V

      Organized in Harrison, Ohio by Verne Soules and Harry LeRoy. Show blew its opening stand May 9th at College Corner, Indiana, then went to Eaton, Ohio where it took them two hours to hook up the green stock. Performance consisted of a mechanical riding act, cowboys, teterboard, performing dogs, ponies, etc., swing ladder and trap act. Show folded in Eaton May 11th. White Tops, Vol. 15, Nos. 7-8 (Jun-Jul), 1942, p. 19. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or the persons.

Van Amburg & Gallagher's Circus - 1900

    Show has been on the road five weeks and is doing good business. They carry sixty-five people, all told. Billboard, June 16, 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 the persons.

Vanderburg Bros. Circus - 1937

    Owned by Zella Hall (Mrs. Frank Hall), this one ring show wintered in Whitewater, Wisconsin. Lew Christenson, manager; Clarence Auskings, agent; Bill Owens, billposter; George Hopp, sideshow manager; Steve Fanning, animal acts; Ted La Velda, banners; Slim Mitchell, lot superintendent; Harry Leonard, sideshow manager; Mary Leonard, sideshow performer; Dutch LaBlair, canvas boss. Performes: Richard Barnsdale, wire act; Lew Christenson, aerial acts; Elsie Christenson, aerial acts; Ted LaVelda, contortion (also banners); Tom Moss, juggler, chair balance; Vera Orton Fanning, aerial; Bonny Hall (Zella's daughter), pony drill, dogs. Circus Report, January 8, 1973, 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.

W

      The roster of Wallace & Co.'s Great World's Railroad Show, Menagerie, Museum and Circus is as follows: Fifteen cars, 22 cages, 120 horses, giant camel, white camel (five in all), one elephant, three tableaux-cars, caliope, racing-chariots, etc. Tents — Circus, 120 ft. round top, 60 ft. middle-piece; menagerie, 100 ft. top, two 60 ft. middle-pieces ; two sideshows. Robt. Donnelly, master of transportation ; Curly Platner, boss-canvasman; Frank Smith, assistant, with 30 men. Privileges are owned by the show. Harry Amler is manager. Circus: One ring; Alf. G. Fields, equestrian-director; Felix MacDonald, ringmaster; Sig. Don, Sam Dickey, Alf. Fields and old Col. Chas. Seeley, clowns; three bands and orchestra; Wm. Goetz, leader of No. 1 (17 pieces); Louis Kerr, soloist; John Shay, leader No. 2 (10 pieces); Louis Robinson, leader No. 3 (9 pieces). Performers: Mlle. Elise, Sig. Clio Hernandez, Lizzie Russell, Misses Minetta, Annie Vinton, Dollie Crosby and Natiline (Hindoo snake-charmer), Chas. Ewers, Sig. Don Molitano, Sweeney and McLain, Whitney and Farrell, Bulger and Jenkins, D'Arly Bros., the Carlisles, the four Waltons, Petit and McVey, Lowando and Strong, Pritchard and Clifton, Alonzo and Kand, Dan Leon, Prof. Harry C. Taylor and troupe of dogs, Martell and educated donkeys. Sideshows — Wm. Corcoran, manager. Concert — Jas. Whitney, manager. Advance, Matt Leland, general-director; two brigades — P. K. Wilson and 12 men car No. 1; John G. Runnells and 18 men car No. 2.

Wallace & Co.'s Circus - 1891

      Wallace and Co.’s Circus, while exhibiting in Mahanoy City, Pa., last Wednesday evening, had a disagreeable encounter with roughs. During the performance many people crawled under the tent and interfered with the performers. The audience was dismissed and the concert began. The roughs again attempted to crawl under the canvas, but were repulsed. The circus men admitted the disturbing element through the regular entrance, thinking this method would preserve order. The roughs insulted the performers, and went so far as to grab one of the women, who was dragged off the platform and pulled around the ring. This was too much for the employees, who then took a hand and with shot-guns began an onslaught on the offenders. Stakes were pulled up and a hand-to-hand encounter ensued. The circus men retreated toward their cars, being pelted with stones, bricks, etc. Finally the circus men reached their train and entered the cars. The mob surrounded the train after the showmen had entered it, and attempted to follow into the cars, but were confronted with Winchesters, and turned and fled. After a few minutes the train pulled out and journeyed to the next town. A number of the rioters were hurt, and the circus employees did not get away without marks of the affray. . . . New York Dramatic News, June 6, 1891. Information should be checked with additional sources

      C. W. Wallace & Co.'s Great World's 50 Cage Menagerie, Roman Hippodrome and International Three Ring Circus . . . Sublime and Superior to Similitude, the acme of possible Acquisition. . . . Scenic, Gladitorial and processional productions to delight the Senses. Aviary of Birds of brightest plumage from the isles of Balm. Aquarium Curiosities from Cerulean Depths of Indian Seas. Three rings with wonderous Companies of Performers of exhalted fame, who dazzle comprehension with Miraculous feats of superhuman intrepidity or more than terrestial grace. Most stupendous of railroad shows . . . Weekly Tribune (Hornellsville, NY), June 19, 1891. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or the persons.

Wallace Show - 1900

    The Wallace Shows seem to have made a hit at Scranton, Pa. The Scranton Republican devotes half a column to singing the praises of the Wallace aggregations. It has this to say of the performance: "The performance opened with a concert by Bronson's band, the programme embraced such numbers as Sousa's 'Man Behind the Gun,' and Suppe's 'Wanderer's Hope.' The brilliant introductory pageant of animals and actors followed, after which was an artistic living picture exhibition, many historic masterpieces of art being shown. Then followed one of the cleanest and best circus programmes ever given in the park, including Horace Webb on revolving ladder and trapeze, performing elephant, pony, boar hound and monkey by Herr Herekenroit (Herekenolt?); feats of contortion, the Maritz Sisters; double contortion act in midair, Earl sisters; bareback equestrianism, Miss Blanche Reed; bareback riding, Miss Olgy Reed; the Stirk family, daring bicycle riders; the high wires, Hotu Wara, Nell sisters and Winnie Sweeney; bicycle riding on tight wire, Mlle. French; wire evolutions, Della ANelson; revolving ball on spiral, Mlle. French; bareback riding, William Melrose and Fred Ledgett. In addition to the above there were also 28 features, the performance concluding with a thrilling chariot race between Mlle. Inez and Fred Ledgett." Between 9,000 and 10,000 people who saw the show fully agree with the "Republican." [Probably B. E. Wallace's show]. Billboard, June 16, 1900.

    St. Joseph, Mo., Aug. 17. - . . . The seating capacity of the great tent is 10,000 . . . Perhaps the most interesting feature of the show was the work of the Nelson family. This family, consisting of inie people, has not equal. Their tumbling and acrobatic work last night was truly remarkable. The children in the family . . . bid fair to become even greater than the older members. The baby elephant that rode the bicycle was another feature that attracted much attention. . . . The performing pigs was another special feature . . . There are not thieves or thugs traveling with the Wallace Show, and if they were, the management would see to it that they did not remain long. The management has private detectives to look out for crooks. . . . Billboard, August 25, 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.

J. C. Warble & Co.'s Circus - 1886

    J. C. Warble & Co.'s Circus is thus organized: J. C. Warble & Co., proprietors; J. J. Dowling, manager; Joe Matthews, treasurer; Charles A. Thorpe, advance-agent; Girard Leon, equestrian-manager. The performers include Albert Millette and Edwin Du Bois, principal brother-act; Wm. De Ivy, Japanese-slide; Austin Bros., horizontal-bars; Wm. Huddy, contortionist; De Ivy Bros., double-traps; Martinetti, Austin and De Ivy, ladders; Madame Jeffries, dancing-rope; Girard Leon with his educated donkeys and his performing elephant Ko-Ko; Dan Lester, principal singing and talking clown. The band is under the leadership of Wm. Houschild. New York Clipper, May 22, 1886. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or the persons.

