Names:

COAKLEY, JOHN. Holland & Gormley, 1888; W. H. Harris’ Nickel-Plate, 1888.

COATE, ALEC. Acrobat, Welch, Bartlett & Co., 1839.

COBB, WILLIS. (1841?-November 19, 1913) As a boy, trained the family house dog to make change from a handful of dimes and nickels and to pick trumps out of a deck of cards. Got a job exhibiting with VanAmburgh’s; later, and for many years, devoted his attention to lions and other ferocious animals. [D. W. Watt: “The management soon found a handy man in Willis Cobb. He was thoroughly reliable and could always be found at his post whether lecturing in the sideshow on freaks, driving a team over the road dark nights, or acting as manager of the show. Willis Cobb was always in the job…. They used to say that Willis Cobb could make a tame lion roar louder and open his mouth wider than any man who ever put a foot on sawdust.”] Press agent in advance of circuses for some 40 years and the originator of many publicity stunts. Also developed and performed animal acts. Performing horse, Fred Hunt, and his dogs and goats, National Circus, Cincinnati, winter 1864-65; 4 trained dogs, George Metcalfe’s, St. Louis, 1866; performing dogs and monkeys, New York Champs Elysees, 1866; ringmaster (presumably the animals were along as well) Perry Powers’, 1867; trained dogs, Nixon, Howes & Castello, 1868; VanAmburgh’s, 1870-71; Joel E. Warner & Co., 1872; John Robinson’s, 1873. Joined Sells Bros.’, 1874, as press agent, clown and with his troupe of performing dogs and remained with the show in that capacity for several years. By 1887, was listed as press agent with Wallace & Co. (Wallace & Anderson, 1890; Wallace & Co., 1891; Cook & Whitby, 1892-93). Retired about 1903 after marrying a sister of the Sells brothers. A first wife had died in Columbus, OH, August 25, 1881. Cobb died in Cleveland, OH, age 72.

CODET. Pupil of Rugieri, European rope-walker. Pepin & Breschard, 1808-10; Cayetano & Co., 1810-12, specializing in feats of horsemanship (company performed in NYC, 1812, along with the Crowninshield elephant). Had his own company, Montreal, Canada, 1812. Pepin, Breschard & Cayetano, 1813; Pepin & Breschard, 1814. May have died in South Carolina or Georgia, late 1814.

CODONA, ADELAIDE. (b. 1846) French rider of single and 6-horse feats. Married to William Codona. Had at least one sone, Louis Phillip. Cooper & Bailey, 1879-80; bareback, principal, and flaming zone hurdle act, Barnum, Bailey & Hutchinson, 1881; Sells Bros.’; 1882; principal rider, Adam Forepaugh’s, 1883; Orrin Bros.’, Mexico, winter 1883-84; 4-horse rider, Sells Bros.’, 1884-85; Orrin Bros.’, Mexico, winter 1885-86; bareback rider, P. T. Barnum’s, 1886.

CODONA, HARRY [or Cordona]. Rider. Orrin Bros.’, San Francisco, 1863; New York Champs Elysees, 1866; Adam Forepaugh’s, 1867; pad rider leaping through small balloons, Bryan’s, 1868; Ames’, 1869; equestrian director and rider, Sheldenburger’s, 1871; Dan Rice’s Paris Pavilion, 1873; equestrian director, Sadler’s, 1875; Sells Bros.’, 1877; equestrian manager, Ed G. Basye’s, 1878-79; equestrian director, Anderson & Co., 1879; Cooper & Co., winter 1879-80; clown, Leon & Dockrill, Havana, winter 1881-82. His wife, Amelia, was an equestrienne and tight-rope performer; son, Dave, was listed, 1868, as a pony rider and contortionist.

CODONA, HORTENSE BUISLAY. (September 21, 1869-September 21, 1931) Born in Mexico City. Married Edward Codona at age 14 in Panama while the Buislay and Codona families were performing there. They became the parents of Rose, Victoria, Alfredo, Avelardo, and Edward, Jr. See Buislay Family.

COFFIN, CAPT. Billed as the Nova Scotia Giant. Toured England with Judge H. P. Ingalls as manager. While there, married a giantess; the ceremony being conducted at Martin Church, Trafalgar Square, with the square so packed with bystanders waiting to get a glimpse of the tall bride and groon that omnibuses were unable to pass through.

COGSWELL, FRED. (d. August 22, 1872) Animal keeper. Died at Chandlersville, OH.

COHAN, JERRY. Clown, Montgomery Queen’s, 1873.

COHEN, GUS. Clown, Beckett’s Railroad Circus, 1887.

COKE, L. E. In charge of bugle corps, W. W. Cole’s, 1885.

COLE, ALBERT H. “BERT.” (b. August 15, 1869) Son of George S. Cole. Born in Kenosha, WI. Filled a variety of positions over the years, including those of advertiser, treasurer and announcer. First connected with Nixon’s Amphitheatre, Chicago, of which his father was half-owner, 1872; Montgomery Queen’s, 1873-77; Great Anderson, 1878-79; Burr Robbins’, 1880; Hilliard & DeMott, 1881; Cole’s, 1882; Hilliard & Main, 1883; Frank A, Robbins, 1886; Walter L. Main’s, 1888; George S. Cole’s, 1895. 20 years with Hagenbeck & Wallace beginning around 1900, then with one show or another until retirement to Tottenville, Staten Island, 1929.

COLE, A. W. Sideshow lecturer, Barnum, Bailey & Hutchinson, 1881.

COLE, EDWARD C. Sideshow director, orator, Cooper, Bailey & Co., 1879.

COLE, GEORGE S. (1834-March 21, 1910) Father of May and Bert Cole. Born on the Madrid Road near Potsdam, NY. After leaving school at the age of 15, was clerk at the post office, Ogdensburg, NY. Three years later, 1852, left the job to join Mabie Bros.’ as an assistant in the ticket wagon. Business-like, neat, and pleasant in dealing with the public, he soon rose to position of treasurer. Treasurer, H. Buckley & Co., 1857; treasurer, Yankee Robinson’s, 1866; treasurer, J. M. French’s, 1868; privileges, Adam Forepaugh’s, 1869; treasurer and half owner, James M. Nixon’s Amphitheatre, Chicago, 1872; treasurer, James W. Wilder & Co., 1873; treasurer, Montgomery Queen’s, 1873-77; treasurer and layer-out, Anderson & Co., 1878-79; concert privilege, Burr Robbins’, 1880; concert privilege, Hilliard & DeMott, 1881-82; Cole’s Circus (George S. Cole, Bill Monroe, and Matt Leland, proprietors), winter 1882-83, traveling by chartered steamer Parol, showing under canvas along the Mississippi between St. Louis and New Orleans; concert privilege, Hilliard & Main, 1883; Pullman, Mack & Co., 1884; press agent, Frank A. Robbins’, 1885-87, compiled route book, 1886; press agent and concert privilege, Walter L. Main’s, 1888-92; Cole’s Colossal Circus (George S. Cole, John Sparks, proprietors), 1892-93; Cole & Lockwood’s All New United Shows (George S. Cole, A. L. Lockwood, Jr., proprietors), 1894; George S. Cole’s, 1895, which collapsed September 4 of that year; advertising banner concession, Walter L. Main’s, 1896; the same, Robinson & Franklin Bros.’, 1897; elephant banners advertising privilege, John Robinson’s, 1898-1909; and part of 1909 season, 101 Ranch show. Married Georgie Swan, November 17, 1865. [Sam A. Scribner, manager Columbia Amusement Co.: “Mr. Cole was one of the straightest, most honorable business men I ever met and at the same time one of the most delightful associates.”] Went to Jacksonville, Florida, to open with Howes’ Great London, 1910, but on March 21, died suddenly from a heart attack. An important member of the American circus for over 50 years, filling many job capacities and performing them with devotion and expertise. [Walter L. Main, in a letter to the New York Clipper: “I first met Cole in 1883 and traveled with him for two years with the Hilliard Circus, then one of the largest wagon shows on the road. I was agent and Cole had charge of the concert and was Mr. Hilliard’s right-hand man. When I went into the business for myself, Cole was one of the first men I engaged and he worked for me five consecutive years and our business relations were always very pleasant. Cole was a very interesting conversationalist and very original. Those were happy years. Cole was with me about all the time I traveled by wagons and he always led the parade and was principal door-keeper. He was one man I could always depend upon and one of the few men who turned in all of the door money. George S. Cole was a true friend and a more loyal subject never worked for the Main show. I was prosperous all those years and I feel that the secret of my success was due to the honorable people I was surrounded with.”]

COLE, IRA. Born in New York State. Manager and famous wrestler of his day. Connected with the Eagle Circus/ Cole & Co., 1837, exhibiting through West and Southwest; Ira Cole’s Zoological Institute, 1838; Miller, Cole & Gale, St. Louis, 1838.

COLE, JOHNNY. Sideshow performer, Melville, Maginley & Co., 1863.

COLE, LEW. Museum manager, Great American Circus, Museum and Menagerie, 1893.

COLE, MARY ANN. See Mary Ann Cooke.

COLE, SAM. Proprietor, Cole & O’Neil, 1873; manager, North American Circus and Balloon Show, 1875.

COLE, WILLIAM H. (d. 1858) Husband of the former Mary Ann Cooke and father of the great showman W. W. Cole. A posturer, contortionist and clown with the circus belonging to his father-in-law, Thomas Taplin Cooke, which newly arrived from England, 1836-38. The company first performed in a building erected on Walnut Street, Philadelphia. After the circus was left devastated from a theatre fire, Cooke and his family returned to England, but William and Mary Ann, remained in USA. Performed at Military Gardens, Brooklyn, July 1839, with trained dog Billy; Peale’s Museum, NYC, November 1839 [Evening Post: “Mr. Cole’s representation of Classic Portriture are of the most chaste and extraordinary description; his great strength and elasticity of body, and the agility, ease and elegance of his evolutions are matters of astonishment to all who witness them.”]; Welch, Bartlett & Co., 1839; E. C. Yale & Co. 1840; June, Titus, Angevine & Co., Bowery Amphitheatre, 1840; Howes & Mabie, 1841-43; Rockwell & Stone, 1843; John Tryon’s, Bowery Amphitheatre, NYC, 1845; Nathan A. Howes’, 1845; Rockwell & Stone, 1845; dog act, Howes & Co., 1846; Victory Circus, 1847; J. M. June’s, 1851; P. A. Older & Co.’s, 1852; “feats of dexterity,” Driesbach & Mabie, 1853.

COLE, W. L. Proprietor, W. L. Cole’s, 1889-90; Sieber & Cole, 1891.

