Names:

Olympians of the Sawdust Circle - J

JACKITS-CHY TROUPE. Feats of balancing, W. C. Coup’s, 1878-79. Manchiska, infant son of Jackits-chy and Mme. Citto, died August 5, 1879, in a sleeping car en route to Scranton, PA.

JACK, JONATHAN. Irish dwarf equestrian, National Circus, Cincinnati, winter 1864-65.

JACKLEY, NATHAN. (circa 1850-1923) Austrian acrobat. One of twenty-four children fathered with four different wives by the father of the Jackley family of acrobats; made debut at age 4. Remembered as being the originator of an act called the “Jackley Drops,” consisted of tables piled 8 high, with a ninth placed next to them; standing on the eighth, Jackley dropped backward and landed on his hands on the floor level ninth; then did a backward leap, which landed him on the ground level facing the tables; first documented at engagement in America, September, 1873. Howard Atheneum, Boston; 1874, Cincinnati, August 27-April 3, Jackley’s Great Vienna Circus; November 1874, New York, Barnum’s Hippodrome; 1875, Jackley’s Vienna Circus combined with Wilson’s Great Circus, Wilson’s Palace Amphitheatre, San Francisco, January 25-April 6, then the interior of California, by October the Pacific Northwest. Troupe returned to Europe, but Nathan occasionally spent winter performing in the USA; Pullman, Dingess & Co., vaudeville-type show, 1885. Continued to perform with family act until 1910. Died in London.

JACKSON, ALEC. Rider, Asa T. Smith’s, 1829; slack-rope, Byram Bernard’s, 1830; scenic rider, Aaron Turner’s, 1831; scenic rider, T. L. Stewart’s, 1831; Stickles & Co., 1832; scenic rider, American Circus, 1833; Palmer’s, 1836.

JACKSON, ALLIE. Sells Bros.’, 1886; Ringling Bros.’, 1894.

JACKSON, ANDREW. With wife Lizzie, Walter L. Main’s, 1893; Sutton & Jackson, 1896.

JACKSON, BERTIE. Rider, Burr Robbins’, 1880.

JACKSON, G. Clown, J. W. Wilder’s North American Circus (Asa B. Stow, manager), 1873.

JACKSON, HARRY. Australian actor and Shakespearean clown, Lee & Ryland, California, and other west coast locations, winter 1866-67.

JACKSON, J. Manager, Kincade’s Circus, 1871.

JACKSON, JOHN [r. n. John McIllway]. (d. 1848) Rider. Born in Philadelphia. Edward Eldred’s, 1834; Buckley & Co., 1834; Bancker & Harrington, 1835; scenic rider, Eagle Circus/Cole & Co., 1837; Yale, Sands & Co., 1838; Miller, Yale & Howes, 1838; proprietor (with John Shay, John Mateer, Charles J. Rogers), Cincinnati Circus, 1840-41; Dr. Gilbert R. Spalding’s, 1845-46; Stone & McCollum, 1847-48. Died at Columbus, GA, 1843.

JACKSON, LYMAN A. Treasurer, co-proprietor, Cooper & Jackson (C. F. Cooper, Lyman A. Jackson, proprietors), 1880-83; 1883, added J. Ferguson to the firm, changing the title to Cooper, Jackson & Co.; circus was sold at a sheriff’s sale, December 1, 1884.

JACKSON, MATTIE. Manège and leaping act, Barnum, Bailey & Hutchinson, 1881, hippodrome jockey, 1882; Barnum & Bailey, 1886; Adam Forepaugh’s, 1893.

JACKSON, SADEE. Rider, Howes Trans-Atlantic Circus and Risbeck’s Menagerie (Frank Howes, proprietor), 1868.

JACKSON, SAM. French gymnast, J. W. Wilder’s, 1872.

JACKSON, SAMUEL. Band musician, with Joe Pentland’s, 1855; Flagg & Aymar, 1856; “Greatest Tenor Drummer in the World,” Joe Pentland’s, 1857-58.

JACKSON, S. C. Thayer & Noyes, 1864.

JACKSON, WILLIAM J. (d. October 21, 1886) Press agent, Cooper & Jackson, 1880. Died, St. Louis, MO, age 33.

JACOBS, BLANCHE. Melvin, Royer & Jacob’s, 1895.

JACOBS, W. Variety troupe, Haight & Chambers, 1867.

JAGENDORFF, GEORGE [“Vienna”]. Austrian strong man. Father was a manufacturer of meerschaum goods in Vienna. Adam Forepaugh’s, 1884-85, 1888; Silbon-Elliott Combination, 1884.

JAKEWAY, JAMES S. (d. May 10, 1875) Advertiser. Native of Nichols, Tioga County, NY. New York Champs Elysees, 1865; and later, Thayer & Noyes. Died an indigent, Waverly, NY.

JALMA, PRINCE SADI DI. “The Human Anaconda,” Ben Maginley’s, 1874.

JAMES, A. D. Proprietor, A. D. James’ Pavilion Shows, 1897.

