The Eventful Career of Adam Forepaugh
(From the New York Clipper, July 31,1880.)
Adam Forepaugh, proprietor of the well-known circus and menagerie known as Forepaugh’s Aggregation, was born in Philadelphia February 28, 1831. He began life as a butcher-boy in the emply of one John Hinkle, at a salary of our dollars a month and his board. At the age of sixteen he ran away from home and went to work for John Butcher, a butcher in Cincinnati, who, by the way, is still living in Crawfordsville, Indiana. Young Adam remained in his employ for a year and a half, receiving fifty dollars for the first month and one hundred dollars a month the rest of his term. Leaving Cincinnati, he entered the employ of John Gray, a butcher and horse-dealer. Returning to Philadelphia, he was in the butcher business up to 1848, when he embarked in running stage lines, and continued therein up to 1854. While in the omnibus business Mr. Forepaugh dealt in horses and cattle, and bought and sold in a single year as many as ten thousand horses. In 1861 he sold to John O’Brien, who was running a small wagon show, sixty-two horses for $9,000, and took as part payment an interest in the show. At this time Mr. Forepaugh had no idea of permanently embarking in the show business, but visiting the O’Brien Show in Pittsburgh, he purchased the same, and, buying Jerry Mabie’s menagerie, combined the two, which formed the nucleus of the now leviathan-proportioned great Forepaugh show. The Mabie purchase consisted of two elephant and eight animals, for which he paid $42,000, and the property was delivered to him at Twelfth and State streets, Chicago, on the very day of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Desiring a name to attract patronage, Dan Rice was secured, at a salary of $1,000 a week, for thirty weeks, and at this figure he remained in Mr. Forepaughs’s employ for three seasons. For eight years the earnings of the show were invested in its enlargement. Mr. Forepaugh increased the number of cages on exhibition until they numbered twenty, when the veteran managers declared that he was on the road to ruin. Next the number was increased to thirty, and at last to forty-four. Up to 1876 the Aggregation had moved by wagon, but, having now reached gigantic proportions, he had constructed his own trains of sleeping, coach, flat, box and stock cars, as well as a special car for the transportation of his business agents and advertisers. Of late years Mr. Forepaugh has increased his menagerie each season by direct importations from the wild-beast dealers of Europe. It is his boast that he “owns, controls, and exhibits more wild animals, and individually possesses more show-property than any other single person or firm in the world.” During the past winter his establishment was entirely refitted and repainted, and the features of the procession increased by three new tableau-cars of elegant design and massive proportions. It is a remarkable fact that during Mr. Forepaugh’s managerial career he has never suffered a financial reverse, but during the past fifteen years has continued to add to his fortune. He is a large real estate holder in Philadelphia and Brooklyn, and in the former, his native city, he owns nearly one-hundred houses, making his real estate possession foot up about a half a millions dollars. Manager Forepaugh is eminently a practical man. During the traveling season he is rarely absent from his show, paying the greatest attention to even the most minute details, and giving everything his personal supervision. Possessed of a stalwart frame, perfect health and a sanguine temperament, and no sum of money is too great if the exigency incites him to outdo a rival. At this writing, in addition to a very large and valuable collection of animals, his menagerie contains no fewer than eleven elephants. The name of Adam Forepaugh, the showman, may well be added to the roll of self-made men of whom America is so justly proud. Beginning life as a butcher-boy, working for four dollars a month, he now counts his fortune by hundreds of thousands, and fills a worthy mission by furnishing employment to hundreds, and amusement and instruction to the nation.
Adam Forepaugh’s Aggregation Roster, Season of 1880
Adam Forepaugh, Sole Proprietor.
Winter Quarters: Lehigh Ave. near Richmond St., Philadelphia, Penn. Office Hours: 9 to 12 a.m., 2 to 4 p.m. Residence, 1612 Green Street.
Managers
John A. Forepaugh
Adam Forepaugh, Jr.
Ben. Lusbie, Treasurer and Lightning Ticket Seller.
Charles H. Day, Headquarters Press Agent.
Printers
James Reilley, 12, 14 & 16 Spruce St, N. Y.