COLE, WILLIAM W. (1847-March 10, 1915) Born in NYC, the son of contortionist William H. Cole and high school rider and wire walker Mary Ann Cooke. First year in the business, H. Buckley & Co., 1857. Four years after his father died his mother married Miles Orton of Orton Bros.’ Young Cole learned the circus business growing up on the show, beginning as ticket seller and general helper and progressing to side-show spieler, layer-out, ringmaster, bill-poster and advance agent. Became a sideshow proprietor, 1867. Ringmaster and sideshow privileges, Stowe & Orton, 1870. Following the divorce of Orton and his mother, he launched Cole & Orton, 1871, from Quincy, IL, as a 50-horse wagon show, a cage of performing lions and an elephant leased from J. M. French. Added 10 cages the following year. Again enlarged in 1874 (Miles Orton was said to have had an interest in the show), beginning in Galveston as W. W. Cole’s New York and New Orleans Circus and Menagerie. That year the show went to California and back. Took the show to Australia and New Zealand, 1880, leaving San Francisco, October 23, and returning, 1881. Married a Quincy, IL, girl, Margaret Kable, 1885. Closed and sold the circus at auction on the Canal Street lot, New Orleans, 1886, to become part owner with Barnum & London and to look out for James A. Bailey’s interest. After 2 years, sold his share to Bailey, October 27, 1887, and retired until 1898, when he purchased ¼ interest in Forepaugh-Sells Bros. Circus and the Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show, acting as executive head of those organizations while Barnum & Bailey was on tour in Great Britain and the Continent. With Bailey’s death, the governing board of Barnum & Bailey elected him managing director for a one year term, replacing George Starr. At the expiration, Cole permanently retired. Accomplishments included a genius for routing a show into new territory; the first circus and menagerie to cross the continent entirely by rail and tour California, 1873; although not the largest of shows, he employed the better acts, used lavish advertising and issued large amounts of lithos, heralds, etc.; was one of the first to use lithograph posters extensively; said to have been the first person to earn a million dollars from circus operation; died leaving assets of around 5 million dollars and rated one of the richest men the circus ever produced.

COLEMAN. European Running globe performer, John Wilson’s, 1868, California.

COLEMAN BROTHERS. Classical groupings, Holland & McMahon, 1885.

COLEMAN, FRANK “COL.” (1849?-1904) Announcer, called the “Silver Tongued Orator” because of his clear, deep voice. Began his career in San Francisco around 1875 by engineering the first outdoor sword contest attempted in America, a bout between Duncan D. Ross and Capt. E. N. Jennings. Going East, joined Barnum & Bailey as chief announcer; also connected with Adam Forepaugh’s, W. W. Cole’s, etc. Some time later, went abroad, assuming the name of “Sir Roger Moore,” where he is said to have prospered and, according to his claim, met all the crowned heads of Europe. Always well dressed and a talented conversationalist. Died in NYC.

COLEMAN, HARRY “HANDSOME HARRY.” (1876?-February 4, 1915) Fat man. A native of Shelbourne Falls, MA. Weighing some 750 pounds, was said to be the largest man in point of weight and stature on exhibit at the time. Connected with various circus sideshows; appearing at one in Washington, DC, when he died at age 39.

COLEMAN, THOMAS “PICANINNY.” Negro minstrel. Welch, Bartlett & Co.; 1839; Welch & Delavan; 1841; Great Western Circus, 1846, 1847.

COLLETT. Band leader and violinist, Ricketts’, Philadelphia, 1795. There was also a Master Collett, a rider with Price & Simpson’s circus troupe, 1826-27.

COLLINS, CHARLES H. Press agent, L. B. Lent’s, 1876.

COLLINS, FRANK. Master of property, W. W. Cole’s, 1886.

COLLINS, GREENLEAF W. (1837-1906) Hotel operator. Bought Mabie’s winter quarters’ hotel, Delavan, WI. Later had the Delavan House, an establishment patronized by circus people. When the Centennial Circus went bankrupt in mid-season, 1876, he made arrangements to lease the menagerie for the remainder of the year and took it out under G. W. Collins & Co.’s Museum and Circus, moving chiefly in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana.

COLLINS, WILLIAM L. Proprietor, Collins’ Oriental Combination, 1877; London Sensation Show (W. L. Collins & Co.), 1879.

COLSON, N. T. Band leader, Mabie’s, 1859.

COLSTON GEORGE. Musical director, with Robinson & Howes, November 1863; orchestra leader, Nixon’s Amphitheatre, Chicago, 1872.

COLTON, MISS. Race rider, P. T. Barnum’s Roman Hippodrome, 1875.

COLUMBUS, GEORGE. Contortionist and general performer, first appearing in America, Stone & Murray, 1869-72.

COLVIN, ERASMUS DARWIN. (June 30, 1843-October 23, 1901) Born in Clyde, Wayne County, NY. Toured with circuses in the summer and worked as cashier for the St. Charles Hotel restaurant in the winter. Charles H. Day stated that Colvin knew everyone in the circus business. Frugal, careful with money, and a shrewd investor. Assistant treasurer, Sands, Nathan & Co., 1862-64; treasurer, L. B. Lent’s, 1864-68; protector of Adam Forepaugh’s interest, Gardner & Kenyon, 1869; manager, Adam Forepaugh’s, 1870-71, 1873; manager, George F. Bailey & Co., 1872; manager, Montgomery Queen’s, 1873-77; manager, W. C. Coup’s, 1877; privileges, John H. Murray’s, 1878; general manager, W. C. Coup’ New United Monster Show, 1879; bought an interest in Burr Robbins’, January 1881, and went out with Robbins & Colvin’s Great American and German Allied Shows; manager, Nathans & Co., 1882; manager, VanAmburgh, Charles Reich & Bros., 1885; assistant manager, W. W. Cole’s, 1886; Doris & Colvin, 1887; manager of privileges, Frank A. Robbins’, 1888; assistant manager, Walter L. Main’s, 1893-94. Beginning 1890s, was a purchaser of horses and other animals for circus organizations and the representative for animal sales in the United States for the Carl Hagenbeck animal importing business. Also business partner of E. H. McCoy in managing the Bijou Theatre, Chicago; a stock holder and director of the National Printing Co., Chicago; and the owner of a pony stock farm at New Lennox, Ill. [Charles H. Day: “It was a sad day for W. C. Coup when he lost Colvin’s counsel and services. Had he retained both, it is my opinion that he would not today be numbered with the great army of ‘has beens.’”] After having come from his home in Chicago to supervise a shipment of animals to Barnum & Bailey in Europe, died at the Sturtevant House, NYC, from rheumatic fever that induced a heart disease.

COMOSH, JOHN. See John Worland.

COMPTON, F. Singing clown. Began with Dan Rice’s, 1849. Spent the latter portion of his life knocking about the country in a covered wagon of his own construction, repairing guns and sewing machines.

CONANT, AUGUSTINE. (September 8, 1828-1915) Born in Acton, MA. Began as a roustabout and teamster, Spalding & Rogers, 1850-53. By 1865, was a financial backer of S. O. Wheeler’s and remained as backer and treasurer through 1868. Leased out equipment to and boss of the ticket wagon for Metchear & Cameron, 1870; also supplied equipment to Nixon’s New York and Nixon’s Southern circuses, 1870. Died at the age of 86.

CONCK, J. H. (d. March 30, 1882) Sideshow manager, W. H. Stowe’s, 1882. Died in the burning of the Golden City steamer at Memphis, TN.

CONDON, J.: Boss canvasman, John Robinson’s, 1892.

CONE, TOM. Clown, Whitney Family New Enterprise, 1887.

CONKLIN, GEORGE. (December 7, 1845-February 25, 1924) Lion tamer and elephant trainer. Learned much about elephants from Stewart Craven. Began as an advance courier for Haight & Chambers. Brother of John and Pete Conklin. Born in Cincinnati. Mabie Bros.’, 1859; Great European, 1865; Haight & Chambers, 1866; O’Brien’s, 1867-1871; zoological director, W. W. Cole’s, 1875, including the Australian tour which left San Francisco, October 23, 1880, and continuing at least through the 1886 season. Head animal trainer for Barnum & Bailey for more than 20 years, including their London engagement. Was attacked many times by his animals and bore the scars to prove it. Loved the animals and the bustle of circus life. Wrote a series of circus articles for the Saturday Evening Post, which were later published in book form by Harper Bros. Retired in 1906, but as his savings diminished, went to work in the post office at Bridgeport, CT. Died in that city.

CONKLIN, H. Gymnast, VanAmburgh & Co., 1874.

CONKLIN, JOHN. (about 1838-September 15, 1885) Cannon ball performer. Brother of George and Pete Conklin. Born in NYC. Began as an entertainer, 1850’s, Frank Western’s Museum, Cincinnati, OH. Some claim he was the first performer to catch a cannon ball fired from a cannon, which perhaps inspired the designation of “The Modern Hercules.” Married in San Francisco to Miss Phoebe Frost (Madame Sanyeah), gymnast from Carlisle, England, November 4, 1872. Last engagement, Rentz’s Circus, Germany, spring 1885. (Conklin Bros.) Brown’s, 1855; cannon balls, Mabie’s, 1857-60; Robinson & Lake, Wood’s Theatre, Cincinnati, 1859; Robinson & Lake, 1860; Tom King’s, Washington, DC, winter 1861-62; (Conklin Bros.) Maginley & VanVleck’s, 1863; (Conklin Bros.) Howes’ European, winter 1864; (Conklin Bros.) Maginley, Black & Co., 1864; New American Theatre, Philadelphia, winter 1865-66. Brothers performed in variety halls and theatres during the Civil War. John and Pete took over the old W. B. Reynolds & Co.’s Circus and Menagerie, calling it the Conklin Bros. Great American Circus and Menagerie, 1866; combined with George M. Kelley and William LaRue to form the Great Combination Circus, 1871-72. John was also with Bryan’s, 1869; Campbell’s, 1870; Bailey & Co., Central and South America and the West Indies, fall 1874. Died at the residence of his brother, Pete, in St. Louis, MO.

CONKLIN, JOHN. (d. 1838) Equestrian. Born in Cincinnati, OH. Vaulter, Page’s, 1830; Stickles & Co., 1832; vaulter, Bancker & Harrington, 1835-36; vaulter, Frost, Husted & Co., 1836; J. J. Hall’s, 1836; 2-horse rider, Frost & Co. 1837; 2-horse rider, W. Gates & Co., 1838; vaulter, A. Hunt & Co., 1838. Died in Cincinnati from the effects of a fall from two horses.

CONKLIN, LIZZIE. Rider, W. W. Cole’s, 1876.