Warren's Circus - 1900

    "Victoria, B. C. Aug. 6. - According to advices brought by the steamer Argyll, while the siege of Tien Tsin was in progress, a show, the American aggregation known as Warren's circus, was playing and drawing big crowds. The circus was at Taku(?) when the first Russina contingent went up to Tien Tsin and their march was made easy, for the Cossack soldiers piled into the band wagon and on top of the animal wagons and tableaux car. With the artillery and wagons of the Russians and the circus paraphernalia, the parade, as described in the eastern press, was one of the most unique ever seen. The aggregation arrived at Tien Tsin early in June and on June 14 the big tent was put and the show begun. Two days later, according to N??smoiler, a refugee who has reached Shanghai from Tien Tsin, the manager, Mr. Pueffer [W. Pflueger?], was shot and killed. He was struck by a stray missile. Decatur Review (Decatur, IL), August 6, 1900, p. 8.
    George Peters, of Princeton, was killed by a mob at Tientsin, China, July 14. Peters was manager of Warren's circus, which was organized in this city two years ago. The show went from here to Japan, and at the opening of the present season crossed to China. Logansport Daily Reporter (Logansport, IN), August 9, 1900.
    W. Pflueger wrote the Clipper from Shanghai, China, under date of July 27, as follows: "You recently published Mr. Berol's interesting resume of far East theatricals. As manager of Warren's Cicus, that has for years, and still is, annually playing India, Burmah, Ceylon, Java, Malaysia, Cochin(?) China, the Philippines, China and Japan, I can supplement his review - especially another phase, the far East circus - with perhaps readable interest to your clientele. The showmen adventurous enough to hazard stock and capital of any magnitude to the vast, distant, benighted Orient have been few indeed. Wilson's, Chiariot's(Chiarini?), Abel's, Williston's, Wirths, Harmston's and Warren's comprise all that have so far visited it in the past or present, and braved the risks and vicissitudes entailed. The list is short and their history is brief. Each could a tale unfold concident with the other. It only varies in particulars of time and place. If, in a densely populated, compact, short distance in America or England, where shows are now conducted on firm, solid, conservative business methods, it still remains the most precarious and unstable business of any, now much more precarious it is among semi-civilized nations, separated by thousands (not hundreds) of miles, must be plain to the most casual reader. Wilson's (American) Circus was the first of any pretensions to dawn on the East. It lived while luck continued to live with it. When that deserted it, it dissolved as quickly as mist. For pluck is as imperative as luck in conducting a show here. Chiarini made the next event, and like his predecessor, soon found himself crushed by the weight of excessive expenses. Both lived only long enough to prove the fallacy of plunging too big an attraction on unknown fields without approximating its prospects and proportion expenses accordingly. Success here depends upon the accuracy of adjusting expenses to receipts, which can only be done after a long personal experience. Inexperience seals the fate here quicker, as it has with these two in the past, as it must inevitably in the future. The penalty of impetuous ventues if failure. Abel's, Williston's and Wirth's, of smaller class for that reason lived longer, to smaller failure. Finally Harmston's, profiting by them, launched a show more cautiously, and on a wiser, sounder basis, conducted expenses consistent with earnings, and survives today, after repeated tours. However, latterly Warren's Circus, more enterprising, by good tact has outrivaled it and become the leading amusement enterprise of the Orient - an established institution, annually looked for everywhere, like a "Glorious Fourth" celebration. It owes its success as much to careful, judicious management, routing and advertising as to its admirable organization. During the most formidable reverses within the past two years the management has proved itself invincible. We opened in Manila four days before the insurgent war, within on-half mile of the first pitched battle, and had our tents perforated by bullets like a sieve, stock commandeered, and paraphernalia burnt. Within two months we re-organized in London, and, after such little incidental misfortunes as struggling through the famine in India, a destructive ??? in Hindoostan, shipwreck in the Malacca Straits, and plague in Hong Kong, we contrived to reach Tientain three days before the siege, where the allied forces quickly appropriated canvas, seats, props and all for firewood. Our horses (formerly known as Prof. Bristol's Equescurriculum, touring the leading theaters fourteen years) were commandeered for officers' use, cannon service, or killed for rations, while clowns went on sentry duty around the women and children's refuge, and acrobats turned nurses to the wounded, riders, aerialists and all lined up with Tommy Atkins and Uncle Sam in the face of an incessant and hellish concert of whistling bullets and shrieking shell. But we all came out smiling, with flying colors and congratulations for life, but nothing else, not the show. However, as we have prospered exceedingly, and know how to do so, even in the Orient, we are again on the easy road of prosperity. Less bolder and vigorous shows would easily succumb to discouragement and defeat for less fatalities than we have survived, for we cannot forget that show life here has its roseate advantages and pleasures that fully compensate all misfortunes. It is indiscreet to parade, therefore no parades, nor anything less than week stands most for a month or more. To play one year in Shanghai, Hong King, Manila, Saigon, Bangkok, Singapore, Soerabaya(?), Samarang, Batavia, Dell, Penang, Rangoon, Calcutta, Madras, Bombay and Colombo is impossible. Another consideration is that no time is lost in Winter quarters. We play all the year round, knowing, after years of experience, the precise season to the week for each centre, and when to avoid it. Moreover, we generally extend performer's contracts to two, three or four years, to mutual satisfaction. Life in the Orient is so seductive, so easy and ???iously confortable, that performers once enjoying it are loth ever to leave it. But the way of the advance manager is harder. His ?as always and everywhere a battle royal. Whatever his native tact, talent, energy, enterprise and experience elsewhere, if he lacks the actual experience of Oriental circus "pidgin" he might be better and more usefully employed ???ing corn. To lack this is to doom his show from the start. It is of course impossible to expect him to talk Pekinese in Shanghai, English in Hong Kong, French in Saigon, Malay in Singapoer, Dutch in Java, Burmese in Rangoon, Tam??? in Calcutta, Hindustan in Madras, etc., etc. But the veteran, successful Oriental showman knows its equivalent - will know freom repeated visits(?) who's who, where to find them; what, where, and when to do the right thing at the right time in the right place. He must know how to suffer(?) and gratify each their own national whims and idiosyncrasies, and how and when and where to reach the right class of natives in their own vernacular. For they, not the Europeans, are the great factor of success. Not to despise the patronage of the former, the show must be one of a visible - not verbal nature. Natives in general are paupers. This makes cheap prices imperative. This in turn makes big audiences imperative. To attract multitudes of natives is to succeed, and the show will prosper precisely according to tis drawing power for natives. They are the audience to be studied and catered to, at the same time courting the patronage of incidental European casual and residents as far as consistent - no further. It is fatal to get a European audience at jeopardy of a native crowd. A big show demands a big income, and that big patronage, and this again doubled when prices are halved. Your manager will know, too, the landing, lighter and wharfage facilities of each city - or lack them; and how and when to govern his shipping accordingly. Similarly must he know the seasons, customs, licenses, lots, hotels, municipal regulations, contractors, cartage, railroading, lighting, etc., of each city as a world of its own. In these no two Eastern cities compare. It seems each is conducted on a policy and principal of government to conflict with every other - with the one just left. So diverse are they as if strenuously governed as a contradiction of the other colony. Java will welcome a show eagerly on its choicest and most central lots, while it bars a show in every conceivable way from landing. Contrarily, Singapore throws open its customs wide, but bitterly ??? and opposes a show anywhere but in a cow yard of a native suburb. And son on ad ???. A manager must know all these peculiarities and how to overcome them by strategy. If experienced, his strategy will prevail where the less experienced would fail altogehter, or only partially succeed at great expense. A shrewd, reliable, conscientious manager spells success just as any other does certain failure. Irrespective of the show's merits, he can make or unmake it in the Orient in much less time than in the Occident. For a show here - with a manager - will succeed with amazing rapidity, or vice versa, without one, degererate quicker." New York Clipper, October 6, 1900, p. 717.
    The war in China has resulted in the loss of Tate & Warren's Circus, which was traveling there. It was in Tientain(?) when the Chinese bombarded the foreign settlement, and the company, most of whom lived at the Cafe Franc??, lost all their effects, the cafe being burned. The circus horses were taken for army use and the seats used for firewood. Mr. Fenton, an acrobat, who got away, has contradicted the rumor that Mr. Pflueger, the manager, had been killed, but says that George, of the Metropole, Shanghai, has been severely wounded in the head by a bullet. Later advices regarding the subject comes from Fred Meteor at Singapore, who writes: "I may tell you that most of the company is here, and open with the United Circus Agu. 13. The following would be glad if your would make it known to their brother and sister artists that they are still living: The Meteors, flying trapeze and globe artists; Brothers Zenobia, hand balancers; W. W??e, jockey act rider; Brothers Rice, horizontal bar performers; Cento, juggler; Mr. and Mrs. Sherman(?) and H. Benham(Renham?), clown." New York Clipper, October 6, 1900, p. 699.
    Killed at Tien-Tsin. Evansville, Ind. Aug. 7. - News of the death of George Peters, of Princeton, Ind., has been received in this city from China. Peters was manager of Warren's Circus, which was started in this city two years ago. He was killed at Tien-Tsin June 14 while the parade was going on. Warren and Peters were old showmen, and were well known in the Central States. They spent last season in Japan and six months ago went to China. 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.

    Note: Sturtevant lists: 1901 Duval & Warrens Circuses in Far East; 1903 Warrens' Circus (India-China). Parkinson's Directory lists: Warren Bros. Circus 1910, Edward Warren & W. J. Warren, proprietors 1910.

Leon W. Washburn's Show - 1894

    Charles Lowery, hurdle rider, has signed with Leon W. Washburn's Show for this season, making second season with the show. Prof. W. Young and wife, doing Punch, magic, mind reading and trained birds, will be seen in the Annex, under the management of G??? Smith. Ida Smith, tattooed lady and Wal?er P. Holz, one man band, are also engaged for this show. New York Clipper, April 7, 1894, p. 68. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Washburn & Hunting's - 1884?