JAMES, HARRY. Band leader, Hunter’s, 1884.

JAMES, J. Howes’ Great European, winter 1864.

JAMES, RICHARD. Ohio giant, L. B. Lent’s, 1876.

JAMESON, NEIL [sometimes spelled Neal and Jamieson]. Banjoist, Drury, Van Tassle, Brown & Co., 1837; Mann, Welch & Delevan, 1846; Welch & Delavan, 1847; Welch, Delavan & Nathans, 1848-51. Died in Tennessee, 1850s.

JAMISON, FANNIE [sometimes spelled Jemison]. Equestrienne, with Driesbach’s, 1856; VanAmburgh’s, 1856; H. Buckley & Co., 1857-58; equitation act, E. F. and J. Mabie’s, 1858-59; Buckley’s, 1859.

JANKINS, PAULINE V. See Pauline Batcheller.

JAQUES, ALEX. Excursion agent, Shelby, Pullman & Hamilton, 1881.

JARDINE, LOUISE. Gymnast, W. W. Cole’s, 1886.

JARVIS, JOHN. Boss hostler, Robinson & Lake, 1859-60.

JASPER, MILTON. Gymnast, pedestal somersaulting. W. W. Cole’s, 1875; Cooper, Bailey & Co., 1876; Sells Bros.’, 1879.

JASPER, TOM. Leaper, Sells Bros.’, 1881.

JAYMOND. Rider, Lailson’s, 1797. Was an actor and directed the pantomimes.

JEAL, ELENA. See Elena Ryland.

JEAL, LINDA. (1852-1941) Sister of Elena Jeal; aunt of Nellie Ryland. Performed on running globe, leaped through fire on horseback as “Queen of the Flaming Zone,” backward riding while balancing on one foot. Attended school at Petaluma, CA. First marriage, William O’Dale Stevens. Following his death, married Natalio Lowande, October 17, 1885, Jersey City, NJ; divorced, May 19, 1886. Later married Joseph Murray. Had no children but adoped three - a boy, Daley, and two girls, “Chookey” and Sally. Linda died in Springfield, IL, where she had been living with the latter daughter. Started to ride, 1869, in ring barn, Hayward, CA, while visiting sister. Performed with circuses in Mexico, South America, Cuba, West Indies, and Europe. First public appearance as rider, Sacramento, CA, Lee & Ryland, 1870; bareback hurdle rider, slack wire, juggler, rolling globe, Campbell’s (John V. O’Brien’s), 1878; left Campbell’s, August 1878, to join Anderson & Co., and later that month, the Barnum show; John H. Murray’s, West Indies, winter 1878-79; featured in a “Flaming Zone” bareback feat, P. T. Barnum’s, 1879; Orrin Bros.’, Metropolitan Theatre, Havana, Cuba, winter 1879-80; Cooper, Bailey & Co., 1880; W. W. Cole’s, 1881; Great Australian Circus, National Theatre, Philadelphia, winter 1881-82; Stevens’ Australian Circus, performing on variety stages, prior to summer season, 1882; Ryan & Robinson, 1882; W. O’Dale Stevens’ Australian Circus, winter, 1882-83; Frank A. Robbins’, 1886-87; Gran Circo Estrellas Del Nortis, West Indies, winter 1888-89; Frank A. Gardner’s, Chile, 1889; Walter L. Main’s, 1891; Circus Busch, Leipsic, 1892; Barnum & Bailey, 1895; New York Circus (Frank A. Robbins, lessee and general manager), 1897; Shipp’s Winter Circus, Petersburg, IL, 1897-98; LaPearl’s, 1898; Campbell Bros.’, 1899-1905. Last engagement, Frank A. Robbins’. Retired at age 63, 1916.

JEE FAMILY [Marie, Alice, Jennie, Harry, James, Albert, Joseph]. Equestrians. Howes’ Great American, London, 1870, and came to America with the show, 1871. At that time, Harry claimed he was the champion hat spinner of the world. Joseph (1841-1890), listed as a comic gymnast, performed dramatic scenes on horseback, one being “The Ship-Wrecked Sailor Boy,” Howes’, 1871-72. Albert was clown with L. B. Lent’s, 1872. Jennie was the wife of Egbert C. Howes, whom she married in England in 1859, and half-sister of equestrienne Lily Deacon, wife of Adam Forepaugh, Jr. With Howes’ James was billed as the only person to accomplish the forward feet-to-feet somersault on a bareback horse, was the featured rider. William was a gymnast and tumbling clown.

JEFFERSON, CHARLES. (1863?-July 12, 1911) Strong man. First circus job was as an acrobat. Served for a time as a sculptor’s model. Was 6’ 2” tall and could snap chains linked around his chest and lift enormous weights, making him a great sideshow attraction. Connected with the Barnum show and later with Barnum & Bailey. After retirement, owned a boarding house and had other investments, but poor speculation lost him much of his property. Had been retired from the circus business about 18 years when he died of a stroke, NYC, age 48.

JEFFERSON, HENRY. Clown and Negro deliniator, Alexander Robinson’s, 1870.

