C - E      F - J      K - M      N - R      S - U      V - Z

A

Joseph Aaron (known as "Diavolo"). ". . . Years ago, crowds thrilled to a circus act put on by a man who called himself 'Diavolo.' Audiences saw him come zooming down a steep incline on a bicycle, swing up into a terrifying loop-the-loop in midair, and then land safely on a small Incline. Today, Diavolo is simply Joseph Aaron. 'I reformed,' he said, 'and gave up the act twenty-nine years ago.' He is bright, cheery and, with his wife, runs the most unique inn called the 'Cat and the Fiddle' near the little town of Point Pleasant, Pa., on the old and charming Delaware Canal. His wife is also a former circus performer, and can spin a heavy two-by-four round and round with her feet till you'd think it was a top. Mr. Aaron has a pert, little, smiling face, and his eyes snap at you from behind a pair of rimmed spectacles. He wears a little red hat with a feather in it - probably a hangover from the days when he was a clown. He bounces about as though coiled steel springs, flying in and out of his inn with the quickest movements I have ever seen. He is very handy on his place, he built and installed a huge water wheel which provides him with all the electric power he needs. He put up a sawmill, built his own inn, made his own furniture, erected an exact replica of the Oliver Goldsmith house, and made for himself an elaborate and completely equipped trailer. He paints scads of pictures of the picturesque Delaware Canal, raises chickens and ducks, and has lumbered and sold fine old weathered oak from the woods he owns. Has he forgotten the circus? Hardly! He still rides a unicycle, that trick one-wheeled cycle that vaudeville performers use, and when we mentioned a circus at the county fair, a wistful look came into his eyes." Daredevil of Old, by Talbot Lake, Times and Daily News Leader (San Mateo, CA), September 19, 1938, p. 8. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Willie Aaron, Eddie Martine's Winter Circus, 1890. New York Clipper, February 8, 1890, p. 791. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Abacco. Mazuz & Abacco, Dan Bartholomew’s Circus, 1891. New York Clipper, May 16, 1891, p. 169. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Ed. C. Abbey, advance, Cooper & Carroll's United Southern Shows, 1891; sideshow privilege (with Jerome Abbey), Scribner & Smith, 1892. New York Clipper, October 3, 1891, p. 502; March 19, 1892, p. 18; May 7, 1892, p. 130. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Jerome Abbey, equilibrist, juggler, barrel kicker, F. J. Taylor, 1891; sideshow privilege (with Ed. C. Abbey), Scribner & Smith, 1892; foot juggler, M. L. Clark, 1906. New York Dramatic News, May 23, 1891, p. 6. New York Clipper, August 8, 1891, p. 364; March 19, 1892, p. 18; May 7, 1892, p. 130. Adair County News (Columbia, KY), July 18, 1906, p. 1.
    Jerome Abbey, foot juggler with Ringling Brothers in the days of their wagon show, and with the S. W. Brundage Shows whtn they toured Western Kansas in prairie schooners, is now at his home town, Alexandria, La., a parcel post deliveryman. Billboard, November 23, 1918, p. 26.

Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Abbott. George Abbott, superintendent of wardrobe, Scribner & Smith's, 1894. New York Clipper, February 17, 1894, p. 801. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Abbott. J. M. Abbott, Oliver's Great Eastern Circus. New York Clipper, March 26, 1892, p. 34. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Abraham. Andy Abraham, sideshow, Hunting's, 1893. New York Clipper, August 12, 1893, p. 362. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Clarence J. Abrahams, formerly a four and six-horse driver with the 101 Ranch Shows, latterly of A. E. F., was killed in action October 11. He enlisted at Plainview, Tex. Billboard, October 26, 1918, p. 58. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Abrams. Mme. Abrams, chariot racer, Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1911. Mr. Abrams, superintendent of stock, Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1911. Lima (OH) Daily News, May 25, 1911. Mrs. Abrams, hippodrome races, Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1912. Hobby Bandwagon, Vol. 3, No. 12 (Jan), 1949. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Robert Abrams, boss hostler, Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1912. "Complete Circus Roster Season 1912", Billboard, March 23, 1912. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Abren. Theodore Abren, son of Domingo Abren, one of the Abren Bros. trapeze performers, fell from his trapeze while practicing his act with the O'Brien Circus at Newcastle, Pa., July 29(?) [1885]. He struck on his head and suffered a concussion of the spine, resulting in his death on the following day. Deceased was born in Cuba in 1868. The funeral occurred at Newcastle, Aug. 1. New York Clipper, August 8, 1885, p. 328.
    [S. H. Barrett & Co. circus, 1884] Double trapeze, Abren Brothers; performing dogs, Senor Abren; contortion act, Master Abren. New York Dramatic Mirror, July 26, 1884, p. 5.

Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Acaris. Sig. Acaris, knife thrower (with sister), concert, Bailey & Winan's, 1890; Main & Van Amburgh, 1890; Acaris & Lester, knife thrower, sideshow, Sanger & Lent's, 1893. New York Clipper, July 19, 1890, p. 294; August 2, 1890, p. 323; June 17, 1893, p. 230. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Sam Ack, car No. 1, W. B. Reynold's, 1893. Circus. New York Clipper, September 16, 1893, p. 447. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Frank Acton, equilibrist, Lee's London, 1891, 1892. Lee Howard, late of the Howard Bros., and Frank Acton, late of Emerson and Acton, have joined hands, and will hereafter be known as the Howard Bros. They are now with Chas. Lee's Great London Show. New York Clipper, August 22, 1891, p. 398. 1892: Lee's London. Frank Acton, the equilibrist. New York Clipper, June 11, 1892, p. 210. 1892: Lee's London Shows. Frank Acton is forming a partnership with a triple bar performance. New York Clipper, August 13, 1892, p. 356. 1892: Wanted, a partner for triple horizontal bars. One that can do double from swing. Address Frank Acton, care of Lee's London Shows, Haverhill, Mass. Aug 1?, after that care of Clipper. New York Clipper, August 13, 1892, p. 369. 1892: Lee's London Shows. Frank Acton will work with A. C. Manning the following season. New York Clipper, September 24, 1892, p. 456. 1892: Lee's London Shows. Frank Acton leaves for New York City to join is new partner, W. A. Manning. New York Clipper, October 8, 1892, p. 488. 1892: [Ad] Manning Trio, Wm. Manning, Frank Acton, Dan Ducrow. Pantomime triple horizontal bar act, pantomime clown, man monkey, man frog and trained pig. Address ___ East Fourth Street, New York. New York Clipper, November 19, 1892, p. 599. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Arthur Adair (circa 1881 - ) & Dot Adair. Perch, Shipp's Indoor Winter, 1891; Sturtevant & Holland's, 1891. New York Clipper, February 7, 1891, p. 759; February 28, 1891, p. 811; March 7, 1891, p. 826; June 13, 1891, p. 231.
    Capt. Arthur Adair, dancing barrel, Mille Adair, flying aerial ladder. Art and Dot were with the John Robinson 10 Big Shows in 1900.(1)
    The Adairs, who did the musical turn, are residents of Petersburg, Ill., Mr. Adair being a fine musician. With Shipp's Indoor Circus, 1901.(2) The acrobatic act of Art and Dot Adair, who perform some very remarkable feats while playing their violins. The lady stands on her head and plays a break-down to the accompanment of the clown and the full band (illustration left). (3) Art Adair, clown, clown band, comic high stilt walking, Shipp's Indoor Circus, 1901.(4)
    Art Adair, clown, lives in Chicago. He has been a clown for twenty years. Is with the Barnum show for the coming season. An acrobat, a girl leap over animals with a parasol. He is an accomplished musician. Art was with Shipp's Indoor Circus in 1903.(5) Arthur and Dottie Adair were with Shipp's Circus in 1905.(6)
    Art and Dot Adair, head balancing perch, Arthur Adair, musical clown, with Shipp's Indoor circus 1905.(7) Art Adair and wife do a head balancing act, Art is a musical clown and also plays cornet in band in the street parade. Shipp's Indoor Circus, 1905.(8) 1908 - Art Adair is a famous circus clown and in the summer time he is connected with the Wallace-Hagenback circus. He is under contract with the Western Vaudeville association until March, after which time he goes back to the circus.(9)
    "Arthur Adair, Who Makes 'Music on the Big Bassoon.' Circus Clown Who Had Made Millions Laugh With His Musical Stunts and Funny Make-Up. 'I have visited Cedar Rapids so many times during the past quarter of a century that the city seems almost like home to me,' said Arthur Adair, the well known circus clown yesterday. 'Art' as he is known by his friends and is announced on the posters, is helping to keep the Peoples theater audience good natured this week, and he is doing it in the same inimitable. way that he has entertained hundreds of audiences in practically every country on the globe. During the past twenty-seven years Adair has been traveling with the big circuses during the summer months and in that time he has visited Cedar 'Rapids about twenty times - and he isn't through yet. During the winter months he plays the vaudeville circuits, and this is the second time that he has been 'on' at the Peoples. He is a past master In the art of getting music out of the bassoon, that peculiar instrument made famous by 'Heine, who played with Sousa once - and only once,' and he is perhaps the only vaudeville performer who uses it. The bassoon is as full of whims as a school ma'am, and has to be feeling just right or it won't work. If the room is too cold it gives out a sound Iike the grunting of an alligator, and if the instrument is 'thirsty' or the reed is not dampened just right it will do nothing but squeal, no matter how expert the performer. Adair's life history runs something like this: Born In Chicago, he joined the R. W. Welden shows in 1881 at the age of 14 as an acrobat. After he had been with this aggregation two years the show went broke and he joined the Holland & McMann show and later the Forepaugh & Samwells circus, where he made his debut as a clown. He next went with the Main & Sargent show, and later the John E. Heffron shows. In 1889 he joined the Ringling Bros. show, which was then a one ring affair traveling through the country by wagon. In 1892 he joined the the S. H. Barret show, a branch of the Sells combination, and the seasons of 1893-4 he spent with the Orrin Bros. shows in Mexico, joining the Ringlings again in 1896. In 1897 he joined the John Robinson show, and during the years 1898, 1899 and 1900 he was again with the Ringlings. In 1901-02 he was with the Forepaugh-Sells shows, and in 1902-04 he was with the Barnum show in Europe. In 1906-07 he was with the Hagenback show in Mexico, and next season he will be with the Wallace-Hagenback combined shows, which opens at Peru, Ind., April 25. He has visited Cedar Rapids with nearly all of these shows, and in addition to this he was here with Shipp's Indoor circus, which, by the way, is playing in Panama this winter. The Wallace-Hagenback show will undoubtedly be in Cedar Rapids this season, and one of the main features will be Art Adair and his bassoon." (10)
    Jack Swift's Shows, 1913. Arthur Adair, general agent.(11) Show opens at Casey, Ill., about April 18, 1913. Adair's vaudeville act in 1917 included "Hank Sponge," the boob musician. Art also played a cornet solo while standing on his head. He was still using a bassoon in his act.(12)
    The 1918 Hagenbeck-Wallace train wreck. "Lon Moore and Art Adair clowns sat on the arms of berths in the last of the coaches exhausted from their exertions. There were two of the heroes of the catastrophe. Buried beneath the wreckage of a coach they had used superhuman strength to extricate themselves, drive to the greatest effors by the heat of threatening flames. Once free they battled the fire and dragged to safety a score of injured companions and both received painful burns from head to foot. . . ."(13)
    Adair was a clown with the John Robinson Circus, 1919-1920.(14) He was a clown with the Rice Bros. Shows in, 1923.(15)
    Art Adair and his clown band participated in a Liberty Loan Drive in 1918, probably with Rhoda Royal Circus. Art Adair was a clown with Agee's All-Star Circus (winter circus) in 1921.(16) By 1924 he had Art Adair's clown band, Art Adair, producing clown.(17) He was a producing clown with Sells-Floto in 1926.(18) All information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for the Adairs.

1. Hobby Bandwagon, Vol. 4, No. 2 (Mar), 1949, pp. 10-11.
2. Cedar Rapids (IA) Evening Gazette, January 30, 1901.
3. Cedar Rapids (IA) Evening Gazette, February 5, 1901.
4. Cedar Rapids (IA) Republican, February 3, 1901.
5. Cedar Rapids (IA) Sunday Republican, February 1, 1903.
6. Daily Review (Decatur, IL), January 6, 1905.
7. Cedar Rapids (IA) Evening Gazette, February 21, 1905.
8. Daily Review (Decatur, IL), January 3, 1905.
9. Alton (IL) Evening Telegraph, January 16, 1908.
10. Cedar Rapids (IA) Gazette, March 12, 1908.
11. "Showmen's Roster", Billboard, March 22, 1913.
12. Logansport (IN) Pharos-Reporter, August 16, 1917.
13. Lake County Times (Hammond, IN), June 22, 1918.
14. Janesville (WI) Daily Gazette, July 12, 1919; Independent (Helena, MT), July 25, 1920.
15. Middlesboro (KY) Daily News, August 25, 1923.
16. "Early Equestrians of the Ringling Bros. Circus: John Agee," Bandwagon, Sep-Oct, 2000, pp. 31-32.
17. "Sells Floto 1924" by Chang Reynolds, Bandwagon, Vol. 8, No. 2 (Mar-Apr), 1964, pp. 4-13; Mansfield (OH) News, May 6, 1925.
18. New Castle (PA) News, June 23, 1926.

Alice Adams, riding act, with Irwin Bros. Circus 1893. New York Clipper, March 11, 1893, p. 2. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Annie Adams, snake queen, Frank Adams' Mammoth Show, 1897. New York Clipper, June 12, 1897, p. 235. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

James P. Adams
    James P. Adams, clown, will hereafter be known as Pico. New York Clipper, May 5, 1877, p. 47.
    Pico, the trick and pantomimic clown with W. W. Cole's Circus, will be open for engagements after December. He does a stilt act, comic entree, and Spanish bull fight, also ballet and pantomimes, with C. H. Adams as Pantaloon. Young Florio, who does a bottle-ascension act, can also be engaged with Pico. New York Clipper, December 1, 1877, p. 287.

Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Oscar Adams, boss canvasman, Prof. G. E. Rich's Circus, 1891. New York Clipper, August 15, 1891, p. 382. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Wilson Adams, acrobat, tumbler, expectd to join Leon W. Washburn's for 1893 (with his wife). New York Clipper, December 31, 1892, p. 686; February 25, 1893, p. 821. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Yankee Adams, musician, and in concert, Welch & Sands, 1893. New York Clipper, July 1, 1893, p. 264. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Jess Adkins, owner, died June 25, 1940. "Frank Hartless Elected . . .,"White Tops, Vol. 14, Nos. 10-11 (Aug-Sep), 1941, p. 6.

• Jess Adkins, born February 22, 1886, died June 25, 1940. With W. P. Hall, 1905-07; Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1910; manager, Ringling Bros., 1911-14; treasurer, Hodgini, 1915; manager, Howes Great London, 1916; Coup & Lent, 1917; in US Navy 1918-1920; treasurer, Howes Great London, 1921; assistant manager, Gollmar Bros., 1922; manager, Gentry Bros., 1926-27; London Hippodrome, 1927; assistant manager, Sells-Floto, 1928; manager, John Robinson, 1929-1930; Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1931-34; proprietor, Campbell Bros., 1935; Campbell Bros., 1936-38; Robbins Bros., 1938; Campbell Bros., 1939-1940. "Circus Proprietors or Owners," Charles Gates Sturtevant, published in White Tops, 1960s.

Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

H. W. Adrian, band member, W. C. Clark's Circus, 1896. New York Clipper, November 14, 1896, p. 587. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Leonard Agazelow, formerly advance press agent of the Al G. Barnes Circus, is now on the editorial staff of the Chicago Tribune. Billboard, September 28, 1918, p. 29. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

John Agee, rider, Ringling Bros. Decatur (IL) Daily Review, August 18, 1908. Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Ted Akeman, aka Ted LaVelda, was a clown, ran a sideshow, was a trapeze artist, animal trainer and a contortionist. Born circa 1906, he began his career in 1922 with the Lamont Brothers Circus as a contortionist and was with a number of circuses. He toured with most of the Hogo based shows. At one time he had his own show, Monroe Bros. Circus. Died September 30, 1985 at Jefferson, Texas, age 80. Circus Report, February 15, 1983, pp. 30-31; November 4, 1985, n.p.n. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Okeo Akimota is the name of the pretty little Japanese lady whose portrait appears here. In private life she is known as Mrs. Sankichi and is a most amiable and pleasing lady. Okeo is a native of Yokohoma, Japan, and 23 years of age. She goes through the marvelous performance of walking with her little bare feet upon a ladder of keen-edged swords, and her very expert act never fails to win rounds of applause. Okeo has been in the United States two years. Offical Route Book of Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Railroad Shows, Season of 1893, Buffalo, NY: Courier Co., 1893. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Nick Albanese, last year superintendent of the dining car with the Hagenbeck-Wallace, will have charge of the dining room in a big hotel in Columbus, O. Billboard, May 18, 1918, p. 31. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Leo M. Albrecht was an artist, singer, wire walker, acrobat, balancer and animal trainer. He also built circus wagons and floats. He trained dogs and ponies, taking his show on tour in the midwest. In the 1950s, he and his family formed Albright's Attractions that toured until 1965. Died August 9, 1989 at New Prague, Minnesota, age 98. Circus Report, September 4, 1989, p. 15. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Deacon Albright is not trouping this year, but is traveling out of Evansville, Ind., selling pipe organs and player pianos. No calliope for the Deacon this season. Billboard, May 4, 1918, p. 29. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Samuel Albright, saxophonist, Carl Clair's Military Band, King & Franklin Circus, 1890, 1891. Show. Albright briefly joined Liberati's Military Band on August 31, for a week's engagement at Memphis. New York Clipper, September 13, 1890, p. 420; April 5, 1890, p. 59; March 21, 1891, p. 22. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Clate Alexander, cornet, has been a member of the band connected with the Ringling Shows for the past three seasons and has always proven himself an able and reliable man. His home is at Portland, Ind. Offical Route Book of Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Railroad Shows, Season of 1893, Buffalo, NY: Courier Co., 1893. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Roy Alexander was a circus juggler and wire walker and at one time was a circus owner. He was general agent for the Gene Ledel Shows. He also booked acts into shopping centers. Died Jun 17, 1975 at Arlington, Texas, age 82. Circus Report, July 21, 1975, p. 11. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Spencer Alexander, widely and popularly known as “Delevan.” occupies the position of chief of the entire horse department, and the superb stock of the World’s Greatest Show tells the story of his wonderful ability better than words. Mr. Alexander knows a horse when he sees him, and any day he can be seen passing judgment on picked horses that are brought to the equine department for sale. It is not only in the purchase of horses, however, that “Del.” finds use for his versatile talents, for on him also depend their care, matching and veterinary requirements, and above all the daily transit from the cars to the grounds and back again of the entire show. Mr. Alexander has been a boss hostler for many years, and is a veteran as well as a veterinary. His first season with the Ringling Bros, was in 1889, since which time he has constantly been in charge of their many hundreds of superb horses. His experience prior to this time covered a long term of years with the Burr Bobbins, Barnum and other shows. Offical Route Book of Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Railroad Shows, Season of 1893, Buffalo, NY: Courier Co., 1893. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Slayman Ali Troupe, ground and lofty tumbling, to be one of the features with the Buffalo Bill Wild West Circus in 1917. Billboard, March 24, 1917, p. 141. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for these performers.

Alispaw (Alispach). Fred Alispaw is boss elephant man with Sells-Floto, 1911.(1) He was in charge of the Sells-Floto elephants from 1909 to 1917.(2) According to his WWI draft card:(3) Fred Charles Alispaw was born February 23, 1882. He was living at Craig, Moffat County, Colorado, listing himself as a farmer. His wife was listed as Lucia Alispaw. In the 1920 census Fred C. and Lucia Z. Alispaw were living at Fortification, Moffat County, Colorado listed. Fred stated he was born in Idaho, Lucia born in New York.
      1926: ". . . Fort Morgan, Col. - Mrs. Frederick Alispaw, of Black Mountain, Moffat county, has a homestead in Northwestern Colorado which she lives upon and operates. As Lucia Zora, Mrs. Alispaw was known to thousands as a famous lion, tiger and elephant trainer in a leading circus. After her graduation from a seminary Miss Zora went on the stage and later joined the circus. She was married to Fred Alispaw, an expert animal trainer and manager of the menagerie. She became one of the stars in the organization and her name was heralded on billboards and in newspapers. While she had reached the zenith of popularity and daily received the applause of thousands there smouldered in her heart a dream - a desire to live the simple, quiet life. This secret ambition centered about a bit of land somewhere that she could call her home - a place far away from the crowds, from the strenuous circus life. Her glittering diamonds were the collateral which she would exchange for the little home in the west. The dream became a reality In December, 1917, when she and her husband boarded the Mflfat train to go to the end of the road. Alispaw went into the immigrant car with their furniture, machinery, boxes and bales and dogs and one cow, while Mrs. Alispaw rode in a passenger coach.
      "A cabin built of logs, with a dirt roof and a dirt floor, was the foundation upon which they would build a real home. With their cow, dogs and chickens, they were soon located on their own land in the middle ot the winter with nothing around them but snow. After the teamsters had helped them haul their equipment and furniture to the cabin and had left them the couple faced the reality of homesteading in the Rocky Mountains. The cabin seemed frail and uninviting, the cow mooed dismally and the dogs whined and cuddled close to their friends. Their second night in their cabin was little better than the first one. The wind shrieked through the logs and snow pattered on the sides and Mrs. Alispaw, resting uneasily, was startled by a sudden sharp sting on her finger. In response to her screams her husband lit a lantern and the dogs barked and growled as a huge black rat scurried to its hole in the corner. The woman who had faced lions and tigers had been frightened by a rat. During their first year on the homestead the great snowdrifts buried their cabin until the spiral of smoke from the chimney seemed to be issuing from a snowbank. For weeks she and her husband were shut in from the outside world, but when spring came the prospects brightened."(4) Lucia died at Fort Pierce, Florida: Mrs. Fred Alispaw, 52, known two decades ago as Madame Lucia Zora, 'The world's most daring woman,' for her circus exploits.(5)
      This may be Fred: "Fred Alispaw, former resident of this city, who has been in a nursing home at Mesa, Ariz., for several months, died this morning, . . . Among the survivors is his wife, Mrs. Mary Esther Alispaw of this city and two sisters, Mrs. Lillie Webb of Mesa and Mrs. Minnie Eckard of Los Angeles, Calif."(6) All information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for these persons.