    Washburn & Hunting’s Circus, Museum and Menagerie. Officers: L. W. Washburn and Robert Hunting, proprietors; Dewight Clapp, general agent; George Stone, press agent; Harry Thomas, contracting agent; Denis Buckley, lithographer, two assistant lithographers and 12 billposters; William Sanders, equestrian director; Denis Cowen, boss hostler, and 18 men; Chas. Disco, boss canvasman, and 16 men; All. Crossley, boss animal man, and 4 men; George Roach, boss property man and 3 assistants; chandeliers, Jones and Bisby; Fred More, leader of band of 9 pieces; Harry Smith, boss canvasman, and 3 assistants; Godfrey Filiatreault, leader of white band; Harry Clark, leader of colored band. Company - Roemer and Leroux, Lizzie Keyes, Robert Whittaker, the Huntings, Miss Irene, George Kelly, Willie Harbeck, Lewanda, Carrie Stone, Lillie Montague, Mrs. Emma Steele, Len Bishop, the Jackson Bros., the Leontas, Frank Bushby. Sideshow - George Peck, manager; Harry Root, assistant manager. People - Miss Barnes, mammoth giant lady; Rose Westerly, midget; Miss Lillie Leslie, Circassian; Miss Mansfield, electric lady; Prof Glenfield, magician and ventriloquist; Charles Dunbar, man with iron jaw; Billy Edwards, Punch-and-Judy and door talker. Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or the persons.

Washburn & Arlington - 1891

      Notes from Washburn & Arlington’s Circus. The Leonhardt Family (4) have joined. G. G. Walters, treasurer, received an ovation at his home, Bethlehem, Pa. He runs the Opera House there. Dave B. Levis has been fighting the grip. A. E. Harvey has taken J. C. Cox’s place at the uptown ticket office. Mme. Irene Washburn’s calliope solos are a feature. Business has been good. New York Clipper, May 9, 1891.

      From Washburn and Arlington’s Circus: . . . The O’Brien Brothers joined in Providence, and Cleo Mendoza joined in Pittsfield. Collins and Mason, Earle and wife and Mollie Baldwin are the new concert people. Barney Baldwin, broken necked man, is now one of the sideshow stars. Little Gracie, the ladies’ pet, in her pony menage act; the Wild East, Wild West and Hippodrome races are very strong features. . . . The band, under the leadership of Professor G. W. McDonald, has been increased to fifteen pieces, and the price still remains twenty-five cents. New York Dramatic News, June 6, 1891. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or the persons.

Welsh Brothers - 1892, 1896, 1900

    1892: From Welsh's Golden Allied Pavilion Shows. Prof. Chas. Lorenzo and his troupe of trained ponies and dogs; Jos. F. Roy, equilibrist and wire walker; Prof. J. D.(?) Clymer's band of eight pieces, and Clint M. Newton, as director of amusements and manager of the annex, have been engaged. Workmen are busy at the Winter Quarters, putting the finishing touches to the wagons and outfit, and when we open in May we will have one of the cleanest and brightest wagon shows on the road. M. H. Welsh will be general agent of the show. New York Clipper, April 2, 1892, p. 50.

    1896: Welsh Bros. notes. We are very busy around Winter quarters, getting in shape for next season, which opens April 18. We have added two more cars, making a five car show. The following people have been signed: Prof. Harry Mohn's Dog and Pony Circus, Levine and ???, William D. Nelson, Madden and Lowery, Howard and Martin, and Hiram Fish. New York Clipper, February 1, 1896, p. 761.

    1900: The Welsh Brothers, proprietors of the big Welsh Brothers Circus, have started a second enterprise, to be known as the Welsh Wagon Show. Billboard, May 1, 1900.
    The roster of Welsh Bros.' Show advance is as follows: Geo. B. Beckley, boss bill poster and four assistants; Ben Augle and H. Hope, excursion men; Harry Horner, head lithographer, with two assistants. Billboard, June 30, 1900, p. 5.
    Too much praise can not be given to Mr. Geo. Beckley and the men of the Welsh Bros. advance, for the work they did at Hallstead (Pa.). Welsh Bros. showed at Hallstead, June 23. 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 the persons.

Wetter's Circus - 1894

    Notes from Wetter's Winter Quarters. - The last baggage wagon left the paint show April 1 . . . a parade wagon, and is decorated in the most artistic manner. Manager Wetter has conceived the idea of using "U"(?) steel double trees and lead bars throughout, and has been convinced by a practical ??? that they are a big improvement over the old wooden ones for safety and strength, and are much lighter. The stock is in the pink of condition and will be supplied with new harness and trappings throughout. The new ring barn is fast nearing completion and will be ready for use ??. It will be in keeping with the rest of the Winter quarters and surroundings and so constructed that the horses can be led from it into the stables without being exposed to the open air. Sheridan Maiers has added two more pigs to his school, which makes a total of five, probably the largest troupe of its kind in this country. New York Clipper, April 7, 1894, p. 68.
    Notes from Wetter's Winter Quarters. G. P. Campbell, our general agent, has arrived at the Winter quarters, and reports himself as highly pleased with the manner in which his advance will be ??? up. He will have six wagons and two buggies with which to announce the coming of "the biggest, best and finest equipped wagon show on earth." We are of the opinion that we have made a new discovery in the wagon show business in the way of a pole wagon, viz.: our pole wagons are made of steel throughout and have a carrying capacity of 6(?) tons each, while the weight of each wagon is only 1,4??. There is not a wagon show manager in the country who has not "lost sleep" over the thought, "I wonder if that pole wagon will get through." The steel wagon will undoubtedly do away with that anxiety, for it is out of the question to break one. We have tested them and they run easier than the ordinary wagon. New York Clipper, April 14, 1894, p. 85. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or the persons.

Wheeler Bros. - 1893-1894

    1893: Sam Dock and Alson Wheeler have severed their connection with the Welsh Show, and in company with Wm. C. S?ader, of Ephrata, Pa., will put out a wagon show. May 13, 1893, p. 148. New York NY Clipper 1893-1894 - 0150.pdf Wanted, for Wheeler & Co.'s Shows, people in all branches of the circus biz, also good Dutch and Irish comedian for concert. Alson Wheller, Ephrata, Pa. New York Clipper, May 13, 1893, p. 160.
    Alson Wheeler has sold a half interest in Wheeler & Co.'s Shows to his brother, D. Wheeler, formerly of Boston, Mass. New York Clipper, December 23, 1893, p. 675.

    1894: Wanted for Wheeler Bros.' Shows, contortionist . . . more all round circus people . . . All people engaged report April 12. Wheeler Bros., Fort London(Loudon?), Pa. Billy Milligan, singing, talking and knockabout clown, and Al. Wayne(?), contortionist, have signed with the Wheeler Bros.' Circus, which opens the season at Fort London, Pa. New York Clipper, April 7, 1894, p. 78; April 14, 1894, p. 85.
    Notes from Wheeler Bros.' Shows. We opened the season at St. Thomas, Pa., April 14, to immense business, which has kept up ever since. We have struck some very rough roads, yet our stock is in the pink of condition, under the supervision of J. D. Davis. Following is the roster: Alson Wheeler and D. Wheeler, sole owners; Alson Wheeler, manager; D. Wheeler, general agent; F. D. Dunlap, superintendent; Jas. Hopple, boss cnavas man, with seven assistants; J. D. Davis, in charge of stock with eight men; Albert Shire, master of transportation; Tom Allen, boss bill poster, with four assistants; Prof. Hugh Gorman, leader of band, with the following musicians: Thos. Crowley, T. E. Parker, Jas. Hyland, J. D. Sweet, F.(P.?) E. Rice and John Aris. Performers: Geo. Moreland, the Delnos, Archie and Blanche; Al. Wayne, Harry Bowman, Frank Leopold and the Belmont Bros. We have thirty-seven head of fine stock; big tent, 100ft. round top; side show 40x60; dress tent, 30ft., and two 30ft. horse tents. New York Clipper, April 28, 1894, p. 119.
    Al. Wayne, contortionist, closed with Wheeler Bros.' Circus on account of his mother's death in Philadelphia. Hiram Fish informs us that, owing to illness, he has closed his season with Wheeler Brothers Circus. New York Clipper, July 14, 1894, p. 293; August 4, 1894, p. 342.
    Alson G.(O?) Wheeler informs us that Frank C. Goodman, of Illion, N. Y., has purchased the entire outfit of the Wheeler Bros.' Shows, which is now exhibiting in Southern New York. Mr. Goodman's troupe of trained horses and dogs will be a feature. Hiram Fish left for his home July 23, on account of sickness. New York Clipper, August 18, 1894, p. 373. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or the persons.

