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      Notes from the Allen Shows. Business for the first week has been more than satisfactory, Geo. Belford is making a hit in head balancing act on the trapeze. Chas. Gregory is also catching the audience with his dancing barrel act. Capt. Bartlett is one of the features of the street parade, giving exhibitions of fancy rifle shooting on the street. Manager John H. Sparks is making a hit with his clarinet solo which preceded the big show. Lowery and Madden, song and dance performers, joined April 28, and are a feature of the concerts. New York Clipper, May 9, 1891.

Andress Show - 1889

      The Andress Show, Chas. Andress, sole proprietor, and W. R. Andress, manager, started the tenting season April 21. The show has one advance car, fourteen people in charge of the advance, and about one hundred people with the show. They also carry ten cages, one elephant, two camels and twenty horses. New York Clipper, April 27, 1889.

Australian Circus - 1870

The Australian Circus - The Treasurer Absconds with all the Funds of the Show - Arrest of the Managers and Actors, and Seizure of the Equipment by the Sheriff.
      . . . at Riverhead, L.I., the mishap with the Australian circus met while performing to a crowded audience in that village. The treasurer had $4,000 belonging to the establishment, and, with what the exhibition rendered, he absconded, leaving the managers without a cent to liquidate their debts. When the bills for their keeping and transportation from town to town were presented the creditors were politely informed that there was no money in the treasury . . . the President of the Long Island Railroad was busily engaged in taking the preliminary steps to insure him against loss, as they had the use of a chartered train of several cars, and in the evening the Sheriff levied on all the property. The natives became enraged to think they had thus been outdone by the Commodore and determined to have revenge by imprisoning every one connected with the show. A large number were arrested, and not having money nor proper persons to become their bail, are still in duress. Miss Minnie Wells and her lions are here, and she threatens legal action for detaining her caged pets. . . . The stock of the establishment will be sold at public auction if the debts are not removed before the time fixed for the sale by law. New York Herald, July 8, 1870.

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      Bailey’s London Circus opened its season at Newton Falls, O., May 2 . . . Geo. Rexford, equestrian director . . . Frank Farreli is working the sideshow openings and concert announcements, . . . Manager Bailey recently secured several head of fine ring stock and a number of performing horses at Chicago, and “Pop” McFarland is training them very nicely. The Cordellos (Pierre, Leona and Angelo), principal bareback, hurdle and four horse riders, are a clever trio, . . . New York Clipper, May 16, 1891.

C. F. Bailey & Co. - 1870

      C. F. Bailey & Co.'s Famous Menagerie. 240 men and horses. 22nd annual tour, after an absence of four years. Monster Rhinoceros. Fifty Living Lions. Herds of Dromedaries. Four Little Baby Lions. Two Performing Elephants. Sig. Sebastian's Italian Circus. "Menagerie Levees" held one hour before the Circus commences, ample time allowed to inspect the Wild Animals and Beautiful Birds before the Circus entertainment commences. Wither's Army Band in military uniform, discoursing the popular airs and melodies of America, Ireland and England. Evening Gazette (Port Jervis, NY), August 27, 1870.

Bartholomew’s Circus - 1891

      Dan Bartholomew’s Circus opened its season at Salt Lake City May 2. . . . Two weeks were played there. This circus tours the inter-mountain region every Summer, to good success. As this country is rarely or never visited by the big shows, this one has a fine field. H. Burton is the manager. It opened with the following people: Mazuz and Abacco, Dare Bros., Wilson Bros., El Dino Dinei, Lamontz, Mono del Vago, G. Rice, D. Bartholomew and Tom Conklin. New York Clipper, May 16, 1891.

Bartine Consolidated Circus - 1889, 1891

      The Bartine Consolidated Circus is now organized as follows, and will open the season at Montpelier, Ind., May 2: Chas. Bartine, sole proprietor and manager; John McDonough, assistant manager; Clarence Burton, equestrian director; Charles Forbes, general contracting agent; Geo. Burke, general advertising agent, with four billposters; Tom Lee, master of canvas; John Palmer, assistant Boss canvasman, with ten assistants; F. W. Pike, master of stock, with twelve assistants; Geo. L. Glesinger, manager of candy stands and reserved seat privileges; E. S. Adell, manager of sideshow; Louis Brooks, steward of cook house; Prof. W. C. Youngs, leader of band of ten musicians. Performers - Clarence Burton, Artie Burton, Louie Burton, Mlle. Annie Burton, Frank Ross, Maud and Annie Parks, Prince Muro, . . . C. P. Stebleton, Geo. Greno, John Robinson, . . . Asa Barker, Wm. Arnold, Frank Bronibaugh, John Boyd. Concert people - Billy Mincer, Chas. Bartine, Barker and Brooks, and Master John. The show travels by wagon, using twelve baggage wagons, four cages, three passenger band wagons, three buggies and forty-five head of horses. Tents - 90 ft. round top, two 36 ft. middle pieces; 40 ft. round top dressing room, 35 x 65 ft. sideshow tent, two horse tents and two cook tents. Everything in and out of the show is brand new this season, from the stakes up, and painted in high, flashing colors. New York Clipper, April 27, 1889.