CONKLIN, PETER. (May 28, 1842-January 1, 1924) Brother of John and George Conklin. Born in NYC. Joined Clark’s American Troupe of Ethiopian Minstrels, Cincinnati, age 12, but the show soon folded. Joined other entertainers, 1855, in organizing Jim’s Great American Valise Troupe, but he soon left and the group disbanded. Connected with Major Brown’s, 1856, with his brother, John. E. F. Mabie’s, 1857, remaining until around 1861, during which time he became a singing clown. At outbreak of the Civil War, returned to Cincinnati and with his brothers formed Conklin Brother’s Gymnasts and performed in variety halls and theatres during the conflict. With Campbell’s Minstrels briefly before going to England, 1863; returned to the United States, 1864, and joined Dan Castello’s for a short time. Then, S. B. Howes', 1865, billed as “the great Western clown.” Was with Howes, February, 1865, when the circus played New Orleans. [New Orleans Times: “Pete Conklin, the clown, during his brief stay amongst us has won the golden opinions from all men, and proved himself one of the mainstays of the great show. His odd jokes and joking oddities have nightly been received with delight, until at last his appearance in the ring was attended with a universal grin from the audience, on the qui vive as they were rich things to come. His local hits were to the point, but the point was tipped with gold, kindly but sarcastic. He always commanded the attention of his audience; is one of the most promising clowns we have ever seen, and we sincerely hope to see him soon again.”] As a singing clown, had a deep voice that has been described as a “delicate avalanche of thunder.” A badge of identity was a large diamond pin. At Vicksburg, was presented with a splendid horse and accoutrements by Gen. Morgan L. Smith. (Conklin Bros.) Maginley & VanVleck’s, fall 1863; (Conklin Bros.) Maginley’s, 1864; (Conklin Bros.) Maginley, Black & Co., 1864; (Conklin Bros.) Seth B. Howes’ European, 1864-65; New American Theatre, Philadelphia, winter 1865-66; John Robinson’s, 1868; director and clown, Imperial Brazilian Hippodrome, Philadelphia, winter 1872-73; John O’Brien’s, 1873; A. B. Rothcilds & Co., 1875; Cooper, Bailey & Co., 1876; Great International, Philadelphia, winter 1876- 77; Burr Robins’, 1877-78 (was keeping a restaurant in Philadelphia at this time.); DeHaven & Dutton, 1879; Batcheller & Doris, 1879; Sells Bros.’, 1881; Ryan & Robinson, 1882; John Robinson’s, 1883; J. S. McCue’s, California, 1883; W. W. Cole’s, 1883; Martell’s, 1884; equestrian director and sideshow manager, Bailey & Winans, 1890; formed Conklin & Gilchrist Boat Show, 1891; W. B. Reynold’s, 1892; Winter Circus, Grand Opera House, Newark, NJ, 1894.

CONKLIN, W. A. Financial manager, Frank A. Robbins United Shows (Frank A. Robbins, Gil Robinson, John W. Hamilton, W. A. Conklin, proprietors), 1898.

CONKLIN, WILL E. Contortionist. With Charles Andress’, 1889; Holland & Gormley, fall 1889.

CONLEY, HARRY. Elephant handler, John V. O’Brien’s, 1871.

CONLEY, PATRICK. (d. June 30, 1888) With John V. O’Brien’s. Killed at age 22 from a trapeze accident.

CONNELLY, FRANK. Bill writer, a former city editor of the Philadelphia Times, hired by Adam Forepaugh to assist Fred Lawrence in writing advertising. Together they were responsible for enveigling Prof. Leidy of the University of Pennsylvania into certifying the authenticity of Forepaugh’s “white elephant.”

CONNER, CLAUDE. (1836?-November 8, 1894) Gymnast. One of the Goldie Brothers acrobatic team along with George Goldie and Henry P. O’Neil. Their last season on the road, 1868, Stone & Murray. Following retirement from the entertainment business, was night watchman at the Union Square Theatre, NYC. Died of Brights disease there.

CONNER, GEORGE F. Agent. Welch & Delevan, 1849; Dr. Gilbert R. Spalding’s, 1849-51; sideshow manager, Burr Robbins’, 1886.

CONNER, JAMES. Acrobat, Palmer’s, 1835.

CONNER, JAMES O. Boxer (with Edward O. Baldwin), Howes Trans-Atlantic Circus and Risbeck’s Menagerie (Frank Howes, proprietor), 1868.

CONNER, MORRIS. Chief billposter, Great International, 1874.

CONNERS, ED. Manager of sideshow, Bruce L. Baldwin’s, 1894.

CONNERS, JOHN. Clown. George W. Richard’s, 1887; W. H. Harris’ Nickel-Plate, 1888.

CONNERS, M. A. Program agent, John Robinson’s, 1874.

CONOVER, DAN. Clown, Lee’s, California, 1859.

CONOVER, HENRY E. Acrobat, contortionist, Indian rubber man. Eastern unit of June, Titus, Angevine & Co., 1841-42; posturer, Welch’s, Philadelphia, 1843; Welch & Mann’s 2nd unit, 1845; Sands, Lent & Co., 1846-47. Later turned to clowning.

CONOVER, SOL. Variety performer, Haight & Chambers’, 1867.

CONRAD BROTHERS [William, Richard, Charles]. William (r. n. William Conner, d. September 28, 1891), acrobatic and musical clown. Son of Harry Connor, the English somersault thrower, who died in 1887. As acrobatic violinists they were acknowledged the best; described as the most wonderful musical clowns in the world. William performed backwards somersaults on the tight rope and Richard performed on the flying trapeze without a net, doing acrobatic tricks between. These may be the same Conrad Brothers who were clowns and gymnasts with Sands, Nathans & Co., 1857-58; Spalding & Rogers Floating Palace, 1859; G. F. Bailey & Co., 1860-61; Chiarini’s, winter 1861-62; Gardner & Hemmings, 1862; Nixon’s Cremorne Gardens, NYC, spring 1862; Nixon’s, Washington, DC, fall 1862; Bryan’s, with Mrs. Dan Rice, 1863; tight-rope performers, Agricultural Hall, London, 1863-64; Melville’s Australian, 1864; the National Circus, Cincinnati, winter 1864-65; Great Union, 1865; John Robinson’s, 1866. William was also a champion leaper with the Parisian Circus, assembled for the Paris Exposition, 1867; gymnastics and comic scenes, L. B. Lent’s, 1868-70; Great European, 1870; John Robinson’s, 1871-72; clown, Howes’ London, 1875-77; clown and his dogs, Den Stone’s, 1878; the Metropolitan Circus, Havana, winter 1878-79; German clown and performing dogs, John Robinson’s, 1879; Conrad & Watson’s Trans-atlantic Circus, South America, 1880; P. T. Barnum’s, 1886.

CONROY, THOMAS. (1859?-January 3, 1918) Clown with John O’Brien’s, Dan Rice’s, Cather & Shallcross, Pullman & Hamilton, King & Franklin. Died at his home in Brooklyn, NY, age 59.

CONSTABLE, GEORGE. Clown and general performer. Orton & Older, 1856-60; Bassett’s (leaving for South America, November 21, 1862); equestrian director and clown, Golden State Circus (W. B. Blaisdell, proprietor), California, 1868; Leihy, Lake & Co., 1870; Lee’s, 1871; Atlantic and Pacific, 1871; Charles Noyes’, winter 1871-72. Constable and wife were drowned from an explosion on the steamer Oceanus on the Mississippi River, spring 1872.

CONSTANTINE, CHARLES. Ballet master, John Robinson’s, 1891-93.

CONTRABAND LEWIS. See Louis Willis.

CONTURIER, C. Agent, Haight’s Great Eastern, 1874.

CONWAY, PAULINE. Rider, Montgomery Queen’s, 1876.

CONWELL, WILLIAM D. Contortionist. Great London, 1876; Orrin Bros.’, Havana, winters 1878-79, 1879-80; leaper, Cooper, Bailey & Co., 1880.

CONY, TOM. Clown and general performer. North’s National Amphitheatre, 1857-60; Maginley’s, Memphis, 1863; Maginley & VanVleck, 1863. Co-proprietor and stage manager, Olympic Amphitheatre, Memphis, 1864-65. Noted for his character of Jocko in Jocko; or, The Brazilian Ape.

COOK, BILLY. Sideshow privilege (with Harry Buckley), Yankee Robinson’s, 1867.

COOK, ETTIE. Ames’ New Orleans Circus and Menagerie, October 1869.

COOK, EUGENE. Acrobat, Alexander Robinson’s, 1875.

COOK, FRANK. Athlete, John Robinson’s, 1886-92. Feature act consisted of the use of a spring against a horse.

COOK, HARVET T. General agent, Bruce L. Baldwin’s, 1894.

COOK, HELEN. Equestrienne. P. T. Barnum’s, 1873; Burr Robbins’, 1880.

COOK, JOHN. “Boy wonder and youthful clown” and 2-pony act. San Francisco Circus and Roman Hippodrome, 1872; John Wilson’s Palace Amphitheatre, San Francisco, 1874-75. He may have been the son of Wooda Cook.

COOK, MOODY. Somersault rider, Lake’s, 1871.

COOK, PROF. Magician, Great American Circus, Museum and Menagerie, 1893.

COOK, VINNIE. English equestrienne of great beauty. Brought to America by Barnum and arrived in New York just 26 days before his establishment on 14th Street was destroyed by fire. P. T. Barnum’s, 1871-73; Adam Forepaugh’s, 1874.

COOK, WOODA. Rider, leaper. Considered skillful and graceful. Was started in the circus business by Charles W. Noyes for whom he worked several years (with Thayer & Noyes), around 1865. Began as a boy hurdler but developed into a somersault rider and leaper, turning 25 consecutive backward somersaults with the C. W. Noyes’ Circus, 1869-71; C. W. Noyes’ Crescent City Circus, spring 1870 (former Paris Pavilion, set up in New Orleans under the proprietorship of Spalding and Bidwell); Dan Rice’s Paris Pavilion Circus, 1871. Married Millie Turnour, Shreveport, LA, March 1872, while with C. W. Noyes’ Crescent City Circus. The marriage did not last. Spalding & Bidwell, New Orleans, 1870; John H. Murray’s, 1873-75; John Wilson’s, 1874; Hengler’s, England, winter 1874-75; Montgomery Queen’s, 1877; VanAmburgh’s, winter 1877-78; John H. Murray’s, 1878; Great American, 1878; Orrin Bros.’, Havana, spring, 1878; Adam Forepaugh’s, 1879-80; W. W. Cole’s Australian tour (which left San Francisco, October 23, 1880); Orrin Bros.’, Mexico, winter 1881-82; VanAmburgh's, fall 1882-83; W. W. Cole’s, 1884; William Hollands Covent Garden Circus, London, January 1885, billed the “Celebrated American Horseman,” in a great hurricane hurdle act.

COOKE, ADELAIDE. Equestrienne, from Batty’s Royal Circus, England. First time in America, John H. Murray’s, 1875.

COOKE, ALFRED. (1821-1854) Equestrian, slack-rope performer, son of Thomas Taplin Cooke. Had a son, Alfred Eugene. With the circus company that arrived from England, 1837. The troupe performed in a building erected on Walnut Street, Philadelphia.

COOKE, CLARA. Pad rider, first appearance in America, Adam Forepaugh’s, 1883.

COOKE, CORNELL. Stone & Orton, July 1870.

COOKE, ELLEN. Equestrienne. Wife of James Cooke. John Wilson’s, San Francisco, 1874; Melville, Maginley & Cooke, 1875; principal equestrian, Montgomery Queen’s, 1877; John H. Murray’s, 1880; Robbins & Colvin, 1881; Maybury, Pullman & Hamilton, 1882; Orrin Bros.’, winter 1882-83; John Robinson’s, 1883; Ringling Bros.’, 1892.

