organization. Robert Whittaker, the rider, is Frank’s son, we believe. New York Clipper, February 19, 1887. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

H. H. Whittier, advance agent, Sun Bros., 1908. Richwood (OH) Gazette and Marysville Republican, July 2, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Ed Widaman appeared on many circuses with his elephants. Died November 6, 1984 at Gainesville, Texas, age 87. Circus Report, December 10, 1984, p. 26. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Thomas F. Wiedeman. Kempton Komedy Co., dramatic troupe, 1892. Stock show, tent, owner, 12 years. 2 car wild west show, 1907. Kit Carson Buffalo Ranch Show, 1911-1914. Barton & Bailey Show, 1915. General Agent with carnival company, 7 years. No. 2 W. I. Wsaih Show, 1923, half owner, dramatic co. Pacific Whaling Co., whale exhibit, 1931-1932. Classics and flags, consolidated schools, 6 years. Died at age of 67 years, Jackson, Michigan, May 10, 1939. Bandwagon, Vol. 7, No. 6 (Nov-Dec), 1963, p. 21. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Ernie Wiegand, 24 hour man on the Herb Walters Circus for several years. Also worked on Obert Miller's Fairyland Circus and Carson & Barnes. His wife, Gladys, worked on the front door. Died August 9, 1980. Circus Report, September 1, 1980, p. 15. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Gladys Wiegand and her husband Ernie were with Cole & Walters Circus for about 10 years, putting up arrows and working ads. Later they were on the front door with Carson & Barnes. Died December, 9, 1985 at McAllen, Texas, age 86. Circus Report, December 23, 1985 (No. 50), n.p.n. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Charles Wiegehausen, master of wardrobe, Buffalo Bill's Wild West, 1900. Died May 17, 1900 at Philadelphia, from pneumonia, age 34. Had been with the show for five years. Interred Greenwood Cemetery, Philadelphia. Billboard, June 2, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Jackie Wilcox, contracting agent, Bud Anderson's show, 1941. Formerly with Russell Bros. and Seal Bros. "Circus Notes," 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 F. Wilcox ("Bill"), advance brigade manager, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, 1941. He was also with Cole and Seal Bros. Had been with Ringling-Barnum past three years. Died June 9, 1974 at Little Rock, Arkansas. "Circus Notes," White Tops, Vol. 14, Nos. 4-5 (Feb-Mar), 1941, p. 4; Circus Report, July 1, 1974, p. 5. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Jack Wilhelm, see Belfords. Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Chas. Williams, the second assistant in the canvas department, and Louis Gabel, the third assistant, have charge of the rings, reserved seats and menagerie canvas. In addition to this work, they are two very energetic men in carrying out various orders emanating from their chief. Mr. Williams is one of the recent additions to the executive force of the Ringling Bros. canvas department, while Mr. Gabel has been with the show the most of the time for the past six or seven years. 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).

H. J. Williams, agent, Cole & Rogers, 1910. Bessemer (MI) Herald and New Free Press, July 2, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Ida Williams. Among the many strange and curious people exhibited in the museum none attract more entertainingly the attention of the audiences than Miss Ida Williams, known as the Mastodonic Fashion-plate. Miss Williams combines with a weight exceeding 500 pounds an unusual degree of personal attractiveness and beauty. She is a most entertaining conversationalist, and any hour of the day will find her surrounded by throngs of interested ladies whose expressions of delight over her superb costumes and brilliant diamonds and jewelry can be heard on all sides. Miss Williams is a native of Ohio, 27 years of age and resides in California. 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).

Williams Troupe, acrobats, Dode Fisk Shows, 1910. Marshfield (WI) Times, July 13 & 27, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