Whitney Family Circuses - 1884, 1887, 1891, 1894, 1902-1903

    1884: Roster of Whitney's Imperial Shows. G. S. Whitney, proprietor; C. A. Whitney, general manager; Col. M.(?) Gillette, advance agent with five billposters; George Martine, equestrian manager; Prof. J. B. Isenhart, leader of band, with ten musicians; Frank Stapleton, boss hostler, with six grooms; George Sharp, in charge of canvas, with eight assistants; George S. Scott, Michael ??de, the Martines, the Wests, Mlle. Maybelle, Sona Martine, J. B. Garnier and wife, Fred Martin, John H. Wood, Ed Holbrook, Dan Connors, Prof. W. J. And???, J. B. Isenhart, A. M. Hunt, Clarence Powers, Ed Hart, Burt B. Smith, W?? C. Downs, C. L. Ogle, W. ?. S??ten, E. H. Hunt, John R. Haines, Lon Marshall, C. M. Silver, Emmet Wells and Geo. Lawrence. The show will open about April 25(?), at Imlay City, Mich. New York Clipper, April 2, 1892, p. 50.
    The Whitney Family, Locke & Long Show close their tenting season in Imlay City, Mich. Oct. ??. New York Clipper, October 18, 1884, p. 486.

    1887: Whitney Family New Enterprise Circus notes. - The roster of the show is: G. L. Whitney, proprietor and manager; N. E. Whitney, treasurer and financial manager; Byron Killmar, charge of dressing room and equestrian manager; Floyd Whitney, leader of band with ten men; Ray S. Leach, boss canvasman with eight assistants; Jerome Messinger, boss hostler, with six assistants; John Nehman, master of properties, with three assistants; Col. M. Gillette, general agent with six assistants. Circus people - J. T. Carrier, Hardy and McFee, Mons. Capolo, George Scott, Josie Whitney, the Leander Bros., three in number, have lately joined; Tom Cone, clown; Bell Twins, D. S. Helmer, D. Rock Hunt. The side show and all privileges are run and controlled by C. A. Whitney. Mr. Whitney has recently added a fifty foot middle piece and more seats. The show travels by wagon and has thirty head of horses. New York Clipper, May 28, 1887.
    Whitney Family New Enterprise notes. Dutch Charley Fox was presented at Hudson, Mich. with a fine gold ring from his old friend Budd Rogers. It has been twelve years since they seen each other. They spent the day talking over old times. The ring was presented to Mr. Fox just as he was going on to do his turn. It was a complete surprise to him, but he gathered himself up and responded in a very neat and pleasing manner. Jscob Isenhart, cornet soloist, joined the show Sept. 17, Will W. Cannon leaving for Port Huron, where he has a position for the Winter. The show continues to do a good business. New York Clipper, October 1, 1887, p. 457.

    1891: Wanted, circus people in all branches. Those doing two acts preferred, to strengthen company. Also an elephant and steam caliope. Whitney Family Circus Co., Imlay City, Mich. Forty-second year on road. New York Clipper, July 18, 1891, p. 322.
    Whitney Family's New Amusement Enterprise consisting of tents seats, lights, wagon, horses, mules(?), and horses. Everything in good shape. Reasons for selling, poor health and death of my husband. Mrs. G. L. Whitney, Imlay City, Mich. New York Clipper, August 1, 1891, p. 357.

    1894: Whitney's New Imperial Show notes. Everything is moving along in due shape at headquarters preparatory to our opening on April 2?. L. C. G?lle??, general agent, arrived April 2(?), and was much pleased with the fine condition of everything. The advance No. 1 will take the road April ?? with seven first class bill posters, and Charles Warner in charge of paper. New York Clipper, April 14, 1894, p. 85.

    1902: Notes from Whitney Family Big One Ring Show. We closed our third week last Saturday at Deshier(Deshler?), O., with the record afternoon business, and in the evening the ticket wagon closed at 7.30, and hundreds were unable to secure even standing room. Every available seat in the big top was ocupied, and people were seated round the ring bank and stage. The show is running smoothly in all departments. Master Julian, the boy acrobatic wonder, wins nightly applause, and the rest of the features of the big show receive their share. Our band, under the direction of Prof. John S. Phillip, makes daily success with their fine street concerts. We are about to add a fine museum layout, new top, banners, etc., which is expected on next week. This will give us one of the best equipped wagon shows now traveling. The ghost and the Old Reliable reach us every Sunday, and everybody is happy. New York Clipper, May 31, 1902, p. 313.

    1903: Notes from the Whitney Family One Ring Shows. We played the Pioneer Day celebration at Kalida(?), O., on Sept. 5, giving a free performance in the afternoon on the public square for the committee of attractions, and exhibiting under our tents in the evening. At 7.15 the entire top was packed to suffocation clear to the ring bank, and we were forced to close the doors. A large crowd on the outside still clamored for admittance, and wanted another performance. After a little consideration Manager Whitney decided to give two performances, and the first show started at 7.25, and fifteen minutes after the first performance was over the second one was underway, with a large attendance. We think this is a record breakers, giving two complete circus performances in one night, not an act being omitted or cut. New York Clipper, September 19, 1903, 717. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or the persons.

Williams & Co. - 1891, 1893 [Eph Williams, Ephraim Williams 1860-1930]

    Prof. Williams & Co.’s American and German R. R. Shows opened their season at Medford, Wis., May 4. This organization starts out under favorable auspices, and is fully equipped in every department. The head of the enterprise is well and favorable known through the West, and has been connected with several successful business undertakings of this order. Following is the roster: Prof. Williams, manager; C. T. Kimball, general agent, with ten bill posters; Robert Whittaker, equestrian director; Frank R. Skerback, treasurer; Chas. Morrison, boss canvasman, with twenty men; Prof. W. L. Vinton, leader of the band, with ten pieces; James Cranahan, boss hostler, with twenty-five men, and ninety head of stock. Performers: Robert Whittaker and Mme. Cordelia (bare back riders), Mme. Williams (manege rider), Frank Siecrott and wife, Three Darb Bros., M. Fitzgerald, Three All Rights, Prof. Thompson, O’Brien and Batchelder, Thorp and La Braza, Mlle. Lawrence and the Skerback Family, eight in number. New York Clipper, May 9, 1891.

    Prof. Williams & Co.'s circus gave two performances in this city on Wednesday . . . Prof. Williams started in the business about five years ago with a very small show and without any means. He stuck to it and kept increasing his stock and general paraphernalia and today he has five cars, nineteen horses, five or six wagons . . . He resides at Medford, where he owns a farm and winters his stock. . . . Stevens Point (WI) Journal, May 9, 1891.

    Prof. Williams' circus will exhibit in this city on May 28th. This is decidedly a northern Wisconsin institution, and as such is beginning to attract considerable attention. Williams, the proprietor and manager, having graduated as porter in a Pullman palace sleeping car, bought a finely blooded horse, and during his spare moments he devoted himself to learning this horse all the tricks that horses were ever known to perform. Finally the idea of starting a "one horse circus" entered his mind, and a partnership was formed with that end in view. Misfortune overtook the first venture, and the concern would up its short career at the little town of Medford, in Taylor county. Having rid himself of his first unfortunate alliance, the people of Medford gave Prof. Williams such support and encouragement that he was enabled to start out on his own hook. He has gradually added to his attractions, and it now requires six cars to transport his paraphernalia. He has fifty horses, gives a street parade, and a very good performance. His winter quarters are at Medford, where he gave his initial performance this year on the 8th inst., which was greeted by a large attendance. Centralia (WI) Enterprise, May 23, 1891.

    Havoc Caused By a Storm. When the circus tent was blown down by the wind storm at Washburn, Wis., on Saturday week, Prof. Williams was exhibiting his trained horses. The animals dashed through the crowd of spectators, tramping many children under foot. One more of the victims died Sunday. The tent of the circus was carried fully a mile into the woods. All of the animals which escaped were recaptured on Sunday after an exciting chase except the Bengal tigers and an anaconda, which are still at large. A large bear was caught behind a restaurant eating peanut shells. Two bisons were captured and led back like pet dogs. One of the elephants became mired in a bog and was badly injured. The total damage is estimated at about $30,000. Gettysburg (PA) Compiler, August 18, 1891.

    Prof. Williams in Trouble. Arrested at Eagle River for Larceny but is Discharged. A well known gentleman of this city who has been working at Eagle River for some time, but has returned lately, says that Prof. Williams of Medford, the colored circus proprietor, who was recently married to Miss Rhoda Black of this city, got into serious trouble at Eagle River recently. His circus was showing at Eagle River last summer, and while there a doctor named Haddy lost an overcoat. In December the circus proprietor stepped into the drug store where Haddy had his headquarters, wearing the identical coat which had been lost. In conversation the doctor told Williams that he had lost a coat very much like the one he, Williams, had on, and also said that he was of the opinion that some person with the circus had taken it, and cautioned Williams to be on the lookout for the thief. As the conversation went on Dr. Haddy noticed his private mark on the coat and told Williams that he was wearing a garment which was not his own. Williams was immediately arrested, but at the trial last Wednesday at Eagle River he was discharged, after which he told the court how he came by the coat. He says that when the circus was showing at Eagle River one of the showmen was ill and Dr. Haddy was called in and hung the coat up in the car where the sick man lay. The doctor forgot his coat and it hung there until the company broke up when he, Williams, thinking it was too good to throw away, put it on and wore it. The gentleman who was present at the trial last week says that without doubt Williams was not guilty, and the story of Williams is believed by everyone in the vicinity of Eagle River, for they think if the man had any intention of stealing the coat he would not have worn it in a store where he knew it would be recognized. Daily Northwestern (Oshkosh, WI), February 2, 1893. [In 1887, Ephriam Williams was boarding at Briggs House, Appleton, WI, occupation Saloon (Appleton, Wi Directory, 1887). In the 1910 census Ephriam Williams listed himself as a showman, in the 1920 census, he was living in Winter Park, Florida, a widower with three daughters.] All information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or the persons.