JEFFERSON, T. H. [Tommie]. Negro minstrel banjoist, George F. Bailey & Co., 1860; VanAmburgh & Co., 1866.

JEFFREY, JOHN H. (1855-December 30, 1882) Contortionist and trapeze performer. Born in NYC. Entered the profession at age 13. Burr Robbins’, 1874-79; as one of the Carroll Brothers, and leaper and tumbler, P. T. Barnum’s, 1880; W. C. Coup’s, 1881.

JENKINS, FRANK. Boss hostler, Sig Montanio’s, 1881.

JENKINS, P. Boss canvasman, with John Robinson’s, 1882-85.

JENKINS, P. Band leader, W. H. Harris’ Nickel-Plate, 1891.

JENKINS, PAULINE “La Belle Pauline.” Married leaper William H. Batcheller, Pensacola, FL, January 30, 1876. See William Batcheller.

JENKINS, WILLIAM. W. H. Harris’ Nickel-Plate, 1889.

JENNER, GEORGE, SR [or Jennier]. (1851?-September 5, 1905) Equilibrist. Born in Cincinnati, OH. Connected with circus business since the age of 11, having apprenticed to Dan Rice. December 25, 1878, married Rice’s niece, Nina Howland; had 7 children, 4 of which, George Jr., Walter, Roy and Mrs. Maude Millette, were professionals. Died of a stroke, age 54. Performed dancing barrels, Scribner & Clements, 1887; equestrian director, Stowe Bros.’, 1889; dancing barrels, table and cross (daughter, Maude, performed on the slack wire), F. J. Taylor’s, 1894; Jenner Family, Cooper & Co. (J. R. W. Hennessey, proprietor and manager), 1897.

JENNINGS, BENJAMIN. (1808?-January 23, 1874) Native of Boston. Juggler, J. B. Green & Co., 1833; Green & Brown, 1834; juggler, Welch, Bartlett & Co., 1839; acrobat, Welch & Delavan, Baltimore, 1841; John Tryon’s, Bowery Amphitheatre, NYC, 1844; clown, John T. Potter’s, 1844-45; acrobat, Dr. Gilbert R. Spalding’s, 1845; contortionist, S. P. Stickney’s, 1846; clown, Stickney’s New Orleans Circus (Stickney, North & Jones, proprietors), 1849; contortionist, Great Western (Dennison Stone, Eaton Stone, Thomas McCollum, proprietors), 1847; Dan Rice’s, 1851; Johnson & Co., 1852; clown, Levi J. North’s canal show, 1853-55; clown, Robinson & Howes, Chicago, 1863; Yankee Robinson’s, Coliseum, Chicago, 1867. With the latter, was presented with a silver tobacco box, April 16, 1867, at what, it was suggested, was his last performance in the ring. Following this, established a theatrical agency, Dearborn St., Chicago, 1867; later, kept a saloon on Dearborn St. for many years, which was a popular resort for show folk. Died in that city, age 66.

JENNINGS FAMILY. Tight-rope and high perch, Adam Forepaugh’s, 1887.

JENNINGS, HENRY. Leaper and acrobat. Son of Ben Jennings. Welch & Mann, 1843; John T. Potter’s, 1844; Great Western (Stone & McCollum), 1847-48; John Robinson’s, 1858, 1867-68, 1872; Davis & Crosby, 1859; clown, Ed G. Basye’s, 1878.

JENNINGS, STUMP. Boss canvasman, Walter L. Main’s, 1892.

JENNINGS, JOHN J. “STUB.” (1845?-May 23, 1906) Sideshow performer, known as the “iron jawed man.” Started in the circus business with the John O’Brien show. Walter L. Main’s, 1892-93, and was with it when it was wrecked in Tyrone, PA, receiving injuries which affected his health. Last engagement, Ringling Bros.’ Died in Harrisburg, PA, age 61.

JENNINGS, MAUD. Manège, St. Germain’s Imperial Circus, 1889.

JEROME BROTHERS. Philadelphia Circus (managed by Dan Gardner), winter 1867-68.

JEROME, EUGENE. Equestrian juggler, S. H. Barrett’s, 1887.

JEROME, GEORGE. Bill poster, P. T. Barnum’s, 1873.

JEROME, VICTOR. Contortionist, Burr Robbins’, 1886.

JEROME, WILLIAM. Agent, James T. Johnson & Co., 1881.

JO JO, “The Dog-Faced Boy”. See Theodore Peteroff.

JOHANOFF BROTHERS. Russian athletes, gymnasts, Maginley & Co., 1874.

JOHNNY MAC. Clown. S. B. Howes’ European, 1865.

JOHNS, J. T. Treasurer and press agent, E. H. Howes’, 1888.

JOHNSON [or Johnston]. Rider. Partner, Thomas Franklin, in a circus venture, 1799; Langley’s company, 1800-02.

JOHNSON, AL. 4-horse act, Great Exposition Circus (J. C. O’Brien, manager), 1895.