James Wilkes was in the prop department with Cole Bros. Circus, 1935, the cookhouse in 1936 and the ticket wagon in 1937. He joined Ringling-Barnum in 1938. Died January 31, 1989 at South Bend, Indiana, age 73. Circus Report, February 27, 1989, p. 3. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Willi Wilno, human cannonball, was first shot out of a cannon in Germany in 1928. In 1929 he came to the United States and toured with Hagenbeck-Wallace for three years. He then worked independently through 1948, after this he was associated with the act, using other performers, until he retired in 1958. After retirement, he helped train performers for Peru's City Circus Festival. One of his greatest flights was at the 1939 World's Fair, when he was shot over a giant ferris wheel. His average flight was 60 feet high and 200 feet long, into a net. Born in Germany, died September 25, 1984 at Peru, Indiana, age 80. Circus Report, October 15, 1984, p. 23. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Lillian Wilson was an aerialist, animal trainer and clown. Retired in 1963, but returned to clowning in 1979 at age 81, appearing with her son, Dime Wilson. Died May 4, 1981 at Tampa, Florida, age 84. Circus Report, May 25, 1981, p. 13. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Harry Wills, musician, 101 Ranch Wild West, 1908. Eau Claire (WI) Leader, March 18, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Willi Wilno. A human cannonball with the circus, died at the age of 80 in 1984. Wilno was first fired out of a cannon in his native Germany in 1928, died Tuesday at a Fort Wayne Hospital. His funeral was scheduled for Thursday evening at Peru's circus building. He toured the United States with the old Peru-based Hagenbeck Wallace Circus, made one of his greatest flights in 1939 at the World's Fair in New York when he was shot over a giant ferris wheel. His average flight was 60 feet high and 200 feet long into a net. Fredrick Post (Frederick, MD), September 27, 1984. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

C. C. Wilson (Charlie), Nickel Plate Shows, 1900. Billboard, May 28, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

F. B. Wilson, press agent, Robinson's Big Ten 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).

Knox Wilson is the very versatile gentleman who combines with rare musical abilities the humor and talent of producing a very clever and taking musical act. His work is performed on the stage of the Beech and Bowers minstrel performance. He is also at times the calliope player for Ringling Bros., and here as elsewhere displays his accomplishments to perfection. 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).

Major Tom L. Wilson, advance, Walter L. Main, 1904. Titusville (PA) Herald, April 30, 1904. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Julius Winelow, band leader, Howe's Great London, 1911. Daily Independent (Monessen, PA) April 26, 1911; Chareroi (PA) Mail, April 24 & 26, 1911. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Henrietta S. Winn was a performer with the Winn Troupe for many years. She came to the United States in 1963 and appeared on many shows as an aerialist, horse trainer and bareback rider. Married Hans A. Winn. Died April 24, 1975 at Harbor City, California, age 41. Circus Report, August 25, 1975, p. 11. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

William Winner occupies the important position known to the circus profession as boss animal man. To him belongs the care of all the animals in the menagerie. Mr. Winner has had a long and eventful career in his peculiar branch of the business. He carries many scars which are the result of his numerous encounters with wild animals. These he has sustained while breaking and subduing them for performances of various kinds. As superintendent of the Ringling Bros. zoological department, Mr. Winner combines with natural abilities and inclinations an unusual amount of experience, covering a period of many years. The uniform courtesy with which visitors to the show are treated in the menagerie reflects the creditable methods employed in his department and so characteristic of the World’s Greatest Shows throughout. 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).

Winston, Winston's pony riding seals, 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).

Zella Wintermute was the daughter of Halsey Wintermute, of the Wintermute Bros. Circus. She married Frank Hall and they operated the Vandenburg Bros. Circus until his death in 1938. Zella then became a social worker in Wisconsin. Died February 4, 1989 at Whitewater, Wisconsin, age 97. Circus Report, March 6, 1989, p. 22. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

May White Wirth began performing as a contortionist age age 5 with the Wirth's Circus in Australia. She was adopted by John and Marizles Wirth Martin of the Wirth's Circus when she was 6. She came to the United States in 1912 at age 17, making her debut with the Ringling circus, remaining with them until 1927. She then toured vaudeville until her retirement in 1937. She married Frank Edwin White in 1919, a circus performer who took the name Wirth. May was said to have been one of the few women to do a forward somersault on a horse and the only woman to do a backward somersault from one horse to another. Died October 18, 1978 in Sarasota, Florida, age 84. Circus Report, November 6, 1978, p. 2; January 15, 1979, p. 6. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