1. Nevada State Journal (Reno, NV), May 11, 1911.
2. www.elephant.se/location2.php?location_id=466
3. WWI draft card dated September 12, 1918
4. Independent (Helena, MT), October 31, 1926.
5. Nebraska State Journal (Lincon, NE), November 11, 1936.
6. Fort Pierce (FL) News-Tribune, February 26, 1957.

Arthur Allen (Punch), formerly sideshow manager with Sautelle, 101 Ranch Wild West, Frank A. Robbins, Cole Bros., Sparks and others, will have a new kind of show with Williams' Standard Shows (carnival). Billboard, March 30, 1918, p. 29. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Bunk Allen has the privileges with John Barton, Sells-Gray, 1900. Billboard, May 21, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Charles Allen and Mert Allen. Proprietors, Allen Bros. Wild West, 1937-1934. Charlies and Mert trained Alaskan black bears and other animals. They had their Allen's Trained Bears on various circuses in the 1950s and 1960s (Hagen Bros., Hamid-Morton, Ken Jensen's, and others). Daughter ". . . Kay Allen has been performing with bears since she was a baby and assists her parents in the presentation of Allen's Alaskan Black Bears . . . The parents train the animals, leaving Kay to teeter-totter with them, feed them out of a bottle and scoot around on a motorcycle." - Gil Gray Circus, 1962.
      By 1971 the Allens resided in Pixley, California where they had their Charlie Allen Petting Zoo. Charlie was featured in a 1977 article:
      ". . . how about the man who put a bear in a balloon? That man is Charles Allen, a wild animal trainer of some 40 years who hails from Texas but who has lived in Pixley since 1985. He comes from a long line of animal trainers and can take credit for training just about anything that walks on four feet — from the lowly goat to the unpredictable black rhino. Allen operates a petting zoo in Pixley. What animal is the most difficult to train? "The zebra and the black rhino," he says. But of his favorite animal to train, Allen would pick the the Alaskan black bear. Why? Because he says, of their intelligence. He says of their intelligence when it comes handling and training them. He says he has a great affection for the cumberson clowns which grows each time a new cub arrives and a new training session begins. Allen has a theory about training that applies to just about any animal he has come in contact with over the years. His theory: gentleness but firmness; reward only when earned; and patience and understanding of each animal as there are no two alike. While working animals in various movie and television studios, he says his theory proved to be invaluable, especially when it became necessary to cue black rhino to saunter nonchalant along a narrow pathway or coax big black bears to work under glaring studio lights. There have been numerous times when his method paid off, but one time in particular, he says, he will always remember. Contracting to do some publicity for the Alameda County Fair in Pleasanton, using his favorite animal — the Alaskan black bear that portrayed 'Gentle Ben' in the circus segments of the TV series. He was to load the 550-pound bear into a hot air balloon for a short trip over the fairgrounds. But, Allen recalls, he never realized until airborne the amount of heat the balloon's burner would project. 'With that intense heat overhead, the noise of the burner keeping the balloon afloat and the swaying motion as we sailed over the fairgrounds, I would have expected any animal to bolt or create a serious ruckus — imagine being up in a balloon basket with a large frightened animal! But that big black bear really kept his cool — better than I did. He just sat there in the basket calmly enjoying the sights below. Would I do it again? No way!' Allen is often asked why he stays in this business with the hard work, expense, feeding and care of the various animals. He replies, 'I tried quitting the business one time for a nine-to-five job and it just didn't work. I guess the love for my animals and the outdoors is too strong. And besides, if people like myself were to quit when the going gets rough, where would the youngsters of today go to see a bear trained to ride a pony, a brahma bull taught to say his prayers and perform on a teetertotter or a zebra trained to kick footballs on voice command." Sunday News and Tribune (Jefferson City, MO), May 13, 1956, p. 5; Hobbs News-Sun (Hobbs, NM), August 20, 1962, p. 3; Charleston Gazette (Charleston, WV), January 17, 1963, p. 28; Union-Bulletin (Walla Walla, WA), April 24, 1967, p. 3; Fresno Bee (Fresno, CA), January 27, 1977, p. D3. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for these persons.

Note: Charles Allen and Mert Allen were brothers. Their father was Charles Allen Sr. and their mother was Kate Davis Allen. They come from a long line of Circus and Wild West show performers. They were nephews to Texas Jay and Lone Star Marie Davis. I have pictures of all of them. They were cousins to my mother. I have been looking for poster of their shows for years. Can't find any. My name is Beulah.

Note: My name is Jacob J. Davis Jr, My grand Father and Grand Mother is Jacob Jay Davis & Marie Davis, I have searched for many years for information and contacts to their life. I was not able to meet them they passed away before I was born. However my Dad told me countless stories of their most interested life. And left a photo log that goes back to late 1800’s. jdavis@westectowerservices.com

Eddie Allen. Edward T. Allen Jr., clown, was a native of Bridgeport, Connecticut. His father was an elephant trainer for P. T. Barnum. As a child he played child roles in stock company productions, later a singing usher. He joined the 101 Ranch, became a clown, and also trained animals when with Barnum & Bailey. By 1939 he was with Lynch's Death Dodgers at the New York World's Fair, performing death-defying stunts. He died in March, 1945 at Clementon, New Jersey, while planning to rejoin the circus in his role as Jo-Jo, the clown. White Tops, March-April, 1946, Vol. 19, Nos. 3-4, p. 4.