Samuel Booth & Co., 199 & 201 Centre Street, N. Y.
Courier Company, Buffalo, N. Y.
Russell Morgan & Co., Cincinnati, Ohio.
John B. Jeffery Printing House, Chicago, Ill.
Free Press Job, Detroit, Michigan.
Forepaugh Press, Walter Southgate, Supt.
Lithographers
Strobridge & Co., A. A. Stewart, Manager, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Clay & Company, Buffalo, New York.
The Advance Corps
Robert S. Dingess, General Director.
William H. Gardner, Manager of Advertising.
Fred. Lawrence, Director of Publications.
James A. Robinson, Contracting Agent.
M. Coyle, Director of Advertising Car.
Charles Whitney, Excursion Agent.
Walter Southgate, Assistant Press Agent.
Charles Reed, Special Agent.
J. H. Kelly, Special Agent.
A. Ogden, Chief Paste Brigade No. 1.
Wm. E. Crossley, Chief Paste Brigade No. 2.
Geo. T. Patton, Chief Mounted Brigade.
W. S. Chatterton, Programmer.
Manager’s Staff
Daniel Taylor, Superintendent of Pavilions.
Edward Payne, Assistant Superintendent of Pavilions.
Luke Digney, Superintendent of Horse Tents.
A. Smith, Superintendent of Side Show Pavilion.
William Lewis, Master of Horse.
Jacob Foster, Assistant Master of Horse.
Robert G. Black, Master of Transportation.
Wm. M. Thompson, Superintendent of Menagerie.
Edwin Forest, Assistant Superintendent of Menagerie.
Samuel P. Cox, Director of Street Procession.
Lewis C. Weyman, Feed Commissary.
S. S. Smith, Zoological Lecturer.
James Jordan, Preferred Ticket Seller.
A. N. King, Daily Programme Agent.
Reserved Seats
Samuel P. Cox, Luke Digney, Lewis C. Weyman.
Reserved Seat Ticket Sellers: Arnold Smith, William Leary.
Door Keepers
Adam Forepaugh, Adam Forepaugh, Jr., William Munroe, Charles H. Day.
The Privileges
John A. Forepaugh, Manager of Side Show, Concert and Candy Stands.
Wood T. Campbell, Assistant Manager.
Solicitors
Dr. S. J. Hickey, Charles Derricks, James Gannon, Wood T. Campbell.
Living Wonders
Major Burdett.
Hannah Battersby.
Zanobia, the Fan Child.
The Australian Wild Children (Tom and Hattie).
Eli Bowen.
Signor Feralto.
Museum Entertainment
Dr. S. J. Hickey, Necromancer and Lecturer.
Frank Morton, Ventriloquist and Phonographist.
Robert Walworth, Keeper of the Wild Childen.
H. J. Yorkey, Door Keeper.
Outside Wire Ascension, John Worland.
Refreshment Stands
Flavius Mulford, Superintendent.
Miss Luella Leon, Cigar Stand.
Wm. E. O’Neil, Outside Stand No. 1.
“Kid” Leon, Outside Stand No. 1.
C. J. Rice, Outside Stand No. 2.
T. J. Connors, Outside Stand No. 2.
W. H. Cahill, Inside Stand.
Wm. J. Kintz, Inside Stand.
Charles Baker, Toy Balloons.
Band No. 1
M. C. Sexton, Leader.
| Frank Wurzburg | A. Corazzi | John Kempf | James L. Aiken |
| Charles Maul | Edward Brennan | Thomas Forester | Leroy Leget |
| Richard Reimer | John Wiliamson | William R. Sargent | Lon. J. Nelson |
Henry Reynard, Leader.
| Frank Jarvis | George Williams | Geo. Johnson | Daniel Joel |
| Fred. Penton | Phil Gibbons | Albert Gregory | Harry Corazzi |
| George Davenport |
“Kids”
Donald M. Melville, Harry Lambkin, Jr., Little Lulu Loyal (the little girl who is wheeled across the high wire in a wheel barrow), Pudd. Cooke.