J. H. Miller After His Money.
      A special dispatch from Zanesville to the state Journal appeared in this morning’s paper as follows: "James H. Miller, of Newark, O., came here this evening and secured a writ of attachment against the Charles Bartine circus, which is exhibiting here tonight, for $450, alleged to be due him as agent's salary for last season. . . . Arrangements are being made by Bartine to furnish a redelivery bond and go on ahead and fill his dates." Newark (OH) Daily Advocate, August 25, 1891.

A. A. Beckett's Hippodrome Circus

      These people are engaged for A. A. Beckett's Hippodrome Circus for the season of 1886: J. E. Nobles, agent, with eight assistants; Eugene Gilmon, Ed. Morris, George Richardson, Alexis E. Scafar, John Lambert, Mons. Larabeto, William Mayo with six trained horses, Billy Andrews, Nelson Sinclair's dog-circus, Jean Earle, Samuel Dock, Harry Eldon, Willie Ash, Louis Alfreddo, John Sloman, Lee,Juggler, Three Alberts. Sideshow — John Kelly, manager; Ben Bowman, Chas. Smith and goats, Dr. Lynn, Punch-and-Judy and sleight-of-hand; Circassian; Mlle. Bowman, snake-charmer; Millie Scafar, half-lady; Michigan Giant. Master of canvas, Chas. Rhoades; Prof. Chas. C. Chase, with band- of ten men. The show opens May 1. New York Clipper, March 20 or 27, 1886.

J. C. Betts' Excelsior Pavilion Show

      The people engaged so far for J. C. Betts' Excelsior Pavilion Show are: J. C. Betts, proprietor and manager; Ed. Franlando, equestrian director; Kriz Bros., gymnasts; Fred Spencer, rope dancer; Gilbert Bros., Johnny Erwin (flying trapeze), Ed. Kriz, Minnie Johnson, Wm. Snell, Bessie Green, Jessie Betts, Fannie Betts and Eddy Fralando. The show has twelve wagons and thirty horses, and will leave Postville, Ia., in April. New York Clipper, April 3, 1886, p. 36.

Black Bros. - 1886-1888

      During the storm of last Thursday evening the tent of Black Bros. dime circus at Hornellsville was blown down on the heads of about 2,000 spectators. No one was injured. Olean (NY) Democrat, August 12, 1886.

      Mrs. E. Black has returned to Olean after an absence of six months, in which she made an extensive tour of the south in company with her sons, proprietors of Black Bros.' show. Olean (NY) Democrat, May 5, 1887.

      The roster of Black Bros.' Ten-cent show is: J. G. Hudgins, contracting agent; Henry Millard, business manager; W. B. Black, general manager; Harry Black, assistant manager and equestrian director; Fred Black, treasurer; Fred Harrise, ticket seller; C. C. Matthews, Jessie Dare, Sig. Montanio, Master Harry Montanio, Master Perry Montanio, John Trevino and Mrs. Trevino, Ed. Saunders, Monico Garcea (five in number), Mateldo Roes, Frank Sheets, leader of band, with eight pieces. Concert people: Mary Milton, Josei Montanio, Dan Barrett. William E. Rhodes, boss canvasman, with ten men; Lacey Milligan, general clown. New York Clipper, May 28, 1887.

      The Quincy Herald says of the Black Bros. Circus: . . . The tumblers are good, the riders excellent the trained animals above average in intelligence and training, the clowning is funny, the tight wire and rope acts thrilling . . . Decatur (IL) Daily Republican, May 24, 1887.

      Fred M. Black and wife arrived in the city Saturday evening from Los Angeles, Cal., and are the guests of Mrs. E. Black on Hamilton street. Mr. Black is one of the owners of the Black Brothers circus which closed its season at Los Angeles a short time ago. William and Harry Black are at Union City, Pa., where the circus is established in its winter quarters. Olean (NY) Democrat, December 8, 1887.