John Wissenberger, wagon driver, Lemen Bros., 1900. At Wabash, Indiana in May 1900, There was a strange meeting between Mrs. Will Sturkin and her brother, John Wissenberger, at Logansport yesterday, after an absence of fourteen years, during which he was assumed dead. In 1886 Wissenberger was employed in a Logansport factory. One day he mysteriously disappeared. After unsuccessful attempts of his relatives to find him, he was given up as dead. Yesterday Mrs. Sturkin was viewing the Lemen Bros. parade at Logansport and was astonished to see her brother John seated on a wagon and driving four gray horses. She hastened to the circus grounds and found Wissenberger, who was equally astonished to see her. He admitted he was the real John, and with some persuasion Mrs. Sturkin induced him to quit the circus. He will remain in Logansport. Billboard, May 28, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Vernon Woerner, Crackers the Clown, was a producing clown and chief builder. Built many of the floats on a number of Shrine circuses. Died February 21, 1984. Circus Report, March 12, 1984, p. 12. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Tilden Wolf, known as Ed Millette, was an apprentice to Al Millette in 1888 and performed with King & Franklin, Forepaugh-Sells and Ringling Bros. He operated a small one ring circus, 1912-13. He was with Ringling from 1916 to 1927 with his son, Ira. Circus Report, September 12, 1988, p. 18. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Jim Wolfskill, band leader, and his sons, Roy and Troy, black musicians from Chillicothe, Missouri, Cole Bros., 1909. Chillicothe (MO) Constitution, September 16, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Wolkowsky Duo, Russian acrobats, 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).

Wollenschlager, musician, Dode Fisk, 1910. Grand Rapids (WI) Tribune, December 21, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Sam Wong came to the United States in 1932 with the Jim Wong Troupe of acrobats. He toured with Ringling-Barnum, Hagenbeck-Wallace, Polack Bros., several Shrine shows and Gil Gray. When he retired, he operated a restaurant in Dallas, Texas. Died March 10, 1974 at Dallas. Circus Report, April 22, 1974, p. 11. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Frankie Lou Woods was an aerialist, performed on the tight wire and did riding acts. She was with Kelly-Miller, Dailey Bros., Roger Bros., Cole Bros., Richard Bros, Hanneford, Russell Bros., Clyde Beatty, Cristiani, Seal Bros. and her parents' show, Star Bros. Her father was Frank Woods, "Blackie." Died June 5, 1984 at Jonesboro, Arkansas, age 58. 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).

George L. Woods. ". . . when Charles Andrews started with his small show he took with him a little boy of the name George Wood, who drew the princely salary of $1.50 per week for peddling programs and making himself generally useful. Wood is now one of the most successful and best known pony trainers in the business. He is with Ringling Bros., this year and a few weeks ago bought a half section of fine farm land near Topeka, Kans., for which he paid $10,000 in cash. In addition to this he owns some property near Brighton. . . ." Ottumwa (IA) Daily Courier, July 27, 1903; Woods also listed The Circus Annual Season 1903. A Route Book of Ringling Bros. World's Greatest Shows, Chicago, IL: Central Printing and Engraving Co., 1903. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Jimmie Wood, showman, wife Ruby. Began as a youth with M. L. Clarke show. Equestrian director, Cole Bros. 1929. 1929 bought Campbell Bros., sold this show and was later with Al G. Barnes as assistant equestrian director, singer and announcer. Then started the Yankee-Patterson Circus with Harold New a silent partner. Later Bob and Ova Thornton became co-owners. "Jimmie Wood and the Yankee Patterson Circus," White Tops, Vol. 15, Nos. 1-2 (Dec-Jan), 1941, p. 11. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

John Woody is the energetic and hustling layer-out of the show. His duties are of a peculiar nature, requiring judgment and discretion, in which characteristics Mr. Woody is never found lacking. He travels one and two days ahead and sees that everything is in readiness on the arrival of the show, and makes any necessary changes in the location of lots, etc., as circumstances may require. Mr. Woody has looked after the interests of the show in the above capacity for two years. 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).