A. Wilson Show - 1900

    Probably will run out a big 10, 20 and 30 cent show under canvas. 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 the persons.

Wirth's Circus - 1890, 1895-1896

    "George Wirth and his brother Philip . . . One brother, Harry, went to America and with great difficulty brought back a wild west show, which was presented in a three ring circus with hippodrome racing, touring Adelaide, Sydney and northern New South Wales and Queesland in 1890-91." Australian Autobiographical Narratives: 1850-1900, Vol. 2 Kay Walsh, Joy W. Hooton, 1998, p. 292.

    Ad. Arrived per S. S. Alameda, Mr. Harry Wirth, circus proprietor, and Alexander, general business manager of Wirth Bros.' Grand Australian Circus, the only railroad circus in Australasia. Now in its seventh year of uninterruped success. We want for Australia, circus performers in every branch, hippodrome and wild west. Trained animals, buffaloes, small steam caliope, etc., etc. Long engagements. Salaries sure. Address care of Clipper office. Advertisement, New York Clipper, June 21, 1890, p. 239.

    Harry Wirth and business manager Alexander, of Wirth Bros.' Circus and Wild West, Australia, were pleasant Clipper callers July 10(?). The arrived on that day from the West, where they had been engaging Indians and Wild West people to take back to the Antipodes with them. Their stay in twon was necessarily brief, as business manager Alexander sails for home, from San Francisco, 2?. Proprietor Wirth sails from the same city Aug 23(?), reaching Sydney in season for the opening of the show early in September. On their way East, the stopped long enough at Buffalo to order some special and expensive printing and lithograph work from the Courier Co. The Wirth family numbers thirteen people, five ladies and eight males. All of them are performers and the children of one family. They are negotiationg for several high class equestrian acts and novelties. New York Clipper, July 10, 1890, p. 294.

    Pacific Circus. The opening in Sydney of the Pacific Circus, under the management of Mr. Harry Wirth, is announced in our business columns. The first performance is set down for Friday night, the location being that conveniently situated plot of land known as Mark Foy's ground . . . The list of performers is stated to be a formidable one. The equine department is also said to be particularly strong. There are six lady equestrians, and the clowning detachment is led by Alberto, who is aided by Walhalla and other mirth provokers. Miss Muriel Wirth will perform her invisible high wire act, during which she will introduce her aviary of trained pigeons. Sydney Morning Herald, May 22, 1895, p. 6.

    Panicky Authorities. A curious Incident has marked the stay of Wirth's circus at Maritzburg. One of the most attractive items of the program was a representation in the arena of the most stirring episode of the Matabele war - Wilson's last stand - which was, however, withdrawn at the request of the authorities. The latter, it is said, deemed it inadvisable to continue the performance, fearing that it would have a tendency to so excite the passions of the natives engaged therein as to lead them to carry their mimic triumph over the white man into actual practice, and run amuck in the streets at the close of the performance. - Cape Times (South Africa). Daily Herald (Delphos, OH), August 22, 1895, n.p.n.

    Wirth's circus, now playing in Samoa, will probably stop here en route to the States. Among the artists with the company is Eloise St. Leon, Muriel Wirth and Ida Vernon. Hawaiian Gazette (Honolulu, HI), November 19, 1895.

    . . . The initial performance of Wirth's Australian Circus . . . The pony "Nellie" was put through some tricks, that showed almost human instinct, by her trainer, P. H. Montgomery. W. Burns and a Japanese midget showed off to fine advantage in a ladder balancing performance. Lahl Sing proved himself a star in the riding line, jumping on and off his horse while going at full speed, with perfect ease. Muriel Wirth, a lovely little tot of eight years, performed on the slack wire in a manner that would do credit to an oldtime slack-wire artist. Miss Nellie Lyndhurst and Miss Ida Vernon showed themselves to be expert bareback riders and appeared perfectly at home standing on the backs of flying steeds. Burns and Alberto on the flying trapeze and Kachaiko, a youthful Japanese bareback rider, received several rounds of applause for their daring feats. The clowns were very amusing, and "The Alabama Coon," as sung by little Muriel Wirth, Kate Montgomery and Elsie St. Leon, servied as a pleasing interlude between the performances of older members of the troupe. . . . Hawaiian Gazette (Honolulu, HI), December 6, 1895, p. 5.

    A Circus. But Really the Best Here in Thirty Years. It is a novelty for a show to fulfil its promises. Yet we have here Wirth's Australian Circus which does so. It not only fulfils its promises, but it does so on time. The audience had never a wait to endure. And in every direction it is the best show which has struck Honolulu for over thirty years. . . . What struck our attention most after the perfect training of the animals, especially the trained pony Nelly, who seemed to only lack the ability to answer in English, were the graceful and fearless acts of Miss Muriel Wirth, aged about 8, on the slack wire; the balancing on the breaking of the ladder by the little Jap Takia supported by W. Burns; the work on the flying trapeze by Messrs. Burns and Alberto; and the wonderful feats of Nellie Lynhurst in riding bareback round the arena at full speed, extended at full length on the horse, and yet picking up objects laid on the sawdust. The singing of the "Little Alabama Coon" by the youngsters, with their dance, took the audience by storm, as indeed did every feat performed. The house was crowded. The performers may congratulate theselves on having captured Honolulu's heart. And they well deserve it - from the darling children up to the oldest performer, either lady or gentleman. Mr. Wirth, wife and family have scored a success. The Independent (Honolulu, HI), December 06, 1895.

    Another Change of Program for Wednesday's Matinee and Evening. Seats Can Now be Obtained Without Extra Charge - Steeple chase a drawing feature of show. The popularity of Wirth's circus was not dampened in the least by last week's showers, as shown by the large crowd in attendance at the matinee and evening performances on Saturday. At night the tent was simply packed, and but few more could have found room under the canvas. The change of program is surely one for the better, and greatly pleased the large audiences. The midgets, Elsie St. Leon, Katie Montgomery and Muriel Wirth did new turns, and were loudly encored for their graceful performances. Little Elsie St. Leon performs on the high trapeze in a manner that would do credit to an old professional. Muriel Wirth rides a horse bareback in graceful style, and, as the Flower Girl, she is simply delightful. She carries a basket of roses, and while standing on the horse's back distributes her flowers around the audience. Lahl Sing, who is about as clever an all-around performer as is ever seen in a ring, has several new features to act. On the horizontal bars, trapeze and in juggling Sing shows up just as graceful as his daring act on horseback. The other members all have new acts but the steeplechase simply brings down the house. The clowns and the children grow closer attached at each performance. . . . Hawaiian Gazette (Honolulu, HI), December 17, 1895, p. 6.

    Positively the last performance of Wirth's circus will be given tomorrow evening. A matinee will be given Saturday afternoon, the occasion being a complimentary benefit to Miss Muriel Wirth. At both performances an entirely new program will be given, included in which will be numerous thrilling and realistic scenes. The management will spare neither pains nor money to make their parting appearances far superior to any yet given. Complimentary tickets will be furnished aged Hawaiians at Lunalilo Home; a special portion under the tent will be reserved for their use. It is hoped the public will further show its appreciation of the circus by giving bumper houses at both performances. The circus will leave for Hilo by the Kinau early Monday morning. Hawaiian Gazette (Honolulu, HI), December 27, 1895, p. 1.

    Tents Erected Fort and Beretania Streets. Wirth's Circus. Proprietor, Harry Wirth. Manager, J. J. Cameron. Farewell and a Happy and Prosperous New Year to All. To the Citizens of Honolulu. On our arrival we were entire strangers and did not know one friend and not having the outside appearance of a Gigantic Circus, we were pronounced Wirth's and without any tangible means of presenting a good show. Well, now, the artists have appeared before you for some considerable time and we trust that our individual merits have been acceptable, and for your very liberal patronage and appreciation we feel grateful, and to those that have extended the hand of friendship during our pleasant sojourn, all we can say please accept the best wishes and thanks of Wirth's Circus Company. This Day, Two Performances! Most Positively the Last.This Afternoon at 3 o'clock. Set apart as a testimonial benefit to Little Merial Wirth. On which occasion every child visiting the Circus will receive a picture of Muriel, with wishes for a prosperous New Year. To-night - Farewell! Immense Double Program. Terminating, by request with Dick Turpin's Ride to York. Prices of admission, afternoon performances: Children only. Chairs 25c, Gallery 10c. In the evening. Chairs 75c, Gallery 25c. Advertisement, The Independent (Honolulu, HI), December 28, 1895.