JOHNSON, ALF. Equestrian. Brown & Bailey, 1827-28; Handy & Welch, 1830; 2-horse rider, T. L. Stewart’s, 1831; James W. Bancker’s, 1832; Stewart’s American Amphitheatre, 1832; 2-horse rider, Handy & Welch, West Indies, 1829; 2-horse rider, Eagle Circus, 1836; Waterman & Co., 1838; W. Seeley’s, 1840.

JOHNSON, ARTHUR. German clown, Batcheller & Doris, 1880.

JOHNSON, BEN. Strong man with Dan Rice’s for several years. Died in Brazil, IN, April 29, 1913, age 68.

JOHNSON, BILLY C. Clown, North American, 1877; H. C. Lee’s Great Eastern, winter 1877-78.

JOHNSON, BURT. Champion leaper and general performer. Stone & Murray, 1868-69; leaper, tumbler, P. T. Barnum’s, 1873; John H. Murray’s, West Indies, winter 1878-79; Roman Races, Brighton Beach Fair Grounds, Coney Island, 1879; tumbler and leaper, P. T. Barnum’s, 1879-80; W. O’Dale Stevens’ Australian Circus, Park Square Grounds, Boston, 1883; Adam Forepaugh’s, 1888, 1892-93.

JOHNSON, CHARLES (and Carrie). Military specialties, Montgomery Queen’s, 1874.

JOHNSON, CHARLES. (1832?-December 18, 1865) Man of enormous strength and endurance; traveled throughout USA and Europe as a 40-horse driver. While in Philadelphia with Adam Forepaugh’s, died of pleuritis, age 33, having performed in the ring 3 days prior to his death.

JOHNSON, CHARLES. Property man, P. T. Barnum’s, 1873. Died July 16 of that season at the Clinton House, Cleveland, of a stroke, age about 21.

JOHNSON, CHARLES. Elephant trainer. With George F. Bailey & Co., handler of Antony, Cleopatra, Victoria and Albert, 1866; keeper of Tippo Saib for VanAmburgh’s, 1867. Remained with the show beyond 1882.

JOHNSON, CORNING. (1830?-November 12, 1897) Negro dwarf and acrobat, better known as “Romeo, the Dwarf.” Born in Mobile, AL, of slave parents. Became connected with circuses just before the Civil War. Was run over and killed by a Long Island train at Chester Park, LI, age about 67.

JOHNSON, E. Tight rope artist, John Robinson’s, 1875.

JOHNSON, FRANCES VICTORIA. See Mlle. Frank Vick.

JOHNSON, G. B. Clown , VanAmburgh’s, 1858.

JOHNSON, GEORGE. Clown. Howes & Mabie, 1844; Dr. Gilbert R. Spalding’s, 1845-46.

JOHNSON, GEORGE W. [or Johnston]. Lion tamer and elephant handler, Cooper, Bailey & Co., Australian tour, 1876-77; supt. of menagerie, 1879-80; Barnum, Bailey & Hutchinson, 1881-82.

JOHNSON, GREEN B. Clown. Buckley, Weeks & Co., 1834-35; Boston Lion Circus (Raymond & Weeks, proprietors), 1836-37; Fogg & Stickney, 1841; Howes & Mabie, 1844; Great Western (Dennison Stone, Thomas McCollum, proprietors), 1846-49; bought out Stone & McCollum, 1850, changing the title to G. B. Johnson’s Great Western Circus; second season, show title was Johnson & Co.’s People’s Circus, 1851-52; clown, VanAmburgh’s, 1858.

JOHNSON, HARVEY. Proprietor, (with Eugene Romelli) Romelli & Co.’s Great Novelty Circus and Performing Animal Show, 1872.

JOHNSON, H. C. Ringmaster. Welch’s, Philadelphia, 1843; Nathan A. Howes’, winter 1843-44.

JOHNSON, HUNTERSON. General performer, with J. W. Wilder’s, 1873.

JOHNSON, J. Gymnast. G. G. Grady’s, winter 1869-70; John Robinson’s, 1875.

JOHNSON, JABEZ. Press agent and humorous journalist known as Yuba Dam. Nixon & Castello, California.

JOHNSON, JAMES. Rider. Simpson & Price, Philadelphia, Baltimore, 1822, Washington, NYC, 1823; William Blanchard & William West, Canada, 1825; J. Purdy Brown’s, 1828; 2-horse act, Asa T. Smith’s, 1829; 2-horse rider, Bernard & Page, 1829.