Bill Posters and Lithographers
Brigade No. 1:
| J. W. Farris | William Bills | John Bickerton | Joseph Curry |
| George Hurst | Albert Valla | Harry Richards | William Womald |
| J. G. Bills | William Irving | Skell Hague | Eddie Moore |
Ushers
James Gannon, Matt Flynn, Phil. Gibbons, D. E. Lacy.
Booksellers
M. A. Young, Mark Conway.
Detectives
John J. Mitchell, William Leary.
Grand Double Program in Two Rings
Wm. Monroe, Equestrian Director.
S. S. Smith, Ring Master.
Charles W. Noyes, Ring Master.
M. C. Sexton, Musical Director.
1. Ring No. 1, 2: Grand Enrett
2. Ring No. 1: Contortion Act, Lem Muson.
2. Ring No. 2: The Lady Contortionist, Miss Etta.
3. Ring No. 1: Principal Act, Wooda Cook.
3. Ring No. 2: Principal Act: Romeo Sebastian.
4. Ring No. 1: Slack Wire, Louise Boshell.
4. Ring No. 2: Tight Rope, Richard Hemmings.
5. Ring No. 1: Mahomet, introduced by his trainer, Wm. Monroe.
5. Ring No. 2: Trick Pony Sardanapalus, introduced by C. W. Noyes.
6. Ring No. 1: Balancing Trapeze, Senorita Millie Turnour.
6. Ring No. 2: The High Stairs, Frank Ashton.
7. High Wire by M’lle Zuila.
8. Ring No. 1: Principal Act of Equestrianism, Clorinda Lowanda.
8. Ring No. 2: Principal Act of Equestrianism, M’lle Elvira.
Clown, Wm. E. Burke. Song, “The Skids are out to-day,” by kind permission of Edward Harrigan.
9. Ring No. 1: Triple Horizontal Bars, Victor Laiscell, Worland, Ashton, W. R. Forepaugh.
9. Ring No. 2: Dancing Barrel and Table, Harry Lamakin.
10. Herd of 9 Performing Elephants, introduced by their trainer, Adam Forepaugh, Jr.
11. Battoute Leaps, by the Double Company, led by John Worland, including Fred. R. Castle, Robert Leando, John Kernen, C. W. Howitt, Sig. Valejo.
12. Ring No. 1: Principal Bareback Act, Frank Melville.
12. Ring No. 2: The Star Equestrienne, Miss Annie Carroll.
Clown, Wm. E. Burke.
13. Athletic Exercises, The Herbert Brothers (Frederick, Edward and Charles).
14. Loyal, Fired from a Cannon.
15. Ring No. 1: Hurdle Act, Chas. Ewers.
15. Ring No. 2: Flaming Zone, Miss Jennie Ewers.
16. Tumbling, by the Double Company.
17. Ring No. 1: Terrific Four Horse Act, Chas. Ewers.
17. Ring No. 2: Terrific Four Horse Act, Frank Melville.
Concert Program
Phil Gibbons, Stage Manager.
William Sargent, Leader of Orchestra.
1. Catching the Cannon Ball, George Loyal.
2. Dutch Song and Dance, George Davenport.
3. Double Clog, Flynn & Lacy.
4. Serio Comic Song, Miss Mattie Bliss.
5. Old Man Song and Dance, Phil. Gibbons.
6. Statue Clog, Mrs. Dunbar.
7. “Just over” (Song and Dance), Flynn & Lacy.
8. Double Song and Dance, Gibbons & Davenport.
9. Feeding of the Wild Animals.
Trunk Man and Train Watchman
Francis M. Massey. Lewis Myers, Assistant.
Illumination
William Lampin, Superintendent. George Hill, Assistant.
Barber and Milkman
Charles Wright.
Animal Keepers
| John Raymond | William Jones | Thomas Hart | Charles Ross |
| Bart. Allen | Lewis Myers | William Rilley |
Edward Jackson, John Butler.
Properties
Patrick Kelly, Master of Properties.
