Circuses - Brief Bits

C

Campbell Bros.' United Shows - 1900

    Opened at Fairbury, Nebraska, April 26. "It is a neat two-ring show, and it promises to have its best season yet this year." Billboard, May 1, 1900, p. 6.
    Was touring Colorado and Utah in May. Billboard, June 9, 1900, p. 5. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

M. Campbell - 1890

    Roster of Dr. M. Campbell's Great American Circus: Dr. M. Campbell, proprietor and manager . . . Frank Hill, advance agent . . . Gillman Brothers; Orton Brothers; Lavelle(?) Brothers . . . Prof. Geo. Dunbar; La Vant Family . . . Harry Williams; Hattie Dunbar . . . J. D. Perkins. This show opened May 22(?) and will travel through Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania. New York Clipper, May 31, 1890, p. 183. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Cannon's - 1891

    On the road, circuses: Cannon's Big, Fayetteville NC Nov 2-7, Augusta, Ga. 9-14. New York Clipper, November 7, 1891, p. 589.
    On the road, circuses: Cannon's Big, Augusta Ga. Nov 11, 12, Birmingham, Ala. 14-16, Columbus Ga. ___. New York Clipper, November 14, 1891, p. 605.
    On the road, circuses: Cannon's Big, Columbus, Ga. Nov 1?, . . . Raleigh N.C. __. New York Clipper, November 21, 1891, p. 621.

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Cardello & Vidella's - 1890

    Wanted, for Cardello & Vidella's Circus, leapers and tumblers, a lady to do rings or single trapeze act; also a good triple brother act, and people in all branches of circus business. Address Cardello & Vidella, Palace Theatre, Kansas City, Mo. Season opens June 1. New York Clipper, May 17, 1890, p. 158. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Carlisle's; Carlisle & Morris - 1891

    Wanted, for the Carlisle Shows, a strong outside attraction; also an original feature in concert. Address Wm. Carlisle, 1,201 Patterson Avenue, Baltimore, Md. New York Clipper, July 18, 1891, p. 325.
    1891: Carlisle & Morris' Circus, in its eighth season, opens at Baltimore, Md. Aug. __. . . . New York Clipper, August 15, 1891, p. 382.

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Carr & Boyle - 1893 (possibly Cary & Boyle)

    Herr Von Litz has sold his interest in his one ring shows to Joseph Boyle. It will be known as Cary & Boyle's Big Twenty-five Cent Show. New York Clipper, August 12, 1893, p. 362.
    On the road, circuses: Carr & Boyle's . . . Sligo, PA 21 . . . Parker's Landing 23, Monerra 24, East Brady 25. New York Clipper, August 19, 1893, p. 379.

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Cary & Co. - 1894

    Notes from Cary & Co.'s Show. Everything begins to look like opening day around the winter quarters fo the show. Prof. Rich is working the ring stock every day, and has ten as fine horses as can be seen in any show. W. D.(?) Loper(?) and his ten mouth piece band will be a feature of the show. General agent McCarthy has just returned from a business trip to ___ and other Eastern cities, where he has made some excellent railroad contracts. Manager Cary is now in Chicago, and will visit several important points in the Northwest with a view of taking the show into that section. Some important sensational features have been engaged for the circus, a list of which will appear later. The show opens at Paterson, N.J., April 21(?). New York Clipper, March 24, 1894, p. 37.
    Wanted, for Cary & Co.'s New All Feature Show, Museum, Trained Animal Exhibition and Congress of Novelties, a few circus acts, ten first class billposters. . . . Cary & Co., Scranton, Pa. New York Clipper, March 24, 1894, p. 45.
    Edward S. Johnson, contortionist, has recovered from his illness and has signed with Cary & Co.'s Show. New York Clipper, March 31, 1894, p. 53.
    Roster and notes of the O. S. Cary Show. We opened at Scranton, Pa., May 2(?), to big business. The show carries a 100ft. round top and two middle pieces and dressing top. There is a 40(?)ft. ring and a 50(?)ft. elevated stage. O. S. Cary & Co., proprietors; S. Goldsmith, treasurer; O. S. Cary manager; J. McCarthy, advance manager. Performers: Livingstone Family; the Morellos(?), the Raynores(?), ?. S. Johnson; William Roberts; Bo? Morello; Saturo's(?) Japanese Troupe, five in number; Prof. Geo. D.(?) Rich(?) and his nine Arabian stallions and eight of the smallest performing ponies in the world; Prof. H. Johnson and his canine paradox. Concert people: Billy Raymore . . . William Morello, Harry Aslton, Edna Cary, Ida Morello and Victor Livingstone. Side show: C. Culbertson, proprietor; A. L. Salvall(?), manager, with the following people: Sig. Cassinova . . . Mack Evans, Ki Ki, Joe Loeb(?), ___ Culbertson and the Canadian giant and his wrestling bear. . . . John Daily, boss hostler; and Joe Peal in charge of cook tent. Show travels by rail, using seven brand new cars. The opening was a grand success. New York Clipper, May 12, 1894, p. 149.
    On the road, circuses: O. S. Cary's, Albany, N.Y. May 17, 18. New York Clipper, May 19, 1894, p. 162.

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Castello & Graves - 1905

    "The Castello & Graves circus had a pretty hard time of it yesterday but in spite of rain two performances were given in the tent at the corner of Washington and Cottage streets. And the performances were very much enjoyed. Some of the acts are of a very high order of merit and the old-fashioned, one ring affair, where everything on the bill could be seen, pleased everybody. The circus men got under day early this morning and made a parade through the city. The display was a credible one and meant a good house at this afternoon's performance and a crowded tent this evening." Auburn (NY) Bulletin, May 27, 1905. Information should be checked with additional sources
      "Castello & Graves Circus, which has been on the flat since Monday says the Utica Observer has traveled in hard luck ever since it started in May. Bad weater kept the people from the tents and the money from the treasury, and there has been some little delay in paying the help. Yesterday, the circus people filed six bills of the sale in the County Clerk's office, covering practically all of their effects. To-day, 'Dan' Darleigh, who is known in Utica through his appearance at the theatres in different companies and who has been the clown with the circus, secured a writ of attachment and levied on two horses to secure a bill for something like $40 for services for himself and his wife. It is probable that the matter will be settled and the circus will proceed after a few days. The legal work has not been permitted to interfere with the presentation of the shows. 'Dan' will not be with the show when it goes out." Oswego Daily Times (Oswego, NY), June 24, 1905. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Dan Castello's - 1890 (J. E. Noble)

    The original and only Dan Castello New United Monster Shows, Circus, Museum, Menagerie, Hippodrome and Great World's Exposition. Season of 1890. Wanted, circus people in every line, including bar, aerial and ground acts, riders, jesters and performing animals, side show curios, etc. Also good boss canvasman. . . . Address . . . James E. Noble, proprietor, Chicago, Illinois. New York Clipper, March 29, 1890, p. 45.
    Dan Castello's Circus opened the season at Chicago April __ and has been playing to uniformly good business. The roster: J. E. Noble, sole proprietor; George Murray, general manager . . . T. Watson(?), equestrian director; Prof. Mayo's equine paradox; Gus(?) Lee . . . Woods Bros. . . . F. Holland; Ed. Carroll; Bert Mayo; Marie Davenport; Mary Lee . . . and Prof. Monroe's brass and string band . . . New York Clipper, May 24, 1890, p. 167.

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Castello, Williamson & Oatman - 1891

    For sale. Twelve military drill horses, one ___ grey horse . . . one beautiful white trick horse, sone beautiful small trick mule that performs many tricks and a small pony . . . For sale at a bargain. Going out of the business. Address F. J. Oatman, New Albany, Ind. New York Clipper, January 24, 1891, p. 735.
    Paducah, Kentucky. "Uncle" Dan Castello has taken charge of Oatman's horses at New Albany, Ind., and will get them in trim for the coming season. New York Clipper, March 14, 1891, p. 6.
    Wanted, musicians to strengthen band with the T. J. Oatman Circus. Clarionet and trombone(?) preferred. Write or telegraph quick . . . New York Clipper, March 28, 1891, p. 51.
    The Oatman Show is arranging to start from New Albany, Ind., April 11. Uncle Dan Costello is interested in this venture with Joseph Oatman, an old river pilot, who has only recently entered the profession. New York Clipper, April 11, 1891, p. 76.
    Dan Costello and C. Williams' United Shows, combined with J. T. Oatman's Equine Paradox opened their season very auspiciously at New Albany, Ind., April 15(?). The roster of the company includes: Dan Costello, C. Williams and J. T. Oatman, proprietors; J. T. Oatman, manager; C. Williams, treasurer; Dan Costello, equestrian director; Chas. McCuen(?), advance agent; W. M. Little, assistant agent; Al. Walten(Wallen?), in charge of bill car No. 1, with ten men; Harry Stevenson, in charge of bill car No. 2, with eight men; Frank De Mora, D. L. Nichols, Murrell Bros., Harry Bowers, Albert De Velde, Jos. Belmont, Frank Le Roux, Louis Tremaine . . . May Sylvester . . . Jessie Sutton, Nellie Bowen, Mme. Iza, Gus Lee, Harry Le Roy . . . Pearl Wardell, Mme. Bachtel and Nettie Bowers, perfromes. Chas. Bachtel, band leader with ten musicians; John ?. Stevens, boss hostler with seven men; ___ Shank, boss canvasman . . . and John Booker, chandelier man, with one assistant. The stock comprises forty-three head of horses. The canvas is a 125(?)ft. round top with three 40(?)ft. middle pieces. The show will travel by rail, having twelve new cars, comprising two sleepers, two stock and eight flat cars. Everything about the outfit is bright and new, and the outlook for a prosperous season is very promising. New York Clipper, April 25, 1891, p. 117.
    Notes from Dan Costello’s Circus. The weather has been fine, and the show is doing a splendid business. Frank Le Roux sprained his ankle while leaping, May 4, and will be compelled to rest a few days. I. J. Masten, cornettist, joined 5. D. L. Nichols, high wire performer, was married at Louisville 6, to Priscillia Fontenilliatt, a non-professional of that city. The wedding ceremony was quietly held at the bride’s home, and the couple received the best wishes of all. New York Clipper, May 16, 1891, p. 169.
    Wanted, musicians for the Castello, Williamson & Oatman's Circus. Good musicians and strong players. Long engagement. Chas. R.(?) Bachtel, leader, New Richmond, Ohio. New York Clipper, May 16, 1891, p. 178.
    Frank De Mora, having left Dan Costello's Circus, is now at Kohl & Middleton's Museum, Cincinnati, O. Both his wrists, which were sprained recently, are improving rapidly. New York Clipper, May 23, 1891, p. 185.
    On the road, circuses: Dan Costellos', Dayton, Ky. May 30. New York Clipper, May 23, 1891, p. 187.
    Notes from Castello, Williamson & Oatman's Big U. S. Shows. We closed at Cincinnati May 23, to big business. We have had the "S. R. O." sign out for the last month. Frank Leroux's ankle is rapidly mending. Harry Murella(?) sprained his ___ on the bars, at Newport 14. He has gone home to New Albany until it gets well. D. P. Nichols, the wire walker, was reported as married in your last week's edition. D. P. was J. J. Nichols, the cannon ball man. . . . "Shorty" Davis, musician, has gone to Tacoma, Wash., to instruct a cornet school. He was presented with an elegant gold watch by the members of the company, on the eve of his departure. James T. Kenney, the Irish clown, has signed with Trask's Novelty Co. for the season of 1891-92. Our band gave an open air concert at Dayton 17, and the Board of Aldermen sent in a vote of thanks. Gus Lee has purchased another home at Chicago. If Gus keeps on he will own a small sized city. Uncle Dan Castello was seized with an alarming attack of nervous prostration 23. For a while his life was despaired of, but the veteran's grit and rugged constitution came to the front, and he is now rapidly convalescing. New York Clipper, June 6, 1891, p. 215.
    The Bowers, Harry and Nellie, left the Dan Castello & Williamson's Circus and joined the Stowe Bros.' Circus, at Cincinnati, May 1?. New York Clipper, June 6, 1891, p. 215.
    Wanted, first class advance agent. Wire Buffalo, W. Va. June 12, Point Pleasant W. Va. 13(?) . . . Castello United States Shows. New York Clipper, June 13, 1891, p. 240.
    Notes from Castello, Williamson & Oatman's United States Shows. We ___ our date at Charleston, W. Va., June 10(?), to big business. Our boat looks more like a hospital than it does like a show boat, however. Nearly every one of the company is sick with malaria. D. L. Nichols was very ill, while Mlle. Zola could not work at Charleston on account of sickness. James T. Kenney says he is going to write for dates as a living skeleton. Mrs. T. J. Oatman was presented, 8, with a magnificent floral harp and a beautiful basket of flowers by the school children. She and her little mare, Topsy, are great favorites everywhere. May Lee was also very sick last week, but she is convalescing rapidly. Our prize band still continue to create a furore everywhere. Joseph Belmont, principal leaper, closed 10(?). Mlle. Angus(?), flying trapeze performer, joined at Point Pleasant. We were caught in a cyclone at Huntington, 6, and the tent was blown to pieces; but we always carry a reserve top, and were thus able to fill all dates. The horses(?) got loose and wandered all over the town, but they were eventually recovered. Strange to say, the trick mule, Jerry, was the first one aboard, and he came of his own accord, too. New York Clipper, June 20, 1891, p. 249.
    The Costello, Williamson & Oatman Circus collapsed at Middleport, O., June 13(?). Dissension among the management is said to have been the chief cause. Manager T. J. Oatman will reorganize the show early in July. New York Clipper, June 27, 1891, p. 269.
    Our Paducah, Ky. letter gives an account of the blow down of Terrell Bros.' Circus and mentions the closing of Costello & Oatman's Show. New York Clipper, July 11, 1891, p. 296.
    Wanted, an engagement with a reliable circus. Six horse acts, with clown and January act, lady working trick horses - for salary. Write or wire, T. J. Oatman, St. Albans, W. Va. New York Clipper, July 18, 1891, p. 325.
    Jos. Oatman, who was one of the proprietors of the Castello & Oatman Show, which closed a few weeks ago, is organizing another company to take the road shortly. He is at New Albany, Ind., making final arrangements. "Uncle Dan" Castello has retired from circus life, and has decided to locate permanently at Chicago, Ill. New York Clipper, August 1, 1891, p. 346.

    1892: Uncle Dan Castello is spending the winter at Paducah, Ky., and is considering several offers for next season. One of which he looks favorably is to clown with the Costello-McMahon Show. New York Clipper, January 30, 1892, p. 779.
    1892: Uncle Dan Castello, who is spending the winter in Paducah, Ky., is to have an amusement enterprise on the road this season, having purchased the outfit of the defunct Castello, Oatman & Williams' Show, which went to pieces early last season. He will tour the South with a small circus and menagerie. Chas. McCurran and Leslie La Salle(?) have signed. The latter will probably go in advance. New York Clipper, March 26, 1892, p. 34.
    1892: T. J. Oatman and wife, with their five head of trick stock and ponies are wintering at Jeffersonville, Ind. His wife, Mrs. Lula, will ride a skillful manage act the coming season, with her beautiful white horse, Grover Cleveland. No contracts closed for season of 1892. Four first class horse acts. T. J. Oatman, P.O. Box __, Jeffersonville, Ind. New York Clipper, March 12, 1892, p. 14.

1893: Notice. T. J. Oatman, of 247 1/2 S. DesPlaines Street, Chicago, Ill. can be engaged for winter season, with his trick horses, ponies and dogs, with circus, museum or opera house attraction. New York Clipper, July 29, 1893, p. 339.

1905: Passenger and Crew Lists of Vessels Arriving at New York, New York. S.S. Seguranca from Colon, Feb. 9, 1905, arriving at New York, Feb. 16, 1905. T. J. Oatman, age 50, circus manager; Mrs. T. J. Oatman, age 38, wife.

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Circus & Menagerie Exhibition United - 1839

    Joseph S. M. Hobby. (Manager.) respectfully announces to the Ladies and Gentlemen of Gettysburg and its vicinity, that the above celebrated establishment will visit Gettysburg, with their fine collection of Animals, and beautiful Stud of Horses, and Company of Equestrians, who stand unrivalled in their profession, on Thursday the 22d inst., for one day only. Hours of Exhibition from 1 to 5. P. M. Admittance 50 cts., Children, half price.
    The Scenes in the Circle will present a variety of new and interesting feats of horsemanship and other varied scenes of amusements, and Equestrian Exercises, which, together with their fine collection of Living Animals, will afford a rich and rare treat to the naturalist and lover of Equestrian and Gymnastic exercises. The Manager pledges himself that there shall be nothing wanting on his part to render the Exhibition both agreeable and interesting. Also that there shall be nothing introduced in the performance that can offend the ear of the most fastidious, but the whole will be conducted with the utmost order and decorum. Commodious seats will be erected for the accommodation of visitors. Ladies and Juvenile visitors always have the preference. For a list of the Animals contained in this Menagerie, and description of Equestrian Performance, see bills at the Hotels.
    There will be an Exhibition at the same time and place, of rare specimens of the fine Arts, the richest, rarest and most extensive collection of Paintings, ever offered to an American public, representing Burning Mountains, Conflagrations, Landscapes, Waterfalls, Battles, Cities, Buildings, Shipwrecks, &c. In addition to the Paintings, there will be exhibited a collection of Asiatic Serpents, consisting of the immense Anaconda or Terror of Ceylon, the Boa Constrictor or Strangling Serpeni of Java, the Pomboo or Python from Madras, also, that extraordinary Reptile, the Amphis Beana, from Calcutta, the connecting link between the Serpent and Worm. Admission 25 cents. Entrance to this splendid Exhibition from the inside of the Menagerie and Circus Pavilion. Adams Sentinel and General Advertiser (Gettysburg, PA), August 13, 1839. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

G. Clark's - 1892-93

    1892: Buffalo, New York. Clark's Circus is playing the suburbs to fair business. New York Clipper, August 13, 1892, p. 360.1893: Prof. G. Clark's One Ring Circus will begin its season at Medina, N.Y., Aug. 1?. New York Clipper, July 1, 1893, p. 264.

    1893: Prof. G. Clark's One Ring Circus opens Aug. 4(?), at Medina, N.Y. Prof G. Clark is proprietor and manager, and carries a canvas with 80(?)ft. round top, and a band of five pieces. The features of the show are Smith and Anderson, the aerial performers, and Prof. Sanderson's dog and monkey circus. New York Clipper, July 22, 1893, p. 312.
    1893: On the road, circuses: Prof. G. Clark's, Buffalo NY Aug 16, Sandy Hill 18. New York Clipper, August 19, 1893, p. 379.

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M. L. Clark's Oriental Circus - 1894

    Notes from M. L. Clark's Oriental Circus. - M. L. Clark's Oriental Circus is in Winter Quarters at Oberlin, La., getting everything ready for May. M. L. Clark, proprietor and manager, has just returned from Chicago with eight dapple gray horses, one band wagon, four cages, two chariots, and one ticket wagon. The show will travel by wagon, with eighty head of stock, fifteen wagons, and two covered hacks. It will have one hundred foot round top with forty foot middle, two horse tents, one dressing room, and thirty foot round top. Performers and musicians will stop at hotels. New York Clipper, April 21, 1894, p. 103. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

M. L. Clark Combined Shows - 1906

    1906: Notes from Col. M. L. Clark Combined Shows. - This show closed the longest and most successful season in its history in a blaze of glory, at Mobile. Ala., March 1. It has been a notable one in many respects. We opened March 7, a year ago, having lost but four stands, and did not have an accident of any description. We traveled 3,891 miles, and visited Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Florida and Alabama. On account of the immense crowds attending the Mardi Gras festivities we were compelled to prolong our engagement, and on Mardi Gras days gave three performances, and then were not able to accommodate them. Our elephants, camels and entire menagerie and parade were used by the Mardi Gras people in their parades, and the animals were decorated as they never were before. This is the first instance in the history of Mardi Gras that animals were used in the festivities. Hereafter, our animals will be a feature of King Felix's parades during Mardi Gras, and will add greatly in assisting Mobile to sustain her title of "The Mother of Mystics." At the termination of our engagement we transferred the show to Capt. Alba's homestead, and mechanics and painters were put to work repairing, painting and regilding everything which will be retained for next season. Six new baggage wagons, four cages, a pair of leopards and a puma were received last week. A car load of draught and ring stock was also received from Col. Clark's Texas ranch. Three more new cages are in course of construction in the Sullivan & Eagle shops, and will be ready for early delivery. We will have new big menagerie, side show, cook, dressing and horse tops, all of which will be equipped with the improved lights. We open the season in Mobile, 20, and as in the past, will sustain our reputation as the largest and finest equipped circus of its kind in the world. New York Clipper, March 17, 1906, p. 114. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Clark & Sons - 1910 [M. L. Clark?]

    Following is a list of performers with Clark & Sons Combined Shows: Robt. M. Pierece, equestrian director; Three DeForst Bros., casting and comedy acrobatic act; T. W. Bryan, mule hurdle rider and clown; Christ and Pearl LaComa, double trapeze and swinging ladder; Thos. Moss, juggler and wire walker; Chas. Johnson, bounding rope artist and hoop roller; Corine Johnson, single trapeze; ??? Rogan and Lee Clark, trick riders and ropers; Edna Clark, contortionist; Walter Garland, Obey St. Clergy and Bob Ronalso, clowns. "Circus Gossip," Billboard, November 19, 1910, p. 21. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Clark Bros. - 1890-1896 (W. C. Clark, M. L. Clark)

    1890: On the Road, Circuses: Clark Bros.' - Riverside, Ark., Sept. 24, Colono, 25, R??ser, 26, Cotton Plant 27, Brinkley, 29. New York Clipper, September 27, 1890.
    1890: Roster of Clark Bros.' Circus and Menagerie. Clark Bros., proprietors and managers; Harry De Vere, equestrian manager . . . Jerry Walker . . . Fred Thatcher; Willis Clark . . . Allie(?) Clark . . . Fritz Mayer . . . Harry Bryant; Will Harris(Barris?); Fanny Clark; Mrs. Baltaro(?); Harry De Vere . . . New York Clipper, October 4, 1890, 468.
    1890: Wanted, a partner for bars . . . Permanent address, Floyd Trover, Dallas, Tex., now en route with Clark Bros. Circus. New York Clipper, December 27, 1890, p. 668.

    1891: The Clark Brothers’ wagon show is in eastern Texas, and recently exhibited in Jasper. New York Dramatic News, January 13, 1891, p. 10.
    1891: Clark Bros. Circus and Menagerie are wintering at Huntsville, Tex. They travel by wagon, and will take the road early in March. New York Clipper, February 21, 1891, p. 795.
    1891: Roster of Clark Bros.' Circus and Menagerie: W. C. and M. L. Clark, sole proprietors and managers; Jos. Ward, business manager; Harry Hunt, treasurer; Floyd Trover, equestrian director; John Henderson, general advance agent . . . Thomas Everett, master of transportation; Geo. Brown, boss hostler, with fifteen(?) assistants; Prof. Schelhammer, leader of band and orchestra; Fanny(?) Clark, Master Willie Clark, Tom Bryan, Doris and Gruen(Green?) . . . Trover, Richard and McDonald, Chas. Casey, Sam Wright, Neola Luna(?) Clark, Rubie(?) Clark . . . Chas. Devlin, Chas. K. Barton(Burton?), Ed. Foley . . . Billy Barlow, Prof. Shelhammer . . . Allie Clark, Fritz(?) Meyer, Ed. Bennet, Will Bishop . . . Chas. Powell, Jno. Powell . . . and Ted Roberts. The show opens at Madisonville, Tex., Feb. 23, and will travel by wagon, using 120 head of stock, 90ft. main top with two 30ft. middle pieces, and 80ft. menagerie and a 60ft. side show. New York Clipper, February 21, 1891, p. 795.
    1891: Notes from Clark Bros.' Circus. After laying up in Huntsville, Tex., for thirty days, we will start Feb. 23 with two 100ft round tops, six cages, the elephant Empress, a looking glass band wagon, two fine tableau wagons, ___ horses and mules, and sixty-eight head of draft stock. People that have signed are: . . . Trover, Richards, McDonald . . . We tour Texas. New York Clipper, February 28, 1891, p. 811.
    1891: Floyd Trover and Eddie McDonald have closed with Clark Bros. Circus Royal and joined Thomas C. Logan's Circus. New York Clipper, May 9, 1891, p. 150.
    1891: The De Soto Bros. have closed with Clark Bros.' Circus Royal and joined Pomeroy & Samuels' Circus. New York Clipper, May 23, 1891, p. 182.
    1891: From Clark Bros. Circus. We are doing a fair business, and had three weddings last week. This is our roster: Mr. and Mrs. H.(?) L. Clark, Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Clark, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Richards, Mr. and Mrs. Otto ???, Mr. and Mrs. Sam Wright, Ed. Long and trained dogs, T. W. Bryan, clown, . . . Ed. Foley, Dick Martin, Jim Smith, John Emerson, Helena Spencer, Katie Lewis, Willie Clark, Allen(?) Clark and wife, Louise Clark and Lum Clark, the fifteen year old son of W. C. Clark, who works the trained elephant, Empress, to the advantage. We have a new 100ft.(?) round top, with 40ft. middle piece and dressing room. M. L. Clark ??? the loss of his trick horse, Mack, who died last week of blind staggers, but he has another one in training. . . . C. V. Parsons, our genial hobby horse man, goes to visit relatives. T. W. Bry?n has a pony in training, and gives promise of good work. We have forty wagons and seventy head stock. We go to Louisiana, and hope to do a good business, and the gray headed man walks regularly every week. We have a good band of fifteen pieces. Prof. Scheib??mer, of St. Louis, is leader. New York Clipper, August 15, 1891, p. 382.
    1891: Wanted at once, for Clark Bros.' Circus and Menagerie, trapeze and bar people, one juggler, one contortionist, and other good . . . people that would like all Fall and Winter job. Also good musicians. Going to organize two shows under the W. C. Clark management, to travel South. New York Clipper, September 5, 1891, p. 444.
    1891: To performers, the wants of Clark Bros.' Circus and Menagerie. Will move two shows out of Clarksville, Arkansas, Oct. 5(?). Wanted, two jugglers, four good trapeze people, chair equilibrists, clowns, and one snall band of 8 mouth pieces. Sideshow privileges to let. Can use a troupe of trained dogs and riding monkeys. Engagement all Fall and Winter. Address O'Kean, Ark. Sept. 9, Black Rock Sept. 11 . . . Big Flat 18, Alco 19. Will reach Clarksville Oct. 1. Long engagement and good treatment. New York Clipper, September 12, 1891, p. 461.
    1891: . . . The weather through Texas has been delightful for tenting shows. Lemon Bros., E. O. Rodgers, Clark Bros. and the International Shows are playing to good business. New York Clipper, November 14, 1891, p. 609.