JOHNSON JAMES T. (1839?-April 30, 1899) Proprietor, horse trainer and rider, manager of a western circus company as early as 1866. James T. Johnson Iowa Circus and Rocky Mountain Menagerie, 1867. February of that year, was reported building an amphitheatre in Albia, IA. However, instead, opened a circus amphitheatre in Macombe, IL, fall 1867. Johnson & Co.’s Variety Equestrian Combination, 1868; J. T. Johnson & Co.’s United States Circus, 1869-70; manager, Romelli & Co., 1872; agent, Barry & Co., 1879; James T. Johnson’s Great Western Circus, 1883-86; formed “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” Co., 1887. Following the summer season, erected an amphitheatre in Pratt, KS, for winter entertainments which proved unsuccessful. Disposed of all his circus property, December 1893. Located in Hot Springs and erected an amphitheatre, summer 1896, which he operated until death from pneumonia, age about 60. Johnson’s family of performers was composed of his wife and two daughters, Mollie and Ella. The girls performed on roller skates, did acrobatics, wire-walking and bareback riding. In addition, there was Johnson’s trick horse, Fire King, advertised as the only animal in America to perform the feat of leaping through a fire balloon. The horse, a wild gelding, was captured in southwest Kansas, 1864. Of Johnson, [Steve Gossard: “... Johnson and his circus were to be called ‘bums,’ ‘Deadbeats,’ and ‘fraud,’ often leaving a trail of debts behind his tours of Kansas towns.... If nothing more can be said of James T. Johnson, one thing is for sure: he was a born talker, a real showman.”]

JOHNSON, J. E. Clown, Welch’s National Circus, winter 1856.

JOHNSON, JEAN. Equestrian and tight-rope performer. June & Titus, 1848; around 11 years of age, advertised as “Master Jean,” Dan Rice’s, 1849-53; Whitbeck’s, 1854; Crescent City, 1855; Dan Rice’s, 1856; Washburn’s, 1857; Eldred’s, 1859; Spalding & Rogers, 1860-61; John Robinson’s, 1867; C. T. Ames’, New Orleans, 1868; Charles Noyes’, 1869; principal rider and tight-rope performer, Australian Circus, 1870; Metchear & Cameron, 1870; Empire City, 1871.

JOHNSON, J. E. Clown, Welch’s, winter 1856.

JOHNSON, JENNIE. Equestrienne, L. B. Lent’s, 1858.

JOHNSON, J. F. Advertising agent, Orton Bros.’, 1866

JOHNSON, JOHN H. Zoological director, Alexander Robinson’s, 1875.

JOHNSON, J. P. Thayer & Noyes, winter 1865-66; museum director, L. B. Lent’s, 1876.

JOHNSON, MARY JANE. Rider. Daughter of W. C. Johnson. James Raymond’s, 1843-44; Rockwell & Co., 1847.

JOHNSON, J. [“Master”]. Rider, Cincinnati Circus, 1845. This may have been Jean Johnson.

JOHNSON, MISS. Equestrienne, Swann’s, NYC, 1794, described as the American Lady. Stuart Thayer credits her as perhaps being the first native female rider to appear with a circus.

JOHNSON, MRS. DORCUS. Scenic rider, Rockwell & Co., 1847.

JOHNSON, N. Ringmaster, National Circus, 1847. May be the entry below.

JOHNSON, NICHOLAS. (d. December 27, 1857) Rider. “Flying wardrobe act,” French, Hobby & Co., 1835; rider, Raymond, Weeks & Co., 1844; ringmaster, Welch & Mann, 1846; ringmaster, Welch, Delavan & Nathans, 1848. Made stage debut at the Arch Street Theatre, Philadelphia, June 8, 1844, as Conrad in Spirit of the Fountain. Died in the insane asylum, Lexinton, KY.

JOHNSON, ROBERT. Leaper of considerable ability. With John Robinson’s was featured by leaping over 12 horses at each performance. Welch & Lent, 1855; L. B. Lent’s, 1861-62; Robinson & Howes, 1863; Seth B. Howes’, 1864-65; John Robinson’s, 1865; Great European, 1865; Chiarini’s, Cuba, 1866; Dan Castello’s, 1866. Married the equestrienne, Palmyra Holloway, 1866. Both with Orrin Bros.’, 1867; Lowande’s, West Indies, 1866; Maginley, Carroll & Co., 1868; Yankee Robinson’s, 1869; Stone & Murray, 1969; Great European, 1870; Noyes’ Crescent City, 1871; Great Commonwealth, 1871; ringmaster and sailor act on horseback, Montgomery Queen’s, 1873-74; John Wilson’s, Palace Amphitheatre, San Francisco, 1875.

JOHNSON, S. Ringmaster. T. L. Vermule’s, 1845; June & Turner, 1846.

JOHNSON, S. M. Treasurer, Showles & Co., 1873.

JOHNSON, W. Slack-rope artist and gymnast, with W. N. Eldred’s, 1851; bareback rider, Welch & Lent, 1855-56; John Robinson’s, 1857.

JOHNSON, WILLIAM. Master of horse, L. B. Lent’s, 1874; clown, North American, 1877; Washburn & Hunting, 1884.

JOHNSON, WILLIAM C. (1802?-February 25, 1872) 4 and 6-horse rider. Born in Connecticut. S. H. Nichols’, 1838; J. W. Stocking’s, 1839; Howes & Mabie, 1841, 1843; James Raymond’s, 1843-44; Nathan A. Howes’, winter 1843-44; 2 and 4-horse rider, Rockwell & Co., 1847; advertised as riding 9 horses in the ring at the same time, a feat surpassing Remanzoff, the Courier of St. Petersburg, Howes & Co., 1848-49. Mrs. Johnson was an equestrienne performer. Last year in the profession, 1857, after which, kept a livery stable in Wheeling, WV. Died in Philadelphia, age 70.