Stephen Shriffert, Asst. Master of Properties.
| William Bell | George W. Stone | James Welch | Frank Prior |
| John Day | Michael Ryan |
Wardrobe Mrs. Mary E. Howes, Mistress of the Wardrobe.
James Brown, Master of Wardrobe.
Thomas Taylor, Charles White.
Canvasmen
| John McNulty | Wade Johnson | James Harper | James Gorman |
| Michael Sweeney | Lorenzo Taft | Soreno Munson | Albert Barton |
| John Johnson | William Brown | John Haggerty | George Curley |
| James Carter | Charles Willey | Morton Bingham | Hugh Riley |
| James Martin | Gilbert Clark | Arthur S. Porter | Peter R. Marble |
| John Sislow | Richard Frieley | Samuel Lay | William Richards |
| S. P. Cash | John Smith | Charles Schaffer | Samuel Sutton |
| Charles Wilson | James Creglo | Oscar P. Caw | William T. Clark |
| Benj. McClain | Levi Lee | Joseph Brown | Lewis Pickering |
| James O’Brien | Robert V. Burk | Erastus Vinning |
| Charles Cooke | John Myers | H. Donnelly | B. T. Cole |
| John Liddy | Byron Low |
John Wheatly, John Morgan, Harry Church, George Jacobs.
Drivers
| C. H. Blisle | John Ball | Edward Piper | Orin Ellis |
| Richard Stuart | James Mosess | L. McMahon | John Conners |
| R. C. Hornan | J. P. Sanford | J. Griffith | Charles McMahon |
| Alfred Marsh | Frank DeWitt | Charles F. Lester | Frank Rollo |
| Frank Jennings | Frank Danforth | Elias Windy | William Kennedy |
| Frank Webster | James Gunn | William Worthington | William Corner |
| J. Robinson | Joseph Chessman | John McClarys | John McNally |
Michael Fitzgerald, Padder.
Martin Welch, Frank Melville’s Private Groom.
| Arthur Sylvester | N. F. Lewis | George Kuick | George Kinney |
| William Gear | Edward Wade |
Charles Moore, Steward. Ephraim Thompson, Ass’t Steward.
Cooks: Jeffrey Benson, Thomas H. Lawrence.
| P. A. Smith | Charles Hill | William McCarthy | John B. Collins |
| William Smith | Herbert Bealmear | Charles Buzzerd | David Dunlap |
| James W. Scott | Wesley R. Cary | Thomas Phalen | Eber Parker |
Lorne Estep, Boss. Frank Smith, Assistant.
Miscellaneous
Clark W. Washburn, Harness Maker.
Edward Fried, Wagon Maker and Repairer.
James Collier, Ring Maker.
The Forepaugh Train
State Room Sleeping Coach, “Philadelphia.”
Palace Sleeping Coach, “Chicago.”
Palace Sleeping Coach, “City of Boston.”
1 Second-Class Sleeping Coach, 1 Box Car, 8 Stock Cars, 3 Elephant Cars, 22 Flat Cars, 1 Advertising Car — Total 39 cars. All these Cars are of extra width and length, and made expressly for Adam Forepaugh.
Sleeping Car Conductors
State Room Coach, “Philadelphia,” Harry J. Smith.
Palace Coach, “Chicago,” Albert Schwalm.
Palace Coach, “City of Boston,” George Harrington.
Train Men
Frank Wood and Hank Von, Repairers.
| Isaac Comstock | John Freney | Fred. Prero | John Kuhns |
| Joseph Riley | Charles Tower | Chris. Heffner | Frank Kuhns |
| Joseph Buckley | Frank Tole | Thomas Goodwin |
Route: Click here. Opens in new window or tab.