June Russell Woolrich, a performer for 53 years, rode a bareback act when she was age 12, then did this act with the Rhoda Royal Circus. She was with Sells-Floto and Cole Bros. circuses. She also worked with wild animals and elephants. She resided in Florida in 1975. Circus Report, September 8, 1975, supplement, p. 1. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

George Wormald, assistant boss canvas man, John Robinson Shows, 1900. Billboard, July 21, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Clint Worral (Clinton C. Worrall), with Frank A. Robbins street fair company, 1900. Billboard, May 1, 1900. Clinton C. Worrall, the well known manager of privileges with circuses, died Dec. 20, 1900 at Kokomo, Ind., aged forty-two years. The deceased had long been a sufferer from locomotor ataxia, and died in an invalid chair while being wheeled along the street. He had managed the privileges for years with the McMahon, Washburn and Hummel shows, his last enterprise having been the Pan-Continental Amusement Co. His wife survives him. 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).

Edwin Wright, wagon driver, resides Bearville, Wisconsin, Ringling Bros., 1909. Lowell (MA) Sun, June 11, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Ruth Ann Wright, "Rosie," was an aerialist and performed trained dogs and other animals. Joined Cole & Walters Circus in 1950 with her husband Joe and son Allen Joe, with their trapeze act. Ruth appeared with Gil Gray, Kelly-Miller, Carson & Barnes and King circuses. Born in 1926, died July 22, 1985 at Hugo, Oklahoma. Circus Report, August 19, 1985, p. 8. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Edward Wulff, 1904: Attractions, Circus of Edward Wulff, at Brussels, 100 performing and plunging horses.(1) 1907: Hippodrome, New York City, "Edward Wulff and his trained horses will be the star feature added this week to the programme of circus acts at the Hippodrome. Though Mr. Wulff has been prominent among European circus men for the past twenty-six years, this is his first visit to America . . ."(2) 1908, Barnum & Bailey, Herr Wulff brought a dog from Germany, the dog works in conjunction with a pony and a donkey.(3) 1908, Hippodrome, New York City, ". . . Edward Wulff introduced for the first time in America his trained stallion, 'Pacha.' . . . Madame Maude Wulff, with her dancing stallion, 'Furious.'(4) Edward, performing stallions, Ringling Bros., 1909-1910.(5) Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

1. New York Times, September 25, 1904.
2. New York Times, December 29, 1907.
3. San Antionio (TX) Gazette, October 8, 1908.
4. Salt Lake (UT) Tribune, February 23, 1908; New York Times, January 26, 1908.
5. Centralia (WA) News Examiner, August 11, 1909; Centralia (Washington) News-Examiner, August 11, 1910.

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Yeddo. Royal Yeddo Japanese Troupe, Howe's Great London, 1911. Daily Independent (Monessen, PA) April 26, 1911; Chareroi (PA) Mail, April 24 & 26, 1911. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Estelle Young, professionally known as Mlle. Estelle, the mind-reader and second-sightseer, in her clever act of telling people their own affairs better than they know them themselves, adds a curiously interesting performance to the repertoire of museum features. She is, moreover, a very pleasing and genial little lady and possesses the happy faculty of winning her way into the good graces of the audiences as if by magic. The performance receives an additional charm at her hands by the introduction of a flock of performing birds, whose novel feats and skillfully executed manoeuvres, combined with their great number, are always a drawing card. Mrs. Young possesses very many pleasing personal qualities, which have made her a host of warm and sincere friends among the ladies of the Ringling Bros. show. 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).