COOKE, EMILY HENRIETTA [Mrs. John Henry Cooke]. Equestrienne. Performed with her husband throughout his American tour. [Alexander Dumas: “She is the paragon of grace and her superb equestrianism is realization of the ecstacy of delight. What she accomplishes, no mortal ever attempted; what she performs, no one can imitate. To see her is to be enchanted; not to see her is a regret. Her riding is intensely thrilling to witness, and indelible to the memory.”] See John Henry Cooke.

COOKE, ERNEST. Principal clown, Cole’s, 1882-84, 1886.

COOKE, GEORGE. Rider. Cooke’s equestrian company, 1836; James R. Cooke’s, winter 1864-65; Stone & Murray’s, 1868-70.

COOKE, HENRY. (1814-1901) Acrobat, tight-rope performer. Had a son, John Henry. Cooke’s Circus, 1836, which had just arrived from England. The company performed in a building erected on Walnut Street, Philadelphia. Later, co-proprietor, Melville, Cooke & Sands, 1863; trained dogs and monkeys, R. Sands’ Circus, 1863; Maginley & VanVleck, winter 1863-64; Maginley’s, Memphis, TN, 1864; Dan Rice’s, 1864; performing dogs, Hippotheatron, NYC, late winter 1864; John Wilson’s, 1865. Also connected with W. W. Cole’s for several years—assistant manager, 1875; chief door keeper, 1885; general superintendent, 1886; useful in a variety of minor activities that contributed to the success of the Cole ensemble.

COOKE, HENRY WELBY. (1845-1882) Son of Henry Cooke and grandson of T. T. Cooke. Equestrian. Englishman who came to USA with equestrienne wife, Katherine (nee Hughes), and his children, Clarence and Alice. They had married April 23, 1867 in Scotland. Lost a 3 year old son, Harold Edwin Cooke, 1871. Juggling and hurdle riding, John H. Murray’s, 1871-72; bounding jockey, W. W. Cole’s, 1873; Springer’s, 1875. Died in England.

COOKE, HUBERT. English jockey rider, from Batty’s, England. First appearance in America, John H. Murray’s, 1875.

COOKE, JAMES. (1845?-January 22, 1920) English clown and gymnast, came to America, 1871, Howes’ Great London. Died in Blythe, England, age 75.

COOKE, JAMES EDWIN. (June 13, 1841-April 20, 1907) English champion leaper, 2-4-6-horse rider, “Pickwick Act” and an all around performer. Born in Glasgow, Scotland, with ancestry in the circus business which could be traced back 200 years to the beginning of the Cooke’s Royal Circus on the Continent. Came to the United States from Paris, 1867, to join Howes’ with his wife, Carlotta DeBerg, whom he had married on September 30, 1860. [M. B. Leavitt: “He was a fine equestrian and impersonated several Charles Dickens’ characters as a scenic act.”] Howes’ European, 1864; Mrs. Charles Warner’s, Philadelphia, winter 1864-65; equestrian sailor act, Spalding & Rogers, New Orleans, winter 1864-65; Dan Castello’s, 1865; clown, John Wilson’s, San Francisco, 1865; Thayer & Noyes, 1866; leaper and 4-horse rider, L. B. Lent’s, 1867; proprietor, Cooke’s Circus, Tenth and Callowhill Streets, Philadelphia, winter 1867-68; pad act, James M. French’s, 1868; Stone & Murray’s, Boston, winter 1868-69; leaper and rider, European and American Circus, 1870; Rosston, Springer & Henderson, 1871-72; Den Stone’s, 1873; 6-horse rider, John H. Murray’s, 1874-75; Carlo Bros.’, South America, 1877; clown and tight-rope performer, equestrian director, Montgomery Queen’s, 1877; James E. Cooke’s Royal Circus, 1880-82; Orrin Bros.’, Mexico, winter 1880-81; equestrian director and clown, Frank A. Robbins’, 1885. A series of unfortunate investments kept him from a life of wealth in his later years. Had interest in several circuses, including shows of his own, which resulted in financial disaster. Died in Jersey City, NJ.

COOKE, JAMES M. [r. n. Patrick Hoey]. (June 18, 1836-April 28, 1880) Clown and general performer. Born in Dublin. Began professionally as a youth, acting minor roles in Mrs. Ellen Burke’s traveling theatre, which exhibited chiefly at fairs. Said to have “spouted Shakespeare in a dress suit.” Conducted feats of acrobatics and contortion on his own until about age 16, then joined Bell’s Circus. Later, worked for other circus organizations, visiting Europe with one of them as a vaulter. Taking the great W. F. Wallett as his model, turned to clowning and for some time was a jester at Astley’s Amphitheatre, London. Came to America, May 11, 1863, and was engaged by James M. Nixon, making debut in Washington, DC, (one source gives Alexandria, VA) on May 26 of that year; NYC, opening August 31, with the tent being pitched on East 14th Street, opposite the Academy of Music, J. M. Nixon’s Alhambra Pavilion, fall 1863; Hippotheatron, NYC, late winter 1864; clown for Barney Carroll’s 2-horse act and his carrying act with William Odell, Slaymaker & Nichols, 1864. John Wilson’s, California, 1865; while there, September 28, made a rope ascension from the Cliff House, San Francisco, to Seal Rock, a distance of 300 yards and a height of 90’ above the sea, his first attempt at rope walking in public. Went to Australia with the company in October and remained there when they moved on to India, appearing with the World’s Circus, managed by Samuel O. Abell. On return to San Francisco, appeared with Chiarini’s, opening on May 26, 1868. In co-partnership with John Wilson, erected a hippodrome building in that city. Shortly, joined Lee & Ryland, traveling through the state. Returning in the fall, organized Cooke’s Champion Circus, opening at the Metropolitan Theatre, San Francisco, a venture that lasted only a few weeks. On January 30, 1870, in the City Gardens, attempted a feat of carrying a bear upon his back while walking a tight rope. The bear, weighing about 100 pounds, was muzzled and tied in an open box and strapped to the walker’s back. After about two-thirds of the journey, the bear began to wiggle, causing Cooke to lose his balance and begin to fall. He managed to cling to the tight rope and was helped to the ground. The act was tried again and this time succeeded. Returning to the East, performed with many of the principal circuses, notably Rice’s Paris Pavilion, 1871-72; James W. Wilder & Co., 1873; Howes & Sanger, 1872-73; equestrian director, P. T. Barnum’s, 1874; Great Eastern, 1874; Melville, Maginley & Cooke, 1875. Last appeared in public as a clown, equestrian director, P. T. Barnum’s, 1879; Stickney’s, NYC, winter 1879-80, and ringmaster, P. T. Barnum’s, American Institute, spring 1880. Was engaged to perform with John H. Murray’s for the summer season but died of pneumonia, NYC. Wife was equestrienne Helen Cooke.

COOKE, JOHN HENRY. (1838-1917) Equestrian, born in NYC, the son of Henry Cooke and grandson of old Thomas Cooke. Performed for all the equestrian establishments in England, France and Spain—Hengler’s, Sanger’s, Astley’s, Cirque Napoleon and the Cirque L’Imperatrice. Came to USA again, 1867, and first appeared with his wife, Emily Henrietta Cooke, and son, Master George, with Lent’s. Stone & Murray’s, 1868-71; L. B. Lent’s, 1872; John H. Murray’s, 1873. After 1876, toured Scotland and England with his own show. Had a muscular, well formed figure. As a performer, was classed among the best in his profession, with specialties of juggling on horseback and a spectacular 6-horse act. His stud of horses was the envy of showmen everywhere. Died in England, past his 80th year.

COOKE, LOUIS E. (May 17, 1850-March 18, 1923) Agent. Born in Jackson, Tioga County, PA; moved to a farm in Michigan with his parents, 1857, at age 6. At 16 left home to learn the cobbler’s trade. Later, became a printer’s devil at the Otswego (MI) Herald; moved to the Battle Creek Journal, then the Kalamazoo Daily Telegraph, where he finished his training as a job printer, compositor, and pressman. It was at this latter job that be began as a reporter, where he had the opportunity of covering entertainment events. Became an advance agent for Professor Martino, the California illusionist, 1870-71. Became advance agent for the Redpath Lyceum Bureau of Boston during the winter months. Entered the profession in the late 1870s and became one of the most prominent in the business. Not only was he a writer of note but an authority on the history of the circus, being involved in the business for about 40 years. Wrote numerous articles for the Billboard special editions. Prior to his death was writing a book called Circus Life and History but never finished. Began his career with W. W. Cole’s as middleman, an intermediate between the advance brigade and the show. Accompanied Cole on his famous trip to Australia as general agent. Later connected with Adam Forepaugh’s and also served with James A. Bailey as confidential agent and manager for over 20 years. Was responsible for bringing about some of the most famous circus deals: made arrangemnts whereby Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show was organized under Bailey’s management; arranged for the consolidation of the Forepaugh and Sells Brothers shows; brought about an amicable business relationship between the Ringling Brothers and the Barnum & Bailey shows; designed an advertising car for the 1896 Barnum & Bailey Circus, said at that time to be the “most perfect advertising car ever placed upon railway tracks” - 60’ in length and equipped with most every convenience and appliance known to car builders. Worked in various capacities of agentry - business agent, general agent, contracting agent, etc. W. W. Cole’s around 1878-84; Adam Forepaugh’s, 1885-87; Barnum & Bailey, 1889, 1894-1905; Two Bills Shows, 1912; United States Circus Corp., 1917. While with the Cole show, 1881, married Kitty Bartlett, daughter of O. H. Bartlett, Newark, NJ, lumber dealer. In 1896, was listed as owner of the Continental Hotel in Newark, NJ. Temporarily retired from show business, 1913 or 1914, to manage it. Closely identified with the Buffalo Bill Wild West Exhibition; and with the 101 Ranch Show when it toured Europe, 1914. When the Buffalo Bill and the Pawnee Bill Far East shows combined, 1909, joined them as general agent and railrad contractor and remained until they left the road for good after 5 seasons. Returned to the circus field around 1917 when on November 12 was appointed general manager of the advance force of the U.S. Motor Circus by Frank P. Spellman, president of the United States Circus Corp. Died in Newark, age 73.

COOKE, MARY ANNE [Mrs. William Cole]. (1819-November 23, 1897) Thomas Cooke’s daughter. Came to America with his circus company, 1836. Married to contortionist William H. Cole, also in the troupe. Their son, born 1847, was William Washington Cole, renowned circus proprietor. After the circus was left devastated from a theatre fire, Cooke and his family returned to England, but Mary Ann remained with her husband. Following his death, she married Miles Orton, August 27, 1862. They divorced May 20, 1878, Circuit Court, St. Louis, MO; after which, she and her son continued on with a small circus organized from her portion of the property settlement. Died at her home in Patterson, NJ, age 79. Early performing career was as a high school rider and wire-walker. Prior to the marriage to Orton, was connected with Howes & Mabie, 1841; John Tryon’s, Bowery Amphitheatre, New York City, 1843-45; Nathan A. Howes’, 1845; Rockwell & Stone, 1845; Victory Circus, 1847; John Tryon’s, Bowery Amphitheatre, NYC, 1847; H. Buckley & Co., 1857; L. B. Lent’s, 1858. [See WILLIAM H. COLE]

COOKE, MRS. JAMES EDWIN. See Carlotta DeBerg.