Record of Events
April
The procession of the Forepaugh Show and the London combined in Philadelphia, on Saturday night, April 10th, 1880, was an event long to be remembered in the history of the American Arena. Probably no more brilliant spectacle of the kind was ever witnessed in this country, or is it likely that so much value in show property was ever witnessed in this country, or is it likely that so much value in show property was ever seen in line at the same time, no less than 22 elephants appearing. Calcium lights, fireworks and hundreds of torches added splendor to the scene, and the thousands that packed the streets was one of the greatest concourses of people ever drawn out in the Quaker City. John Worland of the Forepaugh Show was thrown from his horse and seriously injured. The two weeks’ season of the united shows began on Monday, the 12th. The London elephants appeared after a winter’s tutelage by Stewart Craven, being introduced by Messrs. Craven and Artingstill. The performance dragged painfully for forty-two minutes. Master Addie Forepaugh exhibited his giants of the forest and carried off the honors, occupying the ring but twelve minutes. On Friday, 23d, William E. Burke, our clown, was presented with a gold medal by a number of his admirers in Philadelphia. After the performance of the 24th we parted company with the London, and each show went on its way rejoicing.
May
Saturday, May 1, we made a torch-light procession in Washington. The sight as the show moved down that grand avenue — Pennsylvania — was a magnificent one indeed, “Coming events cast their shadows before.” The governor wagered Moxley, the bill poster, that the next President would not be a Republican. Procession failed to visit Georgetown; bridge pronounced unsafe by the district engineer. Good bridge that! The press and public indignant. During our stay we were favored with visits of the President’s family, General W. T. Sherman, Roscoe Conkling and “Bob” Ingersoll. On the 4th Phillippi made a balloon ascension; balloon escaped, but was afterwards found in Maryland. The balloonist is so light-headed, it is a wonder he don’t go up himself. At Altoona, on the 7th, a sea lion died; a cow antelope died Sunday, 9. A. A. Stewart, better known as “Windy,” visited us, but ascertaining that as a prevaricator he was “nowhere” compared with Melville and Cook, he returned to Cincinnati in disgust. 17th, at Parker’s Landing, George Harrington drove the lion tableau the wrong road in going to the train; in consequence it was wrecked down an embankment, one horse killed, and the driver escaping only after serious injuries. 20th, showed in Corry. Henry Millard, the bill-poster, is a beat whom I fed and lodged (guaranteeing his hotel bill) in 1872, and secured a position for the summer; he proved recreant in each case, was bounced for incompetency, and I paid the SUCKER’S hotel bill, $25. 21st, traveled with “Old” Dan Rice. “Cully” was there in strong force, but he didn’t “sherry his nibs” with any degree of success; reason, “The main guy stagged.” 24th, Lock Haven; Addie Forepaugh knocked a six-foot gawk out of time, “winning the two events,” as the Clipper’s red-headed fistic reporter would say, “first blood,” “first knock down;” he wouldn’t give up his ticket, but he did. 26th. Every man, woman and child knew Charlie Seeley, and paid to go in. “Used to know him up to Horseheads;” “say he’s about as good as any of ‘em;” that’s so. 27. “Old Sport” Clifford captured Binghamton; great day for Clifford. 29th, Geneva. “Do you know ‘Dar’ Colvin? he owns a circus.” “How much do you ‘spose he’s worth?” “Guess he’s laid up a lot of money.” 31. Corning. John Worland, who has been ailing all along — the effect of his accident in Philadelphia; left to recuperate. There is not in the company a more worthy and unassuming member — his ill luck is regretted by all.
June
2 and 3. Great victory at Buffalo over the P. T. Barnum Show. Wednesday, 2, the banner day so far. 4, first stand in the Dominion. “God save the Queen!” Budge, 5 cents. Hack drivers tried to raid the lot; hauled off for repairs (plasters). 9. St. Thomas, M. C. Sexton joined. 11. London, Dan Taylor and Jim arrested for pushing guys and fined $2. 13. (Sunday) Lost the elephant Jennie out of the car while en route, the train moving at 17 miles an hour; marvelous to relate, she was uninjured. 14 and 15, Toronto, the banner town for Burke’s song books. William sends all his money to Philadelphia this season. While the procession was moving, 14, a horse was frightened, upsetting a wood cart, and killing a boy. A coroner’s jury decided that the show was in no way to blame. 19, Port Hope. Met the meanest marshal in Canada — an entrail (sometimes it is spelt with three letters). Albert Geyer left on account of accident some time since. At Montreal, 28, the Buffalo receipts were beaten. Ella Zuila wheeled little Lulu Loyal across the high wire in a wheelbarrow. “Old Sport” Clifford dislocated his arm. 30. Three shows.