    1892: Notes from Clark Bros.' Circus. We are going to show all this Winter. Proprietor W. C. Clark lately jumped from the prairies of Texas, five hundred miles, to the Southern part of Louisiana. Had cold weather from Jan. 12 to 15. Today, 17, we are out on the road playing to crowded houses. We have fourteen people. Our canvas consists of a ??ft. top, 50ft. middle piece. Some of our prominent people are: George Jennier and family of four; Ed. C. Long and four trained dogs, Joe Richards, . . . Fanny Frader, Fannie Clark, with the trained elephant Empress, and a six cage menagerie. New York Clipper, January 30, 1892, p. 779.
    1892: W. C. and M. L. Clark are the sole proprietors and managers of the Clark Bros. Circus. New York Clipper, February 13, 1892, p. 808.
    1892: On the road, miscellanous: Clark Bros.' Circus, Alexandria, La., Feb. 10. New York Clipper, February 13, 1892, p. 813.
    1892: Notes from Clark Bros.' Circus. We have been doing well all winter in Louisiana, and are now in Arkansas. M. L. Clark and wife are spending a few days at Shreveport, La., with Bill(?) Reese(?) and wife. W. C. Clark is with the show. Addie Clark has been down with the grip. The roster: Clark Bros., George Jennier and family, Sam Wright, Hattie Richard, Joe Richard, W. T. Bryant and his child, Barney, Albert Powell, Louie Bartelmas(?), Harry Long, Maggie and Will Brown, Slott and wife . . . Pat McMannes, McCord, Whelen and Allie Clark. Lyle is still with Clark Bros. with his sideshow. Ed Long left the show March ?. New York Clipper, March 19, 1892, p. 18.
    1892: Clark Bros. Circus is reported to have gone to the well at Hamburg, Ark. last week. New York Clipper, April 2, 1892, p. 50.

    1893: ?. ?. Davis, manager of Harris' Nickel Plate Circus, . . . passed through here en route to Carthage, Mo., to take possession of Clark Bros. Circus and a big elephant on a claim of $1,000. New York Clipper, February 25, 1893, p. 816.

    1894: Notes from W. C. Clark's Wagon Show. - We have been out all Winter through Southern Arkansas and Texas. The pale faced man walks regular, and we have all saved money this Winter instead of spending it. We have twelve wagons and good stock, our tent is sixty by ninety, and Mr. Clark is going to put on his own sideshow when we reach Ardmore, I. T., April 19. Jess Brown and wife, with assistance, are giving the concerts. Tucker Bros. are painting five banners for the annex. We are getting out of Texas fast as we can, and will travel North during the Spring and Summer. This is an acrobatic show, with trained donkeys, ponies, horses, riding monkeys and trained dogs. New York Clipper, April 21, 1894, p. 102.
    Notes from W. C. Clark's Crescent Show. We have taken in all the Indian payments in the territory with varied success. The show is making South through Arkansas, Texas and Louisiana. Ed. Conklin, juggler, is our latest addition. ??? Craig and Chas. Everton also joined recently. ??? Clark is practising foot juggling . . . W. C. Clark has added two new dogs to his troupe. Dave Dodge has charge of the band now. . . . Schieldheimer(?) leads the concert. . . . Sam Wright and wife . . . closed. Jess Boon and wife are running the sideshow. New York Clipper, September 1, 1894, p. 405.

    1895: Notes from W. C. Clark's Crescent Shows. After tour of Texas we are about to enter Indian Territory, then through Arkansaas into Missouri. . . . Our roster: The Clark Family, . . . Jennier Family, six in number; Jerry Walker, . . . Edward Conklin, . . . Owen Taylor, Prof. Stiehlhammer(?), Fritz Myers . . . New York Clipper, March 16, 1895, p. 21.

    1896: Ellet(?) and Bryan, triple bar performers, are with W. C. Clark's Great United Shows. New York Clipper, January 11, 1896, p. 716.
    1896: Roster of W. C. Clark's Shows. W. C. Clark, proprietor and manager; Lum Clark, treasurer . . . W. P.(?) Bryan, bounding jockey act . . . Willie Clark, foot juggling . . . Gilbert Bros., posturing and brother act; Carrie ???, single trapeze and flying rings; Mrs. Bryan, rolling globe . . . Concert people: Emerson and Russell, song and dance; the Great Ravolie(?), baton juggler; Myrtle Eddier, banjo and song and dance, and the Stowe Bros., clog dancers. We carry a band of twelve pieces, under the direction of Prof. Shelinammer, and a one hundred foot top, with fifty foot middle pieces. Lew Clark has the sideshow, and Mrs. Clark the cook tent. Mr. Clark's dogs and ponies catches them everywhere, as does our street parade, . . . two bands, seven cages and twelve people, mounted, a calliope and clown cart. We are playing to good business, and are now in the southern part of Lousiana. Prof. Shelly, balloonist, joined Feb. 18. New York Clipper, February 29, 1896, p. 825.
    Notes from the W. C. Clark's Circus. Business for the past four weeks has been the largest in the history of this show, standing room being the general rule, and not the exception, through Kentucky, Tennessee and Mississippi. Oct. 31, at Ripley, Miss., was the banner house of the season, people being turned away before the band played the overture. Roster: W. C. Clark, proprietor; G.(C.?) R. Clark, treasurer; Mrs. W. C. Clark, Lou Clarke, R??y Clark and Little Pearl . . . Willie Clark, foot juggler; . . . Holt, revolving ladder la perch; Captain Adair, high diver; Theo. P.(F.?) Barretta, mule hurdle rider and clown; Adair and White, carrying perch . . . Ma?ie Stewart, traps and rings, and Ruby Clark's talking horse, trained dogs, goats and ponies. The band is composed of . . . Bob Miller, H. W. Adrian, H. O. Taylor, Arthur Forbes, H. H. Morgan, Geo. Oscar and Sam Clark. Allie Clark, advance agent, with five bill posters. New York Clipper, November 14, 1896, p. 587.

Note: Also see M. L. Clark Wagon Show, Homer C. Walton, Bandwagon, Vol. 9, No. 2 (Mar-Apr), 1965, pp. 4-11.

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Clements Shows - 1890-91, R. F. Clements Circus

    1890: R. F. Clements' Circus will open its coming season at Pittsburgh, Pa., considerably enlarged. Manager Clements, although with Rice & Barton's Co. at present, is doing some work for his own show, and will have one of the most complete 25 cent circuses on the road next season. J. R. Emery is breaking two ponies for the ring. The show will travel in its own cars. New York Clipper, February 8, 1890, p. 791.
    1890: Wanted for the sixth season of R. F. Clements' New Colossal Shows, people in all branches of the circus business. Also a good band and musicians. Side show privilege for sale. R. F. Clements, American House, Pittsburg, Pa. New York Clipper, March 29, 1890, p. 45.
    1890: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. A number of circus performers arrived here to join Clement's Circus, which opens the season 24th(?) the East End. New York Clipper, April 26, 1890, p. 102.
    1890: On the Road, Circuses: R. F. Clement's. New York Clipper, May 17, 1890, p. 146.
    1890: On the Road, Circuses: R. F. Clements'. New York Clipper, May 24, 1890, p. 162.
    1890: Good business is reported from the R. F. Clements Show. A new band and baggage wagon and four horses have recently been added to the show. New York Clipper, May 24, 1890, p. 167.
    1890: Following is the roster of R. F. Clements' New Railroad Shows: R. F. Clements, general manager and sole proprietor; John A. Long, assistant manager; Wm. Williamson, superintendent; Frank Cooper, advance manager; Wm. Werner(?) treasurer . . . Doc. Freebolt(?), layer out . . . Frank Long, press agent; performers: Zamora (Mexican wonder) . . . the Da Coma Children; Frank and Ada Harmon; Avalo Bros.; Lilly Siebert . . . and Long's troupe of goats, dogs and monkeys. Concert: . . . Wm. Warner, Mlle. Solo, Frank Harmon and Mme. Paula. . . . Size of canvas 100ft. round top . . . The show will tour Pennsylvania and New York all the season. New York Clipper, May 24, 1890, p. 167.
    1890: On the Road, Circuses: R. F. Clements'. New York Clipper, June 14, 1890, p. 210.
    1890: Notes from Clements' Circus. This show has been doing a good business since the opening of the season at Pittsburg, Pa. Salaries are paid regularly every Tuesday night, and everybody is well and happy, with the exception of B. A. Bergman, who left for his home June 23, on account of sickness. At Brookville, 22, R. F. Clements (proprietor and manager) was the recipient of a fine gold watch chain and an initial ring, from the members of his company. the greatest day of the season was the twenty-fourth of June, it being the twenty-eighth birthday of J. J. Zamora, the Mexican wonder. Mead M. Werntz, being the Mexican's partner, furnished the refreshments for the occasion. Mr. Zamora was the recipient of some very valuable presents, viz., a fine gold watch from the members of the company, a handsome gold watch from B. A. Bergman and Oscar Puckett, a fine alligator leather satchel, half dozen fine gents hose, a silk scarf, and a silk traveling cap by Mr. Clements, a box of pocket handkershiefs and a comb by Mrs. Clements. John Long, of Pittsburg, made the presentation, and Mead Werntz answered on behalf of the Mexican. New York Clipper, July 5, 1890, p. 261.
    1890: Wanted for R. F. Clement's New Colossal Shows. A few good musicians to strengthen band. Address G. W. McDonald, leader, Phillipsburg, Pa. New York Clipper, July 5, 1890, p. 270.
    1890: Card of thanks. I beg ??? to thank the members of Clement's Circus for the beautiful and handsome presents . . . presented to me on the 24th(?) day of June, it being my twenty-eighth birthday . . . J. J. Zamora, Mexican gymnast . . . New York Clipper, July 5, 1890, p. 272.
    1890: Notes from R. F. Clemment's Shows. Jas. Irwin and wife, the Milo(?) Bros. . . . and the Belmont(?) Bros. joined recently. Jas. Moran(?) is making a decided hit with his novel club swinging act. . . . Business through New York state has run the scale of good, bad and indifferent. New York Clipper, August 9, 1890, p. 339.
    1890: Wanted for Southern tour, R. F. Clements' New Show. Musicians, tuba and baritone, good song and ance team for concert. . . . R. F. Clements, Scranton, Pa. Can use good, close contracting agent, address Frank C. Cooper, Scranton, Pa. New York Clipper, August 9, 1890, p. 349.
    1890: The following is the complete roster of R. F. Clement's New Show: R. F. Clements, manager; Frank C. Cooper, general manager; Frank Conway(?), treasurer; Frank Scribner, layer out and manager of privileges . . . Wm. Williams, advertising agent . . . Pat O'Neil, steward; G. W. McConald, leader of band and orchestra. Band - Claty Alexander (Clate?), Oscar Peckett(Puckett?), Chas. Dewitt(?), Ralph Bailey, E. Applegarth, W. W. Peckett(Puckett?) and Geo. Smith. Performers - Jas. Irwin, Dora Irwin, Harry Courtney . . . J. J. Wolf . . . Harry Burns(?), Geo. Belmont, Harry Belmont, John Kelly . . . Concert - Mlle. Alda . . . Wm. Belmont, Burns(?) and Warner and Frank Gray. . . . John Carney is in charge of canvas; Chas. Andrews, master of properties . . . Business has been great since we struck Pennsylvania. At Scranton we packed to the doors for three days. E. O. Rogers was a welcome visitor for a couple days last week. He reports his shwo in a healthy condition. E.(?) F. Clements leaves for Baltimore 1?, to arrange for Southern transportation. The show will be greatly increased in size at Baltimore, for the South. A twenty-four week's season will be run, our route extending to Key West, Fla. Nothwithstanding this season has been a hard oneon nearly all tented exhibitions, this show had sone a uniformly good business, except the three weeks we were in New York State. New York Clipper, August 23, 1890, p. 373.
    1890: R. F. Clements wants, for long season, two or three strong acts for big show . . . New York Clipper, August 23, 1890, p. 382.
    1890: Ed. Harmon(?) and Chas. Johnson joined with the R. F. Clements Show at York, Pa. New York Clipper, August 30, 1890, p. 387.
    1890: Harry Courtney, of Courtney and A?lda, trapezists, writes from Pittsburg, Pa., that the R. F. Clements Show, with which the team had been traveling, disbanded at that place Oct. ??, with salaries and board bills in arrears. New York Clipper, October 18, 1890, 503.
    1890: On the Road, Circuses and Miscellaneous: R. F. Clement's, Pittsburg, Pa., Nov. 10, indefinite. New York Clipper, November 15, 1890, 560.

    1891: Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Robt. Clements will start his circus from this city early in April. New York Clipper, April 4, 1891, p. 62.
    1891: Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Bob Clemens [sic] is getting his railroad show in shape. New York Clipper, April 11, 1891, p. 79.
    1891: Wanted for the Clements Shows, people in all branches of the circus business. Also concert people and a first class band. Also musicians for second band. Will hire or buy good trick pony. Sideshow privilege for sale. Address R. F. Clements, business manager, East End, Pittsburg, Pa. New York Clipper, April 18, 1891, p. 108.
    1891: On the road, circuses: Clements', Pittsburg, Pa., April 30-May 3(?). New York Clipper, May 2, 1891, p. 139.
    1891: Notes from the Clements Shows. The show opened its season at East Liberty, Pa., April 25. At Bloomfield a cyclone struck us about 9 p.m. The canvas was packed, but no one was injured. The canvas, however, did not escape so fortunately, it being completely blown to shreds. Manager Clements was the coolest man on the lot. There was no show the next afternoon, but the doors opened at 7 p.m. as usual, with a new 100 ft. round top, with two 50 ft. middle pieces. Business has been good, so far, and everybody is happy. New York Clipper, May 9, 1891.
    1891: Roster of Clemens’ [sic] European Shows. - R. F. Clemens, proprietor and manager; Lee Howard, assistant manager and treasurer; Wm. Morelo, equestrian director; J. W. Wallacker, general agent; Richard Timmons, boss bill poster, with six assistants; Lee Howard, Eugene Verona, R. V. Stinson, Max Morelo, Wm. Morelo, Jas. Devine, Signor Daudet, Walter Romalo, Jesse Fusner, Wm. Adams, F. De Vina, G. Marbs, Harry Hartsing, Ida Morelo, Laura Kelly, Adele Purvis, Alice Howard, Eva Howars; Ira S. Loos, leader of silver corent band and orchestra; Fred E. Mills, G. M. Labbe, C. Freyermuth, Artie Wigham, C. Waters, S. Dangerfield; . . . Geo. Simons, boss properties with three assistants. The show travels by wagon, using a 100 ft. round top, with two 40 ft. middle pieces, a 60 ft. sideshow top and two horse tents and forty-five head of horses. New York Clipper, May 16, 1891.
    1891: On the road, circuses: Clement's, Johnstown, Pa. May 30, South Fork June 1, Lillie(?) Station, 2, Ebensburg 3. New York Clipper, May 30, 1891, p. 203.

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Cleveland Consolidated - 1891-92, 1894

    1891: Wanted, for the Cleveland Consolidated Shows. Circus, museum, hippodrome and wild west performers in all branches. Band of eight pieces, hustling agent, troupe of dogs, performing ponies, circus cowboys with outfits. Must be able to do more than two turns. Permanent address M. C. Ewing, manager, Lyceum Theatre Building, Cleveland, Ohio. New York Clipper, June 27, 1891, p. 276.
    1891: Notes from Downie & Gallagher's New United Shows. Among the many visitors to the show during the past week were Judge Ewing, of the Cleveland Consolidated Shows. New York Clipper, August 1, 1891, p. 346.
    1891: The New Cleveland Consolidated Shows, Circus, Museum, Hippodrome and Wild West opened at Cleveland, O., July(?) at popular prices. The roster: . . . J. Ewing, proprietor; M. C. Ewing, manger; W. Ewing, treasurer; W. Quinnett, equestrian director . . . Harry Bowers and wife . . . W. H. Quinnett, Geo. L. Behrens(?) . . . Colorado Jack, leader of cowboys and Indians . . . Texas Tom . . . Chas. Williams, Mrs. Bowers . . . New York Clipper, August 1, 1891, p. 346.
    1891: On the road, circuses: Cleveland Consolidated, Cleveland, O.,July ?7-Aug 8. New York Clipper, August 1, 1891, p. 347.
    1891: The Cleveland Consolidated Circus and Wild West will remain at Cleveland, O., until Aug. 15(?), when it takes the road. New York Clipper, August 8, 1891, p. 365.
    1891: Cleveland Consolidated Shows. Wanted, a few more people. Indians, all kinds of performers. Bar team, double trapeze, lady aerial artists, band leader, band musicians who double brass and string, side show people, including Punch and Judy, boss canvasman, and four and six horse drivers, and two more light chariots. Addres per route, Cleveland, Ohio, August 8 and 9. M. Ewing, manager. New York Clipper, August 8, 1891, p. 378.
    1891: Harry and Nellie Bower(?) are with the Cleveland Consolidated Show. They are doing a new act. New York Clipper, August 15, 1891, p. 382.
    1891: The Cleveland Consolidated Shows and Wild West are now on their fourth week. New features are added every week, and they are buying new stock for the ring and new wagons, preparatory for the road. It will be one of the best equipped popular price shows in the country. A first class band of twelve pieces, under the leadership of Prof. Dugan, will be carried. . . . New York Clipper, August 15, 1891, p. 382.
    1891: The Bowers (Harry and Nellie) leave the Cleveland Consolidated Show Aug. 1?, and go West to fulfill their engagements. Mrs. Bower presented her husband with a fine gold watch and chain Aug. 10. New York Clipper, August 22, 1891, p. 398.

    1892: Wanted, for the third annual tour of the Cleveland Consolidated Shows, Circus, Museum, Roman Hippodrome, Great Wild West and Trained Animal Exposition. Show people in all departments. Musicians, acrobats, aerial artists, gymnasts, jugglers, riders, cowboys, Indians, clowns, sensational actors, balloon ascension and sideshow people. Also trained horses, dogs, ponies, goats and animals of all sorts. Also want a few more cars, stock and cages, and another pair light Roman chariots. Show opens in Cleveland, O., on June ??, 1892. Harrison J. Ewing, sole owner, 4 Lyceum Theatre Building, Cleveland, O. New York Clipper, June 18, 1892, p. 239.

    1894: For sale, the Cleveland Consolidated Shows. The largest, best and most complete wagon show on earth. . . . Will sell all or an interest in same. If not sold show open [unreadable text] Harrison J. Ewing, proprietor . . . New York Clipper, March 17, 1894, p. 31.
    1894: For sale, the Cleveland Consolidated Shows. The largest, best and most complete wagon show on earth. Tents, of all kinds an sizes; seats, lights, chariots, wagons, cooking and dining outfits, uniforms, costumes . . . horses, draft, ring stock, Wild West, steeple, hurdle, ponies, donkeys, harness saddles, trappings, musical instruments, etcetera ad infinitum. Will sell all or an interest in same. If not sold show opens in Cleveland, Ohio, on May ?? 1894. Want people in all branches. Harrison J. Ewing, sole owner and proprietor, ___ Superior Street, Cleveland, Ohio. New York Clipper, March 31, 1894, p. 62.

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Clifford & Gubbins - 1892 (may be Griffin?)

    1892: Clifford & Gubbins' Pioneer Circus will play Chicago and the suburbs this summer. This is Thos. Clifford's first venture as a manager. He will be recalled as the "Old Sport" of Barnum's and the Forepaugh Shows. The circus will carry an 80(?)ft. round top with a 40(?)ft. middle piece, and give a one ring old time performance. Ten and twenty cents will be charged for admission. New York Clipper, March 5, 1892, p. 859.
    1892: Wanted, for Clifford & Gubbins' Pioneer Circus, Chicago season, circus people in all branches, including riders, with stock, band of six pieces. All privileges to let. Clifford & Gubbins, Chicago. New York Clipper, March 5, 1892, p. 866.

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Cole's - 1892 (Culbertson Bros.)

    1892: Wanted, for the Cole's) Wagon Show. People in all branches of the circus business; also side show people, man to make balloon ascensions, magician and knock about ___ for concert; people doubling in brass. All privileges to let. Address ___, Jamestown, N.Y. New York Clipper, April 30, 1892, p. 126.
    1892: From Cole's Circus. Our season opened May 12 at Jamestown, N.Y. The roster: Prof. and Mme. King . . . Kid Carr(?), Swift(?) Bros., A. H. Gump(?), ring master; director of orchestra, Carl Barth(?); leader of band . . . and Culbertson Bros., proprietors and managers. New York Clipper, May 28, 1892, p. 178.

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Cole Bros. - 1906, 1910

    1906: Notes from Cole Brothers' United Shows. - All arrangements have been made to open the season April 12, in Birmingham, Ala., and tbe members of the advance not already in service have been ordered to report in that city March 28. General Agent Ed. C. Knupp has been in harness several weeks, selecting and organizing his subordinates, digging up fresh territory and hurrying forward the orders in the hands of the printers. The prospecting agent has thus early covered many sections of the country, while Harry B. Potter, railroad contractor, and Walter T. Murphy, contracting agent, began work last month. Over fifty experienced men will make up the advance, under the efficient direction of Mr. Knupp, who has chosen the following aides: Harry E. Curtis, manager No. 1 car; Fred J. Bates(?), manager excursion car; C. A. Koster and G. C. Moyer, special agents; C. B. Bowers, route rider; E. N. Waters, checker up. There will be twenty-two first class men upon the initial car, the paper of which will be In care of Charles A. Martin. Robert Mathews will be in charge of the paper on the second car, which will carry twenty men. Only union bill posters and lithographers have been engaged. Eating upon the cars ahead of these shows Is now a thing of the past, and it will be hotel meals exclusively for the "boys." Messrs. Moyer and Koster, who are to captain the flying opposition squadron, have each been assigned some exceedingly good men, and while no billing battles will be courted. Cole Brothers pickets will not permit encroachment upon their rights or paper. There will be thirty-five different styles of wall and window work, all from original special designs. In fact, the advertising matter will create a surprise second only to that which Proprietor Martin J. Downs will offer as a free outside attraction back with the shows. The latter will surely excite the wonder of all managers and laymen of the show world, in that it is a sensational feature which almost any other large amusement enterprise would heavily bill and present only upon the inside of the canvas, instead of in the open air. Mlle. D'Zizzi, a young Parisian, who has been engaged for the act, has arrived in America. At the present time she is in Erie, Pa., explaining her act and in other ways aiding the artists in designing the paper to be used in advertising it. New York Clipper, March 17, 1906, p. 114.

    1910: "Corry, Jan. 14 - . . . the Cole Brothers' circus, which has been wintering in this city, will be sold on Jan. 28, at the fairgrounds, according to an ad in the current issue of the New York Clipper. James Downs, principal owner of the show, is said to want to retire . . ." Titusville (PA) Herald, January 15, 1910.
    "Circus Sold at Auction. Corry, Pa., Jan 29 - The sale of the Cole Brothers' circus here Friday at public auction attracted a crowd of over two hundred of the most prominent people in the circus business. . . . Miller Brothers of the 101 Ranch Wild West, were very prominent in buying of stock and cars and next season will have sufficient railroad equipment to put out the largest of the two train shows." Evening Observer (Dunkirk, NY), January 29, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Cole & Rogers - 1910

      Cole & Roger's Railroad Shows, Bessemer, Michigan, July 4, 1910. Has Pat Rooney, monkey making balloon ascension and parachute leap. Bessemer (MI) Herald and New Free Press, July 2, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

George S. Cole’s - 1882, 1893

    1882: George S. Cole’s Southern Circus and Menagerie billed all towns on the Mississippi River and the Bayou Teche, commencing Jan. 24. A correspondent says: “On the announced dates W. H. Stowe’s Shows, also traveling by boats, put up their tents in the same towns, when the liveliest excitement was caused, both parties having outsiders, street ticket-peddlers, steamboat excursions, street parades, and every artifice was restored to to attract the crowd. This opposition continued until Feb. 1, at several places, the price of tickets being reduced to twenty-five cents. At Franklin a compromise was effected, both shows combining, retaining all their performers, joining street parades, and putting up the largest display of canvas ever seen in this country, and both shows transporting their respective shows on their own boats. The result justified the wisdom of the scheme, and both will continue this combination for the rest of the season. . . . W. H. Stowe assumes the equestrian management, George S. Cole and W. O. Monroe are the directors, and Matt Leland is in advance.” New York Clipper, February 18, 1882.