    Wirth's circus closed a very profitable engagement in Honolulu on Saturday. The final performances were given in the afternoon and evening, and were witnessed by unusually large and appreciative audiences. Miss Muriel Wirth was tendered a complimentary benefit at the matinee, and the reception accorded the popular little performer was indeed a very pleasing one. The tent was packed with children; each one was presented.with a handsome souvenir photograph of Miss Muriel, with her best wishes for a happy and prosperous New Year. At the conclusion of the little girl's marvelous bareback performance she was presented with several beautiful floral pieces, among them being a handsome offering from Madame Musin, accompanied by a note of congratulation from the celebrated singer. The members of the circus company showed their appreciation of the petite artiste by the presentation of a silver goblet appropriately, engraved. Mr. St. Leon acted as deliverer, and Miss Muriel expressed her thanks in a neat speech. At the evening performance the capacity of the tent was taxed to its utmost. The, program rendered on both occasions, was new and attractive, evidenced by continued applause during the performance. Manager Cameron and proprietor Wirth express sincere thanks for the kind patronage extended by the Honolulu public, and will ever remember their visit with genuine pleasure. They wish to acknowledge and praise the services of the police; also to Marshal Brown for favors extended Prof. Berger was present at Saturday evening's performance and assisted the orchestra with violin accompaniment. Hawaiian Gazette (Honolulu, HI), December 31, 1895, p. 6.

    Hawaiian Gazette - January 24, 1896, p. 8, Honolulu, Hawaii Wirth's Circus. . . . The ring performance in the Wirth tent last night was all that could be desired by the large audience present. Miss Lyndhurst repeated her great pick-up riding act, and little Muriel Wirth, besides doing an excellent riding act, distinguished herself as a serpentine dancer. The great Lahl Sing and Alberto did a wonderful horizontal bar act, which called forth continued applause. Little Katie Montgomery delighted the audience by her wonderful riding. In response to a general request, the "Trip to Donnybrook Fair" will be repeated tonight. . . . Hawaiian Gazette (Honolulu, HI), January 24, 1896, p. 8.

    Saturday was little Muriel Wirth's twelfth birthday, and to commemorate the event Lahl Sing, the celebrated rider of the circus company, presented her with a very beautiful gold watch and chain. The only bit of ornamentation on the gold case was a handsome diamond. The little girl was so excited over the presentation, which took place just before the matinee, that she could scarcely do her act. The [sic] prizes the watch very highly. Hawaiian Gazette (Honolulu, HI), February 18, 1896, p. 7.

    Wirth's Circus arrived at Yokohama from Hawaii on the 31st ult., and is to give performances there. North China Herald (Shanghai, China), April 10, 1896.

    A storm visited. Yokohama oh the night of the 7th, and Wirth's Circus was blown down. North China Herald (Shanghai, China), April 17, 1896.

    Wirth's Circus Company gave their first performance on Monday night under trying circumstances. The dreadful state of the weather of late has prevented any movement out-of-doors with comfort, and though the rain kept off on Monday night still the weather was doubtful, and therefore many residents preferred to stay quietly at home rather then run any risks. Still the Circus tent was well filled, though not fully crowded, by an audience determined to enjoy themselves, and the management of the Circus were actuated by a desire to give them every means of carrying out this laudable intention. A very good and varied programme had been provided which embraced 20 items, and not only was commendable punctuality observed, but there was no waiting between the turns, one number succeeding another almost before the audience realised that some fresh attraction was before them. After the opening entree of the Company in the Star and Garter Waltz, little Elsie St. Leon gave a clever performance on the high trapeze, which was loudly applauded. Then Mr. P. H. Montgomery introduced two handsome sorrel ponies and put them through an exhibition of training which was highly approved. Miss Ida Vernon next appeared in an equestrian act and was followed by three little girls who gave a pleasing and clever representation of "The Alabama Coon," which drew loud applause from the audience. Some very good riding on three barebacked horses by Miss Nellie Lyndhurst then followed, and. she was succeeded by Mr. Alf. St. Leon and his dog "Dan Stuart," and the audience would gladly have seen more of the dog than the act allowed. The performance on the Invisible Wire by Miss Muriel Wirth which came next on the programme was extremely interesting, and was followed by another good act when Mr. Montgomery showed how completely he had trained the clever pony Nelly. The first part concluded with some daring barebacked riding by Lahl Sing, who went through a very trying act without a fault. After a brief interval the second part opened with some excellent horizontal bar performances by Lahl Sing and another good gymnast whose name did not appear, and this was followed by a capital equestrian act by Miss Ida Vernon and Mr. Montgomery. One of the horses first brought out went lame, and the succeeding number, which introduced the Lilliputian Contortionists, was proceeded with, until Nellie could take the place of the lame steed. The act was carried to a finish, and very attractive it proved. Miss Nellie Lyndhurst then appeared once more in a barebacked act, picking up handkerchiefs from the ground while her horse was at full speed, which was one of the best acts of the evening. Some fun with three clowns followed, and then Miss Kate Montgomery, quite a child, did some extremely clever barebacked riding, which was highly appreciated. The performance closed with a Medley of a May Pole Dance and Steeplechase. Altogether the performance was highly commendable and the audience was very enthusiastic. The only drawback was that the tent was not sufficiently lighted, and the naptha lamps that were used were very objectionable, but perhaps the Manager, Mr. Cameron, will find some means to remedy this. If the weather only becomes fine there is no doubt that Wirth's Circus will prove a great attraction, and the talented artists will meet with the support which they deserve. The second performance at Wirth's Circus was given on Tuesday evening, and threatening though the weather was at 9 p.m., there was a very fair attendance. There are many points of excellence about this Circus. The horses are admirably trained. North China Herald (Shanghai, China), June 12, 1896.

    WIRTH'S Circus gave two performances on Saturday, the afternoon one being for children. At the evening performance the week's programme was slightly varied, and an addition made in the shape of Abadie and his trained tiger, a daring and plucky performance which was greatly appreciated by the large audience. The tent was filled to its utmost capacity, many people being unable to obtain admission.
    WIRTH'S Circus continues deservedly to attract large audiences, the performances going with great smoothness, and even the contretemps that occurred on Monday night only added to the amusement of the audience. The riding of Lal Sing is as good as anything of the kind that has been seen in Shanghai, and the lady riders are exceedingly attractive. A very good ladder act was introduced on Monday, and the clowning was better, while the three children, on whose little shoulders much of the burden of the evening falls, did their parts with the greatest accuracy, interest, and conscientiousness, and were very heartily applauded. It was very pretty to see the anxiety, crowned by success, with which Miss Muriel Wirth, a fearless little rider, did her act on a horse to which she was unaccustomed. There were no programmes obtainable on Monday night, and we cannot therefore specify the successful performers by name. The entertainment closed with the appearance of Mr. Abadie with his tamed tiger, which has been taught to do most unexpected tricks, the mock combat between this great cat and its natural enemy, the small dog, being well worth seeing. A little more expenditure on accessories, and a little more attention to the costumes of the non-riding members of the troupe whose duties bring them into the ring, and a little improvement in the lighting, would make this a very praiseworthy Circus.
    THE performance at Wirth's Circus on Tuesday night was somewhat marred by accidents. One of the juvenile members of the troupe, whose name we did not learn owing to the absence of programmes, while riding two barebacked horses fell twice. After her second fall the audience manifested some amount of disapproval, in spite of which, however, the act was carried to a conclusion. Miss St. Leon, also had two falls, the second being a rather severe one. The rest of the performance was carried through without any hitch, the clever riding of Miss Muriel Wirth, and the daring performance of Lal Singh, being greatly applauded. One of the most amusing features of the evening was the contest for a purse of silver given by Mr. Wirth for the best attempt at standing on a padded horse. The attempts of the competitors were extremely laughable, the prize eventually being awarded to an English bluejacket. Mr. Abadie, with his performing tiger and dog, are also worthy of special mention. North China Herald (Shanghai, China), June 19, 1896.

    North China Herald - June 26, 1896, Shanghai, China WIRTH'S circus was crowded on Saturday night by an enthusiastic audience, and all the numbers on the programme were gone through with most commendable promptitude and with a great deal of skill. The little girls, in their various performances, were loudly applauded, as were also their elders, but perhaps the amateur pad riding afforded most entertainment. The Manager promises an entire change of programme for the coming week, a prominent feature of which will be the serpentine dance by Miss Muriel Wirth, and as Wirth's circus will not remain much longer in Shanghai, we feel sure that it only requires fine weather to ensure a bumper house every night. The matinee on Saturday afternoon was well attended by the little ones, who thoroughly enjoyed the treat provided for them.
    WIRTH'S CIRCUS was again largely patronised on Monday night, the entertainment in several items differing from previous representations. It was evidently thoroughly appreciated, although the continued absence of programmes shows a lack of consideration for a considerable portion of the spectators, which it is difficult to understand. The lighting and some other arrangements are also rather crude, and assist the performers' efforts little if anything. The measure of success attained by the latter is therefore all the more creditable to themselves, and a little closer attention to details would put the Circus in a position to compare very favourably with previous visitors. The riding of both adults and youngsters is undeniably clever, the demonstrations of pony and horse training are excellent, and for those who appreciate the excitement of a performing tiger, the exhibition of Abadie is a thrilling and well given act. The appearance of Miss Nellie Lyndhurst on the slack wire was a welcome novelty, a remark which can also be applied to the graceful Serpentine Dance of Miss Muriel Wirth, handicapped though it was by the absence of effective lighting, and the unsuitable dancing floor which the tan makes. The entertainment had to be slightly curtailed on account of the temporary sickness of some of the horses, but it was nevertheless of the most liberal length. During the week the performances have been patronised by crowded houses. North China Herald (Shanghai, China), June 26, 1896.