July
1, Three Rivers, P. Q. The Archbishop promulgated against the show. Hay Rube was called for the first time this season; he responded promptly. The demonstration sufficed. George Loyal, “the human cannon ball,” was prematurely blown from the cannon and badly hurt. 2, Quebec. Millie Turnour joined. 4. (Sunday) Some of the patriots crossed from Prescott to Ogdensburgh that they might again stand on American soil. 5. Caliope and band visited Ogdensburgh and played “Yankee Doodle” and other appropriate national airs. Ben Lusbie, the lightning ticket-seller, again wears his champion badge and diamond pin. Cox did not hear from Julie. 10, Napanee, Whimsical Walker and Mlle. Eva seceded. “Handy Billy” at home. In “shunting” in the station yard Frank, the while pad horse, was killed, and Charlie’s back was broken. 12, Belleville. First appearance of Louise Boshell, and one of those rains that you read about in Genesis. Noah how it is ourselves; we were there. 13, Bowmanville. Tipped over our lion tableau on returning to lot, after procession; both Miss Mattie Bliss and the lion “Bob” more scared than hurt. 19, Goderich. Loyal reappeared. 22, Port Huron. Hurrah! Three cheers — so glad, “good-bye,” Canada; good-bye, queer hotels, cheap budge, bad grub and flies!” 28, Three Rivers. Visited upon special invitation of the citizens, who erected a triumphal arch in Mr. Forepaugh’s honor. At the apex was a portrait of the “first man” with the legend “Welcome.” The governor acknowledged the compliment by leading the procession. 31, Bryan. Lem Munson “joined out.”
August
2, Toledo. Romeo Sebastian joined the show at 10:30 A.M., and rode afternoon and night.
5 and 6, Cleveland, Ohio, the Banner City of the Season. Grand triumph over the London Show. The second day the largest of the season. Thousands upon thousands turned away unable to gain admission. The adversary slaughtered! Honor to whom honor is due. William H. Gardner, Fred. Lawrence, Charles Whitney, Our Generals.
The governor honored the procession with his presence; Frank Melville drove six horses in the street; William Monroe joined as equestrian director; John Worland rejoined. James Jordan’s supply of outside tickets was inadequate to the demand; on one afternoon it was unnecessary for Ben Lusbie to open the wagon, Jordan’s advance sale being so great. This is without parallel in outside ticket selling. It is an indisputable fact we have the two champions, Lusbie and Jordan. Over 5, 000 persons attended the side show one evening, amazed at the wonders exhibited by John A. Forepaugh, and charmed by the eloquence of Dr. Hickey. 7, Painesville. M. C. Sexton assumed leadership of band. 11, Sandusky, “Tom” and “Hettie” at home. 14, Auburn. 17, Chicago. John A. Forepaugh’s side show receipts, $1,007.30. The heaviest storm Mr. Forepaugh ever experienced in the business. 21, Valuable watch chain presented A. Forepaugh, Jr. by “the Privileges.” James Russell “absquatulated.” 23, Fort Wayne. Defeat of the Sells Bros., playing to four dollars to their one, in spite of a dirty bill issued by them. Adam Forepaugh left the same evening for Philadelphia, to arrange for winter quarters. 24, Muncie. A proud day for the Herberts; a magnificent arch spanning the streets erected by their fellow-citizens, surmounted by portraits of Mr. Forepaugh and the Herbert Brothers, Frederick, Edward and Charles. Here the show scored a great victory over the Sells Brothers. 25, Bellefontaine. Melville defeated Laiscell in a 100-yard foot race. 28, Delaware. A “shake-down town” and good place for showmen to keep away from. S. S. Smith, the wrong man, arrested and mulcted in $12 for assault on a loafer who was creating a disturbance. Party also brought suit against Mr. Forepaugh for $1,000; compromised for $25. Team on lion cage ran away, hurting a lady and a bystander, but not seriously. 31, Springfield. Mulford assaulted and his lip split open — an ugly wound.