    1893: Wanted, for the Great Cole Show, sideshow people in all branches, strong man or woman, long haired ladied, midgets, snake charmer with snakes, fire king and strong attraction for free show. Address G. H. Irving, Winderland, Wilkesbare, Pa. New York Clipper, March 4, 1893, p. 842.
    1893: Wanted, people in all branches of the circus business, for Cole's New Circus, Museum and Menagerie . . . New York Clipper, March 11, 1893, p. 15.
    1893: On the road, circuses: Cole's, . . . Batchellerville NY 2, Luzerne 3, Corinth 5, Stony Creek 6, Warrensburg 7, ?alton 8, Lake George 9, Sandy Hill 10. New York Clipper, June 3, 1893, p. 198.
    1893: Wanted, to enlarge James W. Chattaway's military band with Cole's Circus. One E flat cornet, one B flat cornet, two altos and E flat clarionet. All must double in orchestra. Address per route to James W. Chattaway, musical director. . . . Bachellerville NY 2, Luzerne 3, Corinth 5, Stoney Creek 6, Warrensburg 7, Bolton 8, Lake George 9, Sandy Hill 10. New York Clipper, June 3, 1893, p. 211.
    1893: Wanted, strong man, iron jawed, preferred that can do horse lifting, and stone breaking. . . . Cole's Circus . . . New York Clipper, June 10, 1893, p. 226.
    1893: Roster of Cole's Colossal Circus. Geo. S. Cole & John Sparks, sole owners; Geo. S. Cole, manager . . . J. M. Wall, contracting agent with eight assistants . . . F.(?) Williams, treasurer; John H. Sparks and Geo. S. Cole, doorkeepers. The following performers: . . . Gregory Bros., three in number; John Fritz(?); Wm. Leavitt, Mlle. Irene . . . Albert Sylvester; Chas. Sparks; Ronaldo . . . Happy Jack Jordon; Wm. Heackey(Beackey?); Prof. Sparks' school of sixteen educated horses and ponies; Prof. Williams' troupe of dogs and cats; Jas. Chattaway's military band of solo musicians, W. B. Sanger . . . Walter James(?), Wm. Hickey, Chas. Jones(?), Geo. Austin(?), Jos. Girard, F.(?) Anderson and Bert Cole. Concert: Sparks Bros., Mlle. Irene . . . John Lancaster, Annie Austin, Wm. Thomas and Bert Cole. Concert ticket sellers, Bert Cole and Chas. Gregory. Candy stands, Gregory Bros. The big top is 120(?)ft. with a __ft. side show. Geo. Irving, owner and manager, with the following people: Blondell(?), strong man; Mlle. La Bell, mind reader; Mlle. Letta, serpent queen . . . Prof. Wise(?), magician; Punch and Judy, birds, monkeys and vampire, Geo. Irving and Bert Cole, ticket sellers. They use a __ft. round top. Jack McGinnis is in charge of top, with three assistants; the big show has eighteen canvas men, Jack Talburt is boss canvas man. Sixty head of stock and three advance wagons are used. New York Clipper, June 17, 1893, p. 230.
    1893: On the road, circuses: Cole's, New Hartford CT 30 . . . Windsor Locks July 5, Thompsonville 6, Indian Orchard, Mass. 7 . . . New York Clipper, July 1, 1893, p. 265.
    1893: On the road, circuses: Cole's, Windsor Locks, CT July 5, Thompsonville 6, Indian Orchard Mass. 7, Chicopee Falls 8. New York Clipper, July 8, 1893, p. 281.
    1893: On the road, circuses: Cole's, East Hampton, Mass. July 12, Williamsburg 13 . . . New York Clipper, July 15, 1893, p. 296.
    1893: Musicians wanted for Cole's Circus, B-flat cornet, E-Flat clarionet. Can also use other musicians to enlarge band. Write, wire per route. J. ?. Chattaway, musical director. New York Clipper, July 15, 1893, p. 309.
    1893: Notes from Cole's Colossal Shows. Business with us is way up, and has been since the opening last Spring at Brattleboro, Vt. The annex, under the management of Geo. H. Irving, is proving a drawing card. Riondell(?), the strong man, lifts a horse and six men at each performance. Chas. Sparks catches the big show audience with his educated horses; Sylvester's aerial contortion act pleases the people. The Gregory Bros. and Fitz(?), on the bars, are continually springing someting new. John Lancaster, singing clown, supplies the multitudes with the latest songs. The shooting of the Bartlett Family is also much admired. The weather is fine, and our stock is looking remarkably well. We have lately put in hippodrome races, and they go with a vim. Mme. La Bell, wife of Mr. Irving, of the annex, and her little daughter have returned after a week's sojourn with Mr. Irvin's parents at Haverhill, Mass. Mr. Irving was presented with a leather hat box last week by Alfred Sylvester. Everything is harmonious. No accidents of any consequence have happened this season. Prof. Chattaway's band calls forth applause every day for its excellent music. The boys showed their appreciation of the professor the other day by presenting him with a black ebony, silver tipped baton. New York Clipper, July 29, 1893, p. 328.
    1893: George S. Cole has closed with Sparks' Circus and accepted the position of special manager for Scribner & Smith's Show. New York Clipper, September 16, 1893, p. 447.
    1893: On the road, circuses: Sparks & Cole, Tarrytown NY Oct 5, Rutherford NJ 6 . . . New York Clipper, October 7, 1893, p. 495.

Note: also see Cole & Lockwood.

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Cole & Lockwood - 1894

    1893: A new circus company has recently been incorporated, which from the character of its promoters, ought to be an unqualified success. It will be known as the Cole & Lockwood Co., proprietors of the Cole & Lockwood All New United Shows. The proprietors are George S. Cole, a man of wide experience in the circus line, and A. L.(?) Lockwood Jr., who has also made a considerable study of this business. The shows will be entirely news, and Potsdam, N.Y. will be the headquarters. A. L.(?) Lockwood Jr. is president and treasurer, and Geo. S. Cole vice president and manager. As much of the necessary ___ as possible will be manufactured at Potsdam, and the company expect to give their initial performance of the season in Potsdam early in May. New York Clipper, December 30, 1893, p. 687.
    1893: Cole & Lockwood All New United Show, incorporated, Geo. S. Cole, Vice President and Manager. A. ?. Lockwood Jr., President and treasurer. Permanent address and winter quarters, Potsdam, N.Y. Wanted for tenting season 1894, people in all branches of the circus business. Address Geo. S. Cole, manager, Potsdam, N.Y. New York Clipper, December 30, 1893, p. 697.

    1894: The Royers, Archie and Rose, have signed for the next season with Cole & Lockwood's Kid Glove Show. Archie Royer will be principal clown. New York Clipper, January 20, 1894, p. 735.
    1894: From Cole & Lockwood's Shows. The following people have signed with our new show: Charles J. Gregory, George Gregory and John Fritz, triple bars, balancing trapeze, dancing barrel, ___ and cross, and leapers and tumbler; William Lowande, principal bareback somersault rider, who will also ride four horses; Nellie Wilson, hurdle rider and aerialist; Archie Royer, princiapl clown, leaper, tumbler and all around performer; Mrs. Royer, slack wire and ___ acrobat . . . Prof. Meehan's troupe of performing dogs, goats and monkeys; Newman and King(?), black face comedians and song and dance team. We have secured an equine paradox that go through the school and court scenes fully equal to any troupe of horses in the country. Charles Evans, for the last five years in charge of the stock with Walter L. Main's Show, is engaged as boss hostler. James ___ will be boss canvas man and Jacob Spellman first assistant. J. R. Kennedy, a man of wide experience is advance of large show, seven season in charge of one of the advertising cars of the Barnum & Bailey Show, is engaged as general agent. Other important engagements are pending. Geo. H. Irving will manage an elaborately fitted up and attractive side show. Our new ring hosue will be done in three or four days, and the work of breaking horses will commence Feb. 1. John Kent, of Scribner & Smith's Show, has been here five weeks, looking after the details of getting everything together. He goes back to Scribner & Smith Feb. 1. We are attending to every detail, taking time by the forelock, and will have everything in readiness for our opening early in May. New York Clipper, January 27, 1894, p. 753.
    1894: The Royers, Archie and Rose, met with success at Keith's Bijou, Philadelphia, week of Feb. 12. They have signed with the Cole Show for the summer. New York Clipper, February 24, 1894, p. 817.
    1894: Notes from the Cole & Lockwood winter quarters. "We are very busy getting everything into shape for the inauguration of the tenting season of 1894, every part of which will be new. Our opening day here (Potsdam, N.Y.) will be May 5(?), and if the weather is favorable we anticipate a big send off from our friends and neighbors. Prof. J. W. Chattaway, a popular Philadelphia leader, has engaged to furnish a first class band for us. William Lowande and Bert Cole are breaking horses in the new ring house recently erected. We have just closed a deal with J. T. McCaddon, of the Forepaugh Show, for the performing elephant Modoc. W. J. Leyer, of the Erie (Pa.) Lithograph and Printing Co., called upon us last week and contracted to furnish all our pictorial and descriptive paper, a large part of which will be from special designs. Mr. Lockwood will shortly leave for Chicago to buy three car loads of baggage horses. We will have an early Clipper call, and thorough rehearsals before commencing." New York Clipper, March 3, 1894, p. 833.
    1894: Wanted, for Cole & Lockwood Shows, a few more musicians, including E flat clarionet to double clarionets in orchestra. Address J. W. Chattaway, band master, care of Spark's Circus, Madison, Fla. New York Clipper, March 17, 1894, p. 31.
    1894: Sidney Huftle has been engaged as billposter with the Cole & Lockwood Shows, and John W. Huftle will have charge of advertising wagon No. 1. New York Clipper, March 31, 1894, p. 53.
    1894: Cole & Lockwood All New Shows. Call. Season opens at Potsdam, N.Y., Saturday, May _. . . . Go slow on big trunks. Unecessary baggage will not be carried. The smaller your turnk the better you will please the management. New York Clipper, April 7, 1894, p. 78.
    1894: Mrs. Rose Royer has recovered from her illness and with her husband will join the Cole & Lockwood Circus, April 30. New York Clipper, April 21, 1894, p. 102.
    1894: Roster of advertising wagon co. No. 1, of the Cole and Lockwood All New United Shows: John W. Hurtle, in charge of wagon, with billposters W. L. White, Sid Hurtle and Dave Williams; Courtland Harris(?), lithographer; Harry Hurtle, programmer; and Geo. A.(?) Hurtle, in charge of stock. New York Clipper, April 28, 1894, p. 117.
    1894: The three Gregory Bros. have signed with the Cole & Lockwood Circus for the tenting season. They join the show at Potsdam, N.Y. May 5(?), the opening date. New York Clipper, April 28, 1894, p. 117.
    1894: Wanted, for Cole & Lockwood's Circus, B flat cornetist. J. W.(?) Chattaway, bandmaster . . . New York Clipper, April 28, 1894, p. 125.

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W. L. Cole's - 1890; Sieber & Cole, Sieber & Co. - 1891

    1890: W. L. Cole's Circus opened its season, April __, at Topeka, Kas., and reports good business. The summer tour lies through the North and Northwest. The roster: S. Skett's band of eight pieces; Lee Bros.; Morning Bros.; Sam Grasburger; Jim Carrier; E. C. Murphy; Mrs. Frankie Ford; Jim Seiber; Godfrey and Plamondon; Al. Seiber boss canvasman; Ed. Freeman, chandelier man; Frank Wieman, boss property man; Cal Wagner, boss animal man; J. M. Barry, manager; and George Seiber, treasurer. New York Clipper, May 10, 1890, p. 139.
    1890: Wanted, for Cole's Circus and Menagerie, a knockabout clown, bar team that can leap and tumble. Would buy small elephant, one suitable for wagon show. Direct to Broken Bow, Nebraska. Will be there June __. J. M. Barry, manager. New York Clipper, June 14, 1890, p. 224.
    1890: The following people are with the W. L. Cole's Circus and Menagerie: J. M. Barry, manager; Geo. Sieber, treasurer . . . Frankie Ford, Prof. Bowman and wife, Morning Bros., Sam Grassburger, Lew Cole, Lee Bros., J. T. Carrier, Master Willie Sieber, Louis Plamondon, Prof. Skett, leader of band, with six musicians. The show is traveling through Nebraska and doing a good business. The ghost walks regularly every Thursday. New York Clipper, July 12, 1890, p. 275.
    1890: The W. L. Cole Show closed a successful season of twenty four weeks at Topeka, Kan., Oct. 4(?). The show will be greatly enlarged next season. New York Clipper, October 18, 1890, 503.
    1890: Wanted to buy, for W. L. Cole's Wagon Shows, one elephant . . . ticket wagon, small animals(?), monkeys, wardrobe for ___ and street parade. J. M. Barry, Topeka, Kas. New York Clipper, November 29, 1890, 603.

    1891: Lewis Barry, a contractor with W. L. Cole's Circus and Menagerie, and son of J. M. and Eliza Barry, old time circus people, died at his home, Topeka, Kas., Dec. 31, aged twenty-five years, of consumption. Mr. Barry left the Cole show at Lexington, Neb., July ? last, where he lingered until death relieved him of his sufferings. His remains were placed in a metallic casket and buried in his own dooryard. They will be placed in a vault next Spring. Mr. Barry was well liked in the profession. He was considered an excellent contractor, and leaves a widow, a father and mother, and four sisters. New York Clipper, January 17, 1891, p. 715.
    1891: Topeka, Kansas. Geo. Sieber and J. M Barry, of the Cole & Sieber's Circus, have bought of Wallace & Anderson an elephant, two camels, cages, wagons, etc. New York Clipper, February 7, 1891, p. 755.
    1891: Geo. Sieber and J. M. Barry, of the Cole & Sieber Circus, have just returned to Topeka from the East, where they had been in search of curiosities for the coming season. They have closed a bargain with the Wallace & Anderson Shows, at Peru, Ind., whereby they receive an elephant, two camels, wardrobe cages and other properties. They are also breaking ring stock at their winter quarters, at Topeka. New York Clipper, February 7, 1891, p. 759.
    1891: "Senator" Bowman is re-engaged to furnish the museum with W. L. Cole's Circus for the season of 1891. The following features are already engaged: "Senator" Bowman, lecturer, Punch and Judy and magic; Jennie Bowman, snake charmer and lady ___; . . . A big snake and a pair of living vampires are recent additions. New York Clipper, February 28, 1891, p. 811.
    1891: Roster of the Sieber & Cole Shows for the season of 1891: J. M. Barry, manager; ___ Sieber, treasurer; W. L. Cole, sideshow orator; Al. Sieber, general purchaser; Wm. Dorr, equestrian manager; Chas. Covelli, advance agent . . . Prof Worrel, leader of band; Wm. Dorr(?) and wife; Frankie Barry; Senator Murphy; Prof. Bowman and wife, performers. The show will carry a three pole main tent, a four pole menagerie tent; a three pole sideshow tent, two six pole horse tents, eighty head of horses, seven cages, two tableau wagons, a steam calliope, one elephant and two camels. New York Clipper, March 14, 1891, p. 5.
    1891: Call. All people engaged for the Sieber & Cole Shows will report at Topeka, Kan., Thursday, April 9(?), for rehearsal. Wanted, a boss canvasman and boss hostler. Sieber & Cole, Topeka, Kas. New York Clipper, March 14, 1891, p. 15.
    1891: Everything is assuming a lively appearance around the headquarters of Geo. Sieber & Co.'s Shows at Topeka, Kan. The elephant, two camels, tableaux wagons and the wardrobe arrived last week. The ring stock is under the personal management of Prof. Wm. Dorr. The show will probably open at Topeka, April 11. New York Clipper, April 11, 1891, p. 74.
    1891: Topeka, Kansas. Seiber & Co.'s Circus had fair patronage considering the weather last week. New York Clipper, April 25, 1891, p. 117.
    1891: Fort Scott. Prof. Squire Bowman and wife have gone to Topeka to join Geo. Sieber & Co.'s Circus. New York Clipper, April 25, 1891, p. 117.
    1891: Roster of Sieber & Co.'s Circus: J. M. Barry, manager; Geo. Sieber, treasurer; Lew Cole, Wm. Dorr and wife, Prof. Bowman and wife, Pete Rogan and wife, ___ Grassberger(?), J. T. Carrier, Mohing(?) Bros., James Woods, J. R. Godfrey, Master Jimmie Sieber and W. A. Worel(?), leader of band, with ten pieces. New York Clipper, May 30, 1891, p. 198.
    1891: On the road, circuses: Sieber & Co., Joplin, Mo. May 27, Galena, Kan, 28, Baxter Springs 29. New York Clipper, May 30, 1891, p. 203.
    1891: Geo. Sieber & Co.'s Circus, Museum and Menagerie, now touring Missouri, report excellent business. The roster: G. M. Barry, manager; Wm. Dart and wife, Pete Rogan and wife, Prof. Bowman and wife, Mohring(?) Bros., G. T. Carrier, James Woods, Dalzell Bros., Sam Grassburger, Fred Barker, Master Jimmy Sieber, Lew Cole and others. Prof. Rix is leader of band, with seven musicians. New York Clipper, July 18, 1891, p. 312.
    1891: Wanted immediately for Sieber & Co.'s Circus, Museum and Menagerie, for long season. People in all branches of the circus business that can do two or more specialties. Also good concert people and reliable four horse drivers. Address Geo. Sieber & Co., ___, Mo. New York Clipper, July 18, 1891, p. 322.
    1891: Sieber & Co.'s Circus is touring Missouri. William Mohering, of the Mohering Bros., who left the show through illness, has rejoined it. Mrs. Sieber also joined recently. New York Clipper, August 15, 1891, p. 382.
    1891: Sieber & Co.'s Circus and Menagerie closed their season of thirty-one weeks at Huntington, Ark., Nov. 13, making a very successful season. They will ship to winter quarters at Topeka, Kan. New York Clipper, November 28, 1891, p. 632.

Note: for more information on W. L. Cole and George Sieber see: King, Orin C., The Circus World of Willie Sells, Topeka, KS: Shawnee County Historical Society, 1983.

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W. W. Cole's Circus - 1883

    Business staff: J. Evans; Frank Lemens; L. Cooke, advance manager; R. Campbell, contracting agent; H. Madigan, car #2; A. Richards; Geo. McGlasson; Chas. Swalls, railroad contractor; W. Boyd, car #1; Frank Pitsker, skirmishing brigade.
    James Robinson, rider; Mrs. Frank Gardner; Mrs. T. B. McIntyre, bicycle rider; Mrs. Harly Martell; Mrs. George austine, skater; Helen Dalvin; George Dunbar; Rentz & Richardson; John Murtz; Leon; Martell Bros.; Wm. Organ; George Conklin; Ernest Cooke; The 12 Arabs; Mr. Frank Gardner; Mr. T. B. McIntyre, bicycle rider; Harry Martell; George Austine, skater; Addie Austin; Bareth & Howard; Kennedy & Casselli; Three Livinstons; Nestor & Venoa; Van Zandt Bros.; Delhauer; Henry Cooke; Pete Conklin; Prof. Freyers dogs and goats. Six performing elephants were carried and in this six was the famous Samson. Another feature was eight trick stallions. Banner Line, August 1, 1958 (No. 267), p. 6. Information should be checked with additional sources

W. W. Cole's Circus - 1886

    W. W. Cole's Circus. — Here is a roster of this organization, which opened in St. Louis, Mo., for week of May 3-8; W. W. Cole, sole proprietor and manager; E. D. Colvin, assistant-manager; Geo. H. McGlasson, treasurer; A. E. Richards, assistant-treasurer and press-agent; T. B. Mclntyre, equestrian-manager; John Worland, starter of races; Sawyer Dutton, time-keeper; George Conklin, superintendent of animals; Al. D. Good, leader of band; Frank Eckels, master of horses; John Kelly, master of canvasers; Dick Rodgers, master of properties; Lizzie Alcott, costumer; Dan Greene, manager of annex; A. Hathaway, lecturer; F. Lemen, manager of Hotel de Cole and concert; A. M. Van Zandt, router of parade and layer-out. Riders: James Leon, Wm. Dutton, Charles Lowry, Wm. O. Dale, Chas. Watson, Miss Kate Watson, Edith Richards, Emma Sinclair and Lizzie McIntire. Specialties: Livingston Bros, (three), the Silbons (four), John Worland, Ernest Cooke, Burt Richardson, Billy Milton, George Milton, T. B. Mclntyre, Harry Murtz, Dr. Carver and his Wild West Show complete. New York Clipper, May 8, 1886. Information should be checked with additional sources

W. L. Collins - 1893-94

    1893: W. L. Collins' One Ring Circus and Railroad Show want riders with stock. Musicians and other specialties. . . . Ora Collins. New York Clipper, June 3, 1893, p. 210.
    1893: W. L. Collin's One Ring Circus wants people in all branches. Riders with stock, singing and talking clown, musicians, and boss canvas and chandelier man. Address Ora Collins, Owensboro(?), Ky. New York Clipper, June 10, 1893, p. 223.
    1893: Notes from W. L. Collins' One Ring Circus. We opened at Owensboro, Ky., June ?, to a packed canvas and have been doing big business up to date. We are using a 90(?)ft. top, with two middle pieces. Everything is brand new from stake to pole. The following is the roster: W. L. Collins, sole owner; Ora Collins, manager . . . Sallie Davidson; Perl Alexander . . . Anderson Bros.; Frank Allen; the Nevins(?) . . . Prof. Davidson's(?) balloon show. . . . and Frank M. Pierce's orchestra. New York Clipper, June 17, 1893, p. 230.
    1893: W. L. Collins' One Ring Circus wants singing and talking clown, riders with stock, and other features, musicians, troupe of dogs. Sideshow privilege to let. Owensboro, Ky. Ora Collins. New York Clipper, June 17, 1893, p. 245.
    1893: Roster of W. L. Collin's Moral Show. Mlle. Jennette, Anderson Bros., the Martinoes(?), Hoddy(?) Bros. . . . Perry Cleveland, Fillmore and Adams, Rosehammer(?), Frank Allan and the Alexanders. New York Clipper, July 1, 1893, p. 264.
    1893: Wanted quick, for W. L. Collins' One Ring Circus. People in every line for circus and concert; also troupe of dogs and other trained animals, small band. Ora Collins, Owensboro, N.Y. New York Clipper, July 29, 1893, p. 338.
    1893: Wanted quick, for W. L. Collins' One Ring Circus, people in every line of circus and concert; also troupe of dogs and other trained animals. Small band. Ora Collins, Owensboro, Ky. New York Clipper, August 5, 1893, p. 355.

    1894: Wanted, for W. E. Collins' One Ring Circus, male and female performers, musicians and concert people, balloon man, experienced agent, trained animals, twenty billposters, chandelier and canvas men. Address Oliver Brown, ___ Fourth Street, Owensboro, Ky. All others address Ora Collins, Owensboro, Ky. We open May 28. New York Clipper, May 5, 1894, p. 143.

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Comstock's - 1894

    Mt. Auburn. Ned Comstock's circus showed here Saturday evening. There was the usual number of "suckers." - July 24. Weekly Herald-Despatch, (Decatur, IL), July 28, 1894. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Conklin & Gilchrist - 1891

    1891: Peter Conklin and Geo. Gilchrist have entered into a new enterprise. They have organized a show for the winter season and will travel on their golden gondolas, towed by the steamer Ramble. They will tour the Mississippi River and its tributaries. The show will be known as the great Historical War Museum and Optoramma(?). The Optoramma consists of a series of oil paintings, in all embracing over 2,000 sq. ft. of canvas of the late war from Fort Sumter to Appomattox Court House. In the museum are a fine collection of war relics, Pearl Gillchrist (mind reading and second sight), Prof. Anderson (wizard), Prof. C. Silverman and his wooden headed family, Mons. Gazzalo (human flame), Melle Adre's school of educated rattle snakes, Robinson's troupe of glassblowers, Maj. F. Mason's fife and drum corps, Lieutenants Chas. De?nan and J. Lowis in their lightning drill and gun spinning act. They are lieutenants of the famous Busch Zouaves. Peter Conklin and Geo. Gillchrist, sole owners and managers; Peter Conklin Jr., treasurer; L. A. Young, advance agent; W. Lowis, lithograph and programme agent; Capt. A. J. Northcraft, E. F. Sodd, pilot; Tome Reese, engineer; Billy Woods, first mate; C. Weber, steward, and R. Tiche, cook, with two assistants. They will leave St. Louis the latter part of this month. New York Clipper, November 28, 1891, p. 632.

    1892: Pete Conklin's Golden Gondola Show has been playing Memphis for three weeks. G. W. Gilchrist is no longer connected with the show. The War Museum proved a great attraction in the South. Prof. Danforth, with his Palace of Illusions, has joined the show. Business is good. New York Clipper, January 23, 1892, p. 763.