Merritt F. Young the treasurer of Barnum & Bailey’s Show. He was born at Sandusky, O., July 31, 1850. His father was a railroad man, and it was quite natural that the son should follow in the footsteps of the parent. This he did by becoming an express messenger on the Cincinnati, Sandusky and Cleveland Railroad, being at the time the youngest express messenger in the service. After the death of his father, Merritt moved to Cincinnati, giving up his position as messenger for a clerkship in the express office in that city. There, after faithful and long service in that position, he was engaged as chief clerk in the Gibson House, where he remained five years, his popularity and large acquaintance making him very valuable to the proprietors. In the Summer of 1876 he joined, at Avoca, Ia., the Cooper, Bailey & Co. Circus, then en route for the Pacific. He was made assistant treasurer and ticket seller. The show went to Australia from ‘Frisco, under the name of Cooper & Bailey, those two gentlemen buying out the interest of the other partner. Mr. Young was made treasurer, and toured Australia and South America with them for three years. He returned to the United States with the show, and when Cooper & Bailey bought out the London Show, continued as treasurer for the new organization up to the time of the Barnum & London Shows, again holding the position of treasurer. When the Barnum & Bailey show was organized, in 1888, Mr. Young was made treasurer, which position he now holds. Mr. Young is unmarried, and is one of the most popular and capable men connected with the big concern. His position is highly responsible, and his service with Mr. Bailey covers a period of thirteen years, this long term speaking volumes for his ability and integrity. He has the reputation of being one of the most rapid, correct and courteous ticket sellers in the business. Strictly temperate in his habits, and with a refined urbanity and modesty of manner, he is much thought of by his employers, his associates and the public, with whom he comes in such frequent contact. [Died 1897] New York Clipper, April 27, 1889.
    A touching and beautiful ceremony was observed at Oakland Cemetery, Sandusky, O., on the afternoon of June 8, at the conclusion of the afternoon performance of the John Robinson Show. John G. Robinson and sixty-odd members of his show, prominent among whom were E. C. Cullen, Dan Dale, Robert Stickney, Mart Schuler, F. B. Wilson, William Dutton and wife and Charles Constantine, the last two named gentlemen being Elks of No. 1 Lodge, New York City, and many others, including Prof. Rogers' Band of thirty pieces, took street cars from the show grounds and went to the cemetery to pay a loving tribute to one of the whitest men that ever lived - Merritt F. Young, for years treasurer of the Barnum & Bailey Shows. Everybody in Sandusky knew Meritt . . . Perhaps no man who was ever identified with the amusement profession had achieved so large an amount of personal friendship and esteem, and the news of his death in June, 1897, fell like a pall wherever it was receives. As the years go by, the memory of his good deeds, as well as his kind and genial nature, and a heart that was bigger than all creation, seems to take a firmer hold upon his old comrades. For this reason no circus company of any prominence that has visited Sandusky, O., since his body was consigned to its last resting place, has failed to visit the grave and give expression to their feelings of love and respect. On the arrival of the Robinson party at the grave, a few effective remarks pertinent to the occasion were made by Ed. C. Cullen; the band played a funeral dirge, and the boys placed a magnificent floral piece in the shape of "The Gates Ajar," marked with the words, "Gone, But Not Forgotten." As the mournaful starins of "Auld Lang Syne" were borne away on the breeze, there was many a tear-dimmed eye in the assemblage. "Requiscat in Pace." Billboard, June 16, 1900, p. 6. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Prof. William Young. As general director of the interior and exhibitional department of the museum, Prof. Young’s abilities and acquirements pronounce him a most clever and successful entertainer. His great versatility as an orator and lecturer enables him to invest the exhibitions of the side show with a rare degree of interest, and his descriptive lectures and entertaining talks on the various curiosities never fail to receive the lively and appreciative interest of his hearers. It is not only as a lecturer, however, that Mr. Young entertains the thousands who visit the big museum daily, but he is as well a very clever magician and illusionist, and his funny rendition of Mr. Punch and Mrs. Judy elicits no end of vociferous applause and happy laughter from the juvenile portion of the audience. This is his first season with the Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest show, his past experience covering a wide field with other tented organizations. 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).

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Edmundo Zacchini created the first human cannonball act, developing the act in Cairo in 1922. He came to the United States in 1930 with his brother, eventually the 27 member family followed. Died October 3, 1981 at Tampa, Florida, age 87. Circus Report, November 2, 1981, p. 22. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