September
2, Mount Vernon. “Our Boys,” sent Albert Geyer a purse of $160 — the generosity of the Forepaugh dressing room is proverbial. 4, Massilon. Our train ran over a black tramp’s foot, who was trying to steal a ride. 6, Akron. The Herbert Brothers recalled — unusual compliment — the only recall of the season. 10, Meadville. S. S. Smith sold the most animal books here. 11, Jamestown. Mlle. Elvira — Mrs. Richard Hemmings — injured her knee pan at the night show, an accident that was regretted by every member of the company. Mr. and Mrs. Hemming were deservedly held in high esteem as ornaments to their profession, which they have long honored by virtuous lives and strict integrity. They left with the best wishes of one and all. The same night Signor Feralto wedded Miss Aggie Thomas of Corry, the first wedding of the season. 14, Mansfield. A good place to change cars. 16, Wooster. S. S. Smith won Melville’s diamond ring at raffle. 17, Upper Sandusky. M. C. Sexton’s birthday; the band serenaded him in the morning, “Rise up Riley.” Sexton’s age is omitted, but in music he is “more than seven” “Al.” and “Ettie” left. “Noaw, Al., you stop.” 22, Adrian. Wooda Cook had his appetite with him this morning; breakfasted on three beef steaks, eight boiled eggs and the etceteras. John Kernen took a vacation. 23, Monroe. As expected, the lightest day of the season. Jordan won Dan Taylor’s watch chain at raffle, value, $100. 24, Flint. The raffle mania is epidemic; Arnold Smith and Derricks won Dr. Hickey’s diamond ring, valued at $65. Father Gannon is deeply interested in politics, and picks out all the “glorious passages” in the newspapers. 26, East Saginaw. Laura died. 28, Owasso. Collier, the ring maker had his collar bone broken by the falling of the bale ring, caused by the prostration of another pole. 30, Greenville. The Taylor chain again up at raffle, Dr. Hickey the winner.
October
1, Lansing. En route here, the elephant Babe laid on “Slim,” the keeper, injuring him quite seriously. 2, Jackson. “Romeo, Romeo, where art thou, Romeo?” Mitcheel, the fly-cop, flew. 6, Niles. Landlord of the Bond House “takes the cake,” the meanest man met during the season, charged twenty-five cents to check an overcoat, Mrs. Ewers paid him two cents for a sheet of paper and an envelope. 8, Portland. No breakfast. “If you was coming you ought to have telegraphed yesterday.” 9, Richmond. During the afternoon performance Dr. S. J. Hickey was lured into the ring to make an announcement “on account of Mr. Smiths’ hoarseness,” and presented with a magnificent gold-headed cane, as a mark of esteem from his many friends of the Forepaugh Aggregation. The remarks of S. S. Smith were touching and appropriate, and the completely astonished Doctor was scarcely able to express the depth of his gratitude. The open-hearted gentleman has made many warm friends during the season, and the tribute to his geniality and generosity was fitting. Up to date, Wm. R. Forepaugh has collected 15,840 lithographs. Through courtesy to W. W. Cole, Wooda Cook and Millie Turnour left to-day for an Australian tour. (The Record of Events closes here that this little work may be put to press).
”Shake Downs”
The first thing we do let’s kill all the lawyers - Jack Cade.
Washington, D. C. Two office-holders stepped through the seats — their own fault, $45. Cleveland, Ohio. A bill board fell on a woman in 1876; settled at that time to perfect satisfaction and receipt given in full; resettled for $550. Delaward, Ohio. Lion cage run away, one man $5, a lady $150. S. S. Smith, false arrest forfeited deposit $12. Every circus visiting this town is “shook down.” Mansfield, Ohio. Team knocked a derrick down that was obstructing the highway, shystered for $35. Painesville. Bill-poster frightened a horse with a bill, $175. Alliance. Ditto,$45. Massilon. Train ran over a black tramp’s foot; the attorney, a colored gentleman, on investigation was too honorable to bring suit. Jamestown, N. Y. Circus lot, $75 and no deed.
Last modified March 2010.