      Henry and Fred Black went to Union City, Pa. yesterday. The will commence preparations for the next season's tour of Black Bros. circus of which they are proprietors. Olean (NY) Democrat, February 2, 1888.

      James Black, who has been with Black Bros. circus for some months past returned last night from Witchita, Kansas, where the circus has gone into winter quarters. Olean (NY) Democrat, November 29, 1888.

Electa Black household. 1880 Federal Census, Union City, Erie County, Pennsylvania, National Archives file T9-1129, p. 225C.
Electa BLACK, age 51, occupation keeping house.
William B. BLACK, son, age 27, occupation hardward merch.
Harry B. BLACK, son, age 23, occupaton farmer.
Gertrude J. BLACK, daughter, age 19.
Fred M. BLACK, son, age 17.

Blondin's Show - 1910

      The roster of the Blondin Show is as follows: Leo Blondin and E. F. Reed, equal owners; Leo Blondin, manager; E. F. Reed, treasurer; Chas Bowen, general agent; Chas. R. D. Foote, stage manager; Clair Balding, assistant manager; E. W. Marsh, musical director; Tom Buckley, superintendent of lot and canvas. The street attractions are Spellman’s Band of fourteen pieces. R. Ferris Taylor, who sings with the band and Cuba Crutchfield, trick roper, Mrs. Leo Blondin and son, John Lee joined the show at Ogden, U. "Circus Gossip," Billboard, November 12, 1910, p. 24.

Bockus & Kilonis - 1936

      John D. Kilonis of Manchester, well known in this section as a wrestler a few years ago, is planning to head a one-ring circus during the coming summer. It will open May 2 in Manchester and then tour New England, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and the South. Fitchburg (MA) Sentinel, February 8, 1936.

      The Bockus & Kilonis Wild Animal circus, one of the largest of motorized shows, arrived here from Nashua today and will give a performance this afternoon and evening at the Summer street grounds. It is the first year of the combined Bockus and Kilonis attractions. The combination succeeded in attracting many well-known circus and animal acts. The glamour attached to the arrival of big railroad shows was missing somewhat today, although many were thrilled at the way the automobiles with their trailers rumbled over the roads to the show grounds. The circus was in Nashua yesterday and played to an enthusiastic capacity crowd last night. In keeping with the policy of traveling by daylight, the trucks did not leave Nashua until 5 o'clock today, and they rolled into Fitchburg at different times, so the early risen missed the mass ensemble anticipated. Supt. Manchester, who entered the circus business 42 years ago, and who was with the Buffalo Bill circus when Dexter W. Fellows made his debut in 1899, had charge of the erection of the tented city. Long before the performers, animals and attractions arrived the cook tent .the dressing rooms, the animal tent, the side show and finally the main top arose as if by magic. An army of employes were busy, each one had his appointed task; and to the sound of sledge hammer thumps and commanding voices of stern bosses the tents arose. The portable power plant was quickly in operation and attendants promised to have the ground as bright as daylight tonight. Employes say the animal display is the best ever seen in this city. The wild animal circus is part of the main show and all patrons see every animal at every performance. John Kilonis, one of the owners, is well known here as a wrestler. He appeared here many times several years ago, and took part in many hard fought bouts, including one at the Lyric with Paul Bowser, now wrestling promoter. He now resides in Manchester, where the circus makes its headquarters.
     J. B. Swafford, general manager of the circus, was formerly manager of the Cumings theater in this city and later went to Gardner where he continued in the theatrical business as house manager and later led his own tented shows. Supt. Manchester, "the first man on the lot in the morning and the last one off at night," is also a veteran. He has been in the circus business 42 years and during that time made and lost two fortunes. He owned the Sautelle circus at one time and also owned and managed the Irwin circus. The show goes from here to Gardner where it will appear tomorrow. Fitchburg (MA) Sentinel, May 6, 1936.

      Bockus & Kilonis Circus To Give Varied Program Here Wednesday, May 6. The Bockus & Kilonis wild animal circus, here Wednesday, May 6, is new, spick and span and presents an interesting diversified program. Thrillers and sensational troupes have been engaged from both sides of the Atlantic. The rings and stage will offer graceful and difficult equestrian feats performed on the backs of snow-white horses by fearless men and women riders. High school horses are ridden by captivating misses in gorgeous and glittering riding habits. Reckless and breath-taking aerialists perform ardous feats at the dome of the big canvas on swiftly moving trapeze and slender silver wires. Acrobatic troupes amaze and astonish, from the sturdy parents, down to the cute tumbling tots. A score of gymnasts including leapers, jugglers, wire walkers, contortionists and ludicrous clowns amuse with their timely burlesque offerings on various topics of the day. In a large steel arena appears the exciting and intensifying feature, Marion Knowlton, "Lady, of the Lions," a death defying woman, wild animal subjugator dominating jungle-bred lions and tigers. Her act is the feature of Capt William Schulz wild animal exhibition. Ted Merchant, cowboy screen star, present his own company of cowboys, cowgirls and horses in "Frontier Life." Fitchburg (MA) Sentinel, May 30, 1936.