JOHNSONBAUGH, HERR. Boss canvasman, with VanAmburgh’s, 1874.

JOHNSTON, GEORGE W. See George W. Johnson.

JOHNSTON, JAMES C. Ticket seller, Barnum, Bailey & Hutchinson, 1881.

JOIGNEREY, MONS. P. T. Barnum’s, 1874. Closed act by lifting 2 horses while suspended from a trapeze.

JONES, ANNA [Mrs. Anna Donovan]. (July 14, 1865-October 22, 1902) Bearded lady. Born in Marion, VA. Exhibited at Barnum’s museum the following year. Her mother would undress her, revealing her hairy shoulders matching her face to the museum patrons. Soon there was a 3-year contract for $150 a week. She was billed as “The Infant Esau,” “The Bearded Child,” and “The Child Esau.” When 16 years old, married circus barker Richard Elliott, a union that ended in divorce, 1895, after 15 years. Later married William Donovan, a wardrobe man with the Barnum show. Died in Brooklyn, NY, of consumption. Barnum, Bailey & Hutchinson, 1881-82.

JONES, C. A. Band leader, John Robinson’s, 1877-78; W. H. Harris’ Nickel-Plate, 1884.

JONES, CHARLES. Agent, D. F. Dunham’s, 1875.

JONES, CHARLES K. Cornetist, Joel E. Warner’s, 1873; treasurer, same organization, 1874.

JONES, EDGAR [also seen as J. Edgar]. General performer. Rockwell & Co., 1848; Stone & McCollum, 1849-50; Dan Rice’s, 1851; Lathrop-Maltby-Star State, 1852; Whitbeck’s, Cuba, 1853; Wire-walker and acrobat, Levy J. North’s, 1854; rider and slack-rope performer, Chiarini’s, Havana, 1855-59; Howe’s European, winter 1864-65.

JONES, F. A. Equestrian. Dan Rice’s, 1859-60; George F. Bailey & Co., 1861.

JONES, FRED. Clown, Lee’s Great London, 1893.

JONES, H. Gymnast, First National Union, 1861.

JONES, J. Press agent, Kincade’s, 1871.

JONES, J. W. Treasurer, Stickney’s Grand National, 1848; proprietor and manager, with Stickney’s New Orleans Circus (Stickney, North & Jones, proprietors), 1849; treasurer, Harry Thayer & Co.’s, 1890.

JONES, LEON A. Excursion agent, Cooper, Bailey & Co., 1879.

JONES, LEWIS. Boss canvasman, Crescent City, 1871.

JONES, MISS. Equestrienne, Pepin & West, Philadelphia, fall 1817, her debut; James West’s, 1818.

JONES, OSCAR. Musical director, C. W. Kidder & Co.’s, 1893.

JONES, RICHARD PATRICK “DR.” (August 29, 1826-May 6, 1869) Agent. Born in Philadelphia and educated as a doctor in Philadelphia’s College of Medicine. An associate editor for Scott’s Weekly Paper in that city. First appearance as an actor occurred at the Charles Street Theatre, Baltimore, February 10, 1855; also involved in negro minstrelsy, playing bones and end man. Finally, became a circus writer, continuing the occupation until his death. Wrote for all the circuses of note, beginning with Dan Rice. Is credited with being the one who made the “Forepaugh” name understandable by establishing the trademark “4-Paw” in 1867. Someone said that “no man in the business was better posted in all the little dodges of the profession” than he was. Thayer & Noyes, 1863; Robinson & Howes, Chicago, fall 1863; Spalding & Rogers, New Orleans, 1865; Dan Castello’s, 1866; Adam Forepaugh’s, 1867; director of publication, Bryan’s (John V. O’Brien’s), 1868; J. M. French’s, 1869. [Doc Waddell: “Dr. Jones was scholarly, possessed a keen sense of humor - in short, was a man, every inch of him.”] Died in Buffalo from an overdose of laudunum. His wife had just deserted him and taken their child with her.

JONES, SAMUEL H. Press assistant, John Robinson, 1879; business manager, 1881, excursion manager, 1899.

JONES, T. P. Ass’t treasurer, P. T. Barnum’s, 1875, treasurer, 1876.

JONES, W. G. Aaron Turner’s, 1837.

JONES, WILLIAM. Boss canvasman, John Robinson’s, 1871-74, 1877-81.

JONES, WILLIAM. Clown. Canadian by birth. Joined William Blanchard’s there, 1826; Samuel Parsons’ Albany Circus, Troy, NY, 1828; William Blanchard’s, New York State and in the West, 1828. With the latter, 1828, attempted a backward somersault from the top of the ring while performing at Chillicothe, OH; the board gave way and he fell to his death.