    THE greatly changed and very attractive programme presented by Wirth's Circus on Saturday night drew a vast crowd to the commodious tent. The points of detail which have given rise to criticism are being diligently improved, particularly in the matter of lighting, but the maker of the new tent having been at fault in his measurements it was impossible for it to be erected as announced. The Circus was again largely patronised on Monday night, and in spite of the trying heat the performers went through a programme of some twenty numbers without the suspicion of weariness or the smallest hitch. The tent is now capitally lighted, the arrangements have settled down into regular working, and an additional improvement is promised when the new tent will be erected. So far as the performers are concerned, the most captious critic could not demand more. The bareback riding of Miss Nellie Lyndhurst - particularly with a team of four fine animals - and her subsequent clever performance on the slack wire; the equestrian exhibition of Miss Ida Vernon and Mr. P. H. Montgomery; the wonderfully clever juveniles, Little Elsie, Miss Muriel Wirth, Miss Elsie St. Leon, and Miss Katie Montgomery; the riding of Lahl Singh, and the exhibitions of trained horses, are equal to the standard of any circus. It is not often that so considerable a share of an entertainment depends upon youngsters, and with the temperature just now being experienced, the visitors would not complain if their tasks were lightened by the shortening of the present very long programme. North China Herald (Shanghai, China), July 3, 1896.

    WIRTH'S Circus on Saturday night was patronised by a very large number of visitors, attracted by the announcement of a change of programme, including the production of what was called an equestrian drama representing "Dick Turpin's Ride to York." This latter comprised the second part of the programme and if somewhat crude in humour, sentiment, and "properties," afforded an interesting exhibition of animal training. In the present instance "Black" Bess is represented by a sorrel animal, and a good many Chinese coolies assist at her funeral. But the first part of the evening's entertainment was undeniably good, Miss Nellie Lyndhurst, Miss Ida Vernon, Miss Muriel Wirth. Mr. P. H. Montgomery, and Lahl Singh giving excellent exhibitions of bareback and trick riding. Miss Muriel Wirth had what looked like a nasty fall early in the evening, but she pluckily finished her act, and later performed most gracefully on the slack wire. The patronage that the public continues to give to Wirth's Circus is well deserved, for frequent changes are made in the programme, and there has been a general improvement in the non-essentials - the training of the horses could not be improved. Everything goes as smoothly as possible, and the children, to whom so much of the success is due, and whose courage and ability are conspicuous, are loudly applauded in all their acts. The tiger is as tame as it can be, and it took no more notice of Mr. Jordan's intrusion on its privacy, that if he had been a regular ??? of its cage. The equestrian farce of Billy Button's Ride to Brentford, which was given on Wednesday night, was received with roars of laughter, and there is no doubt that when Mr. Wirth and his troupe leave us. they will be very much missed by foreigners and natives alike. North China Herald (Shanghai, China), July 10, 1896, p. 66.

    Wirth's Circus; has arrived and opened here on Thursday night, when there was a very fair attendance. The performance seemed to be much appreciated. North China Herald (Shanghai, China), July 31, 1896.

    Wirth's Circus. Our Eastern correspondent writes: Harry Wirth, with his circus, after touring Japan, has opened in Shanghai to splendid houses. J. J. Cameron, well known in Tasmania, is still manager. On July 6 the gave one half clear takings to the Japanese Earthquake Fund. After their Shanghai season the Wirths go to Hongkong and Manilia. The Mercury (Hobart, Tasmania), August 8, 1896.

    Mr. Harry Wirth, the proprietor of Wirth's Circus, that recently played here and in Japan, died on board the steamer Kwonglee on the voyage from Shanghai to Hong Kong. Hawaiian Gazette (Honolulu, HI), August 21, 1896, p. 5.

    [This death notice appears to be Harry's wife and the mother of the young Muriel above.] Wirth. December 5, 1928, at her residence, ?? St. James road, Waverly, Annie Maria, widow of the late Harry Wirth (Wirth's Circus), and dearly loved mother of Muriel (Mrs. W. D. Lewis, of Bowenfels), Harry, and George, aged 67 years. Sydney Morning Herald, December 7, 1928.

    [This appears to be the brother of Harry Wirth.] Mr. J. J. Wirth, the eldest of the brothers of the Wirth firm, has died in South Africa, where the circus was on tour. The Mercury (Hobart, Tasmania), May 5, 1894.
    A paragraph in a South African paper informs us of the sudden death of Mr. J. J. Wirth, well known throughout Australia as the eldest of three brothers carrying on Wirth's circus. The circus arrived at Capetown on the 5th December last, and had a most successful tour, visiting Johannesburg, Pretoria, Bloemfontein, East London, King Williamstown, Queenstown, and several smaller towns. Whilst they were at Ahwal(?) [prob. Allawal, North Africa] North Nr. J. J. Wirth was seized with an affection of the lungs, which compelled him to remain behind with his wife when the circus left. He oped to rejoin his comrades later on, but became rapidly worse after their departure, and died in a very short time. Mr. J. J. Wirth was born at Ipswich, Queensland, in 1858. His parents - of whom the mother is still alive and residing at Melbourne - were both of German extraction. The deceased and his brothers, George and Philip, have been in the circus business for thirteen years. The Brisbane Courier, June 8, 1894.
    Wirth. In loving rememberance of J. J. Wirth (circus proprietor), who departed this life at Allawall North, South Africa, April 16, 1894. (Inserted by his affectionate brother, Harry.) The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), April 16, 1895.

All information should be checked with additional sources. Do you have more information on this show? Email (circushistory@gmail.com) your documented information for the show or the persons.

Wixom's Show - 1885

    Mat. Wixom’s Great Tent Show opens season at Newberg, Mich., May 5. The people engaged are the Clevelands (Joe and Bessie), fancy rifle shots; Barkley Bros., horizontal bar performers; Joe Douglas, contortionist;; Thomas J. Nichols, acrobatic song-and-dance and general performer; J. A. Sunlin, Dutch dialect comedian; J. G. McDowell, song-and-dance and clog; John Rowe, knock-about clown and pedestal clog; Fuller and Dowell, Irish comedians; J. Todd, serio-comic and song-and-dance; Joe L. Todd’s Cornet Band of eight pieces. This show travels by wagons. The wagons are built in car shape, and all the people eat and sleep in them. New York Clipper, May 2, 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.

Undocumented information: “Matt” Wixom, real name Martin Van Buren Wixom, was born on Jan. 14, 1843 in Farmington, Oakland, Michigan and died on Nov. 2, 1907 in Bancroft, Shiawassee, Michigan. He was a merchant tailor until 1870 in Oakland, MI. Son of Issac Wixom and Martha Ryal. Married Celia A. Bradley, Dec. 27, 1863. Children were: Franklin I., Russell Percival, Almeria, Ernest Bradley and Martin Van Buren, Jr. Matt Wixom started a circus 1874 and continued in the business until 1907. Matt's children and grandchildren carried on this business. His son, Franklin I., was born in 1864 in Livingston, MI and died Mar. 1943 in Saginaw, MI. He owned a circus with his father. In 1893 he had 9 cages of animals and 110 performers and traveled the country. Eventually sold the circus for $25,000. He owned 17,600 acres in Wyoming. He also owned a glockenspiel player in 1885 in Oakland MI. He sold his business in 1905. Owned a 274 mile refinery railroad in Wyoming. He was the organizer of the Tittabawasee Power Company between 1906 and 1928 in Edenville, Midland, MI. Also the organizer of the Wolverine Power Company in 1923 in Midland, MI. Franklin named one of his sons Barnum Bailey Wixom. From: www.theharmons.us/harmon_t/tharmon.htm and Rootsweb NYFingerLakes mailing list, July 1999.