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Conroy Bros. Circus - 1933

    A one ring show, Sonny Burdett and Leroy Easter, owners, operated through 1939. Band: Rube Egan, leader, snare drum; Les Orton, trumpet; Vernon Leidke, clarinet; Ted La Velda, bass drum. Rube Egan (Elmer Egan) also worked a basket horse. Vernon Leidke (Aerial Orton) was killed at Dallas, Texas from a fall when testing new rigging. Les Orton, lived in Des Moines, Iowas, was from the old Orton Bros. Circus, son of Miles Orton. Sonny Burdett and his wife, Dot, were on King Bros. Circus several years. Circus Report, Vol. 1, No. 44, 1972, p. 3. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Conroy's Great American - 1893

    Conroy's Great American Circus. Wanted, for the tenting season 1893. Male and female performers in all branches, acrobats, aerialists, singing and speaking clowns, specialists, musicians, troupe of performing horses, dogs, etc.; also agent, one thoroughly acquainted with the eastern states; boss canvas man, chandelier and property men. Musicians address Dan O'Brien, 17 Dannell Avenue, Pawtucket, R.I. Others address E. J. Conroy, 87(?) Adams Avenue, Central falls, R.I. Would like to hear from Frank Wyckoff and Gus Lemk(?). New York Clipper, January 21, 1893, p. 747. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Cook's - 1893

    On the road, circuses: Cook's Ashland TN May 31, Allen's Creek June 1, Napier 2, Lawrenceberg 3, Pulaski 5, Elton 6, Petersburg 8, Booneville 9, Lynchburg 10. New York Clipper, June 3, 1893, p. 198.
    On the road, circuses: Cook's, Albany, KY Aug 7, B??dstown TN 8, Pall Mall 9, Jamestown 10 . . . New York Clipper, August 5, 1893, p. 347.
    On the road, circuses: Cook's, Glen Mary TN Aug 16, Helenwood 17 . . . Holly Hill KY 19. New York Clipper, August 19, 1893, p. 379.

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Cook & Whitby - 1892-94

    1892: Wanted, first class musicians, to fill up my concert band traveling for the past seven years with the Great Wallace Circus, and re-engaged for the coming season. 2 bassoons, 1 more slide trombone, 1 sololette, 1 double B-flat bass, 2 more clarionets. Wm. F. Goetze, bandmaster, Wallace Circus, Lawrenceburg, Ind. New York Clipper, February 6, 1892, p. 806.
    1892: Holland's Big Wagon Show is about ready to open the campaign, and will tour Colorado early in the season, its purpose being to exhibit in the mountain towns ahead of Cook and Whitby's and the Ringling Bros., both of which have already contracted for that section of the country. New York Clipper, April 9, 1892, p. 66.
    1892: Cook & Wheatley [sic] is the name under which the Wallace Show is announced for the coming season. New York Clipper, April 9, 1892, p. 66.
    1892: Pueblo, Colorado. Right in the wake of the Raymond Show, which comes 9(?), the Cook & Whitby Circus is billed for 13(?). New York Clipper, May 15, 1892, p. 151.
    1892: Denver, Colorado. At River Front Park . . . Cook & Whitby's Circus and Menagerie. New York Clipper, May 21, 1892, p. 165.
    Pueblo, Colorado. Raymond's Circus showed to excellent business. Cook & Whitby's Circus is due __. New York Clipper, May 21, 1892, p. 165.
    1892: On the road, circuses: Cook & Whitby, Pueblo, Col. May 18, Colorado Springs, 19, Denver 20, 21. New York Clipper, May 21, 1892, p. 167.
    1892: On the road, circuses: Cook & Whitby, Fremont, Neb. June 3. New York Clipper, June 4, 1892, p. 195.
    1892: Notes from the World's Fair Aggregation. . . . Ringling Bros., F. J. Taylor, Cook & Whitby and Lemen Bros. have been moving us around some . . . We remain in Kansas six weeks. New York Clipper, June 25, 1892, p. 244.
    1892: Mr. and Mrs. Tony Ryder were suddently called away from the Cook & Whitby Shows . . . Mrs. Ryder's father . . . passed away at his home at Louisville, Ky. . . . New York Clipper, July 2, 1892, p. 260.
    1892: Cook & Whitby's Circus train of twenty-two cas was wrecked six miles below McGregor, Ia., July _. . . . Thirty horses were killed. One car contained fourteen horses and fifteen colored musicians. Every horse was killed outright, but every man escaped except two, one of whom was injured, perhaps fatally, the other slightly. New York Clipper, July 16, 1892, p. 292.
    1892: Cook & Whitby's English and American Circus have had two smashups. The first was at Richland Centre, Wis., July 7, when several cars were detached, and on the following morning at ___ McGill(?) Bridge, Ia., the train ran off the track, again ditching three cars of stock and killing twenty-five horses and injuring two so that they had to be shot. Two men were hurt, one being the circassian prince. The train was running at twenty miles an hour, and the accident was caused by the rails spreading. The show was unable to exhibit at Prairie Du Chien, Wis., and Maquoketa, Ia. New York Clipper, July 16, 1892, p. 292.
    1892: Wanted at once, for Cook & Whitby's Circus, bicycle act and sensational acts of all kinds for circus and concert. Long season. Address B. E. Wallace, Grayville, Ill., July 22, Olney 23, Newton 25, Mattoon 26. New York Clipper, July 23, 1892, p. 320.
    1892: Hugh C. Whiting and wife, and Little Pansy have severed their connection with the Cook & Whitby's Circus and are resting at their home, Chicago, for a few weeks. New York Clipper, July 30, 1892, p. 324.
    1892: [Ad] The Sisters Onri, Adele Purvis Ouri, Rosa Lee Onri, double juggling on revolving globes. Adele on the swinging slack wire. Rosa, lady tumble. Now with Wallace & Co. Show, at liberty on or about Oct 15. Sisters Onri, care of Clipper. New York Clipper, September 3, 1892, p. 416.
    1892: Dubuque, Iowa, July 8. Special Telegram. Cook and Whitby's circus train of twenty-two cars, en route from Prairie du Chien, Wis., to Maquoketa, Iowa, was passing Sny Magill, six miles below McGregor, at 2:45 o'clock, this morning, when a defective axle caused the forward truck of the first car to break. Five cars were ditched and thirty horses killed. In a car with fourteen horses were a band of colored musicians. Every horse in the car was killed outright, but all the negroes escaped except two, one of whom was hurt dangerously, the other not seriously. The loss falls upon the circus managers, as the train was running not faster than ten miles an hour and on a straight track. It will ruin the circus, and the manager, realizing this, rushed about the wreck with tears in his eyes, shouting "Just think of it! My fourteen best horses killed and every one of these darkies saved." Jackson Sentinel (Maquoketa, IA), July 14, 1892, p. 1.

    1893: . . . Cook & Whitby Show. Good business is reported through Kansas. New York Clipper, June 3, 1893, p. 198.
    1893: On the road, circuses: Cook & Whitbey's [sic] Des Moines, IA June 7, Council Bluffs 9. New York Clipper, June 3, 1893, p. 198.
    1893: Des Moines, Iowa. Cook & Whitby Circus came to packed tents 7(?). New York Clipper, June 17, 1893, p. 230.
    1893: On the road, circuses: Cook & Whitby's, Cheyene, Wyo. June 21(?). New York Clipper, June 24, 1893, p. 248.
    1893: Leadville, Colorado. Cook & Whitby's Circus is billed for July 6(?). New York Clipper, June 24, 1893, p. 251.
    Council Bluffs, Iowa. Cook & Whitby's Circus drew large crowds June 9(?). Wm. Cobb, a veteran showman, has been engaged as press agent for this show. New York Clipper, June 24, 1893, p. 251.
    1893: St. Louis, Missouri. J. M.(?) Hamilton, contracting agent for Cook & Whitby's Circus, now in Nebraska, was here last week. New York Clipper, July 1, 1893, p. 264.
    1893: Cheyenne, Wyoming. Cook & Whitby's Circus did an immense business 31(?). New York Clipper, July 1, 1893, p. 267.
    1893: On the road, circuses: Cook & Whitby's, Glenwood Springs Col. July 5, Leadville 6 . . . Trinidad 10, Pueblo 11, Colorado Springs 12, Denver 13-15. New York Clipper, July 8, 1893, p. 281.
    1893: On the road, circuses: Cook & Whitby's, Colorado Springs Col. July 12, Denver 13-15 . New York Clipper, July 15, 1893, p. 296.
    1893: Denver, Colorado. Cook & Whitby's show will be at River Front Park, 13, 14, 15. New York Clipper, July 15, 1893, p. 299.
    Pueblo, Colorado. Whitby & Cook's Circus is billed for 11. New York Clipper, July 15, 1893, p. 299.
    1893: Denver, Colorado. Cook & Whitby's Circus will hold forth 13, 14, 15. New York Clipper, July 22, 1893, p. 313.
    1893: The Black Hussar Band and Jubilee Singers are now engaged with Cook & Whitby's English and American Circus. New York Clipper, July 29, 1893, p. 328.
    1893: Pueblo, Colorado. Cook & Whitby's Circus, which showed here 11, received scanty patronage. New York Clipper, July 29, 1893, p. 331.
    1893: Prof. and Mme. G. M. Castroni closed with the Cook & Whitby Circus at Denver, Col., July 1?. New York Clipper, August 5, 1893, p. 346.
    1893: Wheeling, West Virginia. After the afternoon performance of Cook & Whitby's Circus at Martins Ferry, O., ?. Wm. Wilson(?), ticket seller for the show, got into a dispute with several half grown boys, near the circus train, and finding himself outnumbered drew a revolver. Policeman Murphy attempted to arrest Wilson, when the latter shot the policeman, the ball entering the left side just below the heart, inflicting what proved to be a fatal wound. Wilson was arrested and placed in jail, but as there was talk of lynching, he was later removed to St. Clairsville, O., the county seat. Excitement ran high and all kinds of threats were made against the show's people. Acting upon the advice of the mayor, the circus people pulled stakes and left at eight o'clock for East Liverpool where they were booked the next day. The policeman died 4(?). New York Clipper, September 9, 1893, p. 429.
    1893: Steubenville, Ohio. Cook & Whitby's Circus came Aug. 31, pleasing large houses. Willie Halla(?) made a successful balloon ascension and parachute jumbp, alighting a half mile from the tents. New York Clipper, September 9, 1893, p. 431.
    1893: St. Louis, Missouri. J. ?. Hamilton, manager of Cook & Whitby's Circus, has been at the St. James for a week. New York Clipper, September 16, 1893, p. 445.

    1894: On the road, circuses: Cook & Whitby's, Dubuque IA May 1? . New York Clipper, May 19, 1894, p. 162.

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Dan Cook's - 1891

    Wanted, for Dan Cook's Circus, musicians and performers, people that can double and do two or more good turns. Address Dan Cook, Brown's Valley, Minn. New York Clipper, July 18, 1891, p. 324. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Cooper & Carroll - 1891

    Wanted, for Cooper & Carroll's New United Southern Shows. Riders, jugglers, brother act, Indians, cowboys, in fact people in all branches of the circus business. First class band six or eight mouthpieces and musicians, must thoroughly understand circus music. A feature of the show is our band music. Also want trick dogs, ponies, goats and mules. All privileges for sale. Long season South. Would like to hear from agent, boss canvasman and chandelier man. Address Cooper & Carroll, Medon(?), Madison County, Tennessee. Performers, address Al.(?) Duray, equestrian director. New York Clipper, September 12, 1891 [probably], p. 463.
    Call. All people engaged for Cooper & Carroll's New United Southern Railroad Shows. Report for rehearsal Monday, Sept. ?? at Medon(?), Madison County, Tenn. Cooper & Carroll. New York Clipper, September 26, 1891, p. 498.
    The Three Gardner Bros. and John Morris have signed with Cooper & Carroll's United Southern Shows. Ed. C. Abbey will have charge of the advance corps. New York Clipper, October 3, 1891, p. 502.
    Roster of Cooper & Carroll's New United Southern R. R. Shows. Cooper & Carroll, sole proprietors; A. C. Murrelle, manager; Al. Duray, equestrian director; Three Gardner Brothers . . . Al. Duray, Prof. Albert Hall, Decameron, John Morris, Bowen Bros. . . . Geo. E. Smart, leader of orchestra; Frank Ide, I. W. Watson . . . W. E. Collier . . . Bert Wittier, Baker and Bart(?), Morris and Oscar Willey. We opened at Medon, Tenn., Oct 3(?), and gave two performances to crowded houses. The band is a big feature in our parade. At Jackson, Tenn., we had to turn people away. We have an elegant sleeper, one baggage and one flat car. New York Clipper, October 17, 1891, p. 535.
    On the road, circuses: Cooper & Carroll's, Landerdale, Miss. Nov 4, Meridian, 5(?)-7(?). New York Clipper, November 7, 1891, p. 589.
    Notes from Cooper & Carroll's New United Southern Shows. This is our fifth week out, and business has been exceptionally good. At Columbus, Miss., the capacity of the canvas was put to a test. The weather continues fine, and we are heading for Mobile, and then go into Florida for the winter. Manager Murrelle left Oct. 30 for Meridan, to attend the Forepaugh Show. He intends buying an elephant, a band wagon, two baggage wagons and flat cars. I. N. Fisk has secured the sideshow and candy privileges, which add considerable to the amount of canvas already spread. New York Clipper, November 7, 1891, p. 593.
    Wanted, for Cooper & Carroll's Southern Shows. Performers in all branches of the circus business, including a good clown; also wanted, a first class agent. All winter engagement. Address Cooper & Carroll, Vicksburg, Miss. Nov. 11-14, Delhi, La., 17, Monroe 18, 19. New York Clipper, November 14, 1891, p. 612.
    Master Decameo has closed with Cooper & Carroll's Southern Shows and joined hands with Phil Allen. The team are doing a double trapeze Mexican ladder act with D. R. P. Nelson's Medicine Co. New York Clipper, November 28, 1891, p. 632.
    On the road, circuses: Cooper & Carroll's, Lafayette, La. Dec 9, 10, Beaumont, Tex. 14, Houston 18-19. New York Clipper, December 12, 1891, p. 669.
    Houston, Texas. Cooper & Carroll's Circus opened 14(?) for four days. New York Clipper, December 26, 1891, p. 708.
    The Cooper & Carroll Circus collapsed at La Grange, Tex., Dec. 23, after a very turbulent season, under the direction of Manager Murrelle. The ___ story of delayed salaries, unpaid board bills, etc., is told by the stranded company. New York Clipper, January 9, 1892, p. 728.

    1892: Prof. Albert Hall, late of Cooper & Carroll's Circus, is spending the remainer of the winter season at Jackson, Tenn., where he is precticing a new slack wire act. New York Clipper, February 13, 1892, p. 809.

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Cooper & Co.'s United Railroad Shows - 1900

    The show cleaned up $1,500 on the Key West engagement, and made money in the southern towns of Florida. Commending at Jacksonville, however, business fell off and has been bad ever since. Pensacola was simply vile. Even ten-cent cotton can not make the South good country in the spring. J. R. W. Hennessey, proprietor. A Jim Sturgis sold his sixty-foot sleeping car to J. R. W. Hennessey, April 16. The latter will place it in his train, remodeling the one he is at present using, and sending it ahead for an advance car. Billboard, May 1, 1900, p. 6.

    Tuesday, June 5, the Cooper & Co.'s United Railroad Shows paid a visit to Shenandoah, and agreeably surprised us with the excellency of its old-time one-ring circus. Manager Hennessey opened the season at Key West, Fla., Feb. 5 . . . The roster of the show is: Cooper & Co., proprietors; J. R. W. Hennessey, manager; W. O.(?) Stultz, treasurer; F. E. Davis, advance manager; T. J. Oatman, equestrian director; Frank E. Piper, excursion agent; C. A. Clarke, press agent; Frank Fox, contracting agent; W. K. Bushnell, ????; Geo. Hall, boss canvasman; Jimmie Connors, candy stand. The following performers are with the show: the three De Bolans(?), Joe Cousins; Mille Lulu; Wm. Sowin and wife; Lee Edmunds; Frisen(?), Storey and wife; Fukin'as troupe of Japs, five in number; Billy and Charlie Boyd; Bobby Gifford; Theo. Barretta; Little Jennie Cronan, two-pony rider; Prof. Furness' Silver Cornet Band of fourteen pieces. The show is routed directly for the coast. . . . C. L. Hoover, Shenandoah, Va. Billboard, June 30, 1900, p. 5.

    The roster of the advance of the Cooper & Co. Shows is as follows: C. A. Clarke, general contracting agent; M. C. Cookston, manager advance car No. 1; Jerry duggan, boss bill poster; Harry McHugh, lithographer; Will Morris; programmer; Wm. Smith, Chas. Sewell, Duncan Brown, Lute Summers, Frank Miller, Max Levy, Harry Taylor, billposters. Billboard, August 18, 1900, p. 5. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Cooper & Rodden - 1892

    Wanted, for F. W. Cooper & J. H. Rodden Combined Shows, organizing for Southern tour, people in all branches of circus business. Must do two or more acts; concert and sideshow, lady with her own snakes, sideshow talker, experienced advance agent, billposters, lithographers, etc. Programmers, boss canvas man, boss hostler, boss chandelier man, two, four and six horse drivers. Show runs until 24(?)th Dec. Also a . . . push pole top, and 10 or 12 paintings, two 36(?) horse tents, with trough, complete. N.B. Lee Howard, Dan Manning, Andy Showers, Le?o Dubar, please write. Address ___ Sixth Avenue, Des Moines, Ia. New York Clipper, July 23, 1892, p. 321.
    Call. People engaged for Cooper & Rodden's Combined Shows report for rehearsal at Des Moines, Iowa, Aug. 1?. Wanted, musicians that double in orchestra; also trapeze team, lady and gent, or any novel act for big show or concert. Long season. Cooper & Rodden, ___ Sixth Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa. New York Clipper, August 13, 1892, p. 369.
    Cooper & Rodden's Great R. R. Show. Wanted for long season South, performers of all kinds (except riders), singling clown, principal leaper, iron jaw lady, lady for wire act that does single trapeze, double song and dance team and serio comic for concert. White band, 6 or 7 men for siedshow. Per route: Lineville, Ia. Sep 2, Princeton Mo. Sep 3, Trenton Mo. Sep 5, Jamesport Mo. Sep 6, Gallatin Mr. Sep 7, Winston Mo 8, Maysville Mo. 9, St. Joseph Mo. 10, Troy, Kas. Sep 12. New York Clipper, September 3, 1892, p. 418.
    Hattie and Joe Richard did their double trapeze act over the lake at Zoo Park, Springfield, Mo. They finished their two weeks' work, and joined the Cooper & Rodden Show at Des Moines, Ia. New York Clipper, September 10, 1892, p. 422.
    Cooper & Roddon's Show is reported to have closed at Clinton, Mo., Oct. 1. New York Clipper, October 15, 1892, p. 507.

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W. H. Coulter's - 1911

      W. H. Coulter's Famous Railroad Shows, circus, hippodrome, museum, menagerie, 100 performers, parade. This year Mr. Coulter has branched out from his Dog and Pony Show with a full fledged circus, previously had Coulter & Clark. Now a railroad show with two trains to transport it. Adams County Free Press (Corning, IA), May 20, 1911; Hamburg (IA) Reporter, Friday, May 26, 1911; Adams County Free Press (Corning, IA), May 13, 1911; Hamburg (IA) Reporter, May 26, 1911. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

W. C. Coup's Circus - 1878

      Coup’s “Bran-New Show” exhibited the past week in Washington, D.C., to splendid business. Our correspondent says: “It is the opinion of all who visited this show that it is nearly all new and entirely different from any canvas show ever exhibited in this city. The absence of sideshows, candy-butchers, lemonade peddlers, concert solicitors, etc., was a most enjoyable feature. . . . The devil-fish, one of Napoleon’s state carriages, several cages of wild animals, a tally-ho coach, a living giraffe are in the first tent. In the ring appear Irving’s Jackits-chy Japanese Troupe, whose performances are remarkable clever; the Austins - Charles and Carrie - in their lightning drill and dashing bayonet combat; the Snow Brothers in agile acrobatic feats, including the tossing of the hats; Miss Emma Stokes and her horse Nevada; the Broncho horses - eight in number - under the management of their trainer Mr. Fryer, go through a wonderfully precise military drill, and perform a number of tricks that seemed almost impossible for animals to learn. One of these horses, named Nettle, excited general admiration by leaping over a five-barred gate and four horses with the utmost ease. A troupe of trained dogs were also exhibited by Mr. Fryer, and displayed remarkable intelligence. Mlle. Rhinehart the beast-tamer showed her power over a cage of lions and a savage leopard. . . . The officers are W. C. Coup, proprietor; Charles W. Fuller, general manager; Ed. A. Tinkham, general agent; Chas. H. Day, general advertiser; J. J. Leyden, chief of paste brigade; Edgar Almon Menter, leader of brass band; Prof. R. W. Freyer, director of amusements.” [W. C. Coup’s Equescurriculum] New York Clipper, June 22, 1878. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

J. W. Couch's - 1882

      J. W. Couch’s Show includes Fred Faranta, Miss Maria, Chas. Bliss, Mons. Joseph, W. B. York, Romellis, Lem Quillin, Frank M. Angelo, J. A. Branen, Prof. Graham, Sicott and Andrews, Stebleton, Leisle and Julia St. Leton, Jennie De Bar and Leon Whttony’s Masqueraders. James. W. Couch is general manager; Geo. Wilson, assistant manager; C. Peck Russell, manager of publications; Harry Emmings, leader of band; Yankee Quillin, manager of amusement; R. H. Wood, general agent; P. Bliss, manager of concert; J. Willis, manage of museum; E. W. Ladd, treasurer; J. B. Sanders, equestrian director. New York Clipper, April 29, 1882. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Crane & Co.'s Oriental Circus - 1849-50

      The show had: Fairy Chariot, driven by Mast. Wm. Nixon. Mammoth Pavilion, room for 5,000 spectators. New York Sax Horn band, under direction of Mr. P. Fohs. Mr. W. H. Kemp, clown. Madame Camilla Gardner, first femal equestrian of America. Mr. Dan Gardner, clown and comic singer. Master William Nixon, feats of horsemanship. Mr. Samuel Lee, feats with real cannon balls. James Nixon and his talented pupils, George and Albert; Miss Wells, danseuse; Z. J. Lipman, scene rider; W. Smith, two-horse rider; Mesdames Gardner, Johnson, Nixon, Lipman, Wells; Messrs. Bliss, Murray, Reed, Reynolds, Nagles and Miller. Southport American (Southport, WI), July 4, 1849.

      On entering the village the procession will be headed by the great dragon chariot, containing the company's celebrated band, drawn by 10 Syrian camels, and followed by the fairy chariot, drawn by ten diminutive ponies and the clown's car. The company will be principally dressed in superb oriental costume, and taken collectively, will present one of the most unique and magnificent pagents ever exhibited in this section of the country, and will well repay the cost of a visit. The celebrated clown, Joe Pentland, accompanies the troupe.
      Advertisement: Crane & Co.'s Great Oriental Circus. 200 Men and Horses, Children and Ponies, Requiring 40 carriages to convey the Performers, Musicians, &c. Dragon Chariot, drawn by ten camels. Fairy Chariot, devoted to the conveyance of the Juvenile Corps. and drawn by 12 diminutive Ponies. M'lle Rosa, the first female artist in Europe and America; Joe Pentland, clown of all clowns; Mr. H. P. Madigan, the great Equestrian, Mr. H. Gardner, celebrated Dramatic Horseman; Mr. Liming, trick clown; Sig. Bliss, contortionist; Messrs. Murry and Reed, acrobats. Pet Pony, Don Juan, will dance, waltz. The Charioteer's Dilema, the grand object of introducing the camels, to enable the Managers to produce the Oriental Pageant of the Arab Slave, or the Sultan's Halt in the Desert. Tioga Eagle (Wellsboro, PA), September 30, 1850. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Crosby's Mammoth Pavilion Shows

    Crosby's Mammoth Pavilion Shows opened at Watseka, Ill., July 20, to reported big business. The roster: Frank Crosby, proprietor; Tom Hall, equestrian director; George Salckey, Charlie Borden, Claude La Verne, Pete Jenkins, Aronson Bros., Abe and Pete Vell, Tommy Hall, of Hall and Williams, Billy Watson, the Bentons, Martin, Gus Benton's Silver Cornet Band of twelve pieces. Harry Hall has charge of the canvas, with eight assistants. The canvas is a 100 ft. top, with a 40 ft. middle piece. July 20 being Mr. Crosby's birthday, he was tendered a recognition by the members of the company in the shape of a goldheaded cane, in the ring, which he accepted with an appropriate speech. New York Clipper, August 3, 1889. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Circo Cubano, Cuba - 1900-1901

    Notes from the Circo Cubano, now touring the island of Cuba. We opened our traveling season at Matanzas, Cuba, Dec. 14, showing there one week to crowded tents. . . . Tito Ruenes is sole proprietor and manager. Mr. Ruens is a big favorite among the natives, owing to the fact he being a major in the late Cuban-Spanish war, being held a prisoner for more than two years by the Spaniards. Tomas Quevede is advance agent, Florenc?o Romero, Treasurer; Julio Ruenes, secretary; Antonio Blan?o, press agent; Ysodoro Radaga, general agent; Santiago Perez, transportation master; Ed. Y. Kuniely(?), assistant manager. We carry a 100 ft. round top, with a 50 ft. middle piece; a 40 ft. round top dressing tent, 40ft. square horse tent. We carry twenty-eight head of horses. Chas. H. Bailey is in charge, with five assistants. Andrew Lopez is superintendent of canvas, with eight assistants; Pedro Madrzo in charge of lights; Luis Suarez, boss props. We carry a native band of eight pieces. Nickolas Ceballos is our equestrian director. Peter Barlow, principal somersault and jockey rider; Mr. Maguire, with troupe of eight performing horses and his trained mule; Lew Sunlin, and his performing bull; George Gilbert, and his troupe of performing goats; Prof. Kreisel, with his dogs, cats and monkeys; Yamada's Troupe of Japs, six in number; Joe Belmont, principal leaper; M?? Avon, Spanish rings and trapeze performer; Vig??? Ceboolos, gymnast; Nicolas Cebooles, high wire act; Nola and Ducrow, revolving ladder and clowns; L?rbey Bros., horizontal bars; Lyons and Craig, comic acrobats; John Carrie, equilibrist; Barons and Cha?hito, native dancers; Dan Ducrow, Spanish talking clown. We will show all the principal towns in Cuba, the season running until July. New York Clipper, January 19, 1901, p. 1046. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Cullins Bros. - 1894, 1900 (or Cullens)

    The Bob Robinson Specialty Co. will close season at Paris, Ky. Geo. Parento joins Cullins' Circus. Bob Robinson and the rest of the company will join the Teets Bros.' Circus. Mr. Robinson will manage the show. Master Harry Robinson, son of Bob Robinson, was thrown from a bicycle recently and broke his collar bone. New York Clipper, May 5, 1894, p. 133.