COOKE, OCEANA. Slack-wire artist. Granddaughter of Thomas Taplin Cooke, born on shipboard during the English troupe’s crossing to USA, 1836, married Ernest Renz, linking Cookes with one of the greatest Continental circus families.

COOKE, ROSINA. (1846?-October 20, 1919) Equestrienne, manège act. Born in Manchester, England, the daughter of Henry Cooke and sister of John Henry Cooke. With W. W. Cole’s, 1874-75, married George H. “Grimaldi” Adams, a clown with the show, in Galveston, TX, October 19, 1874, from whom she bore 2 children. Died at Manhattan Square Hotel, NYC, age 73, leaving an estate of about $100,000.

COOKE, SUSIE. James R. Cooke’s, winter 1864-65.

COOKE, THOMAS EDWIN. (1800-February 16, 1874) Equestrian, eldest son of Thomas Taplin Cooke and grandson of old Thomas Cooke. Daughter Jane married a Signore Camille, clown and anti-podean. Made his debut as a rider at 18 months old, 1837. Was an expert rider, wrestler, jumper and acrobat. As a rider, was expected to rival his brothers but suffered injuries from being thrown out of a runaway carriage and never reached his potential. However, assumed proprietorship of Thomas Taplin Cooke’s circus, 1838, when the Cooke clan returned to England, and became for a time “Barnum of England.” Died in Liverpool, England.

COOKE, THOMAS TAPLIN. (1782-1866) Born at Warwick, England, the son of circus pioneer, Sir Thomas Cooke. Fathered a large circus family, including Thomas Edwin, William, James T., Henry, George, Alfred, John, Elizabeth Ann, Susannah, Mary Ann, Rebecca, Elizabeth, and maybe others. Succeeded his father as head of the Cooke circus and was the proprietor of Cooke’s equestrian company that came to America, 1836, with 40 members of the family, including 7 sons and 5 daughters, 30 or 40 of the finest horses imported to that date, some full-blooded Arabians and a number of small Burmese ponies, which were ridden by the infant prodigies of the Cooke clan. Erected a building at the corner of Ninth & Chestnut, Philadelphia, an amphitheatre of stone and brick that seated 2,000, which the opening bill termed Cooke’s Extensive Equestrian Establishment and New Arena. The ring was 43’ in diameter, larger than was usually allowed for equestrian exhibitions. Performances began on August 28, 1837, doors opened at 7:00 and the program began at 7:30, boxes were 75¢, the pit 50¢, and children under ten were admitted for half price. Company roster included the Polish Brothers, gymnasts; Mrs. Cole, equestrienne; Williams and Wells, clowns; Woolford, ringmaster; Sprake, orchestra leader; Whitby, head groom. The season closed December 21. After 6 months the building was destroyed by fire. Cooke raised more money and moved his company to the Front Street Circus, Baltimore; but on the morning of February 3, 1838, that place was destroyed by fire and, having no insurance, lost everything. The entertainment world was shocked by the disaster. Thomas Hamblin, who had undergone a similar conflagration and had recovered handsomely, gave Cooke his theatrical spotted horse, Mazeppa. The managers of Fogg & Stickney’s Amphitheatre in Cincinnati gave a free benefit. Cooke’s Circus reopened at their establishment in Philadelphia, March 12, and closed on the 26th. Apparently, the amphitheatre was unsuitable for staging equestrian dramas; in any case, the company moved to the American Theatre (later called the Walnut Street) and opened there April 2, 1838, with a new stud of American horses and an added dramatic corps, where they produced Lord Byron’s melodramatic story of “Mazeppa.” The run came to an end on May 5. After an unfortunate year in America, Cooke left for England, where he produced such spectacles as Mazeppa and Alexander The Great’s Entry Into Babylon and performed in them himself until his death, age 84. Throughout his life he sired between 13 and 19 children, most of whom became circus performers.

COOKE, VINNIE. Premier English rider. Brought to America by P. T. Barnum, 1873. Adam Forepaugh’s, 1874.

COOKE, WILLIAM. (1808-May 7, 1886) Equestrian and circus proprietor. Second son of Thomas Taplin and Mary Ann Cooke. Rider, acrobatic clown, rope walker and strong man. In 1834 was touring with his own company. With Thomas Cooke’s circus company, 1836, when they came to America from England. Described, 1842, performing on the slack rope as “standing erect on the cord and revolving one hundred times.” Another feat was to hold up a board bearing 6 children while hanging head downward with his ankles strapped to a slack wire, yet, while in this position, he would hold the girth of a horse beneath him and lift the animal from the ground. Gave up acrobatics to direct equestrian dramas and train performing animals. Leased Astley’s Amphitheatre, Westminster, 1853, from William Batty, and continued there until 1860. Said to have made a fortune with pantomime, The Battle of Waterloo, 1853; but, had it not been for the profits of his simultaneous tenting shows, would have been bankrupt. Possessing £50,000 when he took on the lease, when it ended he had but £10,000. Retired in 1860, although his company continued tenting for two years under the management of William Cooke Jr. Had a circus under his name, Cooke’s Equestrian Troupe (James M. Nixon, proprietor), Niblo’s Garden, NYC, 1860.

COOLEY, HARRY. Elephant man, John O’Brien’s, 1882.

COOPER BROTHERS. Acrobats, Hudson & Castello (J. M. Hudson and Dan Castello, proprietors), 1881.

COOPER, CHARLES F. (1849-December 18, 1884) Born in Greenfield, MI. A butcher by trade, had interest in the sideshow of Yankee Robinson’s when the company made its Kansas tour. Was with various shows, 1870-75. Trouped a river show down the Mississippi, 1876. Managed VanAmburgh’s sideshow, 1878-80. Winter 1880, along with Tom Haley, had another river show. Following spring, organized Cooper & Jackson with Lyman A. Jackson, which they operated for 2 seasons. Took in J. Ferguson as a partner under the title Cooper, Jackson & Co., 1883, went into the Mexican interior that year, as far as Monterey and back. Went out, 1884, as New York and New England Circus, continued until sold at a sheriff’s auction, December 1, 1884. Died of consumption in Memphis, TN.

COOPER, ED. Holland, Bowman & McLaughlin, 1890.

COOPER, FRANK C. (d. October 10, 1920) General agent, Gregory Bros.’, 1884; Gregory & D’Alma, 1889; business manager and press agent, Gregory & Belford, 1892; general agent, George S. Cole’s, 1895. Died at Booneville, MS.

COOPER, GEORGE F. Cooper, Jackson & Co., 1883.

COOPER, GEORGE W. (d. May 4, 1920) Forepaugh’s concert, 1891. Died in Soldiers home, Leavenworth, KS.

COOPER, H. Part interest in Major Brown’s, 1857. Title was changed for the following year to Cooper & Myers’ Circus of all Nations. Company disbanded before the season’s end.

COOPER, HENRY. The English Giant. Brought to USA by Adam Forepaugh on a 3 year contract, 1882. Stood about 8’ 4”, and while he was not fleshy, weighed around 400 pounds.

COOPER, JAMES EBENEZER. (November 2, 1832-January 1, 1892) Showman. Born in London. Came to America with his parents when less than a year old and settled in Philadelphia. Father was John Henry Cooper, a blacksmith and wheelwright. After father’s death, went into business for himself at the age of 15. Ran a line of omnibuses on the old Second Street Pike from Philadelphia to Fox Chase. After 3 years, sold the business and moved to Washington, DC, where he started another omnibus line. Within 3 months, controlled every line in the city. Remained there until 1863 when he returned to Philadelpia and entered the circus business with Dan Gardner, Richard Hemmings and John O’Brien at National Hall, corner of Twelth and Market Streets. After 5 weeks on the road, bought out O’Brien and continued under the firm of Gardner, Hemmings & Cooper. The show was enlarged and a menagerie of VanAmburgh animals was added, 1865. W. H. Gardner puchased an interest in the fall of that year. Dan Rice was hired for the tenting season, 1867, at a salary of $1,000 a week and expenses, said to be the largest salary to date ever paid to a single performer. During the season Dan Gardner sold Cooper his interest in the show because of an altercation with Rice. In the fall W. H. Gardner sold his share to Harry Whitby. Seasons of 1868 through 1870, the show went out as Hemmings, Whitby & Cooper (James A. Bailey was the general agent during the latter 2 years, working for a salary of $100 a week, purported at the time to be the largest salary ever received by an agent). Whitby was shot and killed during the 1870 tour. Next year the show went out as Hemmings & Cooper. James A. Bailey purchased Hemmings’ interest, 1872, which established the firm of Cooper & Bailey’s International Ten Allied Shows, with the men remaining together until 1880. 1876, the show sailed for Australia, stopping at Hawaii and the Fiji Islands and touring Australia, New Zealand and the East Indies before sailing for South America. After visiting the principal cities of Peru, Chile, Argentina and Brazil, the company arrived back in the United States, landing in NYC, December 10, 1878. The show was enlarged even more with the addition of Howes’ Great London Circus and Sanger’s Royal British Menagerie for the seasons 1879-80. In the fall, 1880, Cooper sold his interest to James L. Hutchinson and retired from circus proprietorship. Re-entered the business, 1886, in partnership with Hutchinson, W. W. Cole, and P. T. Barnum, which operated for 2 years as P. T. Barnum’s Greatest Show on Earth. Then, fall 1887, James A. Bailey acquired Cooper’s interest and again Cooper went into retirement. With the death of Adam Forepaugh, 1890, Cooper purchased the show, winning out over a group of British investors. Spent over $100,000 in refitting the organization and met with the greatest financial success of his career in circus management. Took pleasure in owing fast horses, fine carriages, and the best harnesses money could buy. Owned an impressive private barn to house his equine hobby on Broad Street, Philadelphia. Said to have been a gentle mannered and generous person, who owned a vast amount of Philadelphia real estate at the time of his death, as well as property in nearly every state in the country. Died at his residence, 1826 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, leaving a wife, 2 sons, and a daughter.

COOPER, JOHN. Pinkerton detective, Barnum, Bailey & Hutchinson, 1882.

COOPER, REUBEN W. Supt. of cookhouse, Cooper, Bailey & Co., 1876; Barnum, Bailey & Hutchinson, 1882.

COPELAND, HORACE. Lemen Bros.’, October 1891.

CORBETT, WILLIAM. Clown, Great Oriental Pavilion Show, 1877.

CORBYN, E. Long bearded man, Cooper, Bailey & Co., 1880.

CORBYN, MYRTLE. Four-legged female curiosity, Cooper & Bailey, 1879-80.

CORDELIA. See Cordelia Julick.

CORDELIA, CHARLES. Gymnast and leaper, Montgomery Queen’s, 1874.

CORDELLA, MINNIE. Swinging rings, Cooper, Bailey & Co. Australian tour, 1877.