George Zammert lives Cincinnati, with Ringling Bros., clown, for past 8 years. Now an understander of Da Coma Family, acrobats. With Shipp's Indoor Circus, 1903-1904. Cedar Rapids (IA) Sunday Republican, February 1, 1903; Cedar Rapids (IA) Evening Gazette, January, 29, 1904. Also see Bandwagon, Vol. 49, No. 6 (Nov-Dec), 2005, p. 76; Bandwagon, Vol. 50, No. 5 (Sep-Oct), 2006, p. 33.
      "Clown's Life Is a Hard One. . . . 'There are no roses in the bed of the clown' said George Zammert, one of the funny men of the Ringling circus, to a Chicago Inter Ocean man. 'When I first went into the business I was a handsome young fellow, straight as an arrow, and in splendid physical condition. But I've been knocked around so much with stuffed clubs and slap-sticks that I'm well nigh on the verge of curvature of the spine. I broke into circus life by false pretenses. I wanted to become a performer, so I told the manager of a little, one-ring show that I was an all-around high-wire artist.' 'Can you do a leap from the top of the tent?' he asked. 'I was so anxious to join that I told him I could, but I had no idea he was going to put me at the business on the jump.' 'You're just the man we're looking for,' says he. 'Can you go to work to-night?' 'I had gone too far to back out, so I decided to tackle it if I broke my neck. To put it briefly, that night at about nine o'clock I stood on a swing in the very top of the tent. There was a net down somewhere beneath me. I couldn't see it, but it was there, and I was hired to jump into it when the band stopped and the drums began to roll. I had already drawn part of my salary in advance and I made up my mind to earn it. The band stopped and I let loose. With a might swish I darted downward. I closed my eyes and hoped the proprietor would at least have the decency enough to buy me a shroud. It seemed that I was on the road long enough to make the return trip. I thought of Longfellow's Psalm of Life and the glorious footprints I would leave in the sand if I missed the net, and I was trying to make peace with the world when I struck something. I thought it was an elephant, but when I bounded 20 feet into the air I knew I had been fortunate enough to fall in the net,a nd I mumbled a few words of humble thanks on the way down. I hung down in that net like the ingredients in a pudding bag, too frightened to move, till the property man gathered me up and stood me on my feet. Then I managed to make a bow, and the audience cheered. The manager told me I had made the best leap he had ever seen and promised to raise my salary. I told him to just let the salary alone and give me a week off to reat my nerves. Then I explained to him that it was the first leap I had ever made, and my nerve made such a hit with him that he wouldn't fire me. So I joined his band of clowns. I've cut out the leaps; they're not for me. Give me a slap-stick and a stick of red paint and I'm at home.' " Richfield Springs Mercury (Richfield Springs, NY), June 20, 1901.
      Possible: George's mother, a widow, may have married a William Colclough. She is said to have had eleven children, one of whom was a famous clown with Barnum & Bailey. A George Zammert died March 18, 1923, Hamilton County, Ohio. Division of Vital Statistics. Death Certificates and index, December 20, 1908-December 31, 1953. State Archives Series 3094. Ohio Historical Society, Ohio. 1880 census, Cincinnati, Ohio: William and Sarah Colclough. Sarah, age 40, born England. Children (of Sarah): William Zammert, age 21, born Ohio; Arnold Zammert, age 16, born Ohio; Anna Zammert, age 13, born Ohio; George Zammert, age 8, born Ohio. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Millie Zano is a recent addition to the roster of the Ringling arenic talent. She was a member of the Clymer Family Concert Company, but since her marriage to Sig. Zano has essayed successfully the role of an aerialist. Her pleasing dancing in the Olio of the Ringling Bros. after-show displays terpsichorean abilities of great excellence and show her an artist of considerable versatility. 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).

Signor Zano is the artistic wire performer, and in the introduction of his famous drunken character on the high wire has produced an originality that never fails to win round after round of vociferous applause. Mr. Zano also is master of the art of horse-breaking, and in the latter capacity displays the remarkable training of the Ringling Bros.’ great school of Broncho horses. He has been with the show two different seasons, 1889 and 1893, and is a performer of great experience and versatility. 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 Zanotti, Vice President, general traffic manager for Circus Vargas, circa 1972 - 1980. Died March 28, 1980, age 49. Circus Report, August 11, 1980, p. 19. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Zapatta, see Marcos Barrigan.

Chris Zeitz, elephant trainer, superintendent of animals, Sells-Floto, 1906, 1908-1909; in charge of menagerie, John Robinson's Ten Shows, 1916; menagerie superintendent, John Robinson, 1919-1920. Advocate (Victoria, TX), September 29, 1906; Anaconda (MT) Standard, May 31, 1908; "Circus Roster", Billboard, March 20, 1909; San Antonio (TX) Light, April 4, 1916; Clearfield (PA) Progress, May 15, 1919; Charleroi (PA) Mail, May 5, 1920. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Le Clair Zelleno