      Bockus & Kilonis circus closed in Maine last week. The circus had tough luck in accidents and weather and finally decided to close the season. Fitchburg (MA) Sentinel, June 27, 1936.

Boyd & Peters 1879-1881

      Davis and Peters circus have been stopping this winter at Clark Rose's. They will show here in the spring before starting out. [possible] Birmingham Eccentric (Birmingham, MI), February 14, 1879.

      Boyd & Peter's Great Trans-Atlantic Circus, which has been visiting here [Royal Oak], will give their first exhibition here, on the 24th inst. Pontiac Press (Pontiac, MI), April 14, 1880.

      135 P 1880-04-21 Mr. S. C. Peters, of Boyd & Peters, the showmen, is evidently as susceptible to feminine charms as any man, and while the "animilies" were wintering at Royal Oak, Peters successfully wooed and won Miss Kittie Dows, and April 1 they went to Detroit and were spliced in good shape by Rev. Z. Eddy, D.D. Pontiac Press (Pontiac, MI), April 21, 1880. [Kittie Peters age 16, Royal Oak, Oakland County, MI 1880 census.]

      S. C. Peters, of Boyd & Peter's show that is to give an exhibition in Pontiac to-day, came very near losing his life at Royal Oak last Wednesday evening. He was returning from Detroit with a load of corn, and when almost home the wagon capsized and he was buried under the load in such a way that he was unable to extricate himself. John Krepps, his night watchman, got uneasy over the prolonged absence of Peters, and about midnight started down the road to investigate, and had only gone half a mile when he discovered why his employer didn't return. Help was speedily summoned and Peters was taken out more nearly dead than alive. It was a very narrow escape. Pontiac Press (Pontiac, MI), May 5, 1880.

      Boyd and Peter's combination of high sounding titles struck Pontiac last Wednesday and didn't create a very favorable impression. The street parade was like the horseflesh, thin, and while some parts of the circus were hard to beat, others didn't amount to much. We suppose that allowances should be made for the fact that the proprietors are young at the business and this was their 3rd or 4th stopping place. Pontiac Press (Pontiac, MI), May 12, 1880.

      Mrs. Harriet Carew and Mrs. S. C. Peters have gone to Penna. to visit Boyd & Peters' show. Birmingham Eccentric (Birmingham, MI), July 9, 1880.

      We are told that Boyd & Peters circus has come to a stand still down in Pennsylvania. Maltrome Burkett, aged 14 years, of Somerset county, that state, claims that she was abducted and outraged and kept with the circus for a week, being conveyed from town to town in the ticket wagon, and when allowed to leave she was partially demented. Her story as told in court is too horrible for publication. Last Thursday S. C. Peters, A. W. Davis, Clark Rose and John Campbell, managers, together with fifty attaches, were arrested and jailed to await examination. Pontiac Press (Pontiac, MI), July 28, 1880.

      Mr. S. C. Peters left here Monday for Minnesota. He has obtained an excellent situation as cashier in J. A. Bowerman's bank at Detroit, Minnesota. His wife will join him in a very short time. Pontiac Press (Pontiac, MI), June 8, 1881.

      Paraphernalia of Boyd & Peter's Circus sold by Sheriff of Armstrong county, at Leechburg, Monday Aug. 2. Claims came principally from Cincinnati, where the show was organized. Indiana (PA) Weekly Messenger, Aug. 4, 1880.

      Mrs. Hettie Peters, from Minnesota, is visiting at Virgil Rose's. Birmingham Eccentric (Birmingham, MI), November 11, 1881.

      Mrs. Kittie Peters is regaining her health since her return to Michigan. Birmingham Eccentric (Birmingham, MI), December 2, 1881.

Buchanan Bros. - 1900

      Bill posters and others are warned to be careful about taking the show's business. Several reports have come in telling of people who have had the worst of the deal with Buchanan Bros., and the latest is from Pella, Ia., where the bill poster who did the show's work was unable to make connections with the show's cash box. In fact, the show would not pay out a cent to any one. Billboard, June 9, 1900.

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