JORDAN, JAMES. (September 11, 1844-August 28, 1917) Boss canvasman. Born in Lafayette, IN. Connected with one show or another for 46 years. Started with Sells Bros.’, with which he toured Australia; later, S. H. Barrett’s, Adam Forepaugh’s, John Robinson’s, B. E. Wallace’s, Hagenbeck’s, etc. Retired, 1909, and became a member of the Washington police department. Wife was the former Mary Buckley of Washington. Son, John, was connected with the Hagenbeck & Wallace show, 1916. Died at Washington, IN.

JORDAN, LEWIS N. and MAMIE. Flying trapeze. Burr Robbins’, 1885; Edward Shipp’s Winter Circus, 1889-90; Wallace & Co.’s, 1890; European tour, 1892; Koster & Bial’s Music Hall, 1896.

JORDON, LUCILLE. Flying trapeze, Wallace & Anderson, 1890.

JORGES, FREDERICO. Cooper, Bailey & Co., Australian tour, 1877-78; gymnast and acrobat, Martinho Lowande’s Brazilian Circus, 1881.

JORGES, HOSNEN. Clown, Martinho Lowande’s Brazilian Circus, 1881.

JORGES, MARIA. Equilibrist, Martinho Lowande’s Brazilian Circus, 1881.

JOSEPH. Singer, Pepin, Breschard & Cayetano, 1813-14; Pepin, Lancaster, summer 1817; Cayetano’s, New Orleans, 1817.

JOSEPH, ENOS F. (1857?-August 4, 1910) Born in New Bedford, MA. Connected with Barnum & Bailey as assistant manager and door tender; also worked at Madison Square Garden in a responsible capacity. Committed suicide, fearing he had a brain infection from the use of hair dye. After informing his wife he was going to Johns Hopkins Hospital for treatment, checked into the Central Hotel, Deleware City, DE, registering as Philip Becker, removed all identification from his possessions, and shot himself.

JOSEPH, MME. Cannon ball performer. Born near Mansfield, OH. Married Mons. Joseph, Milwaukee, WI, 1878. First appeared in the ring performing her feats of strength, Cooper & Jackson, 1882; John Robinson’s, 1883; George DeHaven’s, 1884; W. H. Harris’ Nickel-Plate, 1884; John Robinson’s, 1885. She and her husband played the variety houses around the country until they settled in Hawarden, IA, 1893. Died there April 19, 1896.

JOSEPH, SAMPSON H. (1833?-June 27, 1910) Agent. Worked 40 years as general agent for the John Robinson Circus. Advertiser, Mike Lipman’s, 1866; George W. DeHaven’s, 1869; director of publications, Lake’s Hippo-Olympiad, 1871; press agent, American Racing Association, 1875; manager advertising car #2, Cooper, Bailey & Co., 1879, special agent, 1880; press agent, Sells Bros.’, 1884. Died in Cincinnati, age 77.

JOSEPHS, ENOS. German clown, Barnum, Bailey & Hutchinson, 1882

JOYCE, JAMES E. (1868?-July 17, 1912) Acrobat. Native of Greenwich, NY. Performed on the horizontal bars with many circuses for several years. Sautelle Pavilion Shows, 1885; Lee’s London Shows, 1886-88. Later joined the mounted police force in Washington DC. While on the force, was thrown from a horse, receiving injuries that forced his retirement. Organized a one-ring circus and toured with it until about 1910. Poor health required that he give up the management. Died in Greenwich, age 44.

JOYCE, MAURICE. Contortionist, Wallace & Co., 1884.

JUDD, WILLIAM. Holland & Gormley (George Holland and Frank Gormley, proprietors), 1888.

JUDGE, JOSEPH. Boy and the barrel act, Wallace & Anderson, 1890; Walter L. Main’s, 1892.

JUDSON, PROF. Aeronaut, “Flying Ship of the Air,” Great Chicago, 1873.

JUKES, WESLEY L. Automaton mechanical artist. A native of Pittsburgh, met P. T. Barnum, 1870, while a glass blower at Wood’s Museum, NYC. A man of unique invention, was placed in charge of devising the mechanical figures, automatic music, and other contrivances of the circus museum. During the next five years he received $250 a week for devoting his efforts to developing and overseeing the maintenance of these various automatons - which in 1871 included the Dying Zouave, “a life-sized figure draped in French Zouave military uniform, breathing and struggling from the effects of the fatal bullet, the wound emitting a stream of warm, red blood”; the Magic Drummer that answered questions in arithmetic, geography, and history; the Sleeping Beauty, “breathing precisely as if alive”; the automatic Trumpeter; lady bell ringers, mechanical birds, “The Last Supper,” and much more. P. T. Barnum’s, 1876-80.

JULIANS. Gymnasts, P. T. Barnum’s, 1886.