This was my grandfather. My father is Edward W. Allen. Originally from Bridgeport, connection. Who met my mother Laetitia Ann Marie Coniglio from Brooklyn, N.Y. They were married and had four children, Edward, Marian, Barry and Eric Allen. - Marian

Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Harry Allen
    Circus people now in the carnival business: Harry Allen, legal adjuster of the Jones, Cole Brothers and La Tena Shows, now with Washburn's Shows. Billboard, June 8, 1918, p. 27.
    Harry Allen, legal adjuster, is in the Washington Sanitarium at Takoma Park, Washington, D.C., suffering from a nervous breakdown and at times out of his mind, according to his son, R. E. Allen. The son states that his father is without funds, and appeals for assistance. Harry Allen has been with the Sautelle, Frank A. Robbins, J. A. Jones and many of the smaller railroad shows as legal adjuster. Billboard, August 16, 1919, p. 44.

Researcher note: I am looking for any information one might have on my grandfather, Harry Allen. He was a Legal Adjuster with several troupes, and died in 1918. I can't seem to find any information on him. And my grandmother, Iona Curley. The family says that Iona, born August 11, 1888, joined the circus at 14, eventually married Harry Allen, and had a son William Chesterfield Allen on June 20, 1913. I am searching Ancestry.com and any information or leads would be appreciated. Thanks, Bill Allen

Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Mr. Allen is the show's detective on John Robinson's, 1911. Alton (IL) Evening Telegram, May 11, 1911. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Tom Allen, boss bill poster, Wheeler Bros., 1894. New York Clipper, April 28, 1894, p. 119. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Whiting Allen, advance, Forepaugh-Sells Bros., 1900. "Whiting Allen . . . on a visit to New Haven, obtained from Professor Dexter, of Yale College, some very interesting facts relative to Mr. Allen's New England ancestors. Professor Dexter's work in Yale devotes three pages to Rev. John Searle, Yale, 1797, who was Mr. Allen's great-grandfather. . . . Mr. Searle was a pastor of a church in Litchfield, and afterward pastor of the Stoneham Congregational Church. At Stoneham he married a daughter of the Rev. Samuel Dunbar, of that town. He held other pastorates, and died at the age of sixty-seven. Whiting Allen is a graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University class of '73. On his maternal ancestral side he is descended in the ninth generation from Richard Hubbell, who came here from England in 1645, and on the Allen side he is descended from Samuel Allen, who came over with the pilgrims in 1620. Samuel Allen's oldest daughter married Lieutenant Josiah Standish, son of the famous Captain Miles Standish. One of his direct descendants married Mary Alden, daughter of Joseph Alden, who was a son of John Alden and the famous Priscilla. Hence Mr. Allen's ancestry goes back in direct line to two of the most famous names of our early New England days, and associated him in ancestral details with Plymouth Rock and the Mayflower. Mr. Allen's home state is Ohio, and his father was valedictorian of the first class that graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University, which was in 1848. His parents removed to Ohio from Vermont. Billboard, June 15, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Arvel Allread was a circus band musician. With his wife, Grace, they were with C. R. Montgomery Circus, 1947-50, Robinson Bros., Tom Thumb Circus, Great Pan American Zoological Society. They retired in 1951, but went back on the road with Carson & Barnes in 1986, Arvel in the band and Grace on the front door. Arvel was a music teacher and directed several bands. Circus Report, April 13, 1987, p. 8. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Alpine Troupe

Charles Alpine (Alpine Troupe) were said to be English wire walkers. 1909 was said to be their first tour of the US, the Alpine Troupe from Europe, with Cole Bros., 1909.(1) The Alpine Troupe consisted of Charles Alpine and wife, two daughters (Beatrice and her sister) and a son.(2) The troupe was with Forepaugh-Sells in 1911.(3) The Alpine Troupe was doing a double wire act in 1913, vaudeville.(4) Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

1. Lima (OH) Times Democrat, March 11, 1909; Lima (OH) Times Democrat, March 10, 1909; Iowa City (IA) Citizen, June 28, 1909.
2. Syracuse (NY) Herald, April 8, 1911; Syracuse (NY) herald, December 23, 1913.
3. Charleroi (PA) Mail, May 4, 1911.
4. Syracuse (NY) herald, December 23, 1913.

C. L. Alspaugh, cornet player, Great American Circus, 1892. Band leader, Prof. C. L. Alspaugh's silver cornet band, J. P. Gallagher's Columbian Shows, 1893. New York Clipper, July 2, 1892, p. 260; June 3, 1893, p. 198. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Jerry Alton, performed an upside down trapeze act, W. H. Coulter's, 1911.(1) Adams County Free Press (Corning, IA), May 17, 1911. There was a Jerry Alton, clown, with Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1922.(2) Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

1. Adams County Free Press (Corning, IA), May 17, 1911.
2. Bandwagon, Nov-Dec, 1965.

Carmen Alvarez, with Rio Grand Bill, riding and roping, Buffalo Bill Wild West, then Downie & Gallagher's, 1892. New York Clipper, September 10, 1892, p. 422. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Paul Alvarez, of Spain, was a head balancer. His brother performed with him, also a head balancer. They were with Forepaugh-Sells in 1910.(1) Paul and his brother may have been the acrobatic balancers from Spain with Ringling Bros., 1907-1908.(2) Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

1. Bedford (PA) Gazette, April 29, 1910; Charleroi (PA) Mail, April 28, 1910; New Castle (PA) News, April 29, 1910.
2. Piqua (OH) Daily Call, May 2, 1907; Eau Claire (WI) Leader, June 19, 1908.

Brothers Alveno. On Tuesday evening, Jan. __, what might have been a very serious accident occurred at Ginnett's Circus, Bath, Eng., during a "double trapeze" performance by the Brothers Alveno. One of the brothers supports the other by a hook attached to a strap, which he holds in his mouth. It is also attached to a swivel, which permits the supported artist to spin rapidly round. Directly he started, the hook tore its way out of the belt in which it had been secured, and the suspended performer was precipitated to the ground. He fell on his stomach, but partially broke the fall by his hands, thus, doubtless, saving himself from injuries of a more serious character than bruises and shaken up. He rose immediately, and appeared to be suffering considerable pain. He, however, walked from the arna without assistance, and in response to the plaudits of the audience, returned and bowed. New York Clipper, February 24, 1887, p. 383. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Ned Alvord, press agent, Barnum & Bailey, 1911. Waterloo Reporter, June 28, 1911. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

W. B. Alvord, advance, Reno & Alvord Show, 1900. Billboard, May 1, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Ernest Alvo, (Alvos, Three Alvos), gymnasts. The troupe, from Europe, was with Ringling Bros., from 1900 to 1906.(1) The Three Alvos were with Hagenbeck-Wallace in 1907.(2) Alvos, acrobatic comedians, vaudeville, 1909.(3) The Alvos, bar artists, three in number, the funniest and most expert lofty bar artists, Forepaugh-Sells, 1910-1911.(4) The Ernest Alvo Troupe, comedy horizontal bar gymnasts, vaudeville, 1912.(5) 1913, Ernest Alvo Trio, Ernest Alvo said he spent 8 years with Ringling circus. Now with vaudeville. Mr. Alvo is now owner of a half dozen gymnastic acts touring the country.(6) Ernest Alvo's great acrobats played the Anamosa Fair in 1916.(7) All information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

1. Iowa Citizen (Iowa City, IA), August 14, 1903; Fort Wayne (IN) Sentinel, May 28, 1904; Newark (OH) Advocate, May 1, 1906.; Lincoln (NE) Evening News, September 9, 1905; Lima (OH) Daily News, June 20, 1906.
2. Fort Wayne (IN) Journal-Gazette, May 2, 1907.
3. Fort Wayne (IN) News, June 28, 1909.
4. Charleroi (PA) Mail, April 28, 1910; Bedford (PA) Gazette, April 29, 1910; Charleroi (PA) Mail, April 28, 1910; New Castle (PA) News, April 29, 1910; Charleroi (PA) Mail, May 4, 1911.
5. Sheboygan (WI) Evening Press, October 24, 1912.
6. Fort Wayne (IN) News, July 15, 1913.
7. Oxford (Oxford Junction, IA) Mirror, August 10, 1916.