CORDELLA, ROSA. Equestrienne, with Cooper & Jackson, 1880.

CORDOVA, HARRY. Press agent, Batcheller & Doris, 1879; railroad contractor, John O’Brien’s, 1881; advertising manager, Nathans & Co., 1882-83. May be the same as above.

CORINTH, JOSEPH. Howes’ European, winter 1864.

CORNWALL, ZACK. Agent, Ella Zoyara’s, 1863.

CORNWELL, D. Proprietor (with J. B. Townley), Great Oriental Pavilion Show, 1877.

CORNWELL, SAMIVEL. Business agent, with Gardner & Hemmings, 1860.

CORNWELL, WILLIAM. Metropolitan Circus, Havana, winter 1878-79.

CORREIA, JOHN [or Juan] and MARIETTA. Aerialist and equestrienne. London Show, 1886; Mid-Winter Circus, Petersburg, IL, winter 1894-95; Walter L. Main’s, 1896; Shipp’s, Petersburg, IL, winter 1897-98, 1898-99; Buchanan Bros.’ (from Sioux Falls, SD), 1898; Tony Lowande’s, Cuba, winter 1901-02. Marietta was the daughter of Martinho Lowande, Sr., and the sister of the Lowande boys, Oscar, Tony, Alexander A., and Martinho, Jr. John Corriea Jr. was a beginning wire performer in the late 1890s.

CORRIGAN, M. Triangle player, W. N. Smith’s Ethiopians with VanAmburgh’s Menagerie, 1860.

CORSON, WILLIAM. Leaper and tumbler, Smith & Baird, 1872.

CORVELLA BROTHERS. Great New York Circus (E. Hamilton, F. W. Sergeant, proprietors), 1877-78. Frank Corvella, business manager and trapeze performer, Moore Bros.’, 1887. Robert Corvella (r. n. Robert Hoagland), acrobat, a native of Bound Brook, NJ. While giving a trapeze performance during a balloon ascension at a fair in Phoenix, NY, September 14, 1878, was severely injured from a 50 foot fall and succumbed, May 5, 1879, at his home, Bound Brook, NJ.

COSTELLO, ARTIE. See Artie Castello.

COSTELLO, DAN. See Dan Castello.

COSTELLO, DAVE. See Dave Castello.

COSTELLO, FRED and MILLIE. With J. M. Carrington’s Southern Show, 1874-75.

COSTELLO, GEORGE. See George Castello.

COSTELLO, JOHN. (d. April 22, 1901) Clown. One time a member of a group of Costello Brothers. Around 1880, met and married a Mrs. Roberts of New London, CT, opened a saloon there and operated it until his wife’s death; at which time he sold out and moved to NYC. Death came in that city as he was planning to join Adam Forepaugh’s.

COSTELLO, PROF. Sword swallower, Sheldenburger & Co., 1871.

COSTELLO, WILLIAM [often spelled Costillo]. (1815-February 17, 1890) Ringmaster and juggler. Born in Boston. Joined a circus at age 16 and worked in the business for half a century with the distinction of being one of the first to introduce globe spinning and tank balancing with the feet. An able horseman and ringmaster for the age’s most notable riders. Connected with Spalding & Rogers’ Floating Palace and VanAmburgh & Co.; as well as Robinson & Eldred, 1849-53; Major Brown’s, 1857; Eldred’s, 1857; Cooper & Myers, 1858; ringmaster, Robinson & Lake, 1859-62; Lake & Co., 1864-65; John Robinson’s, 1867; ringmaster and plate spinner, Alexander Robinson’s, 1874-77. Retired about 1880; died 10 years later, Utica, NY, age 75.

COSTELLO BROTHERS [William, Harry, George]. Aerialists, acrobats, horizontal bars performers. Wallace & Co., 1884; W. H. Harris’ Nickel-Plate, 1885-86; Ringling Bros.’, 1887; brothers act and bars, F. J. Taylor’s, 1891; Sells Bros.’ Australian tour, 1891-92, 1894-95; Adam Forepaugh’s, 1893; Hurlburt & Leftwich, 1894. George died from the effects of a fall from a train, December 1, 1895, at Chattanooga, TN, age 30. Harry (r. n. John Henry Laughlin) lost his balance while practicing a return act and fell 20’ to the ground; died from the injuries, Memphis, TN, October 6, 1894, age 24. William (r. n. William Thomas Laughlin), entered the profession as a pantomimist and acrobat. Performed on the revolving globe with Alex Robinson’s, 1874; W. H. Harris’ Nickel-Plate, 1888; horizontal bars, Charles Andress’, 1889; (with wife, Annie) New Bartine Consolidated Shows, 1896. Died, Norfolk, VA, December 28, 1898, from ailments induced by a fall in August of the previous year while performing on aerial horizontal bars with the Forepaugh-Sells Show, age about 30.

COSTELLO, MINNIE. Aerialist, F. J. Taylor’s, 1891.

COSTENTENUS, GEORGE. Tattooed from head to foot, P. T. Barnum’s, 1876-80.

COTTRELL, JACK. Boss hostler, John Robinson’s, 1879-81.

COTTRELL, JOHN. Clown, rolling globe, leaper, from Hengler’s Circus, London. First appearance in America, John H. Murray’s, 1874-75; revolving globe, Cooper, Bailey & Co.’s Australian tour, 1876-77.

COTTRELL, LOUISE. Bareback rider. John H. Murray’s, 1875; Cooper & Bailey’s Australian tour, 1876-77.

COTY, PETER “MASTER.” A new apprentice with Pepin & Breschard at Charleston, November, 1814, and remained with Pepin through 1829 when the troupe disbanded in Nashville, TN. That year, married a Miss Payne at Charleston. Joseph D. Palmer’s, 1833; Edward Eldred’s, 1834; Aaron Turner’s, 1835; rider, Benchley & Stone, 1837-38; John Mateer’s, 1843-44; Welch & Mann, 1843-44. Credited with introducing foot juggling to America. One of his feats was balancing a 12 foot pole on his feet.

COUCH, J. W. Proprietor, J. W. Couch’s Comic Circus and Brilliant Museum, 1880; sideshow manager, W. H. Stowe’s, when he lost his life in the burning of the steamer Golden City, February 30, 1882.

COULDOCK, FRED L. Advertiser. Rivers & Derious, 1857; Mabie’s, 1864; Thayer & Noyes, 1867; Hemmings, Cooper & Whitby, 1868; George F. Bailey’s, 1870-73; contracting agent, P. T. Barnum’s, 1876-80; Adam Forepaugh’s, 1881.

COUP, GEORGE. Brother of W. C. Coup. Candy privilege, P. T. Barnum’s, 1871-76.

COUP, W. B. Band leader, Hurlburt & Leftwich, 1894.

COUP, WILLIAM CAMERON. (August 4, 1836-March 4, 1895) Born in Mt. Pleasant, Indiana, 1837, one of 6 children of a tavern owner. Left a job in a printing office, 1852, to join P. T. Barnum’s Caravan, a traveling museum and menagerie, 1851-54. First job was apparently as a roustabout. Tells in his autobiography, Sawdust and Spangles, of being with the L. G. Butler circus, 1850s. Conducted a wax figure show in the Caribbean, winter 1860. Joined Mabie’s, sideshow manager (with Harry Buckley), 1861-65; Yankee Robinson’s, 1866, managing the sideshow and serving as assistant manager of the circus. Mrs. Coup prevailed upon her husband to abandon show life after the 1869 season. Bought a farm in Delavan, built a cheese factory, and invested in a local bank. With Dan Castello, organized, 1870, on a Great Lakes steamer, Dan Castello’s Great Circus & Egyptian Caravan. At the end of the season, talked P. T. Barnum into coming out of retirement and going into the circus business with them. Was general manager of the show, which netted a $400,000 profit, 1871. Following year, was instrumental in getting the show to travel by rail, devising loading and unloading methods and arranging special excursions from the outlying towns to the show site. Introduced a second ring, developed ingenious advertising and promotional stunts such as the Devil’s Whistle, mass litho posting and small town excursions by bands, clowns, etc., to create interest in the show which was in the area. Continued with the Barnum organization, 1871-75. Built the New York Aquarium in partnership with Charles Reiche, which was an immediate success. Reiche wanted the aquarium to open on Sunday but Coup opposed it. Finally, after months of wrangling over the Sunday matter, Coup suggested that they flip a coin to see who would become sole owner. Reiche agreed and Coup lost the flip. Organized Equescurriculum, 1878, and later changed its name to the United Monster Shows. Railroad wreck near Cairo, IL, 1882, finished the show and also put Coup deep in debt from countless claims. Later, organized an Indian Exhibition show, started a museum in Chicago, and also had a traveling museum on rails known as Coup’s Enchanted Rolling Palaces, which also was ruined by a railroad accident in Pennsylvania. Refused all financial assistance by his many friends and tried to pay of all debts. Formed another horse show and even a dog circus, both of which were successful on a small scale. Was forced to retire, 1894, and went to Jacksonville, FL, where he died a year later. [P. T. Barnum: “He was a capital showman and a man of good judgment, integrity, and excellent executive ability.”]

COUP, ZACK. (1848?-January 12, 1895) Showman brother of W. C. Coup. Contracted by P. T. Barnum to secure the famous white whale, which he successfully accomplished. During the expedition, he and a companion were shipwrecked on the Shetland Islands. At one time, was connected with the Royal Aquarium, London. Later, was manager for Zazel, the human catapult. Various years with Sells Bros.’—one year had the candy franchise - accompanying them to Australia, 1893. Died in Columbus, OH, about 47 years old, after having been in show business for 21 years.

COURTNEY, F. E. Contracting agent, Hudson & Castello’s (J. M. Hudson and Dan Castello, proprietors), 1881.

COURTNEY, G. A. (d. April 19, 1882) Proprietor, G. A. Courtney’s Zoological Circus, West Indies, 1880; Mexico, 1881.

COURTNEY, HARRY. Director of amusements and trapeze performer, Moore Bros.’, 1887.

COUSINS, J. Doris winter circus, Forty-Second Street, NYC, 1880 (E. S. Doris, proprietor; John B. Doris, manager).

COUTURIER, CARTER. Advance agent, P. T. Barnum’s Roman Hippodrome, 1875; Pat Ryan’s, 1882.

COVELL, ZILLAH. See Mrs. Edward Orrin.

COVELLI, CHARLES. (d. 1870) Ethiopian performer, with Blair’s Band, a party that worked on a barge at the foot of Steamboat Wharf, Troy, NY, June, 1854. Opened a saloon with minstrel performer, Thomas Pendergast, Utica, NY, 1868. Partner dropped dead, March 6, 1869, in Utica in the arms of Covelli. Covelli died the following year.