    1900: Opened at Concordia, Kansas, May 3. The Orton Family was with the Cullings [sic?] show, as was Tony White. Davie Jarvis was looking out for the transportation for the show. Billboard, May 1, 1900.

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Cummins' Wild West - 11906

    Sig. Sautelle writes: "I have sold my entire interest in the Cummins Wild West Co. to Walter L. Main, the sale and everything pertaining to the deal being entirely satisfactory to me. I sincerely believe the new organization will be a success from the start. The property I have sold them is certainly fine, all of it being new in 1905(?). Their stock Is as good as I have ever seen with any circus, if not the best, and the property they are adding is all brand new, so I believe it will be one of the best shows on the road, and a great deal largest than the freaternity realizes. My only reason for selling is because I want to retire permanently from the business." New York Clipper, March 17, 1906, p. 114. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

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D

Dailey Bros. Circus - 1942

    Opened at Yoakum, Texas, March 2nd. Used a 90 foot round top with three 40 foot middle pieces. Had a menagerie tent combined with the sideshow, with 150 foot banner line. Carried two performing elephants, two camels, eight liberty horses and six Shetland military ponies. "Dailey Bros. Opened in March," White Tops, Vol. 15, Nos. 5-6 (Apr-May), 1941, p. 2. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

D'Alma & Stone - 1893

    Kennedy and Williams closed with the Denver Ed. Smith Co., and are at present with D'Alma & Stone's Circus. New York Clipper, July 22, 1893, p. 315.
    Some of the male members of the D'Alma & Stone Circus crossed bats with the Patton, Pa. baseball club last week, ___ them by a score of 15 to 4(?). The D'Alma-Stone Battery were Lon Livingstone and Joseph Kennedy. New York Clipper, July 29, 1893, p. 328.
    Morris and McCune(?), triple bar performers, have signed with the Guy Bros.' Minstrels. They are now with D'Alma & Stone's Circus. New York Clipper, August 12, 1893, p. 365.

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D'Arley & O'Brien - 1890-91 (Great American; De Arley, O'Brien & French)

    1890: St. Louis, Missouri. D'Arly & O'Brien's Circus has been doing a fair business here. . . . New York Clipper, September 6, 1890, p. 403.
    1890: Wanted band of eight pieces for Great American Circus, write as per route: Camden, Sept. 16, Pine Bluff, Ark, 17, Brinkley, 19, Memphis 2?. Dearley, O'Brien & French. New York Clipper, September 13, 1890, p. 431.
    1890: Memphis, Tennessee. De Arley, O'Brien & French's Circus gave two performances. New York Clipper, October 4, 1890, 467.
    1890: The Cathcarts, Maurice and Jessie, are touring the South with the O'Brien, French & De Arley Railroad Circus. The team have signed with Dick Sutton's Circus for next season. New York Clipper, October 11, 1890, 487.
    1890: Notes from the Great American Railroad Show. This show has twelve cars, thirty-five head of horses, a one hundred and ten foot round top with three fifty foot middle pieces, and eighty foot menagerie, with two thirty foot middle pieces, a sixty by eighty foot side show with ten cages, chariots and band wagons. Ever since Aug. 13 we have been doing a tremendous business. The man in white appears every Sunday. Pop De Arley handles the cash in his old time easy manner. F.(P.?) E. Davis will handle the advance during the winter season, as he has so successfully done since the show started out. He has as his assistant S. M. Felton, with fifteen billposters and lithographers. New York Clipper, November 15, 1890, 568.
    1890: The Cathcarts, Maurice and Jessie, left the Great American Circus at Savannah, Ga., Nov. 16(?). They will make New Orleans their winter home. Maurice opened at Eugene Robinson's Museum, New Orleans, 20, and will then go to Weinger's Garden for the balance of the season. New York Clipper, December 6, 1890, p. 613.

    1891: . . . . De Arley & O'Brien's Circus has gone on the Tache. New York Clipper, January 17, 1891, p. 709.
    1891: Wanted for the Great American Circus, performers, riders, curiosities for sideshow, musicians, billposters, contractors, boss canvasman, master of transportation and train men and four and six horse dirvers. Privileges and candy stands to let to responsible parties only. Open at New Orleans Feb. 14. Take the road March 16. Address De Arley & O'Brien, Lafayette Hotel, New Orleans, La. New York Clipper, February 7, 1891, p. 763.
    1891: The Great American Circus (O'Brien & DeArley's) is on Bayou Teche, La. New York Clipper, February 14, 1891, p. 779.
    1891: Wanted, for a long season South, sideshow curiosities, circassian to handle snakes, also good magician who does Punch or talking figures. Would like to hear from Spaff Hyman, Boucher(?) and Burch. Wire to De Arley & O'Brien, Rentz's Circus, Franklin, Ind. New York Clipper, August 1, 1891, p. 357.

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Dawn Bros. Circus - 1973 or '74

    Don Bridwell and Fred Marco announced they were to revive Bridwell's show, Dawn Bros. Circus for 1974. Planned to tour indoor dates in the East and Midwest. Bridwell used the Dawn Bros. Circus title in 1967. Circus Report, Vol. 2, No. 33, 1973, p. 7. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Davis & Co. - 1890-91 (W. W. Davis)

    1890: Davis(?) & Co's Great Western Show . . . The roster: W. W. Davis, proprietor; Archie Royer, manager . . . King; Smith and Gallagher . . . Harry Frank; Wm. Webb . . . and Prof Harry Clark's silver cornet band of ten pieces. It will be a twenty five cent show. New York Clipper, May 10, 1890, p. 139.
    1890: Professional's Bureau, Circuses: W. W. Davis & Co.'s Railroad Shows. New York Clipper, June 14, 1890, p. 215.
    1890: Wm. W. Davis & Co.'s R. R. Shows, Circus, Museum and Menagerie. Wanted, good strong ring specialties, male and female riders, lady gymnasts, first class sideshow freaks . . . Two bands of ten pieces, white and colored. Address Wm. Davis & Co., ___ North Main Street, Cincinnati, Ohio. New York Clipper, June 14, 1890, p. 224
    1890: Archie Royer is still manager of Davis & Co.'s Great Western Show, and is doing nicely. He expects to take a specialty show on the road in September. New York Clipper, June 28, 1890, p. 243.
    1890: Archie Royer writes that Davis & Co.' Great Western Show went to pieces at Elkland, Pa., June 16(?). New York Clipper, July 19, 1890, p. 295.

    1891: Wm. W. Davis & Co., Circus, Museum and Menagerie. Wanted immediately, performers in all branches of the circus business, museum novelties and concert people, trick ponies, troupe of dogs, twenty shetland ponies - either to buy or hire - and a boss canvasman. The privileges are to let. Show to open on or about June 15. Address Wm. W. Davis & Co., ___ East Baltimore Street, Baltimore, Md. New York Clipper, May 30, 1891, p. 209.

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Davis' Great Overland Show, Davis' Circus - 1885, 1893-94, 1900

    1885: Among the people engaged for the Ed. F. Davis’ New Departure 25c Shows are Albert Aymar and his troupe of Walpole Island ponies, W. E. Young, Seabert and Henry, Bert Fisher, Mlle. Annette Worland, Mlle. Nellie Johnson, Little Frankie, the Jones Sisters, Tony Bullard, Fred Oxenford, Sam Wicks, Toot Cohn, Walter James, George A. Young, George Robison, Hale A. Vandercook, Wm. Thomas, Master Chas. Lovell, Prof. A. Cory and band of twenty solo performers. The Annex will be under the personal supervision of D. C. Guilford, and D. S. Ward will look after the refreshment booths. The show opens in Niles, Mich., May 18. New York Clipper, April 11, 1885.
    1885: Charles L. Davis, manager of Davis' circus, was lying on a bed in a room of the Southern Hotel, New Orleans, on last Wednesday night. His wife and her nephew were in the room at the time; he was playing with two pistols, when one was suddenly discharged, shooting Mrs. Davis in the breast. Her nephew ran out for assistance, and when the proprietor entered, he found Mrs. Davis lying dead upon the bed, and her husband was bending over her. He went to pick up the revolver that was lying beside her, but Mr. Davis seized it, and shot himself before the proprietor could interfere. Mrs. Davis was a very beautiful lady, and she and her husband always seemed to live happily together; yet some doubt is expressed as to whether the shooting was really accidental. Indiana (PA) Weekly Progress, December 3, 1885.
    1885: New Orleans, Nov. 27. - Testimony taken by the coroner in the Davis double tragedy shows the killing of Mrs. Davis was purely accidental. Craft, the nephew, who was the only witness of the shooting, says Davis was extricating cartridges from a revolver, when it exploded, and a number of loaded shells found on the bed confirm this, and the missing revolver was found on the bed under the dead woman's body. . . . Three thousand dollars worth of diamonds and other valuables were found in the room, showing that Davis was not in reduced circumstances as reported. Both were from Cincinnati where they have relatives. The bodies will be sent to Maysville, Ky., where Davis was born. Newark (OH) Daily Advocate, November 27, 1885.

    1893: Wanted, for season of 1894. F. E. Davis' Mammoth Empire Shows, Museum, Menagerie and Roman hippodrome, riders, gymnasts, acrobats, wire walkers, rope balancers, aerial artists, concert people, etc., boss canvas man, boss hustler [sic], six and eight horse drivers, chandelier man, two and four horse chariot drivers, Roman standing riders, etc. A long season. Show opens in February. Address F. E. Davis, No. 162, Paydras(?) Street, New Orleans, La. New York Clipper, December 23, 1893, p. 681.

    1894: F. E. Davis, proprietor of the "Empire Show," shipped several carload of circus material from Chicago to New Orleans, where the show opens about Feb. ??. New York Clipper, February 17, 1894, p. 803.
    1894: The F. E. Davis Mammoth Empire Shows gave their opening performance at Algiers, La., March 1. Roster: F. E. Davis, sole proprietor and manager; Charles Andrews, business manager; Harry Show(?), treasurer; Chas. O'Dell(?), equestrian director; A. J. Willis(?), general railroad contractor; Harry Lee Gendre(?), band master; Frank Shaffer, superintendent of privileges; Max Arnold, superintendent of canvas; Frank La Vigne(?), boss hostler; O. H. Parsons, cook; J. T. McLain, charge of side show; Frank Rose(?), lecturer of side show . . . Performers: William Melrose, principal comersault and jockey rider; Mohring Bros., acrobats, principal leapers and tumblers; Frank V. Miller and wife, jockey and double carrying act; R. J. Oatman, trained horses, ponies and comic mules; Mme. Lulu, trick horses and ponies; Madeline Murray, menage rider . . . Hattie Scott, flying rings; Mollie Le Gendre, juggling on slack wire; the Richards, aerial performers . . . Mr. O'Brien, Irish clown; Chas. W. Odell, four horse rider; Mme. Verona, bareback equestrienne; Daniels and Forrest(?), flying act; Skerbeck Family (seven in number), aerialists . . . and Willie Sarabo, Arabian contortionist. The band is composed of the following musicians: Prof. Harry Le Gendre, band master . . . Chas. Carroll, J. Young . . . Chris Schley, A. Hebert, C. J. Le Gendre, L. J. Troue, J. Eckstein, J. J. Kuhn, H. Collins . . . C. Smith and A. Brandon. Side show as follows: La Belle Pauline, Sig. Skerbeck, Mollie Cavelier, Mme. Andress, Nero man ape, and Lilile Montrose(?). The side show is under the supervision of Prof. Chas. Andress; James Rourk(?) in charge of the elephant, Empress. Hippodrome people: Ollie Menard, Misses Cavelier, Scott and Richards, jockey riders; O'Dell and Mme. Nelson, charioteers, and Edwards, Williams and Fields(?), standing races. It has rained every day since our opening, but business continues good. New York Clipper, March 10, 1894, p. 5.
    1894: Circuses, on the road: F. E. Davis, New Orleans LA, April 2-7. New York Clipper, April 7, 1894, p. 66.
    1894: Manager Sprague, of the Empire Show Printing Co., departed for New Orleans, La. ?, to rescue their elephant Empress, from the hands of the sheriff. E. F. Davis' Empire Circus was attached in that city on that date, and the elephant was part of the paraphernalia. New York Clipper, April 14, 1894, p. 83.
    1894: On the road, circuses: F. E. Davis, Jackson TN May 3-8(?), Cairo IL 7, 8, . . . East St. Louis 10-12. New York Clipper, May 5, 1894, p. 130.
    1894: The F. E. Davis Show, after closing at New Orleans, La., for two weeks, for the purpose of reorganizing, opened again in that city April ??, with the following people: F. E. Davis, proprietor and manager; Harry Shaw, treasurer; T. J. Oatman, equestrian director, with trick horses, ponies and mules . . . and William Mohring, principal tumbler and acrobats . . . Master Harry Mohring . . . Madeline Murray, horse "Monarch(?)," and trick menage . . . Prof. Chas. Andress, in charge of sideshow. . . . New York Clipper, May 5, 1894, p. 133.

    1900: With the Ed. F. Davis Shows - three La Rue Brothers; Welcome & Forepaw; Bernard Orton; Moore & Gilmoore Family; the Asbys; Mable Hall, with her manage horse "King." Robert Emmons has a good animal act with his two steers, a burro, a pony, a mule and a high-strung horse. The show has been refitted this season, and everything is new; the stock is in eleant condition also. Owing to rain, snow and cold weather playing in opposition, the show's business at first was nothing to brag of, but since leaving Kalamazoo matters have taken a different turn, and now everything points to a very successful season.Billboard, June 9, 1900, p. 5.

    1900: Chicago, Ill. June 13. - The reserved seats section in the Ed. F. Davis Circus, at Fifty-fifth street and Kimbark avenue, fell last night during the performance, and fourteen persons were injured. Only one was hurt seriously, the other injuries being confined to scratches and bruises. . . . Many women and children fainted from fright, and were trampled under foot by the crowd rushing to escape from the tent. The reserved seat section had a capacity of 200, and those who sat on the collapsed side declare that people were crowded on it until it fell from the weight. This is denied by representatives of Davis.
    The tent was packed when the hour for opening arrived, at 8 o'clock. The band had scarcely finished the overture when people sitting in the east reserved portion felt the structure sway and tremble under them. A woman shrieked, and then the whole section collapsed. In an instant there was confusion. Women fainted, some men turned pale, while others hurried across the ring to assist in carrying out the victims from the wreck. An alarm was sent to the Hyde Park Police Station, and two wagons and an ambulance were quickly on the scene.
    The band had stopped abruptly, but as the wreckage was removed and it was known no lives were lost, the bandmaster gave the signal and the musicians struck up a lively air. Quick work by the canvasmen and the police cleared the space occupied formerly by the reserved portion. A futile effort was made to continue the performance, but the crowd would have none of it. Finally, the main lights were turned out, and the work of tearing down the tents begun. By this time a mob of boys and men surrounded the tent, demanding their money back, and became so threatening that Sergt. Bagnelis(?) was compelled to send for more police to control the crowd. . . . The same circus had a collapse of the reserved seat section last week in South Chicago. Several persons were hurt at that time.
    Chicago, June 14 - E. F. Davis, proprietor of the Davis Circus Company, failed to appear and surrender himself at the Hyde Park Police Station to-day. Davis is charged with criminal carelessness in warrants sworn out by Attorney P. F. Ryan, representing a score of persons recentlyinjured in the falling of the arena seats during the performance of the circus at South Chicago and again at Fifty-fifth street and Kimbark avenue. Davis' lawyer, whose name is witheld, called at the police station yesterday and assured Inspector Hunt that Davis would surrender himself to-day. At 1 o'clock this afternoon Capt. Madden of the Hyde Park Police Station detailed detectives to arrest Davis. It is believed that the circus will attempt to show on the north side to-night, and the police of the city have been ordered to prevent its opening, as two accidents and three riots as a result of its performances during the last ten days have convinced Chief K??ley that the show is not compatible with public safety.
    The Ed. F. Davis Shows were refused a license after the seats fell down for the second time in Chicago. The show was shipped out of town without molestation. Billboard, June 23, 1900, p. 5.

    1900: The Ed. F. Davis Shows have got in running order again. Billboard, June 30, 1900, p. 5.
    1900: L. S. Thompson is now general agent of the Ed. F. Davis Shows, succeeding De Forrest Davis, retired. Billboard, July 7, 1900, p. 5.
    1900: Ed. F. Davis writes that he has closed. The season ended at Kalamazoo on July 10, with a performance under the auspices of the Elks. Billboard, July 21, 1900.
    1900: Ed. F. Davis writes that he got the show home intact, that he has settled with his actors and musicians and that the circus will go out again next spring, but on a different scale. Billboard, August 4, 1900.

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De Bonnaire's United Shows - 1892

    1891: For sale, cheap. One flat car, . . . bareback horses . . . elephant ???, a lot of other wardrobe. Also desire a partner for a neat wagon show for the coming season of 1892. Jeanette De Bonnaire, Crawford County, Kansas. New York Clipper, December 26, 1891, p. 706.

    1892: Wanted, for De Bonnaires' United Wagons Shows, people in all branches of the circus business for every department. Privileges to let; also one 60ft. combination and one 35ft. flat car for sale. Jeannette De Bonnaire, Pittsburg, Crawford County, Kas. New York Clipper, March 12, 1892, p. 14.
    1892: S.(?) P. Bowman has the sideshow privilege with De Bonnaire's United Shows, Ancient Caravan and Monster Museum. Among the features already engaged are: S. P. Bowman, manager; Jennie Bowman; Nina ???; Kate De Bonnaire; Col. Stoddard; Zamo, Zulu chief; Armelo(?) Bedo; the mastodon double hump camel Bush(?); a cage of monkeys; four pair living vampires. a 60ft. round top, with a 30ft. middle piece, in charge of Buck Davin, with two assistants; a front of fourteen Tucker Bro. paintings. The show opens Mar 5 at Pittsburg, Kan., for three days. Jennie Bowman, with her dog circus, has signed. New York Clipper, April 2, 1892, p. 50.
    1892: Wanted, for the Great Parisian Shows, musicians, good general performers who can ??? in leaps and tumble. Sideshow and other privileges to let on percentage; also two sixty feet flat cars for sale. Jeannette De Bonnaire, manager, Pittsburg, Kansas. New York Clipper, June 25, 1892, p. 254.

    1894: Jeanette De Bonnaire offers a wagon show for lease. New York Clipper, April 28, 1894, p. 126.

    1877: Jennetta De Bonnaire, double trapeze artist and serio-comic singer, can be engaged. New York Clipper, July 7, 1877, p. 18.

1900 Michigan Census, 114 Macomb street, Ward 3, Detroit, Wayne County
DeBonnaire, Jennie; head; born May 1861; age 39; married 8 years, no children; born IN, father born VA, mother born OH; no occupation, rents house.
DeBonnaire, Lewis; boarder; b. Nov 1858; age 42; married 8 years; born NJ; father born NY, mother born NJ; occupation showman.

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De Cooper's - 1891

    Wanted, circus, sideshow and concert people, all except riders, also a troupe of trick dogs. All people must do two or more acts. Those playing brass perferred. Long engagement and fair salaries to good people. Show opens June 20. Privileges for sale. Address Prof. De Cooper, proprietor and manager, King of the Road and Rail and Air Ship Co., 134 W. Federal Street, Youngstown, O. P. S. For sale, full set of scenery painted in oil. New York Clipper, June 13, 1891, p. 240.
    Dan C. Manning, principal clown; Ida Bailey and Manning and dogs, late of Bailey's London Circus, have signed with Prof. De Cooper's Circus. New York Clipper, June 27, 1891, p. 268.

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De Haven's Great Union - 1860

    [Advertisement] De Haven's Great Union Circus . . . Friday and Saturday, May 18 and 19. Our Grand Entree into the arena, will be introduced by an act entitled The Poet's Dream, or, the Bedouins Camping, with their suberb steeds, on the Arabian desert. Mark the proud galaxy of noted stars: Oliver Bell, Hiram Marks, Billy Sparks, Washin'n DeHaven, Thos. Williams, P. H. Seamon, Henry Morrasy, Mast. Fred Warner, Mast. Chas. Clark, Herr Kline, Ellsler Brothers,Mrs. P. H. Seamon. M'lle Louise, the pride of the American arena, Tom Burgess, the great Southern clown, Shakesperian and original Pete Jenkins. Charley H. Huntington, the great American clown, comic pantomimist and grotesque pasturer. And those quadrupedal celebrities, Floating Cloud and Starlight. . . . C. C. Schucer, gen'l agent. New York Clipper, July 7, 1877, p. 18. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons. Milwaukee Sentinel (Milwaukee, WI), May 15, 1860, p. 1. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Deul's - 1894

    Notes from Deuel's Equine and Canine Paradox: ?. B. Crayford has signed with the show as general agent. George Day as boss canvas man and "Shorty" ___ will preside over the Hotel Deuel during the season. New York Clipper, March 3, 1894, p. 833.
    1894: C. P. Maxwell has signed with Deuel's Equines as leader of band. New York Clipper, March 17, 1894, p. 21.