Alzanas. "Miami, Fla., Nov. 20. A brother and sister, tightwire performers with the Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus, today owed their lives to their gray-haired father who rushed to break their fall as the plunged from a high wire to the sawdust floor of the tent. The father, Charles Davis, and his son, Harold, 31, and daughter Hilda, 16, were in serious condition . . . but were expected to recover. . . . The slightly-built father had retired from the aerial act of the Flying Alanzas, but his practiced eye could still catch the slightest off-balance motion of the son and daughter he had taught to ride the tightwire. Watching them perform . . . first . . . to realize they were losing their balance as they rode a bicycle on a 35-foot high wire with no net below. Just in time, he rushed beneath them. His still-strong arms broke the impact as they hurtled toward the sawdust of the cinter ring and the trio collapsed in a heap. Monessen Daily Independent (Monessen, PA), November 20, 1947, p. 2. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for these persons.

Thomas Ambrose, Ringmaster, F. J. Taylor’s, 1891, 1892, 1893, 1894. New York Clipper, April 11, 1891, p. 74; August 8, 1891, p. 364; April 9, 1892, p. 66; Clipper, May 28, 1892, p. 178; August 12, 1893, p. 362; May 12, 1894, p. 149. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Captain and Mrs. W. D. Ament have just opened their prize shooting gallery in Dixon, Ill., and are doing fine business. It's the first gallery that has played Dixon in seven years. Billboard, March 9, 1918, p. 64. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Bud E. Anderson, real name Fred Elliott Anderson, circus proprietor. "Interview with Luke Anderson," Fred Dahlinger, published in Bandwagon, Jan-Feb, 1996, p 20.

Proprietor, Seal Bros., 1934-36; Norris Bros., 1938; proprietor, B. Anderson, 1939-1942; animal trainer, J. M. Cole, 1943; proprietor, Bud Anderson, 1945; proprietor, Seal Bros., 1949. "Circus Proprietors or Owners," Charles Gates Sturtevant, published in White Tops, 1960s.

• Also see Bud E. Anderson circuses on this website (scroll down or use find).

Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Charles Anderson was a side show performer and concessionaire. He toured in the 1930s-40s as a sword swallower and bally performer with Tom Mix, Haag, Texas Jack's and Scranton, PA Shrine circus. Died in 1988 at Carbondale, Pennsylvania. Circus Report, June 27, 1988, p. 3. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Ethel Anderson, menage, Frank A. Robbins, 1907. Portsmouth (NH) Herald, June 6, 1907. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Jim Anderson, oldtime circus man, who was forced to retire from the road some time ago on account of losing his eyesight, is now proprietor of the Findlay Hotel at Findlay, Ohio. Billboard, October 19, 1918, p. 27. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Wilson Ruebin Andrers, pioneer circus man, died at Grand Rapids, Mich., August 30, of a complication of diseases. He at one time operated the Andrers Brothers' Shows. Billboard, September 7, 1918, p. 58. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Charles Andress, claimed to be the first to use the word "carnival" in describing a show - Charles Andress’ Carnival of Curiosities, Trained Animal Exposition and Congress of Living Wonders, 1888. Had Charles Andress’ Big Circus in 1889 and had Willie Sells as a partner in 1890. Had Andress & Showers’ in 1896. He was a legal adjuster for Ringling Bros. for ten years; and was with Barnum & Bailey for five years, traveling with the show to Europe. Married at age 80 to the 27-year-old Virginia Prichard. Their son was born the following year, and the octogenarian Andress was widely publicized in the newspapers when his son was born.
          In the Biographical History of Barton County, Kansas:
          Charles Andress is one of the many many old timers of Barton County who left here and journeyed afar . . . Although Mr. Andress has traveled all over the world, most of the time being engaged in the show business he has always owned land in Barton County and it was while here on one of his frequent trips that we got the information from which to make the article for this book. He was born in Brockville, Canada January 15, 1852 - also his mother's birthday - and when Charles was two years of age his parents moved to Chesaning, Michigan, a lumber and shingle camp in Saginaw County. His father was a turner and cabinet maker by trade and he had a very strenuous time making both ends meet, and to make things worse after the family had been there about two years the elder Andress was injured in the machinery and died after three weeks of suffering. This left Mrs. Andress with five boys, the oldest not quite sixteen at that time and the youngest only two years and Charles about four years of age. . . . Mr. Andress' interview:
          "My mother certainly had a very hard time of it raising her boys and I well remember the many trials she went through to hold the family together. Why, I have known her to sit up all night to finish knitting a pair of socks so she could trade them for groceries the next morning to prepare our breakfast so we could go to school and as she could not buy shoes for us she would wrap our feet in cloth rags and send us to school and when we arrived at the school house we would take off the rags and lay them by the fire to dry out so we could have them ready for wearing home at night after school. The two older brothers of course helped all they could and as we were all more or less musically inclined we soon found considerable income from playing for country dances, but enough of this, for I know you are anxious to know how I started in the show business. I was always gifted with the power or knack of imitating birds and animals and doing different stunts in so-called ventriloquism, and in those days every hotel had a hall over head in which all dances and shows were given and the shows all traveled by stage or private conveyance, and in 1862 a magician came along by the name of Prof. Hertz, a foreigner, and offered my mother $10 a month if she would consent to my traveling with him and would send her the money in advance every month and would clothe me, etc., and as the two oldest brothers were now inlisted in the army she very much disliked to part with me but finally consented to let me go. Well I had been out with this magician nearly two years when he was taken sick and died in Pontiac, Michigan, and his wife soon left for England and left me to shift for myself. My two years schooling with him had advanced me very materially as he was a good violinist and we always played for a dance after the show and I was a good "fiddler" for a boy and he bought me a violin and made me a present of it, and this, with a fairly good suit of clothes, was all I possessed when Mrs Hertz left for England. I soon joined bands with an old minstrel performer by the name of Zeke Filliman who played a banjo and with him I used to play for dances in and around Pontiac until he went into retirement on a farm, which left me to shift as best I could for myself. It was then I organized my first show which consisted of a few tricks in magic, which I had learned from the professor, and my ventriloquist act. A set of cambric curtains and the "fiddle," and 500 little programs which I had printed in Lapeer, which cost me $3.50, and the outfit when packed consisted of a sack containing a small cambric curtain, some small tricks in magic and my talking figure. With this equipment in the sack which I carried over my shoulder, and my fiddle in one hand I would travel on foot from one place to another giving shows and occasionally playing for a dance after the show."
          From this primitive beginning Mr. Andress by dint of hard work and careful management his possessions grew until he finally had gotten together a good opera house show, consisting of trained birds, dogs, monkeys, goats, ponies and other animals. In 1874 he decided to go to California with a little show. It was when he was making this trip that he came to Great Bend and put on a show. There being no opera house he got permission from the sheriff to show in the court house for four nights. He stretched a rope across the street from Allen's corner and gave an exhibition with the birds. One of the feathered creatures walked the rope wheeling in front of it another bird in a wheel barrow. Mr. Andress gave presents away at the inside performance and although times were very hard just at that time the show made a big success. . . . From: Biographical History of Barton County, Kansas, Great Bend, KS: Great Bend Tribune, 1912. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Madame Andress. This photograph is thought to be Elizabeth, the wife of Charles Andress. On the back of photograph: Madam Andress, Mind Reader, Tuesday, 12-5-7 (Or, May 7, 1912, which was a Tuesday).
    Newspaper accounts: "Prof. Andress' Carnival of Novelties and Trained Animal Shows will appear at Well's Opera House on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th of April. In these performances you will have an opportunity of seeing and hearing Madame Andress, the wonderful and mysterious mind reader. Their program also contains performing dogs, educated tropical birds, mesmeric experiments, etc." Daily Independent (Monroe, WI), April 2, 1891.. "Prof. Andress gave a very good performance at Well's opera house last evening, introducing his performing tropical birds, which seemed to possess almost human intelligence, and quickly obeyed the commands of the professor. They are the best trained birds ever seen in this city, and formed one of the most pleasing features of the entertainment. Madame Andress was also introduced who mystified the audience with her feats in what is termed mind reading. The remainder of the program consisted in some very clever tricks in natural magic and some very pleasing imitation on the harmonica, and banjo. At the conclusion of the entertainment, many useful and valuable presents were given away in a fair and impartial manner." Daily Independent (Monroe, WI), April 3, 1891.. 1900 Census, Chicago, IL. Charles Andress, born January 1852 in Canada, immigrated in 1855 or 1854. Elizabeth Andress, wife, born December 1857, born in Ohio. Information and photograph provided by Christina Keating.