COVELLI, CHARLES. (1829?-October 4, 1894) Rider, clown, and ringmaster. Born in NYC. Performed abroad with many of the foreign companies. Upon return to the USA, was connected with Robinson & Lake, 1863; Robinson & Deery, 1864; Alex Robinson’s, 1865; principal rider, G. G. Grady’s, 1869-71; equestrian director, Cosmopolitan, winter 1871-72; rider, Burr Robbins’, 1874; clown, Great Roman Hippodrome, 1877; Basye’s, 1879; clown, Thornton’s, 1880; Ringling Bros.’, 1886; around the latter year, was connected with the St. Louis Museum as manager and press agent; advance agent Sieber & Cole, 1891. Died in St. Louis, MO, age 65. Equestrienne wife, Mary, professionally known as Mme. Lucille, died in St. Louis shortly after, on October 20th.

COWELL, JOSEPH. (August 7, 1792-November 14, 1863) Born in Kent, England. Made acting debut January 23, 1812, Davenport, England, as Belcour in the West Indian. First appeared in London at the Drury Lane Theatre, 1812, as Samson Rawbold in the Iron Chest. American stage debut, October, 1821, as L’Clair in Foundling of the Forest and Crack in Turnpike Gate at the Park Theatre, NYC. Manager of the Walnut Street Circus, Philadelphia, and of Price & Simpson’s circus troupe, 1825-26, which he bought a half-interest in the following year. Grandaughters were the famous actresses, the Bateman Sisters. Died in London.

COWLES, M. B. Agent, W. W. Cole’s, 1880-81.

COX, SAMUEL P. Contracting agent, John B. Doris’, 1883-85; Adam Forepaugh’s, 1878-87.

COX, W. O. Second brigade agent, Hunting’s, 1896.

COXEY, W. D. Press agent, Adam Forepaugh’s, 1889.

COYLE, HENRY. With Levi J. North’s, 1859; trick clown, George W. DeHaven’s, 1865. See Henry C. North.

COYLE, JAMES. Burr Robbins, 1879.

COYLE, JOHN H. Burr Robbins’, 1885; treasurer, Robert Hunting’s, 1896-97.

COYLE, MIKE. (1838?-July 26, 1918) Born in Whitesboro, NY, and moved to Weedsport while still a child. Connected for many years as chief publicist for P. T. Barnum and was one of his closest friends. A picturesque and unique personality with a wide circle of friends and admirers, a typical showman, a large man with a pleasant face who performed at different times as business manager, transportation manager, and treasurer. James Melville’s, 1864; Stone, Rosston & Murray, 1865-66; 1867, purchased interest in the latter and remained with the show through the season of 1877; winter 1870, connected with the management of the tour of the pugilists John C. Heenan and James Mace; Howes’ Great London, 1878; Adam Forepaugh’s, 1880-94. [D. W. Watt: “Mike stood six feet, one inch, was straight as an arrow and had a fine commanding appearance. He never did business ahead of the show with the different people he had to deal with but what they were always glad to see him come again.”] Announced retirement from circus activity, January 1909, and purchased the farm on which the famous Arrowhead Mineral Springs were located, in the village of Weedsport. Entered into a partnership with a local gentleman, C. S. Caywood, to improve the springs and promote the sale of the water. Died at the Willard House, Weedsport, NY, age 80. Left an estate valued at $16,000.

COYLE, WALTER E. Press agent, L. B. Lent’s, 1874.

CRAIG, J. D. Dan Castello’s, 1866.

CRAIG, JOE. (d. March 12, 1905) Giant, standing 7’ 8” and weighing over 400 pounds; traveled with Barnum & Bailey and others. Died in Mt. Sterling, KY.

CRAIG, PROF. Musical director, Collins’ Oriental Combination, 1877.

CRAMER, GEORGE P. Equestrian manager, Johnson & Co., 1866; partner, Hampson & Cramer, 1867; proprietor, Cramer’s Great Western, 1868-69.

CRANE, GEORGE J. Clown, Older, Carane & Co., 1884.

CRANE, GERARD. (January 3, 1791-February 11, 1872) One of the pioneers of American menageries. Began in the business by exhibiting an elephant through the countryside. Toured with a lion and lioness, 1818. Later exhibited birds and small animals in partnership with June, Angevine and Titus. With Lewis B. Titus exhibited an elephant, 1826. As proprietor, connected with Gregory, Crane & Co., 1833-34; Crane & Eldred with a combined circus and menagerie, 1834-35; later had an interest in the menagerie of Macomber, Welch & Co. Continued in management until at least 1836. Accumulated a sizeable fortune before retirement from the business, being president of one or more banks and insurance companies. Died in Westchester, NY, age 82.

CRANE, JEREMIAH. Showman brother of Gerard and Thadeus Crane. With them, was an early exhibitor of animals.

CRANE, JOHN PLATT. Proprietor, Crane & Co., 1849-50; manager, J. M. June’s, 1851.

CRANE, MOSES CLARK. (d. December 23, 1893) Associate who had various circus jobs during his life-time. With VanAmburgh’s for nearly 10 years as assistant manager, etc. At one time had interest with Hyatt Frost in the show. Connected with numerous circuses since 1870, his first being with the Great London, of which his brother-in-law, J. J. Parks, was part owner. Barnum, Bailey & Hutchinson’s, 1881. Last show business job as manager for Kohl & Middleton’s Museum circuit, Chicago. Retired around 1888 and died of blood poisoning at his home in Millerton, NY.

CRANE, S. E. Contracting and advertising agent, Rice’s Paris Pavilion Circus, 1871.

CRANE, THADDEUS. (December 31, 1779-October 16, 1849) Son of Col. Thaddeus Crane, brother of Gerard and Jeremiah Crane and an early exhibitor of animals. One of the founders of the Zoological Institute. Married Martha Titus (d. March 25, 1872).

CRAPO, CAPT. AND MRS. Featured exhibit, Howes’ Great London, 1878. They had recently crossed the Atlantic in their little boat New Bedford, which could also be viewed. The engaging couple related the story of their rough experience.

CRAVEN, LILLIAN MARTIN [nee Lilly Mondena Martin, later Mrs. George M. Larwill]. (September 18, 1852-September 29, 1957) Born in Philadelphia. Married elephant trainer Stewart Craven, October 1868. There was a son born December 27, 1869, Charles Stewart Craven. Chariot rider and appeared in specs with Adam Forepaugh’s, John V. O’Brien’s, Cooper & Bailey, and P. T. Barnum’s beinning in 1868. Learned the art of glass blowing which she practiced with various circuses with which her husband was associated.

CRAVEN, STEWART. (May 15, 1833-January 16, 1890) Elephant man. Native of Chester, Wayne Co., OH, and considered the greatest of all trainers and keepers. A large, powerful man, who had an amazing understanding of animals. Described in 1880 as rather tall and slightly built, with eyes quick and keen, black hair sprinkled with gray, and a full beard in which the gray was more prominent. First appeared with VanAmburgh’s, 1853, where he trained the great elephant Tippo Saib to hold a perch while he climbed atop and performed gymnastic tricks. Also stood on the elephants tusk and performed a juggling act while the animal trotted around the ring at full speed. With Mabie’s, 1859, conquered Canada, later known as Romeo, one of the fiercest of elephants; for a time worked for Adam Forepaugh as keeper of Romeo, also trained 7 elephants for him, 1876, but left the organization because of problems with the strong minded manager; trained Empress for John O’Brien; the 5 performing elephants of Howes’ Great London; Mabie & Nathans, 1860-61; worked gymnastic elephants with Mabie’s, Winter Garden, Chicago, 1862; Dan Rice’s, 1866; left for Europe, 1867, because of ill health; Cooper & Bailey, 1880, where he trained 12 in military drill, the pyramid, a tight-rope walker, and a clown, called superior to anything done before. [George Conklin: “He was the only man I ever knew who could ride an elephant standing up.”] Married to Lillian Craven, a chariot rider and spec performer. Died of consumption in Dallas, TX, age 56.

CRAWFORD, F. General performer. Rockwell & Stone, 1846; R. Sands’, 1849.

CRAWFORD, OLIVE. Snake charmer, Walter L. Main’s, 1893.

CRAYCROFT, B. R. Agent, J. H. LaPearl’s, 1891-94.

CREIGHTEN, W. H. Clown. Fogg & Co., 1828; Asa T. Smith’s, 1829; Yeaman’s, 1831; Brown’s, 1832-33; French, Hobby & Co., 1835; Drury, Van Tassle, Brown & Co., 1837; Waring & Raymond, New Orleans, winter 1837-38; Brown & Mills (later as Waterman & Co.), 1838; Waring & Raymond, 1842; James Raymond’s, 1843-44; Old Dominion, 1845.

CROCKETT, JAMES. (1835?-1865) Lion tamer. Born in Preston, England, the son of a circus musician. Started career as a band member with Sanger’s. Because of weakened lungs, was forced to seek another profession. When manager Sanger bought 5 lions but had no one to handle them, Crockett became their tamer, his sole asset being an imposing stature. However, proved to be a man of wonderous nerve and magnetism. On one occasion, 6 lions, 5 males and a female, came loose in Astley’s Amphitheatre, London. By the time Crockett arrived, they had killed a groom and were roaming about the place, when single-handedly, without any weapon but a whip, he eventually caged them. Soon was performing the feats of VanAmburgh and Carter, traveling through Great Britain and Ireland, receiving plaudits for his courage. Filled an engagement at Astley’s Amphitheatre, receiving a large salary, following with one at the Cirque Napoleon in Paris; then Berlin, Vienna, St. Petersburg and other European cities. Was engaged by Seth B. Howes in England and brought to America, 1864, appearing first in Detroit. The recipient of many gifts from royalty, exemplified by a diamond ring from Queen Victoria. On July 6, 1865 (or perhaps July 4), in Cincinnati, was effected by the intense heat. With a crowded house expectantly awaiting his act, he fell prostrate and soon died, age 30—it having been a very hot day, and having ridden in the procession all that morning with a tin helmet on his head and no protection from the sun.

CROSBY, BENJAMIN. (1827-March 21, 1886) Agent. Born in Brewster, NY. Early employment was as a salesman for a patent pill concern before becoming associated with various circuses. Contracting agent, Dan Castello’s, 1866; assistant manager, James M. French’s, 1867; Maginley & Carroll, 1868; business agent, VanAmburgh’s, 1871; general agent, Den Stone’s, 1873; contracting agent, VanAmburgh's, 1874-76. For the last 8 years of his life, was active in the hotel business in New Canaan, CT, where he died.

CROSBY, CHARLES. Gymnast. E. F. & J. Mabie’s, 1851; (billed as Carlos Crosbiere) Spalding & Roger, 1852-56; H. P. Madigan’s, 1856.

CROSBY, DOLLY. Wallace & Co., 1886.

CROSBY, E. Rider, E. F. & J. Mabie’s, 1849-50.

CROSBY, FRANK C. (d. May 25, 1917) Performed for 35 years with such circuses as Howes Great London, Wallace’s, and Col. G. W. Hall’s. Also proprietor of his own circus, Crosby’s Mammoth Pavilion Shows, 1889. Died in Chicago.

CROSBY, GEORGE. VanAmburgh’s, 1880.

CROSBY, HART. Cousin of Nathan and Seth B. Howes. With Nathan Howes & Co., 1826. Broke his neck attempting a gymnastic feat, March 9, 1827.