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Diefenbach - 1890-95

    1890: Notes from the Diefenbach Show. Manager Diefenbach reports good business throughout the South. The only losing week that the show has had in five years was the week before Christmas at New Orleans. The show left New Orleans Dec. 28, and is now at Jackson. This is their third engagement there within nine weeks. New York Clipper, January 11, 1890, p. 732.
    1890: Notes from Diefenbach’s Show. Good business has been the rule all winter, and everybody is well and happy. Many handsome and valuable presents were exchanged by the members of the troupe on Christmas. Manager Diefenbach was presented with a handsome shaving set by John Seery . . . New York Clipper, January 18, 1890, p. 749.
    1890: The Diffenbach Show closed its season at ___, Miss., Feb. 9(?), and shipped direct to winter quarters at Murphysboro, Ill. The entire company have been re-engaged for next season. Manager F. Diffenbach and wife, Chas. Huff(?), J. J. Zampra(?) . . . Frank Gillespie(?), Steve Rogers . . . are at Murphysboro, Ill. . . . Pete(?) Anderson and Wm. Rutherford at Mount Vernon, Ill.; John Smith at New Orleans, La. . . . and Herbert Swift(?) at Jackson, Miss. The company will open their next season at Murphyboro, Ill. early in April . . . New York Clipper, February 15, 1890, p. 806.
    1890: A strong specialty wanted for Diffenbach's Great Trans-Atlantic Show. The most popular price show on the road. Season opens early in April at Murphysboro, Illinois. Candy stand and sideshow privilege to rent. . . . Also wanted a No. 1 boss canvasman, Address P. Diffenbach, Laclade(?) Hotel, Murphysboro, Ill. New York Clipper, March 1, 1890, p. 850.
    1890: On the Road, Circuses: Diefenbech's, Carbondale, Pa., April 21-26. New York Clipper, April 26, 1890, p. 98.
    1890: Diffenbach's Circus opened their season at Murphysboro, Ill., April __. They have a brand new canvas, and, a repainting, repairing and remodeling had been thoroughly done during the vacation. Everything looked as bright as a new silver dollar. The prospects are extremely good for a successful season, if the opening performances count for anything. Marella Myers and Valvo(?) have made special hits. The complete roster: P. Dieffenbach, sole proprietor and manger; C. W. Hud(?), assistant manager; Ike Fellows, advance agent; Martella Myers . . . John Sexton, Bennie(?) Sexton . . . Chas. W. Burch, Harry Morris, Frank Keeble(?), Steve Rogers . . . Concert: Frank Gillespie, Chas. W. Burch, E. H. Day . . . Chas.(?) Winchester, George Prudy . . . Q. Marshall, boss canvasman; Chas. Wesley, chandelier man . . . New York Clipper, April 26, 1890, p. 103.
    1890: Notes from Diefenbach's Show. Good business is now the rule, but on our first four weeks out we gave only night performances, "all on account of rain." Everybody is well. The ___ Bros. and Maretta Myers are making hits in the big show, and Charles W. Burch(?) and Frank Gillespie are doing well in the concert. New York Clipper, June 7, 1890, p. 197.
    1890: Ike Fellows has left Diefenbach's Shows on account of sickness. New York Clipper, June 28, 1890, p. 243.
    1890: Notes from Diefenbach's Trans-Atlantic Show. We are doing a good business through the rural districts of Illinois. Pete Conklin joined us June 1? at Richmond, Ind. He appeared in the ring with Mr. Diefenbach. As they approached the entrance after an absence of fourteen years they were greeted with storms of applause from the enthusiastic crowd that packed the large canvas. The two Sexton Bros. are doing a fine double contortion act. . . . Frank Gillespie, the knockabout clown, never fails to make a hit. Our band of eighteen pieces is one of the leading features with the show. The man in white appears just the same whether it rains or shines. New York Clipper, June 28, 1890, p. 243.
    1890: Notice to glass blowers. A good privilege for the right party and a long season. Would like to hear from parties that run glass stands and all kinds of sideshow people for Diefenbach's Big Show. Address Peter Conklin, manager of sideshow, Danville, Ill. July 15, 16, Champaign, Ill, July 17, 18. New York Clipper, July 19, 1890, p. 304.
    1890: St. Louis, Missouri. Pete Conklin, the well known clown, was in the city last week. He has left the Diefenbach Show, and will join James A. Bennett's Show at San Antonio, Tex. New York Clipper, October 4, 1890, 471.
    1890: Notes from Diefenbach's Show. We have been playing to good business, but have encountered considerable rain. We have made some changes in the company, strengthening it for the South. . . . Our roster: P. Diefenbach, proprietor and manager; Chas. W. Burch, equestrian director; Mrs. Diefenbach . . . Sexton Bros.; Manuel and Cecil(?) Trevino; Roberta Trevino, Frank Gillespie, Lulu(?) Snyder . . . Steve Rogers; Ralph Bailey; Mat Parkhurst(?) and C. H. Piermon, advance. New York Clipper, October 18, 1890, 503.
    1890: Notes from Diefenbach's Circus. We have been across the river on our annual Southern tour just a week now, and have encountered good weather and fairly good business. We jumped from Murphysboro, Ill., to Union City, Tenn. . . . the Trevinos and Tony Ashton, with his dogs, joined, making the show stronger for the South. Our roster: P. Diefenbach, proprietor and manager; Chas. W. Burch, equestrian director; Tony Ashton and his school of dogs; Sexton Bros.; Manuel(?) and Cecilia Trevino; Robarto Trevino; Frank Gillespie . . . Steve Rogers; Ralph Bailey; Mat Parkhurst . . . and W. H. Mack. We now have a baggage car and coach of our own, and everything is as comfortable and homelike as possible. New York Clipper, October 18, 1890, 523.
    1890: On the Road, Circuses and Miscellaneous: Diefenbach's, Meridean, Miss., Nov. 10-??, Jackson, 17-22. New York Clipper, November 15, 1890, 560.
    1890: Notes from Diefenbach's Show. We have been in Mississippi about four weeks, and have been doing excellent business. The weather is fine, but a little cold, and the boys work to keep warm. We have made a big improvement in the programme by securing C. C. Mathews and Jessie(Jennie?) Dare, making the show stronger for this coujntry, and, judging by the houses, it is a very fetching show. At Jackson, Tenn., where we played one week, we turned people away the last three nights. . . . New York Clipper, November 15, 1890, 568.
    1890: On the Road, Circuses and Miscellaneous: Diefenbach's, Baton Rouge, La., Nov. 21-30, Plaquemine(?), Dec. 1-3, Donaldsonville, 4-6. New York Clipper, November 29, 1890, 595.
    1890: Notes from Diefenbach's Show. We played Jackson, Miss. all last week to good business. . . . Jessie Dare is making a hit with her trapeze work. C. C. Mathews always catches them with his cloud swinging. En route from Meridian to Jackson, Mr. Diefenbach lost his cane; so Monday morning the boys, unknown to Mr. D., bought him an elegant gold headed one, and at the night show, jsut before the last act, Mr. D. was persuaded to approach one of the centre poles to examine the lights. At the same time, Chas. B. Burch, our equestrian director, entered the ring, and, on behalf the company, presented to him the cane. To say that he was surprised would be expressing it tamely. He thanked the company in a few well chosen remarks, and retired amid applause. After the show the company repaired to the Edwards House, where an elegant collation(?) was appreciated by all. New York Clipper, November 29, 1890, 596.

    1891: Notes of the Diefenbach Show. Mr. Diefenbach has been very sick. He was taken with a chill at Meridian, Miss., but managed to reach Jackson, where he lay three weeks with typhoid pneumonia; but his wonderful constitution, combined with strong will power and Mrs. D.'s good nursing, brought him through O.K. Mrs. D. has been at Jackson for the last three months, on the sick list. The following is the company for the season of 1891: P. Diefenbach, proprietor and manager; Chas. W. Burch, assistant manager and equestrian director; C. C. Mathews, Jessie Dare, Bennie Sexton, Johnnie Sexton, Frank Seery, John Seery, Tom Tandy(?), Steve Rogers, Ralph Bailey, Jim Parkhurst, Mrs. Sallie Parkhurst, C. W. Burch, Herbert Swift, Leona Woodward and troupe of performing dogs and goats, Will J. Predmor's challenge cornet band and orchestra. Homer Davis has charge of the advance, R. W. Fisher of the privileges . . . New York Clipper, March 7, 1891, p. 826.
    1891: On the road, circuses: Diefenbach's, . . . Champaign, Ill. 14-16, Clinton 18, 19, Bloomington 20-23(?). New York Clipper, May 16, 1891, p. 171.
    1891: Notes from the Diefenbach Show. We opened the season at Seymour, Ind. . . . to good business. ___ Predmore has been on the sick list . . . P. Diefenbach, proprietor; Ed. Guthery(?) equestrian director; W. W. Murray . . . Larry Murphy, Steve Rodgers . . . Mrs. P. Diefenbach is enjoying good health with the show. Mrs. Ida Guthrie(?) is residing at Cincinnati, O. . . . William Hodson, boss property man, with two assistants. The white spectre has never failed to make its appearance. Ed. Guthrie, a trapeze performer, was considerably shaken up recently by falling from the bar(?) to the ground. He was swinging at full length, suspended by a strap attached to his partner's hand, when the strap slipped, and he fell . . . before striking the ground, thus saving his life. New York Clipper, August 1, 1891, p. 346.
    1891: Reports from the Diefenbach Show announce business to be entirely satisfactory through Indiana and the West. Chas. H. Pierson is again in advance. All the people are in good health. New York Clipper, August 1, 1891, p. 346.
    1891: Lace Milligan, clown, Diefenbach’s Circus, is ill, not able to rejoin. New York Dramatic News, August 15, 1891, p. 10.
    1891: Notes from the Diefenbach Circus. Ed. Guthrie, equestrian director, has entirely recovered from the fall he received several weeks ago. Mrs. Ida Guthrie joined the show at Alexandria, Ind., Aug. _, after laying off eight weeks at her home, Cincinnati. N.(?) W. Murray is making a big hit with his bar act. . . . Everybody is well with the show, and the man in white never fails to make his appearance. Manager Phil Diefenbach received bad news from home Aug. 22, to the effect that his father was dying. Manager Diefenbach started for his home, Hamilton, O., immediately. Mrs. Diefenbach and Ed. Guthrie will take charge of the show duing Mr. Diefenbach's absence. The show is doing a wonderful business through Illinois. We are heading for the South. New York Clipper, September 5, 1891, p. 433.
    1891: On the road, circuses: Diefenbach's Duquoin IL Sep 16, 17, Carbondale 18, __, Murphysborough 21(?)-26. New York Clipper, September 19, 1891, p. 467.
    1891: Notes from Diefenbach's Show. Our band of fourteen pieces furnished music for the trade parade, at Jackson, Miss. During the performance at Jackson a storm came up. The proprietors thought there was going to be a blow and storm and made that announcement. A stampede was the result. The tent was packed and jammed with people. They just turned loose, fell backwards off the seats and made a rush - men, women and children - for the open air. They didn't take time to go under the tent; they got out their knives and slit holes in the canvas in every direction, damaging the show property several hundred dollars. New York Clipper, November 28, 1891, p. 632.

    1892: Ed. Guthrie, of the Diefenbach Show, made a flying visit to Cincinnati last week, to spend the holidays with his wife, Mrs. Ida Guthrie, who recently presented him with a bouncing baby boy, weighing eleven pounds. New York Clipper, January 2, 1892, p. 715.
    1892: Notes from the Diefenbach Show. Everything is booming around winter quarters in readiness for next season. The show will be much larger, using 110ft. round top . . . Col. Chas. H. Pierson will have five men in advance. The show will carry five(?) cars and John Berry(?) will have twenty working men. The company will include P. Diefenbach, proprietor; Col. Cha. H. Pierson, general agent . . . M. W. Murray, John Smith . . . Steve Rogers . . . Bertha Mann, Capt. Edgar, and Prof. M. Snyder(?) and his troupe of Mexican ponies, dogs and goats. Eugene Coyle will have control of the sideshow. The show will open at Mobile, Ala., Feb. __. New York Clipper, February 20, 1892, p. 824.
    1892: Herbert Swift, comedian and musician, will join the Diefenbach Show at Columbus, Miss., March 16. New York Clipper, March 19, 1892, p. 18.
    1892: The Sixto? Bros. join the Diefenbach Show for this season. New York Clipper, April 30, 1892, p. 114.
    1892: Harry and Tillie Brandon have closed with the Diefenbach Show, and are at their home at Joliet, Ill. New York Clipper, May 21, 1892, p. 165.
    1892: On the road, circuses: Diefenbach's, Carbondale, IL May 1?. New York Clipper, May 21, 1892, p. 167.
    1892: On the road, circuses: Deifenbach's, Terre Haute IN June 6-11. New York Clipper, June 11, 1892, p. 214.
    1892: Andy Spear and wife and their troupe of educated dogs are with E. ?. Diefenbach's(?) tented company in Southern Ohio. This is Mr. Spear's thirty-third year in the profession. New York Clipper, July 2, 1892, p. 260.

    1893: Notes from the Diefenbach Show. We opened the season at Murphysboro, Ill., April 6, and experienced fearfully bad weather from the start. We started out with a hundred foot round top and two fifity foot foot middle pieces, in fine condition; all that's now left is the round top and one middle piece, which we cut down to forty feet. We have been blown down nine times and on each occasion have been torn all to pieces. But the sun is shining at last, and business is now standing room only. Thos who have children doing acts in the circus profession will be benefitted by reading this: At Richmond, Ind., on June 27, Mr. Diefenbach was arrested by the Humane Society chargin him with cruelty to children. He immediately gave bonds for $___ for his appearance on the following day. Charges were made against him and Daniel ___, father of Sanchapancha(?) and Michle(?), aged six and four years. It was proven at the trial that the children were not cruelly treated, but on the contrary had the very best of everything. As Mr. Diefenbach did not engage the children, and proved by contract that he only engaged the five older ones, the president of the Humane Society dismissed the case on the ground that the children were with their mother and father, and it was their proper place. The president said the Humane Society was not to arrest or injure a man's business, but simply to stop cruelty of which Mr. Diefenbach or the father might be guilty. The following is a list of the company: the Mexican family, five in number, and the two greatest Mexican children in the profession; Dan Malcolm, Millie Ethola(?), Frank P.(F.?) Gillespie, Chas. Lamb . . . and George McDonald's Challenge(?) Opera band and orchestra, consisting of the following: Geo. W. McDonald, John Lavadais(?), Frank Thacker, Henry Haack(?), P. D. Thresham(?), Bert Snow, Herman Reilding(?), Henry Fisher, Bert Clair . . . New York Clipper, July 15, 1893, p. 296.
    1893: Notes from Dieffenbach's Mexican Shows. We have been on the road five months, and have played to large business. We have had bad weather for seven weeks ___ blow downs, and at Winchester, Ind., our big top was completely destroyed in twenty minutes. We showed with nothing but side walls for two days. . . . Our company consists of forty-six people . . . New York Clipper, October 14, 1893, p. 510.
    1893: On the road, circuses: Diefenbach's, Effingham, Ill. Oct. 1?, Centralia 1 . . . New York Clipper, October 14, 1893, p. 511.
    1893: Notes from Diefenbach's Mexican Circus, now touring the South: Business is good, and every night was a turn away to Natchez, Miss. Following is the roster: P. Diefenbach, proprietor and manager; Prof. Taylor(?), advance representative; Joe Miller, assistant; Prof. Hurbert(?) Swift, leader of brass and string band of ten pieces . . . Performers: Daniel Meza's Mexican Family, nine in number . . . Geo. Terrell . . . Wm. Reynolds. Concert people: Swift and Terrell, Katie Diefenbach, Rosie Aden(Allen?), Hood and Daily(?) and S. A. Hearn. We are working our way in Florida. New York Clipper, December 30, 1893, p. 687.

    1894: On the road, circuses: Diebenbach's, Jackson, Miss Mar 5-__. New York Clipper, March 10, 1894, p. 2.
    1894: Notes from the Deifenbach Shows. We have played the entire winter in the South, losing but few stands. Mr. Deifenbach met with an accident at St. Johns Ferry, La. He slipped and fell almost breaking his leg. F. E. Piper and A. S. Hearns(?) were on the sick list, but all OK now. The company at present is as follows: P. Deifenbach, W. M. Clark, Jack Bradock, Joseph Tully, Clarence Hood(?) Fred Wiretta(?), P. M. Rice, ___ Herrick . . . Wm. Mitchell . . . Meza Mexican Family, ten in number, Wm. Murry(?), boss canvasman with eight men; Smith Hutchings, charge of stock with six men; Wm. Stokes(?) is master of transportation with ten men. Harry James joined Feb. __ to take charge of band. Mrs. Deifenbach and little daughter met us at Baton Rouge, La., 14(?), after an absence of seven weeks. All is well now and the show is headed North. Week of March _ we will be at Jackson, Miss. . . . Frank E. Piper left the show and sailed for Cuba 20(?) to be gone seven weeks. New York Clipper, March 10, 1894, p. 5.
    1894: Notes from the Diefenbach Circus. We have been playing the South the past winter to fair business. The roster: P. Diefenbach, proprietor and manager; William Clark, advance representative . . . New York Clipper, May 5, 1894, p. 133.

    1895: The traveling aggregation now located at the corner of Tenth and High streets and known as the Diefenbach show, is in a peck of trouble. The show has been playing in hard luck for several weeks and the pay roll has been in arrears for some time. Today a number of attaches of the show served a writ of attachments on its paraphernalia to secure their unpaid salaries. At the trial before Squire Walters this morining, Diefenbach was able to show that he had transferred his interest to one C. H. Pierson several weeks ago. Mr. Pierson has a bill of sale for the show and yesterday demanded that the property be turned over to him. He had twice before pressed his claim he says but each time Diefenbach retained it on the plea that he would shortly be able to retrieve his fortunes. The affair was amicably adjusted this afternoon by the attaches taking possession for this week and the proceeds of each evening performance will be distributed among them as benefits. Logansport Daily Reporter (Logansport, IN), June 26, 1895.
    1895: Silas K. Louis (or Lewis), proprietor of the Dieffenbach circus, entered suit today demanding $500 damages of Constable Levi Binney. The suit is brought on Constable Binney's bond and his sureties John Kies, Frank Higt and David Laing are named as co-defendants. Louis alleges that Constable Binney unlawfully levied upon his (Louis) circus effects to satisfy judgments secured against his manager, Philip Dieffenbach. Kistler & Kistler are attorneys for the plaintiff and Justice & Peden for the defendants. Logansport Daily Reporter (Logansport, IN), July 3, 1895.
    1895: The Dieffenbach show tent, over which there was so much litigation, is now in the possession of Mr. Davis, of Peru, who has organized a company to play "Uncle Tom's Cabin." Logansport Daily Reporter (Logansport, IN), July 9, 1895.

    1898: New Orleans, Jan. 20. Phil Diefenbach, a showman of note, and associated in a business sense with such men as Barnum, Forepaugh, Robinson, Sells Bros. and James Hamilton, is very ill at the Charity hospital, in this city. Mr. Diefenbach started south with his circus about three months ago, but became so ill after a few weeks that when he reached New Orleans he had to go to the hospital, where he is still confined. His show is still on the road. Mr. Diefenbach's wife and fourteen year old daughter are here with him. Mr. Diefenbach is a member of the Elks and G. A. R. and is well known all over the country. San Antonio Daily Light (San Antonio, TX), January 20, 1898.

Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Sam Dock's Keystone - 1900

    Sam Dock's Keystone Show and E. G. Smith's Imperial Show have combined. Billboard, May 1, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Dode Fisk - 1911

      "Brenham, Tex., Feb. 17 - The Dode Fisk circus, which has been intering here, has been sold to Jerry Megavin [sic] of Terre Haute, Ind., owner of Howe's London Shows." San Antonio (TX) Light and Gazette, February 17, 1911. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Doris - 1885

      Doris' roster is as follows: Agents - Railroad-contracting agent, J. R. Davis; general-agent, E. H. Davis; contracting-agent, Samuel P. Cox; agent car No. 1, Geo. Pitsker; agent car No. 2, Geo. Kettler; agent skirmish-brigade, J. Callahan; agent bugle brigade, B. M. Drake; newspaper-representataive, John E. Boyle. Corps of 75 billposters. Performers - Wm. Shoals, Sallie Marks, Ella Stokes, Moore Family, Fisher Bros., Three Milo Bros., the Russian Athletes, Onofri Bros., J. R. Adams, J. F. Quigley, Troupe of fourteen Turks, Mlle. De Granville, Mlle. Lizetta, Belle Celeste, James Woodville, J. J. Shoals, May Antonio, Marsh Adams and wife, McIntyre and Cummings, Mills and Warren, Riffa Bey Carter (American Jap0 and Eldora. All privileges are under the management of Wm. Doris. New York Clipper, March 21, 1885. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Doris & Colvin - 1887

      John B. Doris and E. D. Colvin made a partnership deal in this city Jan. 6. Mr. Colvin will add to the Doris outfit his ten cars and their contents, including Roman horses and chariots, bucking ponies, racing stuff, wardrobe, etc. The new show will travel as Doris’ Inter-Ocean Circus, combined with E. D. Colvin’s Colossal Hippodrome and Wild West. Mr. Doris went to Indianapolis, Ind., 10. Mr. Colvin remains here to work the preliminaries. . . . The show will open in Indianapolis. New York Clipper, January 15, 1887.

      . . . Doris & Colvin Shows. . . . The Colossal Roman Hippodrome employs over a hundred trained equestrians and jockeys, male and female, and the New Wild West counts in its vast organization Indians, scouts, hunters, Indian slayers, Rocky Mountain guides, trappers, Mexican vaqueres, bullfighters, . . . Captain Elmer E. Stubbs the "Restless Spirit of the Plains," will lead the Wild West Show, in shots surpassing the feats of any marksman in the world. In short, the Captain bears the title, Champion Combination Wing Shot of the World, with rifle, revolver and shotgun. Newark (OH) Daily Advocate, April 29, 1887. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Doris & Sullivan - 1888

      Sullivan in the Circus Business. Boston, May 21. - John L. Sullivan has bought a one-third interest in John B. Doris' circus, and will make a tour of the United States, beginning on or about June 1. Sullivan has dropped his former manager, Harry Philips, and, having secured the services of a secretary, will manage his own affairs in the future. Fitchburg (MA) Sentinel, May 21, 1888.

      Bluffed By Sullivan. The Way in Which He Got the Best of a Norwich Sheriff. Norwich, Conn., July 7 - At the conclusion of the evening performance of John B. Doris' and John L. Sullivan's circus here there was a great rush of the athletes and employees over a greater portion of the city in search of a sheriff to served an attachment on Sullivan adn Doris' property, claiming arrears in salaries. . . . Deputy Sheriff Storey, who was finally secured and accompanied the party to the circus lot, where Sheriff Joab Rogers and a large crowd had preceded them. Sheriff Rogers from the top of a wagon warned John L. not to move the property. After parleying for a time Sullivan reached for the sheriff, who weights about 180 pounds, caught him by the collar with one hand, and gently set him upon the grass. Rogers call for the arrest of the pugilits, but no one present dared to make the attempt. The proprietors effected an arrangement with the employes, and the show left the city at an early hour the next morning. Daily Northwestern (Oshkosh, WI), July 7, 1888.

      Not a Paying Circus. Boston, July 21. - Sullivan, Doris & Gray have dissolved their circus partnership. It is said that the enterprise was not a paying one. Newark (OH) Daily Advocate, July 21, 1888.

    Sullivan Has the Circus. Boston, Mass., July 23. - The Doris-Sullivan circus combination has been broken up, and John L. will not compete with Barnum and Forepaugh under his own name. Says the champion: "I like the business and shall stick to it. Doris and I part friends, but I intend to push the business. I propose making the circus a two ring one before many weeks are over, and will in time, I hope, get up to the level of any show in the business. I am down to work now, and when I have settled some of the would-be champions I will turn my full attention to the circus, which will be my whole aim hereafter. Daily Northwestern (Oshkosh, WI), July 23, 1888. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Downie & Gallagher's - 1891-92