John R. Andrew, for years treasurer with the old Wallace show and later Hagenbeck-Wallace, has retired from the circus business. He has charge of the box office for Warren B. Irons at the Avenue Theater, Detroit, Mich. Billboard, March 30, 1918, p. 29.   John R. Andrew, former treasurer of the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus and Dallie Julian Ledgett, bareback rider, were married in Peru, Ind., July 29. They will be located in Waterloo, Iowa, this winter, where Mr. Andrew will manage the Majestic Theater. Billboard, August 17, 1918, pp. 24, 26. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Charles Andrews, master of properties, R. F. Clement's New Show, 1890. New York Clipper, August 23, 1890, p. 373. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Charles Andrews, with Barnum & Bailey, 1903. ". . . Probably the highest salaried man with the Barnum & Bailey show this year is Charles Andrews. He started in the show business as a magician giving performances in the school houses through the country, as well as in halls and vacant store rooms in little interior towns. He is now the owner of much valuable farm land in Kansas as well as quantities of choice Chicago real estate. When Mr. Andrews started with his small show he took with him a little boy of the name George Wood . . ." See George Wood. Ottumwa (IA) Daily Courier, July 27, 1903. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

John Andrews. Philadelphia, Jan. 19. Mr. and Mrs. John Andrews, formerly of the team of John Andrews and Daisy Leroy, a mind-reading vaudeville act, are now located permanently in Philadelphia. Mr. Andrews is district manager for the Authors and Publishers' Society of New York, with offices at Philadelphia. Mr. and Mrs. Andrews are oldtime show people, and were connected for some time with the Kit Carson Wild West, the Frank A. Robbins and Buffalo Bill Shows. Billboard, January 26, 1918, p. 30.

John Andrews's wife Daisy Leroy. Based on the photo postcard, she was on Buffalo Bill's Wild West show in Great Britain for season 1904 as the "Moss Haired Lady." Information and photo courtesy of Chuck Finley.

Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Billy Andrews, clown and good in concert, desires to engaged with a circus. Address St. Clair Hotel, St. Louis, Mo. [Advertisement] New York Clipper, April 7, 1877, p. 11. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Antaleks, performers, Grotto Circus, 1941. "Conn. Fans Buck Snow to Attend Indoor Circus," White Tops, Vol. 14, Nos. 4-5 (Feb-Mar), 1941, p. 8. Six Antaleks, four of which are woman, perch, Hamid-Morton indoor, 1941. "Circus Sawdust," White Tops, Vol. 14, Nos. 4-5 (Feb-Mar), 1941, p. 14. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for these persons.

Joseph L. Antalek was a member of the Five Antaleks. A native of Hungary, he performed with Ringling-Barnum, Polack Bros. and other major shows. Died February 1, 1981 at Wheaton, Illinois, age 73. Circus Report, February 23, 1981, p. 12. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Mickey Antalek was an animal trainer and performer. He presented a chimp act with the Ringling Red Unit for a number of years. Died August 28, 1984 at Peoria, Illinois, age 43. Circus Report, September 17, 1984, p. 10. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Mark Anthony, clown, resided Hartford, also carved a statue of Otto Griebling, 1941. "Fan Notes," White Tops, Vol. 14, Nos. 4-5 (Feb-Mar), 1941, p. 4. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Antonio Family (Migasi), performers, owners

The only survivor of the original Antonio Brothers is living a hermit's life in Hamilton Co., Ind., and is said to be in indigent circumstances. New York Clipper, August 26, 1882, p. 366.

The Antonio Brothers. A short time ago it was stated that the Antonio Brothers were dead. This is not so. The original Antonio Brothers are all alive. Philip and Alphonso are keeping a saloon under the Everett House, in St. Louis, and our correspondent and R. S. Dingess of Forepaugh's Show called on them last week. Mr. Dingess said: "I can vouch for these 'boys,' for I was their agent." Lorenzo is also in St. Louis. Guilliamo is at Nobelsville, Ind. Philip and Alphonso left the circus business in 1862. New York Clipper, September 23, 1882, p. 435.

Antonio Migasi, b. Italy, d. 7 February 1868, St. Louis, buried Bellefontaine Cemetery. Married Christiana Martha Cooper.

Margaretta Christiana Migasi, christened 31 May 1818, Christ Church, Southwark, London, England, living with Antonio Guiliemo in 1870 census.

Antonio Guilielmo Migasi, christened 12 November 1820, Southwark, Surrey, England; married Catherine Sperry. Resided at Jerseyville, Jersey County, Illinois in 1870, a livery stable owner.

Lorenzo Migasi, christened 12 February 1823, Southwark, Surrey, England.

Philip Augustus Migasi, christened 08 January 1826, Christ Church, Southwark, London, England.