Zelleno, The Mystic

We Called Him Friend
      A friend has gone — a real friend to every trouper.
      In the passing of L. C. Zelleno, whose death occurred in Kansas City last July, the entire profession lost a true friend. He was personally acquainted with more professional people than probably any other man of his time. His thousands of friends were numbered among the folks in every branch of the profession he loved so well: dramatic and repertoire companies, circuses, carnivals, vaudeville and medicine shows. He seemed to know them all and loved them.
      Born in San Francisco in 1877, he entered the profession at an early age, for he was a born “trouper.” Reaching manhood, he became a magician of note and was the first American to take a vaudeville troupe to the Hawaiian islands and the Orient. Returning to this country after a successful tour of several years, he came east playing vaudeville engagements as a magician. Following this he became one of the best known business managers and advance agents in the midwest and some twenty years ago, in partnership with Geo. H. Bubb, took over the Opera House Reporter, which he successfully conducted until World War conditions caused its suspension.
      Soon afterward he became associated with the Gordon-Howard Company as sales manager, which position he so ably filled for fifteen years preceding his death. He was forever loyal to his firm and was one of the most untiring and conscientious workers that it has been our privilege to know. He took much pleasure in editing the Gordon-Howard News and our readers will agree that he at all times made the little sheet of greatest interest to the folks.
      L. C. Zelleno possessed one trait which perhaps accounts for his great number of lasting friendships: He never spoke ill of anyone. His untimely passing was due to a heart attack at his hotel in Kansas City during the intense heat of last July. He was fifty-seven years of age, and is survived by his wife and a brother living in San Francisco. Burial was made in Columbus, Ohio, where Mrs. Zelleno now resides. [Article probably published circa 1934.] From a clipping pasted into the 1903 Pan-American Shows Route Book, undated, no source. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

      Notes: L. C. Zelleno compiled the 1903 Pan-American Circus 1903 Route Book. Zelleno was with the Great Lugar Shows in 1907 and had earlier been with Howes Great London, Lemon Bros. and John Robinson Circuses. “The Great Lugar Shows,” By Harry M. Simpson, Bandwagon, Vol. 2, No. 1 (Jan-Feb), 1958, pp. 5-6. According to the Iowa State census of 1915, Le Clair Zelleno, was age 37, living in Estherville, Emmet County, Iowa. He listed his occupation as a journalist, earning $1,200 total. He was born in California and had an eighth grade education. His parents were from Ireland.

Johnny Zoppe, Sr. came to the United States in 1936 and joined the Cole Bros. Circus with his family of bareback riders, the Zoppe Troupe. With his wife Sara, he created an unsupported ladder act, featuring Fox Terrier dogs balancing on the ladder with him. He created his Rhesus Monkey Revue in 1956 and continued these two acts until he retired in 1982. Died July 15, 1987 at Rochester, Indiana, age 76. Circus Report, August 10, 1987, p. 19. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Secondo Zoppe. "Funeral services will be held at 9 a.m. Wednesday in the St. Joseph Catholic church here for Secondo Zoppe, 44, Route 3, well-known Rochester circus man who died of a heart attack in Gainesville, Tex., Sunday. Father Edward Holland, of Kewanna, will officiate and burial will be in the I.O.O.F. cemetery here. The body arrived over the Erie Railroad Monday night and was taken to the Zimmerman Brothers funeral home. Born Sept. 9, 1906 in Terchina, Italy, he married Dianna Yagialski in Czechoslovakia in 1930. He and his family came to Rochester in 1936 from Spain to join the Cole Brothers circus. He was associated with the Zoppe-Zavatta riding act. Feb. 11 he was planning to join the Harold Morton circus at Memphis, Tenn. He had been with all the big-name circuses in this country and in foreign countries. Surviving are the wife; five children, Orasio, Germanna, Enrico, Yolanda, Gilda, all at home; four brothers, Ralph, Johnny, Francisco, Oglie, all residing north of Rochester; one sister, Aurelia Hall, Rochester; several nieces and nephews. A performance by other members of the family which was to have been held in Akron Tuesday evening at an indoor circus has been cancelled. News-Sentinel (Fulton County, IN), January 16, 1951. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Lucia Zora, see Fred Alispaw. Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Paul Zora, Norris & Rowe, 1905. Daily Nevada State Journal (Reno, NV), April 14, 1905. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

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