CROSBY, NELSON. (1814-1899) Said to be one of the first in this country to exhibit buffalos with a traveling circus. Was in charge of a small herd which went with Mabie Bros.’

CROSBY, SETH ORLANDO. (d. April 28, 1890) With Adam Forepaugh’s, VanAmburgh’s.

CROSBY, WILLIAM. 2-horse rider, with Mabie & Crosby, 1851; Major Brown’s, 1856-57; Mabie & Crosby, 1858; Yankee Robinson’s, 1859.

CROSS, DAN. Bareback and hurdle rider, M. O’Conner & Co., 1869-70.

CROSS, E. J. Proprietor, Cross & LeRoy’s Trans-Atlantic Circus (E. J. Cross and Walter LeRoy, proprietors), winter 1884.

CROSS, WILLIAM. Importer of elephants, 1870s, 1880s.

CROSSETT, RALPH. Boss canvasman, the Reichold Shows, 1897.

CROSSLEY, JOHN T. Scottish sports (with William Elder), W. W. Cole’s, 1877; W. C. Coup’s, winter 1878-79; Cooper, Bailey & Co., 1879-80; Barnum, Bailey & Hutchinson, 1888-82.

CROSSMAN, EUGENE H. Boyd & Peters, 1880.

CROUESTE, EDWIN “NED”. (b. 1841) Clown. Born in Bromley, England. Son of Charles and Mary Crowhurst, one of 4 brothers associated with the circus. First appeared before the public as a clown, 1857. Joined a circus run by his brother, Vauxhall Gardens, 1858. Subsequently, American clown, James Myers, engaged him for the Pavillion Theatre, London. After which, he stayed on for the traveling season. Then joined Howes & Cushings, 1860, and toured through Ireland before returning with Myers for a short time. Followed with an 18 month tour with the Italian Cirque through the British Isles. 1863, took part in a race on the Thames, with Garratt and Ricoli, in tubs drawn by geese, a stunt first attributed to Dickie Usher. Tenting season, 1863, again with Howes, with whom he accompanied to America, April 1864, for a tour of the United States; Hippotheatron, NYC, winter 1864-65; Lent’s New York Circus, 1866. From there, was connected with Nixon’s; Stone, Rosston & Co. and others. Formed Edwin Croueste’s Grand Circus, late 1880s. At Dewsbury, England, opened an iron circus, 1891. Converted the place into the Empire Variety Theatre, February 1894. Died, 1914, in Bradford Workhouse Hospital, in poor circumstances, due to the decline in circus and poor health.

CROWE, MELL. Gymnast, acrobat, and tight-rope artist. Howes’ European, winter 1864-65; Thompson, Smith & Hawes, 1866; Mike Lipman’s, winter 1866-67; L. B. Lent’s, 1867; clown and leaper, Adam Forepaugh’s, 1867.

CROWLEY, WILLIAM G. (1850?-October 4, 1884) Press agent. Originally a journalist. Began in the circus business, 1874, and became known as an aggressive but charming professional. Sells Bros.’, P. T. Barnum’s, Burr Robbins’, and Great London. Left with Cooper, Bailey & Co. for Australia, November 8, 1876-77, 1879-80. Adam Forepaugh’s, 1881-82. Subsequently, returned to the profession of journalism. Died in Rochester, NY, age 34.

CROWN, THOMAS. Advertiser, P. T. Barnum’s, 1875.

CROWNINSHIELD, JACOB. Sea captain credited with bringing the first elephant to America. Of Indian origin, the animal arrived, 1796, and was sold to a Mr. Owen, who exhibited in Philadelphia, Baltimore and along the eastern seaboard, possibly until 1822.

CRUM, WILLIAM C. (1831?-February 9, 1901) Agent. Native of New York. Was a cousin of Dan Rice (Rice’s mother was Elizabeth Crum). Began career as editor and proprietor of the Rochester Evening News. With Dan Rice’s at least 1852, 1859. From at least 1859-61, lived in Girard, PA, Rice’s adopted home, and acted as Rice’s agent. Through friendship with P. T. Barnum’s son-in-law, S. H. Hurd, became interested in circus work, joining as director of publications, P. T. Barnum’s, 1871, general agent, 1872, manager of publications, 1873. Director of pubications, Batcheller & Doris, 1880; Adam Forepaugh’s, 1887; W. C. Coups’; John V. O’Brien’s, as well as others. Considered by some to be the first to write in the familiar courier advertising style, which occurred while he was with the Barnum & Bailey. A fluent penman who prepared material in a dignified style, which ultimately became obsolete and which may have prompted a return to the newspaper business in Idlewild, Fla., with the Farmer’s Alliance Advocate and later Florida State Republican. Also prominent in Republican politics in that state. While serving as postmaster at Peck, after appointing a Negro assistant, was waylaid by an angry mob and beaten severely, from which he never quite recovered. Died in Hyde Park, FL, in his 70th year. [Louis E. Cooke: “Being possessed of a brilliant education and a fluent writer, he could handle the classics to perfection.... He was one of the most skillful manipulators of circus adjectives I have ever met, and in my acquaintance with him I became greatly impressed with his ability and complete knowledge of everything pertaining to the circus world.”]

CUBA, BELEN. Female bareback rider, Chiarini’s, San Francisco, 1872.

CUBAN BROTHERS. Dan Castello’s, 1868.

CUBAS, ISABEL. (1837-June 20, 1864) Beautiful Spanish pantomimist and danseuse. Born in Valencia del Cid. Came to USA, 1861. September of that year appeared at the Winter Garden, NYC, where she attracted public notice as a fascinating and voluptuous performer. Came under the management of James M. Nixon and, it was said, was married to him. This report was false, since he was still married to his wife, Caroline. Nixon’s Cremorne Gardens, NYC, spring 1862; Nixon’s, Washington, DC, fall 1862.

CULBERTSON, C. R. Treasurer, C. W. Kidder & Co.’s, 1893.

CULBERTSON, SAMUEL. Proprietor, Gilliam, Gifford & Culbertson’s (Franklin A. Gilliam, Lew Gifford, Samuel Culbertson, proprietors), 1897.

CULLEN, ANDREW. Presented troupe of Iroquois Indians, Stone & Rosston, 1865; Driesbach & Howes, 1868; assistant manager and treasurer, Howes & Cushing, 1875.

CULLEN, ED C. General agent, Forepaugh & Samwells (W. R. Forepaugh, Thomas Samwells, proprietors), 1886; Irwin Bros., 1889.

CULLINS, J. M. General agent, John F. Stowe & Co., 1888-89.

CUMMINGS, FRANK. Clown, John B. Doris’, 1886.

CUNNINGHAM, J. Contortionist, Wintermute Bros.’, 1890.

CURLEY, J. Boss canvasman, New York and New England, 1884.

CURRY, ALMA. W. W. Cole’s, 1882.

CURRY, G. W. Great Combination (George M. Kelley, Pete and John Conklin, William LaRue, proprietors), 1871.

CURTIS, GEORGE. Gymnast, Cole & Orton, 1871.

CURTIS, HARRY. Clown, P. T. Barnum’s, 1877.

CURTIS, MINNIE. Hurdle racer, W. W. Cole’s, 1876.

CURTIS, T. Manager, Welch, Bartlett & Co., 1840.

CURTIS, WILLIAM D. Proprietor, Great Roman Hippodrome and Congress of Novelties, 1877; proprietor, Great Eastern, 1878; manager, the London Sensation Show (W. L. Collins & Co., proprietors), 1879.

CURTIS, T. Manager, Welch, Bartlett & Co., 1840.

CURTISS, R. D. contracting agent; Montgomery Queen’s, 1873.

CUSHING, JOSEPH “COL.” (November 14, 1818-March 3, 1884) Born at Dover, NH, the son of Peter and Sally Austin Cushing. Cared little for farming, so, while still in his teens, left Dover for Gloucester, MA, where he was employed in a fish market. Next, went with a small circus. Shortly, bought the lemonade and candy concessions on the show. Then bought the sideshow and before the end of the season owned the entire show. The firm grew to a 40 wagons and toured the eastern part of the country and Canada for several seasons with fincncial success. In partnership with Seth B. Howes, March 25, 1857, on the steamer Southampton, sailed from New York for Liverpool with the Great American Circus on board. Took along his 20 year old bride of a day, Hamah Marie Lemmure, the daughter of a Cambridge, MA, family, educated in France, spoke French well, played the harp and could ride horses. Wife rode the grand entry as well as performing high school exhibitions. January 24, 1860, sold out his half interest to Seth Howes. February 14, 1860, with Mr. Fillingham, a London Banker, and Seth Howes formed a new partnership to take a circus to Germany during the summer. March 23, 1860, bought a hippopotamus for $9,000 and sent it on exhibition with Frank Howes (no relation to Seth) to Liverpool. May 28, 1860, went into the fight game and presented a match between Sayres and Heenan at the Alhambra. June 3, 1860; took the fighters on a tour of Scotland. October 1, 1860, sent word to Frank Howes at Liverpool to take the hippo to America. Formed a new circus and opened, November 26, 1860, and continued until September 11, 1862. Returned to the USA with $100,000 in cash. 1863, formed another circus and toured the eastern states and Canada. Took into partnership Frank Howes, and went to Manchester, England, Howes as acting manager. Formed a show titled Wheeler & Hitchcock, which he sent to Canada. Show went broke and was left there. Paid all bills, took over the show and toured the eastern states with it, returning to Dover, NH, at the end of the season with a nice profit. 1877, decided to take a circus to South America, sailing on the steamer, North Star. Returned to Dover, 1879, the project not a financial success. During the afternoon, March 1, 1884, while driving home behind a team of lively horses, they shied, which threw him out of the carriage striking his head hard when he hit the ground. Never regained consciousness and passed away 2 days later. Wife died January 6, 1894. [John Glenroy: “Cushing was a man greatly respected, and of all the managers whom I have served under I never thought so much of any one as I did of him.... If there was one other man among all the other circus proprietors, with whom I have been engaged, to whom I would compare Colonel Cushing it is to General Welch.... They were much alike, whole-souled, generous men, both of them, and their generosity proved the ruin of each of them.”]

CUSHMAN, LOTTIE. Cooper, Jackson & Co., 1882.

CUTLER, GEORGE: (August 8, 1843-February 16, 1892) Born in Clover Hollow, NY. Died in Chenango Bridge, NY. Strong man, cannon ball juggler, gymnast. Robinson & Lake, 1863-66; Philadelphia Circus, winter 1867-68; slack wire and cannon ball performer, Gardner & Kenyon, 1868; James M. French’s, 1869; Gardner & Forepaugh, 1870; “man of steel,” Rosston, Springer & Henderson, 1871; James E. Cooper’s, 1872; ringmaster and cannon ball performer, Adam Forepaugh’s, 1875. Cutler’s wife was a wire performer.

CYR, LOUIS (Cyprien Noe). Strong man, “The French Hercules.” Toured, 1897, John Robinson’s. featured as paid $2,000.00 per week; Ringling’s, 1898.

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William L. Slout and Circus Historical Society, Inc.

Last modified October 2005