Woodyear's Circus, China - 1892

    Robert E. Lee has reached California from China where he as been traveling with Woodyear's Circus. Mr. Lee is at present living with friends at Los Angles, Cal. New York Clipper, November 5, 1892, p. 554. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Wright Show - 1894

    Roster of the Wright Show. - Sam Wright, proprietor; Barney Earle, manager; Barney ???, equestrian director. Performers: Sam Wright, Charles Prine, Joe Richards, Ida Wright, ??? Wright, Geo. Adams, Hattie Richard, Lucy ??? and Iverson Moxley. John Bell, canvas boss; Jimie Six, property man, and Willie Jordan, boss hostler. The show travels by wagon. We have one round top and 40 ft. middle piece. The show leaves O.T., April 18, for Texas. New York Clipper, April 21, 1894, p. 102. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Top

Y

    Oconomowoc, Wis. June 8. The Yankee Robinson Circus is playing to big business in Wisconsin. Two exhibitions were given here to-day. The organization is transported on twenty cars, and the equipment throughout is first class. Fred Buchanan, the proprietor of this aggregation, is an astute showman, and under his careful management the Yankee Robinson combination should enjoy a profitable season. The big show performance moves along smoothly under the supervision of Charles Sweeney, the equestrian director, and the personnel of the dressing room include: Charles Ellet Troupe, John Merkle, Eddie Dorey, Charles Ehet(?); Castello's riders, Delcia Gomer, Bessie Castello, Fred Castello; Raral Tekio Troupe, ten in number; Smith Bros., Tom Smith, Harry Smith; Harry Le Sage, Mrs Le Sage, Broch Bros., Alex and Tom; Mrs. Hale, Mrs. Sweeney, Mrs. Maretta, Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Broch, Mrs. Campbell; . . . clowns: Albert Powell, Bert Fisher, Tom Burns, Joe Marvello, Walter Goodenough, Ed. Nathers and Jerry Allen.
    The big top, under the supervision of Chas. Kelley, is 120 feet, with four 40 foot middle pieces. The menagerie is a 70. with four 30s. The assistant boss canvasmen are W. S. Anderson and Bob Mack. The seatmen are: ''Solder," Jim Galven, Oscar Baker and Joe Kelley. The horses are in splendid condition, and Jake Posey, the boss hostler, with 110 head of stock; Dick Sells is superintendent of ring stock; Red Carroll, superintendent of properties; John White, assistant superintendent; Orvllle Spears, superintendent of lights and Ed. Evans, assistant boss hostler. The menagerie consists of ten cages and dens, six elephants and camels. Frank B. Nelson is the boss animal man.
    The side show is under the management of Thomas W. Ryan, and his features include: The Andrews, glass blowers; Rose Monroe, musical artist; B. Krantz, tattooed man; Mme. Lezella, mind reader; Eason's Georgia Minstrels, twelve people; La Rose Sisters, singers and dancers; Gloria and troupe of six Oriental dancers; Volla, snake enchantress; Geo. Dramony, Punch aud Judy; the side show ticket sellers are Slim Scribner, Tony Kolb and Joe Atterbury. The John Eason side show band and minstrel company includes: John Eason, leader; Preston Bridgewater, Boisey Gray, James Brooks, Harrison E. Hall, John Mitchell, Eugene Peterson and Miss Dixie Peterson.
    Theodore Stout is director of the big show band, and his organization incluces: Joe R. Lopez, Paul Ford, Morris Farrell, Gene Shearer, Tom Abbott, Verne Evans, Cecil Morgan, W. C. Kline, Worth Crosby, M. O. Lawrendale, C. V. Sears, James Nat Price, E. E. Johnson, Arthur Du Mont, and Jim Williams. "Fat" Lemons Is the trainmaster, and his cars are in fine shape. Bill Rodden is the legal adjuster; Harvey Hall, press agent; Verner Reeves and Haarry Mitchnick are in the ticket wagon.
    Among the visitors here to-day were: Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Cole, Jack Cole, E. F. Albee, George F. Cable, Mrs. Wm. Beehler, C. W. McCurren, and Charles Martin. Mr. Martin entertained a number of his circus friends at his beautiful summer home near this city. New York Clipper, June 15, 1912, p. 11. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Yankee Robinson Circus - 1912

Female peformers: Daisy Backman, contortionist; Mona MacDhu, iron jaw; Gene MacDhu, iron jaw; Maud Hickey, trapeze; Kate Smith, dogs; Jewel Lloyd, horses; Ruth Weigle, iron jaw; Rena Wingert, trapeze. Circus Report, December 4, 1972, 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.

Young Buffalo Wild West and Col. Cummings' Far East - 1912

    By Si Stebbins. Stamford, Conn.. June 9. We started the past week in Trenton. N. J. . . . In regard to our business there, will simply say, I don't believe the Two Bills' management for passing it up each year, even after wintering there. Newark and Jersey City did not make us rich. Newburgh, N. Y., gave us fair business, in a rain that lasted all day. Kingston was good, and Poughkeepsie gave us capacity both afternoon and night.
    The "Governor" (Mr. Seaver), with Mrs. and Master Seaver Jr., left us in Jersey City for a trip to New York, Chicago and Peoria. "Don't stay away too long. Governor, we miss you too much " Ray Thompson and Mrs. Thompson join today with eight head of high school horses, including Joe Bailey and tbe famous bridleless horse ridden by Mrs. Thompson. This acquisition, along with our own high school riders, Grace Phelan(?), Etta Meyers, Merritt Bellew and Ed. La Gienan(?) will make some high school number, eh? Mrs. Col. Cummins and daughter are at home in Jersev City for a few days.
    Col. Cummins had a bad accident in Kingston at the afternoon performance. During the introduction his horse fell, throwing the colonel heavily on his left shoulder, breaking the collarbone. But the colonel, always game, insisted upon finishing the number, and did. In Newburgh Col. Cummins and Mr. Salvall were tendered a 6 o'clock beefsteak dinner by Newburgh Lodge No. 247, B. P. O. Elks. Col. Cummins also had the pleasure of having ex-Gov. B. B. Odell as his guest at Newburgh.
    We have had many visitors the past week. Ed. Holland, of the Hippodrome, was a welcome visitor at Jersey City. Jake Platt, old time boss canvasman with the Buffalo Bill Shows, also visited. Bartel(?), of animal fame, and Mr. Cagney, who owns and operates more railroads (miniature) than the Vanderbilts, also saw our show at Jersey City. Another welcome visitor at Jersey City was Frank Robbins Jr. The boys of the Wallace advance No. 2 car looked us over at Newburgh and Kingston, and thev are a nice bunch of boys, too.
    There have been numerous accidents the past week. Your correspondent shot his left hand to pieces in Jersey City, at the night performance during the stage-coach hold-up. Don't know yet how I did it. but you can gamble I'm not going to try it over. Doing well, thank you. Another accident yesterday morning, and one at the afternoon performance. In the morning Jas Robinson, our genial steward, went up town with his trotter, Prairie Hay Kate ( 3.47 sometimes), and while in the business section, the king(?) bolt in his sulky broke, and Kate, taking it for the word "go," tried to lower her mark, with the result that Jess was thrown out and considerably bruised. At the afternoon performance Maude Loew was thrown in the quadrille number and had her left shoulder dislocated.
    Joe R. Smith (Young Buffalo) is making a splendid impression with the public with his riding, and his every appearance is greeted with applause. Joe is a mighty good fellow, too, and as arena director he has every number in and out on time. Colorado Cotton, wife and son, Johnny Davis and wife, Wm. Jacobs (Peoria Slim) and Bill Brown are late acquisitions to our cowboy list. Colorado Cotton is now chief of cowboys, and doing some wonderful roping. Mildred McConnell is riding Maj. McKinley. George Slocovll es handling our lights, and they are certainly handled right, and I'll say right here anything George does he does right. Tod Sloan, assistant boss canvasman, was let out at Jersey City, and his place was filled by Wm. Speedy. Jack (Shorty) Rendun lost his famous dog, Wampus, in Jersey City, somebody stealing him from under a wagon. Jack is in Jersey City to-day trying to locate Wampus. We all hope you succeed, Jack.
    A correspondent of a weekly paper in Cumberland, Md., would seem to have it that Steve Gracely (Cossack) was not given a decent burial, by saying he was buried in Potter's Field. I will say, and I know, that he was not only given a decent burial, but Col. Cochrane's mother (Cumberland being the colonel's home town) sent $11 worth of flowers, and a collection was taken up with this show to pay funeral expenses, and a matter of $97 was forwarded to his widow in Southern Russia.
    A. L. Savail(?) always packs them into the annex regardless of any and all conditions. And why shouldn't he. With one of the best side show bands and colored minstrel troupes I've ever seen. Then there is Nell (Mrs. Salvail) a wonder in mental work. Al. himself, with a swell Une of magic, card work and Punch and Judy. Yellow Boy, in a sensational sword swallowing act; A. S. Kazuma. the fire king; Billiken, under the management of Capt. Clayton, who is a laughing wonder, and Marguerite Still and her den of pythons. Then there are Mlle. Alberta and her company of dancers. There is not an act in the whole show that is not a feature; not an act but will either fill you with wonder or merriment, and everybody comes out of Salvail's Annex with only good words for the show, and never knock. I almost overlooked the troupe of native Cingalese aud the elephants and camels. They are also in the annex, and those Cingalese are a whole show in themselves. Joe Lehman has charge of the front door of the annex, and he is the right man in the right place. New York Clipper, June 15, 1912, p. 11. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Top

Z

    Wanted, for King E. Ziemer's Royal American Shows. Performers in all branches. If you play brass in parade or double concet, say so. Musicians of all kinds write. No fares. P. S. Open April ??. King E. Ziemer, St. Louis, Mo. New York Clipper, March 15, 1902, p. 60.

    King E. Ziemer's reports good business. Billboard, September 1, 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.

Top