JULICK, CORDELIA. (May 2, 1861-June 14, 1916) Born in Butler, KY. Early performing under first name only. Bareback rider with physical endurance and strength. First with Bill Lake’s, but jumped to John Robinson’s before apprenticeship was finished. With Robinson 5 years where, under his guiding hand she developed into a star quit comparable to both Josie DeMott and Little Mollie Brown. Remained with Robinson. Was enticed to work for Adam Forepaugh’s, 1871. John Robinson responded with a suit against Forepaugh for $48,000 damages, citing an abridgment of her apprentice contract. In reply, the 13 year old Cordelia married John Morrisey of Forepaugh’s company at Covington, KY, August 11, 1871. Later, was with Chiarini’s, South America, where she performed before the King and Queen of Brazil. On returned to USA, beauty gone, performed with minor circuses. Curtis & DeHaven’s Great Roman Hippodrome, 1877. Gave up pad riding for the dancing-rope and eked out a meager living until about 1911. She was described as kind, generous, and warm-hearted during the days of her beauty and success in the ring; but, alas, never saved a dollar of her handsome salaries. Before her death she was forced to rely on the charity of others. Died in poverty at the Branch Hospital, Cincinnati, OH.

JUNE, JAMES M. (1809-1862) Brother of John J. and Stebbins B. and nephew of Lewis June. Co-proprietor, June, Titus & Co., 1833; co-proprietor, June, Titus, Angevine & Co.’s menagerie, 1834-42; partner of Aaron Turner in enterprise of June & Turner, 1844-48 (the title was advertised as the New York Circus, 1846). Had a show under his own name, 1850-54.

JUNE, JOHN J. (d. February 9, 1884) Brother of James M. and Stebbins B. and nephew of Lewis June. Co-proprietor, June & Titus, 1833; advertiser, Association’s Celebrated Menagerie and Aviary from the Zoological Institute, Baltimore, 1837; VanAmburgh’s (Lewis B. Titus, John June, Caleb S. Angevine and Gerard Crane, proprietors), 1846-47. Died at North Salem, NY.

JUNE, LEWIS. (February 17, 1791-September 20, 1870) Showman uncle of John J., Stebbins B., and James M. June. Married Betsy Hunt.

JUNE, LEWIS B. (September 27, 1824-January 12, 1888) Nephew of John June of the June, Titus & Angevine circus. Entered the business, 1848, as a cage driver for VanAmburgh’s, remaining until 1853, working as advertising agent his last two years. 1854, with Franconi’s Hippodrome, NYC; Sands, Lent & Co., 1856; Sands, Nathans & Co., 1857; 1858, in company with others, organized the short-lived Big Bonanza; following year, connected with George F. Bailey, James Foshay and A. M. Nathans, European Circus, remaining until 1872; North American Circus, 1873, touring South America in 2 sections - one under Bailey and June on the Pacific coast, the other under Nathans on the Atlantic; interest in the Barnum show, 1876, remaining until 1880; advertiser, European Circus (Avery Smith, G. C. Quick, John Nathans & Co., proprietors), 1865-69; contracting agent, P. T. Barnum’s, 1877-78. Said to be part owner in every show he was connected with since 1859 and was always in charge of the advance brigade. Took out the first advertising car Barnum used, badly wrecked near Des Moines, IA. Of the 13 men with him that day, 7 were killed outright and 5 badly injured. Died at Ridgefield, CT.

JUNE, STEBBINS B. (1811-1861) Brother of John J. June and James M. June and nephew of Lewis June. Co-proprietor, June, Titus & Co., 1833; co-proprietor, June, Titus, Angevine & Co.’s menagerie, 1834; manager, Grand Zoological and Ornithological Exhibition, 1836; American Arena Co., 1837; 1850, along with George Nutter, was sent to Ceylon by P. T. Barnum to purchase a herd of elephants; returned to NYC, May 4, 1851, with 9 specimens. Stuart Thayer reports he was the only one of the June family to sign the Zoological Institute agreement, 1835.

JUNE, WILLIAM. Agent. James Raymond’s Philadelphia Circus and Menagerie, 1842; June & Turner’s, 1847; Yankee Robinson’s, 1859.

JUSTICE, J. J. (d. July 8, 1880) Agent, Yankee Robinson, 1855; treasurer, Anthonio Bros.’, 1860-62; Howes & Norton (formerly Robinson & Howes), 1864; Dan Rice’s (Adam Forepaugh, proprietor), 1868; Adam Forepaugh’s, 1869; contracting agent, P. T. Barnum’s, 1871; manager, George F. Bailey & Co., 1873; general agent, 1874; advertising agent, VanAmburgh’s, 1876. Retired around 1879 and became a salesman for Globe Buggy Works, Cincinnati. Home was in Noblesville, IN. Killed himself in the Southern Hotel, Jacksonville, IL, by taking morphine.

JUTAU, EMMA. Gymnast, trapeze performer, with Warner, Henderson & Co., 1874; equilibrimist, Springer’s Royal CirqZoolodon, 1875; trapeze performer, Cooper, Bailey & Co., 1876; Renz’s, Germany, 1881; Orrin Bros.’, Mexico, winter 1882-83; Dockrill’s, South America, winter 1885-86.

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William L. Slout and Circus Historical Society, Inc.