    1891: Buffalo, New York. Andrew Downie has sold a half interest in his circus to J. F. Gallagher, of Medina, N. Y. New York Clipper, February 7, 1891, p. 758.
    1891: Downie and Gallagher is one of the many new firm names for the coming season. The headquarters are in Greenville, Mich., where many are busy getting things in readiness. New York Dramatic News, February 7, 1891, p. 12.
    1891: Second season. Downie & Gallagher (successors to Rich & Downie) Big Railroad Shows. Wanted to rent, two more 60 ft. flat cars and one sleeper. Wanted, performers in all branches of the business. Trained animals of all kinds. All must do more than one act in big show or concert. Musicians for two bands. Those with me last season, write. Good boss canvasman, who can handle his men. An agent not afraid to work, one who is a close contractor, who understands railroad contracting and is strictly sober. Candy stand and sideshow to let to responsible party. For sale a number of baggage wagons, two advance, one band and one passenger wagon. Will buy good second had 60(?)ft. middle piece for 110 ft. top. Also good 12ft. side wall. Address Andrew Downie, manager. Austin & Stone's Museum, Boston, Mass, till Feb. 6(?). Westminster, Mass, Providence, R. I., Feb 9 to 16(?). Permanent address: Downie & Gallagher, proprietors, Medina, N. Y. New York Clipper, February 7, 1891, p. 764.
    1891: Downie & Gallagher's Show is undergoing a complete overhauling at quarters, Greenville, Mich. Four(?) large new baggage wagons, two flat cars, one box car and one(?) sleeper have been added. All the wagons and cars are painted in white and gold(?). The show will carry two bands, and travel touring Michigan, Indiana and Illinois. . . . Edward Carr and Wm. Ingram have signed for the season. New York Clipper, February 28, 1891, p. 811.
    1891: Notes from the Downie & Gallagher headquarters. Prof. John White(?), with his trained dogs, goats, ponies and monkey, has signed with the show, making his second season. Howard and Doyle have been engaged for the concert. The show travels by rail on our own cars, making one and two day stands through Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio and New York. Four new baggage wagons, one tableau band wagon and one stock car have been added to the outfit. New York Clipper, April 4, 1891, p. 59.
    1891: Second season, Downie & Gallagher's (successors to Rich & Downie) Big United Railroad Shows. Wanted, performers in all branches who do two or mroe turns. Good talking clown and double drummer who can work in concert. Musicians who can double in band or orchestra. Good leader for brass and orchestra. Boss canvasman who can handle his men. Will buy eight or ten band helmets with plumes; good second hand horse tent, and any good 10(?)ft. side wall canvas; five or six lenths of folding back reserved seats. Show opens May 9(?) at Greenville, Mich. Downie & Gallagher, proprieters. Will rent sideshow and candy stands to responsible parties. Two weeks' deposit required. Address Andrew Downie, manager, Hotel Phelps, Greenville, Mich. New York Clipper, April 4, 1891, p. 70.
    1891: Wanted for Downie & Gallagher's Big Railroad Shows. A good dog circus, trained goats, ponies, monkeys or donkeys. Can use a few more good ground acts and concert people. Also musicians. Downie & Gallagher, proprietors. Candy stand and side show to rent. Address Andrew Downie, Hotel Phelps, Greenville, Mich. New York Clipper, April 18, 1891, p. 104.
    1891: Call. All performers, musicians and employes engaged for Downie & Gallagher's Big Railroad Shows report for rehearsal at Greenville, Mich., not later than May 6(?). Show opens May 9(?). Downie & Gallagher, Hotel Phelps, Greenville, Mich. Advance call, April 29(?). Can use a good contortionist and outside ascensionist; must do two turns. New York Clipper, April 25, 1891, p. 124.
    1891: Roster of Downie & Gallagher's United R. R. Shows: Downie & Gallagher, proprietors; Andrew Downie, manager; J. P. Gallagher, treasurer; Dock Downie, assistant treasurer; Ed. Carr, Sherman Downie and wife, three Monroes . . . Mlle. La Tena, Wm. Ingram, Bessie Doyle, Carrie Monroe, Geo. Howard, Lucie(?) Monroe, Prof. Sherman with his herd of performing goats and school of educated dogs, Howard and Doyle, Monroe Sisters, Dock Downie, Miss Sherman and Dock Filley(?). Hank Englehardt, boss canvasman, with twelve assistants; Wm. Browne, boss property man, with four assistants . . . A. B. Butler, contractor; Wm. Stevenson, boss billposter, with four assistants; Fred Monroe, steward, and four assistants. They opened the season at Greenville, Mich., May 9(?). New York Clipper, May 23, 1891, p. 182.
    1891: Grand Rapids, Michigan. Rich & Downie's Circus exhibited on the Island the past week, attracting fair audiences. New York Clipper, May 23, 1891, p. 183.
    1891: On the road, circuses: Donnelly [sic] & Gallagher's, Cortland, Mich May __, Ionie 21, Stanton 22 . . . New York Clipper, May 23, 1891, p. 187.
    1891: Lansing, Michigan. Downey [sic] & Gallagher's Circus . . . New York Clipper, May 30, 1891, p. 202.
    1891: On the road, circuses: Downie & Gallagher's, Cedar Springs, Mich. May 27, Rockford 28, Newaygo 29, White Cloud 30. New York Clipper, May 30, 1891, p. 203.
    1891: J. P. Gallagher, of the circus firm of Downie & Gallagher, is in the East for a few days. He was a pleasant caller on the Clipper June 30, and had an encouraging report to make of the season thus far with his show. New York Clipper, June 27, 1891, p. 268.
    1891: On the road, circuses: Downie & Gallagher's, Lima, O. July 1, Kenton 2, Marion 3, Galion(?) 4. New York Clipper, July 4, 1891, p. 281.
    1891: Notes from Downie & Gallagher's Shows. We are now in the ninth week of our season, and business from the start has been very satisfactor. . . . Prof. Hillard, John A. Drayer and the Redall(?) Sisters joined at Mansfield, O. At Marson(?), O., July 3, as the afternoon performance was going on a cyclone hit the show. The big tops stood the gale in fine shape, but the dressing room tent, the cook tent and the horse tent were blown down, but with very little damage. . . . New York Clipper, July 18, 1891, p. 312.
    1891: On the road, circuses: Downie & Gallagher's, Cleveland, O. July 2?-2?. New York Clipper, July 25, 1891, p. 332.
    1891: Wanted, for Downie & Gallagher's Big R. R. Shows, musicians, good tuba and cornet players that can double in orchestra. Also performers in all branches of the circus and concert business. All must do more than one turn, and any good burlesque, clown or comic acts. Can use good riding dogs, goats or monkey acts. Show makes long season. Play three day and week stands. Downie & Gallagher, proprietors. Address Andrew Downie, manager, for two weeks, Cleveland, O., then as per route. New York Clipper, July 25, 1891, p. 341.
    1891: Notes from Downie & Gallagher's New United Shows. Business continues good. At Akron, July 9, 10, 11, we were compelled to turn people away, and we will play a return engagement of three days. The mayor of Crestaline, O. invites us to visit that city, offering to furnish grounds, license, and newspaper advertising free. Among the many visitors to the show during the past week were Mrs. Fred Kling, who will stay for two weeks . . . Manager Miller, of the Whitney Show, and Judge Ewing, of the Cleveland Consolidated Shows. We have now decided to put on a stronger attraction the coming theatre season. The very best talent has been secured, and no expense will be spared to make it one of the strongest attractions on th road. New York Clipper, August 1, 1891, p. 346.
    1891: Notes from Downie & Gallagher's United Shows. We are now in our third week at Cleveland, and have played to the fullest capacity of our canvas at each performance. Downie(?) and Hall, in their flying return act are meeting with much success. We are constantly adding many special features and novel acts. Among the visitors to the show during the past week were . . . Judge Ewing of the Cleveland Consolidated Shows, and Manager Gallagher's wife, who will spend her summer vacation with the show. Managers Downie and Gallagher are very busy booking valuable time for their hall show for the season of 1891-92, which will open at a New York theatre about the middle of October. They have secured some exceptional people. New York Clipper, August 1, 1891, p. 346.
    1891: On the road, circuses: Downie & Gallagher's, Cleveland, O. July 27-Aug 1. New York Clipper, August 1, 1891, p. 347.
    1891: Notes from Downie & Gallagher's United Shows. We are now in our fifth(?) week of success at Cleveland, O., despite strong opposition. We now open our show with eleven(?) tumbling clowns, an act that is meeting with much success. Mr. Downie is quite busy looking after the whole show during the absence of Mr. Gallagher, who accompanied his wife home from her visit to the show. He will remain away some time, looking after the business interests ahead. All members of the show are well, and regret that so prosperous a season is closing. We will close Oct. 3(?) at Medina(?), N.Y., where we will go into winter quarters. New York Clipper, August 15, 1891, p. 382.
    1891: On the road, circuses: Downie & Gallagher's, . . . Akron OH 17-19, Ravenna 20, Warren 21, Niles 22. New York Clipper, August 15, 1891, p. 386.
    1891: Doings of Downie & Gallagher's New United Shows. We have finished our five weeks of continued success at Cleveland, O. We are at Akron for week of Aug. 16, and return to Cleveland 23 to play another long engagement at Forest City Park. We then start on our Eastern tour. On the lucky list(?) the past week first comes the management, having played to their usual large business at each performance. Manager Downie figured ___ on the list. On his birthday, the members of the company presented him with an elegant solid gold chain and charm. Ed. Carr was also one of the fortunate ones. He received a handsome initial ring as a birthday token form the management and company. Gillette, contortionist, met with a very painful accident while doing his difficult act. He strained himself, and when he reached the dressing room he was totally blind. Physicians were immediatley summoned, and pronounced it hemorrhage of the brain. Mr. Gillett is slowly recovering, and has the sympathy of the entire company. All the other members of the company are well. Hi Henry was among the visitors to the show during the week. New York Clipper, August 22, 1891, p. 398.
    1891: Prof. Sherman, of Downie & Gallagher's Circus, was recently presesnted with a solitaire diamond stud, by his wife, as a birthday token. New York Clipper, August 29, 1891, p. 416.
    1891: Doings of the Downie & Gallagher's New United Shows. At Newburg(?), Aug. 14, a heavy wind and rain storm completely demolished things. We lost both shows on that day, but with hard work on all sides we had everything in readiness for the afternoon of 15(?). We immediately ordered a new 120(?)ft. top and a __ft. center, which are daily expected. Business is something tremendous, and all are well and contented. New York Clipper, August 29, 1891, p. 416.
    1891: On the road, circuses: Downie & Gallagher, Buffalo NY Sept 1-19. New York Clipper, September 19, 1891, p. 467.
    1891: Downie & Gallagher's United Shows. We are now in the nineteenth(?) week of a season of continuous success, and business is still up to our standard. We have made very little change in the roster since our opening last Spring . . . Mr. Gallagher is still looking after business in advance, while Mr. Downie is very busy with business matters back with the show. . . . All the company are well and happy. New York Clipper, September 19, 1891, p. 469.
    1891: Doings of the Downie & Gallagher United Shows. The weather the past week was all that could be desired, and the business was fully up to the weather. The show will close its prosperous season at Medina(?), N.Y., Monday, Sept. 28(?), when it will go into winter quarters. During the winter the show will receive a complete overhauling and be enlarged to double its present size. Sixty more head of stock, a Wild West hippodrome and menagerie will be added, making the Downie & Gallagher Shows one of the largest and most complete circus in America. All the old favorites of the show are under contract for next season, and many foreign features are under consideration. New York Clipper, September 26, 1891, p. 484.
    1891: For sale at a bargain. One 110ft. round top with 40ft. middle piece, 12ft. side walls complete, ropes, centre and side poles, blocks, etc., elegant double door markee [sic] entrance, one ___ push pole top, 12(?)ft. walls complete with poles, etc., one 30x45ft. oblong dressing room, 10ft. walls now being used by Downie & Gallagher's Big R. R. Shows. Can be seen at any time. Will sell the canvas separate for cash. Address Downie & Gallagher's Big Railroad Shows till Sept. 26, Buffalo, N.Y., after that Medina, NY. Will buy or trade for a 120 ft. top, with middle piece. New York Clipper, September 26, 1891, p. 496.
    1891: Doings of the Downie & Gallagher Show. We closed our season at Medina, N.Y., Sept. 28, and the outfit is stored in our winter quarters. Our most disatrous accident of the season occurred when we were only two miles from our last stand, and while we were congratulating ourselves on our good luck in having escaped from railroad accidents. The alarm of fire was sounded though [sic] the train. When the proprietors reached the train they found the canvas wagon wrapped in flames. The engineer tried hard to make the station, but the train was too heavy for fast time, and the burning car, which was next the engine, had to be detached from the rest of the train, and a lively run for Medina was made, one and a half miles distant. On reaching there the water was turned on. By hard work all day Sunday, Sunday night and Monday morning we finally roped the top together sufficient to hoist what was left of the peaks, and by subsituting the cook tent side walls we got up one of the hardest(?) looking canvases that ever covered a ring. But it had no effect on the performance or audience, for we played to one of the largest days of the season. The wagon was mostly destroyed. We lost all our reserve seat carpet, nets, tumbling ticks, ropes, etc. The loss is heavy. Thomas Murray, one of our employes, when returning home after finishing his season, was run over at Sanborn, N.Y., and lost a foot. He was taken to the hospital at Buffalo, where he is being well cared for. New York Clipper, October 10, 1891, p. 518.
    1891: At liberty for good combinations, specialty or burlesque. The Downies, Andrew, Mille La Tena, a first class novelty act, full of good comedy and burlesque work. Address Andrew Downie, Downie & Gallagher's Winter Quarters, Medina, N.Y. P.S. Have a few open dates. New York Clipper, October 10, 1891, p. 532.
    1891: [Ad] Downie went McGinty and Gallagher let her go, and we don't owe a dollar. This is to certify(?) that we, the undersigned performers, musicians and employes, have received our salary in full from Downie & Gallagher for season 1891, beginning May 9 and ending Sept. 28(?). Signed: Ed Carr, Wm. Ingram . . . Prof. Sherman, Miss Lizzie Sherman, Fred Kling, Harry Kling, Dock Downie, Frank Bacon, Howard and Doyle(?), Monroe Sisters . . . W. A. Gillette, Prof. Clark, B. F. Mitchell . . . Frank Polak, Fred Monroe, Theo. Saddler, F. Seymore, A. G.(?) Flynn, Millie La Tena, Wm. Stevenson. Wanted, sleeper, combination stock and flat car, chariots, cages . . . Parties having any good circus property for sale, sent list. Will pay cash. Address Downie & Gallagher, Record Show Print, Medina, N.Y. New York Clipper, October 10, 1891, p. 532.
    1891: Dock Downie, ventriloquist, and Ella J. Davis, a non-professional, were married at Monticello, Ind., Oct. 5(?), and left immediately on an extended tour of the Eastern cities. They will be at home at Buffalo, N.Y., 2?. New York Clipper, October 17, 1891, p. 535.
    1891: Doings at Downie & Gallagher's winter quarters. Mr. Downie, accompanied by his wife, has left for a trip through Canada, Manitoba and British Columbia. On his trip Mr. Downie will purchase heavy draught stock and secure the Wild West features for 1892. They will make a special effort in this department of their shows. At the closing performance of the show, at Medina, which was the first appearance of the Downies there, they were presented with many beautiful floral greetings. Mr. Downie will make his future home at Medina [NY], having already fitted up his new residence in a beautiful manner. ___ have already commenced to build our new wagons and band chariots, and the Record Show Printing Co. are getting up some pretty designs for us. Everything will be new for our opening, and no expense will be spared in making the Downie & Gallagher Show one of the most complete on the road. New York Clipper, October 24, 1891, p. 552.
    1891: Doings at Downie & Gallagher's winter quarters. Mr. Gallagher has returned from his trip, bringing with him Don Juan, the educated burro. Downie & Gallagher are proud of their prize, and it will be one of the many features of the show next season. Bob Cunningham is busy breaking more riding monkeys and dogs. The dogs with monky riders, on the hippodrome track, will be among the delightful racers. Mr. and Mrs. Downie report a pleasant time on their trip through the Northwest. They will remain on the road until about March. New York Clipper, November 7, 1891, p. 593.
    1891: Among the features of the Downie & Gallagher Shows next season will be Prof. Mathews with his pack of trained Russian wolves, a flock of educated sheep, a troupe of learned Rocky Mountain goats and trick donkeys. New York Clipper, December 5, 1891, p. 649.

    1892: The winter quarters of Downie & Gallagher's Show were completely destroyed by fire on Dec. __. The building was __x100ft., with basement, first and second floors, and loft in which the canvas was stored. In the basement were horses, harnesses and a cow. On the first and second floors were wagons and other show properties, together with fifty tons of hay. The fire was caused by the explosion of a lantern during the feeding of the stock. Mr. Mead(?), who was attending to that duty, had a narrow escape, within barely five minutes of the time of the explosion entirely surrounded by flames. He fortunately escaped with some bad burns. New York Clipper, January 9, 1892, p. 731.
    1892: Downie & Gallagher's doings. The burning of our winter quarters will in no way delay or affect the opening of the show. The regular season will commence on May ?, at Medina, N.Y. The show will be brand new throughout. All property lost in the fire is being replaced as fast as possible. New wagons are now well under way, and property has been purchased in the western part of the town, bordering on the N.Y. C.R.R., where new quarters will be will be commenced as soon a the weather permits. Mr. Downie was away at the time of the fire, and is still absent securing needed equipment. New York Clipper, January 16, 1892, p. 745.
    1892: Third season, 1892, Downie & Gallagher's New United Shows, Circus, Hippodrome and Wild West. Wanted, performers and musicians in all branches - cowboys, Mexicans and Indians, with their own stock; trained animals of all kinds, any good burlesque or colown acts, singing and talking clowns, and good double drummer, must work in concert; all must do more than one act; want six sober billposters, good contracting agent, not afraid to use the brush; boss canvasman, for and six horse drivers, chandelier and property men. Candy stands and sideshow for rent. Show opens at Medina, N.Y., May ?, 1892. Downie & Gallagher, proprietors. Permanent address: "Record" Show Prints, Medina, N.Y. Address Andrew Downie, manager, week of Jan. 11, Keith's Bijou Theatre, Boston, Mass; week of Jan 18, One Hundred and Fifteenth street and Third Avenue, New York City; week of Jan. __, Middleton & Davis' Musee, Scranton, Pa. For sale, or will exchange for any good show property, two __ft. circus flat cars, new, never yet turned a wheel, with all necessary equipments, of will pay cash for good cages, reserve seats, folding backs big top, with middle pieces or lights. Address J. P. Gallagher, Medina, N.Y. New York Clipper, January 16, 1892, p. 754.
    1892: C. E. Chamberlain, of Elmira, N.Y., will have charge of the sideshow with Downie & Gallagher's Circus. Leonard and Tracy have secured the refreshment privileges. New York Clipper, January 30, 1892, p. 776.
    1892: Wild Burt and Little Sure Shot have been engaged for the Wild West with Downie & Gallagher's Shows. New York Clipper, February 6, 1892, p. 792.
    1892: Wanted, for the third season of Downie & Gallagher's New United Shows, Circus, Museum, Hippodrome and Realistic Wild West, performers in all branches. Good outside ascension. Any good burlesque or clown acts for big show. Man to do the catching for return act. Concert people; all must do more than one act. Cornet, alto, baritone and slide trombone to double in band and orchestra. Good double drummer, must do turn in concert. Boss canvasman, three more bill posters, chandelier and property men. Advance agent. Programe privilege for rent. Address Andrew Downie, manager. Permanent address Downie & Gallagher, proprietors, Medina, N.Y. For sale, two brand new flat cars, never yet turned a wheel . . . J. P. Gallagher, Medina, N.Y. New York Clipper, February 20, 1892, p. 838.
    1892: Recent additions to Downie & Gallagher's Circus: Mead M. Werntz and wife, Levardo and Fay, Geo. Howard, Bessie Doyle, Wyoming Dick, Wm. Gillette, Ed. Carr, Arthur Matthews, J. C. Hall, Dock Filley, A?? Land and Brockey Burns. New York Clipper, March 19, 1892, p. 18.
    1892: Mamie Clatton, albino and snake charmer, will be one of the features of the sideshow with the Downie & Gallagher Circus. New York Clipper, March 19, 1892, p. 18.
    1892: Wanted, for the sideshow with the Downie & Gallahger's Circus, Museum, Hippodrome and Wild West, boss canvasman and a few more freaks. Will pay cash for good hand organ. Address, weeks of March 14, 21, and 28. ___ Chamberlain, Kohn & Middleton's Museum, Chicago, Ill. New York Clipper, March 19, 1892, p. 31.
    1892: Prof. ___, with his trained animals, including sheep, goats, donkeys and a pack of Russian wolves, joins Downey [sic] & Gallagher's Railroad Show. New York Clipper, March 26, 1892, p. 34.1892: Myron R.(?) Johnson, known as Latona, the fire king, has been engaged for the Downie & Gallagher Circus. New York Clipper, April 2, 1892, p. 50.
    1892: Downie & Gallagher's Doings. Things around our new quarters are humming in every department. All the property lost in the fire on Dec. ?? has been fully replaced. The new top is 130ft.(?) round top with two 30ft.(?) centres. Additions of fourteen head of heavy draught horses, one team of show horses, and four head of ring stock. A feature will be made of the parade, everything being new, wardrobes, chariots, wagons, etc. Prof. Matthews has been engaged for the Downie & Gallagher Show with his troupe of trained animals. He will disposes of his performing goats. New York Clipper, April 2, 1892, p. 50.
    1892: Prof. Matthews has been engaged for the Downie & Gallagher Show with his troupe of trained animals. He will dispose of his performing goats. New York Clipper, April 2, 1892, p. 50.
    1892: Third season of Downie & Gallagher's circus, Hippodrome and Wild West. Wanted, performers and musicians, cornet for brass and orchestra, drummer to work in concert, two billposters. Also folding back reserved seats, cages, and any good 12(?)ft. side wall. For sale or exchange for show property, two new __ft. flat cars, fully equipped, and fifteen lengths of eight tier seats. Address: Downie & Gallagher, Medina, N.Y. New York Clipper, April 2, 1892, p. 62.
    1892: Wild Burt(?) and Little Sure Shot go to Reading next week, then to Wilkesbarre, and open with Downey [sic] & Gallagher's Circus May 2, for the summer. New York Clipper, April 16, 1892, p. 83.
    1892: Downie & Gallagher's Circus, Hippodrome and Wild West. Call. Report at Medina, N.Y., for rehearsal May 2. Show opens May 5(?). Advance report April 22. Can use a few good single concert people who can play snare drum. For sale, 15 lengths of 8 tier seats and two 50ft. flat cars. Downie & Gallagher, Medina, N.Y. New York Clipper, April 16, 1892, p. 92.
    1892: Wanted, for Downie & Gallagher's Circus, Hippodrome and Wild West. Two high brother act and others, single concert people. Must play snare drum in band; all to do more than one turn. Show opens May ?. Call May 2(?). Downie & Gallagher, Medina, N.Y. New York Clipper, April 23, 1892, p. 108.
    1892: Wanted, for Downie & Gallagher's New United Shows, Circus and Wild West. Singing and talking clown to work in concert, brother and aerial acts. For sale or exchange for horse tent, a dressing room, top and walls in good condition. . . . Address Downie & Gallagher, Buffalo, May _ to __. New York Clipper, May 15, 1892, p. 159.
    1892: Doings of Downie & Gallagher's Shows. Business is good and everybody is well and happy. Mrs. Gallagher made the show a brief visit last week. The roster is: Andrew Downie, manager; J. P. Gallagher, treasurer; Ed. Carr, equestrian director; Wm. Ingram, Wm. Gillette, Madden(?) and Lowry, Dock Filley, George Howard, Bessie Doyle, Miller La Tena, Wild Burt and wife, Simco and ___, James Casey . . . J. Edwards, Wyoming Dick, Prof. Mathews, W. C. Manning, Burt Mitchell, Sid. Davis and son . . . Joe Polack . . . Prof. Chamberlain, Mamie Clayton . . . Mrs. Andrew Downie, Mrs. Howard, Mrs. Williams, Shorty McNay . . . C. H. Grinnell, Wm. Stevenson and Ed. Jameson. New York Clipper, May 21, 1892, p. 162.
    1892: Wanted, for side show with Downie & Gallagher's Circus, a few more freaks, a glass dancer, tattooed people. Address C. E.(?) Chamberlain, care of Downie & Gallagher's Circus, Buffalo, N.Y. New York Clipper, May 21, 1892, p. 173.
    1892: Wanted, for Downie & Gallagher's Circus, Hippodrome and Wild West. Trained dogs, goats, monkeys and donkeys, trick ponies or mules, and riding dog, jugglers and performers. Must join at once. For sale, two 50ft. flat cars, new. Address Downie & Gallagher, Medina, N.Y. New York Clipper, May 21, 1892, p. 175.
    1892: Doings of the Downie & Gallagher's United Shows. Rain is still with us, and we have yet to pack up a dry top on the wagon. We lost both shows at Buffalo May 19 on account of rain. The ___ including the ring, would have done very well for Paul Boyton's water show, but for a circus performance, never. Despite the weather, however, the boys are enjoying themselves fishing in Lake Erie. Business is far in advance of the weather. Everybody is well and contented. New York Clipper, May 28, 1892, p. 178.
    1892: On the road, circuses: Downie & Gallagher, Albion NY May 25, Holly 26. New York Clipper, May 28, 1892, p. 183.
    1892: Wanted, for Downie & Gallagher's New United Shows, Circus and Wild West. Twelve canvas men and boss canvas man, also brother act. . . . Downie & Gallagher, Rochester, N.Y. May 30(?) to June 4(?). New York Clipper, May 28, 1892, p. 190.
    1892: E.(B.?) K. Franklin, manager of Geary's World Museum and Theatre, has closed his engagement and signed with Downie & Gallagher's Circus for the summer. New York Clipper, June 4, 1892, p. 194.
    1892: On the road, circuses: Downie & Gallagher, Rochester NY May 30-June 4, Pittsford 6, Fairport 7, Macedon 8, Palmyra 9, Newark 10, Lyons 11. New York Clipper, June 4, 1892, p. 195.
    1892: Notes from Downie & Gallagher's New United Shows, Circus and Hippodrome. After 21 days' continued rain, Dr. Casey decided that Mr. Gallagher's yellow dog was a Jonah. Mr. Gallagher visited his home and left the dog there, and when he joined the show the next day, it did not rain - it poured, and continued to pour up to the next day. The boys gave the doctor the laugh for his superstition, and have sentenced him to sleep thirteen nights in No. 13 stateroom. He fears he will never come out alive. He now confesses that as a Jonah discoverer he's a failure. Business has been large and all the people are well. New York Clipper, June 11, 1892, p. 210.
    1892: On the road, circuses: Downie & Gallagher, Macedon NY June _, Palmyra 9, Newark 10, Lyons 11, Clyde 13, Revennah 14 . . . Seneca Falls 16, 17, Waterloo 18. New York Clipper, June 11, 1892, p. 214.
    1892: Notes from Downie & Gallagher's New United Shows. Fine weather has appeared after three weeks of continued rain. A terrific storm struck us at Rochester, N.Y., June 1, when the big top was filled with people. The big top snapped with the strong wind, and the dressing room top came down upon performers and horses, giving no one a chance to change their tights. The lady performers were taken to a place of safety, where they were provided with dresses and sent home. Everything in the lot was floating, the sideshow and paintings being the first to go down. . . . Everything is now, however, running smoothly. New York Clipper, June 18, 1892, p. 228.
    1892: Wanted, for sideshow, with Downie & Gallagher's Circus, a few more freaks, glass dancer, or Zulus, tattoed people. Address as per route, ?. E. Chamberlain, manager care Downie & Gallagher's Circus. New York Clipper, June 18, 1892, p. 241.
    1892: Wanted, for Downie & Gallagher's Circus, Hippodrome and Wild West. Alto to double second violin, cornet to double in orchestra, other musicians. And several big show acts. Candy privileges to rent. . . . New York Clipper, June 25, 1892, p. 257.
    1892: Doings of Downie & Gallagher's Show. We have just finished our eighth week of continued success. We have had many blow downs and storms, and other accidents, but the first to cast gloom was the drowning of J. Sullivan near Geneva, on the morning of July 22(?). Every effort was made to save the young man, but without avail. We showed Dresden 2?. It is one of the oldest towns in the state, and ours was the first circus that ever pitched a tent there. New York Clipper, July 2, 1892, p. 261.
    1892: On the road, circuses: Downie & Gallagher, Itaca NY June 29, 30, Aurora July 1 . . . Farmer Village 4, Union Springs 5, Weedsport 6, Jordan 7 . . . Syracuse 9-15. New York Clipper, July 2, 1892, p. 265.
    1892: On the road, circuses: Downie & Gallagher, Weedsport NY July 6, Jordan 7, Memphis 8 . . . Syracuse 11-16. New York Clipper, July 9, 1892, p. 281.
    1892: Wanted, for Downie & Gallagher's Circus and Wild West, alto to double second violin, cornet for band and orchestra, other musicians, a few acts for big show. Wire or write as per route. For sale, two new 50(?)ft. flat cars at a sacrifice. Will buy good 110ft. top with two 50ft. centres. Address Downie & Gallagher, Syracuse, N.Y., July 11 to 16. New York Clipper, July 9, 1892, p. 290.
    1892: Doings of Downie & Gallagher's Circus. On July 7(?) we purchased Harry(?) Montford's Floating Palace of Wonders, which we are having converted into a horse palace. We now have a full and complete fleet. Many of the boys are happy since we left the stormy Seneca. It would not do to mention names for criticism, but we have a great number of men that make far better musician [sic] and performers than sailors. . . . New York Clipper, July 16, 1892, p. 292.
    1892: On the road, circuses: Downie & Gallagher's, Syracuse NY July 11-16. New York Clipper, July 16, 1892, p. 296.
    1892: On the road, circuses: Downie & Gallagher's, . . . Baldwinsville, NY 22, Liverpool 23, East Syracuse 25, Fayetteville 26, Manlin? 27, Kirksville 28 . . . New York Clipper, July 23, 1892, p. 300.
    1892: At Phoenix, N.Y., Deputy Sheriff Vickery and two officers attemped to attach the property of Downie & Gallagher's Circus for damages to a canal ___. The circus men opened fire on the officers, and a riot followed, in which one of the officers, Daniel(?) McGa?er, and one of the circus men were dangerously wounded. The officers were driven off, but the affair attracted a large number of villagers to the scene, who vowed vengeance on the circus men. Lynchings(?) were threatened, but wise counsels prevailed. The villagers . . . overpowered the circus men, and dragged twelve of them to the village lockup. Then, for fear they would escape, the crowd stood guard until morning. It is thought the two injured men will die. New York Clipper, July 30, 1892, p. 324.
    1892: Wanted, for Downie & Gallagher's Circus, Hippodrome and Wild West. Boss canvas man, two cornet players to double in orchestra, alto and second violin, trombone player. Will buy good 100ft. or 100ft. top with two middle pieces, or any good show property. For sale, two __ft. flat cars. Address Downie & Gallagher, Kirkville, N.Y. July 28 . . . Canastota, N.Y. 30, Oneida N.Y. Aug 1, New London, N.Y. 2, Rome, N.Y. 3, Oriskany, N.Y. 4, Whitesboro, N.Y. 5, Utica, N.Y. 6 and 8. New York Clipper, July 30, 1892, p. 337.
    1892: Doings of the Downie & Gallagher Shows. The affair at Phoenix, in which this show has suffered severe criticism, deserves explanation, in justice to us. When we reached Phoenix, morning of July 21, a boatman named Merritt called on Downie & Gallagher and said that he was told that their flat boat, whih stands only two feet above the water, had damanged a boat belonging to him. The steersman on our boat informed the manager that he had not touched Merritt's boat, and investigation proved that it would be impossible, as the slight damage that was done was between four and five feet above the water, and the boat that he claimed did it only stands two feet above the water. He then said it was hard times and he could not affort to stand any damage, and some one should settle for it. That was all that was heard of it until eight o'clock in the evening, when Deputy Sheriff McVicky called at the ticket wagon and informed Mr. Gallagher that he had two bills against the show, one for damage to a boat and another for posting bills on a shed without a privilege. Mr. Gallagher showed a contract for the use of the shed, and said they had done no damage to the boat. The deputy tried to bluff Mr. Gallagher by saying he would issue a warrant for his arrest, at which Mr. Gallagher laughed and replied: "It is but a civil(?) action; you can't get a warrant on that. However, go ahead. I will be here when you want me." The officer threatened to hold up the show, when Mr. Gallagher replied: "We will deposit any amount of money with any good, responsible citizen as a guarantee, and then we will stand suit in both cases," at which the deputy replied: "We are going to have it settled now," trying to make his bluff work. He then left the lot, and that was all that was heard until ten o'clock, when Washington Wilson, steersman of the flat boat, came to the lot and informed Mr. Galagher that the officers has taken possession of the boat. A number of new men and wagons had already gone to the boat to load it. Downie & Gallagher, knowing the state laws, were aware that the officers were trespassers on their property. Officer McGahn(?) stood on the boat with revolver and club, trying to scare our proprietors into settling. Mr. Gallagher went on the boat, where McGahn(?) stood, and asked him who cast off the boat's ropes. The officer replied that he did. Mr. Gallagher said: "You have violated the marine laws, and we will make you suffer for it." Mr. Gallagher asked his name. He said: "It is Hiram McGahn(?)." "Now(?)," Mr. Gallagher said, "we have come here to load(?) our boats. You have no right on here, and we don't want to have any trouble with you, so get off the boat." At which McGahn(?) replied, drawing his revolver: "I will shoot the first ____ that attempts to put on or take anything off this boat," pointing his revolver at Mr. Gallagher, when one of the showmen, named Harrison, ??? up. McGahn(?) fired, and the ball hit him. Then McGahn fired two or three shots each taking effect ?? Harrison, when the other men rushed up and the officer was pushed into the canal. There were other officers stationed around the boat, who commenced firing, but when some of the showmen turned on them they ran. Not one of the circus men had a revolver. The affair attracted a large crowd of citizens, who at first thought the show people to blame, and thought best to lock them up. The men made no resistance. There was no violence, and if they cared to get out it would have been no trouble, as they were all in one room in the engine house, and the officer that they put on guard got so drunk before morning that he was not able to walk. Downie & Gallagher ___ that the entire preceeding was illegal, and gave the officials all the rope they wanted. Mr. Gallagher went to Medina, their home, to consult their lawyers, and when he got back to Phoenix they had discharged all but Mr. Downie. Later they saw their error, and tried to square matters, but without avail. We have sued(?) McGahn, his ___ and the Corporation of Phoenix for $___ damages, and have also sued McGahn for assault with intent to kill. The affair created a great deal of excitement, and we feared it might affect our business, but, to our surprise, we find it has been the best advertising medium we have had, as people come in thousands for miles to see the show. We lost but one stand, Baldwinville, July 2?. There was no damage to any of the show property, and everybody with the show is happy. We are having fair weather, and intend enlarging our show Aug. 1. New York Clipper, August 6, 1892, p. 340.
    1892: On the road, circuses: Downie & Gallagher's, Whitesboro NY Aug 4, Utica 5, 6, Frankfort 8, Ilion 9, Mohawk 10, Herkimer 11, Little Falls 12, 13. New York Clipper, August 6, 1892, p. 341.
    1892: Wanted, for Downie & Gallagher's Operatic Minstrels, season 1892-3 . . . New York Clipper, August 6, 1892, p. 350.
    1892: On the road, circuses: Downie & Gallagher's, Mohawk NY Aug 10, Herkimer, 11, Little Falls 12, 13, St. Johnsville 15, Fort Plain 16 . . . Fonda 18 . . . Amsterdam 20. New York Clipper, August 13, 1892, p. 360.
    1892: On the road, circuses: Downing & Gallagher's, Canajoharie NY Aug 17, Fonda 18, Fort Hunter 19, Amsterdam 20. New York Clipper, August 20, 1892, p. 376.
    1892: Doings of the Downie & Gallagher's New United Shows. We have had excellent circus weather for the past week, and business has been the largest of any week this season. Our advance lost a great deal of time ___ the railroad strike at Buffalo, and the show lost ___ of paper in the cars burned(?), but our hustling agent, F.(?) K. Franklin, is now doing some very clever and attractive advertising in blanketing the large stands and with the use of a paint brush, his ___ work is attracting a great deal of attention. New York Clipper, August 27, 1892, p. 389.
    1892: On the road, circuses: Downie & Gallagher, West Troy NY Aug 26, 27 . . . New York Clipper, August 27, 1892, p. 393.
    1892: Doings of Downie & Gallagher's New United Shows, Circus, Hippodrome and Wild West. At Schenectady, Aug. 22, we played with the Forepaugh Show, and, despite the strong opposition, business was good. Both shows arrived there 21, and, as they were near each other, a general visiting was kept up until late Sunday evening. Among the many callers from the Forepaugh Show were Phil Gibbons, the Ducros, Jim Irwin and wife, the Wentworths, Ashton and wife, and Mr. Cooper, and an enjoyable evening was passed. This was the second time this season that we palyed with the Forepaugh Show, and we hope to play a third, as it is a pleasure to meet in friendly opposition. Carmen Alvarez and Rio Grand Bill, late of the Buffalo Bill Wild West, joined at Cohoes 24, and both are doing clever riding and roping. New York Clipper, September 10, 1892, p. 422.
    1892: On the road, circuses: Downie & Gallagher, Crown Point NY Sep 7, West Point 8, Hillsboro 9 . . . Port Henry 14, Moriah(?) 15, Ticonderoga 16, Fort Ann 17. New York Clipper, September 10, 1892, p. 427.
    1892: On the road, circuses: Downie & Gallagher, Port Henry N.Y. Sep 17 . . . Ticonderoga 16, Fort Ann 17. New York Clipper, September 17, 1892, p. 443.
    1892: Doings of the Downie & Gallagher Shows. This is the nineteenth week of the season, and a week that every member of the company will remember, as the banner one, not for business, but for amusement, for it was impossible to make a stand until Sept. 16(?). We showed Plattsburg, N.Y., Sept. 10, and were billed for Keensville(?) 12, but the seas was [sic] so heavy 17, that is was not safe to pull out. It continued to roll all Saturday night, Sunday and Sunday night, and at five a.m. Monday morning 1?, we decided to brave the storm, so started out. At seven o'clock we were obliged to go to Valcour(?) Island for shelter, and there our amusement continued. It was a regular "day off with the circus." New York Clipper, September 24, 1892, p. 456.
    1892: C. E. Chamberlain has closed with Downie & Gallagher's Circus, and is playing fairs in partnership with F. M. Vernelo. They will shortly put out a traveling museum. New York Clipper, October 1, 1892, p. 472.
    1892: Downie & Gallagher's doings. We closed our third circus season at Medina, N.Y., Oct. 8. Our fourth season will open at Medina next May. Everything is hustle and bustle about winter quarters, painting the special scenery and arranging the spectacular effects for the opening of our operatic minstrels Nov. 21. . . . Mr. and Mrs. Downie are visiting Mrs. Downie's parents at Manitoba. . . . New York Clipper, October 29, 1892, p. 538.
    Wm. Ingham, of Carr and Ingram, is having a new rigging for his act patented which he will introduce with the Downie & Gallagher's Operatic Minstrels. Downie & Gallagher will carry all special setting and scenery for their spectacle, "The Landing of Columbus." Mr. Downie will go with the minstrels. Mr. Gallagher will stay at Medina, and look after the fitting out of the circus for 1893, which will be entirely rebuilt and enlarged in every department to twice its former size. New York Clipper, November 5, 1892, p. 557.
    1892: ___, leader, and the musicians of Downie & Gallagher's Circus complain of their treatment by the management of that show. New York Clipper, November 19, 1892, p. 586.
    1892: On the road, circuses: Downie & Gallagher, Medina N.Y. Nov. 21, Holly 22, Brocksport 23, Palmyra 24. New York Clipper, November 19, 1892, p. 587.
    1892: On the road, circuses: Downie & Gallagher, Brocksport NY Nov 23, Palmyra 24, Tonawanda 2?, Akron 29, Dundee Dec 1. New York Clipper, November 26, 1892, p. 603.
    1892: On the road, circuses: Downie & Gallagher, Akron NY Nov 30, Dundee Dec 1. New York Clipper, December 3, 1892, p. 621.

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Andrew Downie's - 1893

    Notes from Andrew Downie's New United Shows. Our season opened at Cleveland, O., May 18(?). The tents were crowded at the opening performances, and business has continued the same right along. The show is running smoothly and gives great satisfaction. May 2? as ??? struck us, completely [unreadable text] A large section of our middle piece was ___ from the South to the East side of the city, . . . Andrew Downie is sole owner . . . Geo. Le Grande, lithographer. New York Clipper, June 3, 1893, p. 198.
    On the road, circuses: Andrew Downie, Cleveland OH May 29-June 10(?). New York Clipper, June 3, 1893, p. 198.
    Am I in it? Well, I guess yes. Andrew Downie's Circus, Hippodrome and Wild West. Wanted, concert team to sell concert and reserve seat tickets, two candy butchers, or will rent candy privilege. Wanted to rent, sleeping car and flat cars for six months, with the privilege of buying the same. Address Andrew Downie, sole owner, till June _, Cleveland, O., June ___, Akron, O. New York Clipper, June 10, 1893, p. 227.
    1893: On the road, circuses: Downie's, Columbus OH July ?-8, Springfield 10, 11, Dayton 12, 13, Hamilton(?) 14, 15. New York Clipper, July 8, 1893, p. 281.
    1893: The Andrew Downie Shows is reported to have gone to the wall July _ at Cleveland, O. There is the old tale to tell of unpaid salaries, delinquent board bills, etc. Buckskin(?) Bill saved his ___ in a measure by attaching the trunks for money due him for his five(?) cars. New York Clipper, July 15, 1893, p. 296.
    1893: On the road, circuses: Downie's, Dayton, OH July 12, 13, Hamilton 14, 15, Cincinnati 17-__. New York Clipper, July 15, 1893, p. 296.
    1893: Notes from Andrew Downie's Circus, Hippodrome and Wild West. We are now in our tenth week of success, notwithstanding all rumors to the contrary. The show has been doing a good business from our opening, playing to only one losing week. Jockey Ed. Carr, who was hurt at Canton, has resumed work. We are now playing a return date at Akron, O. Business is satisfactory. A new __ft. sideshow and six new sideshow paintings have arrived and everything is progressing finely. The thief who robbed our sleeping car has been caught and most of the goods returned. Manager Downie is preparing for his Winter show. New York Clipper, July 29, 1893, p. 328.
    1893: Notes from Andrew Downie's Circus. We are playing return engagements, and business is far above expectations. While at Akron, O., recently, manager Downie, while doing his flying return act, had the misfortune to dislocate his ankle, which will lay him up for a few days. . . . New York Clipper, August 12, 1893, p. 362.
    1893: Notes from Andrew Downie's Circus, Hippodrome and Wild West. We have had splendid circus weather for the past two weeks and business has been excellent. The show closes about Oct. _, at Hamilton, O. The stock will be shipped to Cincinnati and sold by public auction, as Manager Downie will winter only four trick horses and two donkeys. He has already booked a large number of first class houses for his winter show, and will travel in his special dining and sleeping car. Carr and Ingram(?) leave to join a company for the winter Sept. 22. Mr. Downie will build a fine ring barn and winter quarters at his home, Median, N.Y., having purchased the land last week. New York Clipper, September 23, 1893, p. 463.

    1894: Sixth season, Andrew Downie's Grand Double Mammoth Spectacular "Uncle Tom's Cabin," and "Ten Nights in a Bar Room," traveling in our own vestibule palace cars. . . . Address Andrew Downie, sole owner and proprietor, permanent address, Medina, N.Y. P.S. Regards to circus m'g'rs for kind offers for tenting season. New York Clipper, February 24, 1894, p. 828.

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Downie Dog & Pony show - 1910

    Roster of car No. 1 of the Andrew Downie Dog and Pony Show: F. E. Davis, general agent; W. L. Davis, contracting agent; C. T. Klugherz, special agent; R. C. Hagerman, lithographer; French Pierrault, boss billposter; F. C. Carpenter, Arthur Baum, Tommy Ross, Harry Rose, Tom Flynn, Max McDonal, Harry Klein, Ed. Green, Jack McCormick, billposters; Frenchy Robbellio, paste maker. Billboard, October 22, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Duchack’s - 1889

      Duchack’s New London Circus opens its season at Kansas City, Mo., April 29. The outfit consists of four cars, 100 ft. round top tent, with three 30 ft. middle pieces, eight head of ring stock and fifty people. S. J. Ducheck is proprietor and managers, . . . and M. E. Ashton general agent with ten assistants. The show will make one days stands after leaving Kansas. New York Clipper, April 27, 1889.

    L. J. Duchack's New London Old Time one-Ring Circus will exhibit in Humeston, May 28 . . . This is their 6th year on the road . . . New Era (Humeston, IA), May 22, 1889.

    Duchack's circus . . . admission 10 and 20 cents. Davenport (IA) Morning Tribune, June 20, 1889.

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Ducrow & Ashton - 1894

    Notes from Ducrow & Ashton's Big Consolidated Shows. The shows are nearly ready for the road, and open at Orange, N.J., May 17(?), where the greatest activity prevails, redecorating the new animal cages, seven performers carriages and eleven wagons, and caring for the seventy head of horses and ring stock - mules, donkeys, ponies, monkeys and snakes. The recently arrived pet elephant "O'Donnell(?)," is a little under the weather, in consequence of a long sea voyage. This company will be one of the best equipped on the road, and will surpass all of the ordinary road shows, their ethnological groups reaching from every quarter of the globe. All of the company organized, so far, have reported for duty . . . Flora Aida . . . Eugene Manning, Florence Kent, Addie Gilman(?), besides the National Trio Acrobats, three in number. Wm.(?) North, the great bareback rider of Europe; Wooda Cooke, America's challenge rider; Mr. Watson's(?) troupe of trained dogs, riding goat and school of ponies; Prof. Goethe's(?) Brass Band. This big ten cent show will be under the direction of Jesse W. Foster . . . Wm. Ducrow will be manager, Frank Ashton in charge of tent in general. . . . New York Clipper, May 12, 1894, p. 151.
    Ducrow & Ashton's New Shows, open at Orange, N.J., Thursday, May 17. Wanted at once, circus performers, specially lady for menage act (amateur preferred, we furnish horse), lady for flying rings, etc., horizontal bar and brother act. Address Wm. Ducrow, manager, 107 4th Ave., N.Y. City. For sale, candy stand and side show (we have side show tent). New York Clipper, May 12, 1894, p. 157.

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Silas Dutton's - 1880

    The Silas Dutton Southern Circus, under the management of George W. De Haven, is now on a tour through the Southern States, playing in New Orleans this week; thence into Texas for the Summer circuit. They travel by wagon . . . P. H. Seamon is the clown, C. H. Lowry the hurdle rider is also with them. . . . New York Clipper, March 6, 1880. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

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Eckhart & Williams - 1890

    Fred Lyman, cornetist, writes the following, dated at Nevada, Ia., Sept. 4: "Clarence G. Eckhart, formerly a performer with one of the Kickapoo Indian Medicine Cos., in partnership with C. R. Williams, organized a small circus early last August. Business at first was rather discouraging, but the last two weeks it had been good, playing to packed houses at almost every stand. All the people who remained with the show had not received a cent of salary from the time of opening, and on Thursday, Sept. 4, the day when everybody expected to be paid, and all financial affairs were to be balanced up, manager Eckhart decreed otherwise, and left for parts unknown, taking with him all the earnings of the show, a hundred dollars or more. He was accompanied by H. E. Mitchell, a song and dance performer, and Mead Satterlee, an amateur. Manager Eckhart left a not to the effect that it would be no use to look for him, as by the time they read it both himself and the boys would be many miles away. The tent and fixtures were left at Nevada, but he had placed a mortgage upon it, and we could not help ourselves that way. Mr. Williams, his partner, is in as bad a fix as the rest of us - he is to day, penniless and destitute." New York Clipper, October 4, 1890, 468.
    Clarence G. Eckhart denies that any ___ was due his people when the Eckhart & Williams Circus closed at Nevada, Ia. Mr. Eckhart writes: "I have receipts in full from all the people engaged with the show." New York Clipper, October 18, 1890, 503.

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Eddy Bros. - 1894

    Notes from the Eddy Bros.' Show. The company are working under an 80(?)ft. round top. Roster: Harry McDonald and Charles Ogden, proprietors and managers; Robert Roper, master of transportation; Harry Bell, John Teets, Mrs. Rachel McDonald, the Teets Brothers, Prof. Wombold and his troupe of educated dogs and ponies; Prof. Rosselli's(?) band of eight pieces; Jim Boyd, boss canvas man with five assistants . . . and Pete France, in charge of cook tent. New York Clipper, February 24, 1894, p. 817.
    Wanted, people in all lines of circus business, doing two or more acts, except riders. . . . Long season. Side show privilege to let, wages or percentage. Address Eddy Bros.' show . . . New York Clipper, February 24, 1894, p. 825.
    Wanted, for Eddy Bros.' New Inter-Ocean Shows, musicians and performers in all lines of circus business except riders. Show ??? North this summer. Side show and other privileges to let. . . . Eddy Bros. Show. New York Clipper, April 28, 1894, p. 124.

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Elton Bros.' Circus - 1900

    Opened at Smithfield, Pennsylvania, May 1. Billboard, May 1, 1900, p. 6. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Ely's Combined Shows - 1900

    We opened our season at Metropolis City, Ill., April 7, and have been playing to packed houses, with the exception of May 25, when we had a blow-down at Momcake, Ill. We had to close the doors at 7:30, every available foot of space having been taken. Our roster is as follows: G. D. Ely, sole proprietor and manager; Mrs. K. D. Ely, treasurer; performers in big show, Mrs. Effie Ely, Geo. Loranzo, J. Sauer, Mrs. Bessie Scott, Marreta Sisters and Frank Myers. Our band consists of eight pieces with Walter Scott, leader. W. Mitchell, J. Sauer, T. Robbins, F. Gilius(?), Bessie Scott, J. Barnes, W. Jones. Red Turner has carge of canvas with six assistants. Chas Fuller, hostler, with two assistants. . . . Billboard, June 30, 1900, p. 5. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Erb's - 1892

    1891: Wanted, for Erb's New Sensation Wagon Show, circus people of all kinds, except riders. Sideshow and other privileges for sale. Show opens May 1, 1892. Would like to hear from a reliable advance agent. Address R.(?) T.(?) Gilham(?), assistant manager, Philipsburg(?), Centre County, Pa. New York Clipper, December 12, 1891, p. 674.

    1892: Notes from Erb's New Sensation. The show will open at Phillipsburg, Pa., April 2?, and will go on the road with an entire new outfit - new wagons, tents and all other paraphernalia. A number of people who have signed have already reported, and preparations are going on all the time. Everything will be in readiness for rehearsal in short time. The following people signed: Prof. Wm. Andre, aeronaut . . . Charles Richter, balancing trapeze . . . Erghardt Bros., slack wire and perch pole; and Prof. Gilham's Juvenile brass band, ten in number. T. W. Vinson and W. S. Erb will have charge of the side show. John Erb is sole proprietor and manager. New York Clipper, April 16, 1892, p. 82.
    1892: Call. People engaged for Erb's New Sensation Shows report at Philipsburg, Centre County, Pa., April ??. Would like to hear from people who can double in concert, male and female; also a Punch man who does magic. Address John Erb, Philipsburg, Centre County, Pa. New York Clipper, April 16, 1892, p. 95.
    1892: Wanted, for Erb's New Sensation Show, circus people in all branches, except riding. Would like to hear from a lady that does turn in big show and doubles in concert show. Travel by wagon, stop in hotel, Address John Erb, Madora(?), Pa., May 4 . . . Ansonville 6 . . . New York Clipper, May 7, 1892, p. 143.
    1892: Erbs' New Sensation Shows has been on the road since April ??, and, despite lots of rain, business has been good. The roster: John Erbs, sole proprietor and manager; Frank Leopold, director of amusements; J. F. Showers, announcer; Zoliers, Litz and Ceno, Grant Williams, Charley Hunter, Fred Slaughter, Vini(?) Komiskey and Prof. Dick Gilham's Juvenile Band. New York Clipper, May 21, 1892, p. 162.
    1892: Scribner & Smith's report. The Erb Show stranded within six miles of us June 4(?). Our superintendent, Jack Kent, went on to see them, and came back with ten horses, four wagons, several sets of harness, etc. New York Clipper, June 18, 1892, p. 228.

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Eroni Bros. Circus and Menagerie (Australia) - 1900

    Eroni Bros. Circus and Menagerie in Australia has 180 head of horses and twelve cages of animals. J. O. Donnell, manager of the Chicago Jewelry Company, has acquired a half interest in the organization, and intends to use American printing, agents and bill posters if he can get them. His address is 50 Queen Victoria Martkets, Sydney, N. S. W., Australia. Billboard, Aaugust 11, 1900, p. 5. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Erwood's - 1892-93

    1892: Erwood's New Consolidated Shows report good business. The ring is under the direction of Walter Romalo(?), and everything runs smoothly. Five musicians have been added to the band. Following is a list of the company: R. J. Erwood, sole proprietor and manager; Geo. L. Bowers in advance, with four assistants; Walter Romalo(?), ringmaster; the Galena Family, the Romalo Bros., William La Crawford . . . Mons. Gorman . . . and a band of ten pieces. The show will travel entirely by wagons for the remainder of the season. New York Clipper, September 17, 1892, p. 438.

    1893: From R. J. Erwood's United Shows. Our season opened at New Philadelphia, O., May 30. The roster: R. J. Erwood, proprietor and manager; G. L. Bowers, treasurer; Sig. Cannon and Mme. Maude, Chris. Meyer, Chas. A. Blanchell(?) . . . Mons. Geller . . . Mattie King, W. Crawford . . . Warde and Erwood, Little Baby Erwood . . . Red Martin, Prof. Martin and wife's troupe of trained ponies and dogs, Prof. Kellman's band of twelve pieces, Dr. McKinzie, candy privilege, and Albert Kirkam(?), boss canvas man. New York Clipper, June 17, 1893, p. 230.
    1893: Wanted, quick, 1 band leader, 1 orchestra leader. Must both have music. 1 boss canvas man and men to work on canvas and seats and properties. Write or wire, Ulrichsville, Ohio, July 4, New Cumberland, Ohio July ?, Del Roy, Ohio, July 6. Address R. J. Erwood, Erwood's Circus. Can use alto player and other musicians. New York Clipper, June 24, 1893, p. 260.
    1893: C. S. Carleton has resigned as general agent of Erwood's Circus to take charge of the tour of Prof. Martin's troupe of educated dogs and ponies. New York Clipper, July 8, 1893, p. 280.

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