A member of the Antonio Troupe was Alphonso Antonio, real name McGlassy, possibly born 1835, died August 19, 1895.
    According to Stuart Thayer, the father, who used the stage name Il Diavolo Antonio, was an acrobat and wire walker, first appearing in an Alexandria, Virginia theatre in August, 1834. At the end of his performance he revolved rapidly on the wire while the fireworks attached to his body popped and sparkled. By October, 1834 he was joined by his three sons, appearing with Edward Eldred's American Circus in Baltimore. They performed in halls and theatres from 1834 to 1853. Antonio Sr. seemed to have stopped performing about 1851, but continued to manage the troupe. By 1857 they were proprietors of a circus with various partners, continuing until 1862, when they retired from the business.
    In the 1860 census, St. Louis, Missouri, Antonio was listed as age 65, a theatrical actor, real estate valued at $3,00, personal at $1,000, listed as insane. Living in the household, all theatrical actors, all born in England, were: Lorenzo, age 21; Phillip, age 20, Alphonso, age 18; Margaret, age 29; and Antone, age 31. Antone's personal estate was valued at $3,500. Christiana must have died, as she was not listed.   Sources: IGI Individual Record FamilySearch™ International Genealogical Index v5.0 British Isles, extracted birth or christening record, batch numbers C010039, C010040, P020701; St. Louis City Death Records; 1860, 1870 censuses; Stuart Thayer's Annals of the American Circus.   Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for these persons.

Frank Appel, rope dancer, juggler, Robert Hunting's, 1890. New York Clipper, February 15, 1890, p. 807; June 14, 1890, p. 215. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Jessie Arbaugh

Photo: Jessie Arbaugh, trapeze. Photo courtesy of Gregg K. Schrader, Belva V. Schrader collection.

• The Flying Arbaughs were a husband-and-wife team of flyers, Jim Arbaugh and Jessie. They were members of the Flying Wards before they formed their own flying return act. Jessie Arbaugh was born Jessie Hubbell. Her sister, Mabel Hubbell, was a Flying Ward, later wife of movie cowboy and circus owner, Tom Mix. Erma Hubbell, another sister, was also with the Wards. The Flying Arbaughs played parks, fairs and circuses. The Bloomington-Normal Circus Legacy: The Golden Age of Aerialists, By Maureen Brunsdale, Mark Schmitt, 2013.

• Circa 1920. Jessie's sisters, Mabel and Erma, were also aerialists. At one time the Flying Wards consisted of Ernie Lane, Mabel Ward (Hubbell), and future Mrs. Tom Mix, Erma Ward (Hubbell), Eddie Ward, Jessie Arbaugh (Hubbell), and Bert Dodd. Bandwagon, July-August, 2010, p. 29.

1921: The Flying Wards were to open with the Sells-Floto Circus in Chicago, and then tour with the Robinson Show for the rest of the season. The troupe of nine performers included James and Jessie Arbaugh and two women who are though to have been Mable and Erma Hubbell. The Hubbell sisters, Jessie, Erma and Mable, came from Peoria to Bloomington, Illinois, to train with the Wards. Mable Hubbell adopted the name Ward. Later she married C. A. Pelke, concessions on Ringling-Barnum, later she performed as Mable Pelke, and even later as Mrs. Tom Mix. She married Tom Mix in 1932. Erma Hubbell took the professional name of Erma Ward, and had a long career as a solo performer. Bandwagon, November-December, 1986, p. 13.

1923: Sells-Floto Circus, the Flying Wards, which included Mr. and Mrs. Jim Arbaugh. Bandwagon, November-December, 1986, p. 14.

1925: Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, Ward-Kimball Troupe, which included Jim and Jessie Arbaugh and others. Bandwagon, November-December, 1986, pp. 14, 15.

1926; Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, Ward troupe, Jim and Jessie Ward of Bloomington, and others. Jim was doing a "double full twister." Bandwagon, November-December, 1986, p. 15.

1927: Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus. With the Flying Wards, Jim and Jessie Arbaugh. Jimmy Arbaugh was the manager of the act. Bandwagon, November-December, 1986, p. 18; September-October, 2001, p. 7.

1929: Sells-Floto Circus . . . High up in the air and close to the top of the tent the Clarkonians, the Three Thrillers and the James Arbaugh troupe will provide thrills by their daring trapeze work. Pittsburgh Press (Pittsburg, PA), May 4, 1929, p. 7.

1931: Tom Mix Circus, the Arbaughs were featured in the show with their flying troupe. They had added Gus and Betty Bell in their flying return act. Bandwagon, November-December, 1986, p. 18.

1932: Martinsburg Centennial celebration. The new attraction is the sensational Arbaugh Troupe of aerialists who offer a thrilling performance in mid-air. They are a well known troupe having been with several of the big circuses. One of the members of the act gives spectators a thrill by a leap into space and turning three complete revolutions before being caught by another member of the act. And, incidentally, Miss Jessie Ward, also with the Arbaughs is a sister of the present Mrs. Tom Mix, wife of the noted cowboy of the films. The performance of the Arhaugh Troupe will be free to the public and will take place on the baseball grounds, twice daily. Altoona Tribune (Altoona, PA), June 25, 1932.

1934: Tom Mix Wild West and Sam B. Dill Circus. . . . The Aerial Arbaughs, featuring James Arbaugh, who does a double full twister, being caught by the only lady catcher who catches this trick, Miss Jessie Arbaugh, who is another sister of Mrs. Charles Arley, who swings on the flying trapeze while balanced on his head. Laredo Times, October 18, 1934.

1935: Tom Mix Circus. Trapeze performer Says It's Work and Not Play in the Air. "That 'with ease' stuff is the bunk" James Aolysius Arbugh talking. "I've been at it almost 30 years and I do not find any 'ease' about it. It takes years to perfect proper timing in a flying act." Jimmy and nine other Arbaugh are one of the featured acts with the Tom Mix Circus. "See that large rigging we work on?" Jimmy asks "That has to be as level as a level indicates More than 62 guy wires are used to make that rigging stable. If it teeters or if if should swerve the slightest, tricks are missed." Emporia Daily Gazette (Emporia, KS), August 30, 1935, p. 9.

1936: Tom Mix Circus, performers, James Arbaugh, Jessie Arbaugh. Also Charles Arley, Dorothy Hubbell, the Hobsons, Erma Ward, Harold Ward. In display No. 23 were The Flying Arbaughs, featuring the daredevil flyer, James Arbaugh, in pirouttes, twisters and triple and double somersaults in mid-air. Jessie was also a rider in the "Polo Girls" display. Tom Mix Circus Route Book, Season of 1936.

1937: Tom Mix Circus, performers, James Arbaugh, Jessie Arbaugh. Also Charles Arley (perch, trapeze), the Hannefords, Homer Hobson Sr., Erma Ward and others. In display No. 19 were The Arbaugh Family, presenting the apogee in flying return acts. Tom Mix Circus Route Book, Season of 1937.

1938: James Arbaugh, former aerialist in a flying and return act was temporary Equestrian Director for John Agree who was absent. Tom Mix Circus, July 2, 1938. Circus and Allied Arts collection, Milner Library, Illinois State University.

1947: Dailey Bros. Circus. Former employees visiting . . . Jessie Arbaugh. Billboard, October 11, 1947.

1947: Gould's Million-Dollar Circus . . . the Four Flying Arbaughs. Billboard, June 28, 1947, p. 75.

• According to the 1930 census, James and Jessie Arbaugh were residing at James' father's in Toledo, Ohio. James was 39, Jessie was 30 (born in Illinois), and they listed themselves as circus performers. Their ages at marriage indicate that they were married circa 1921. Source: Year: 1930; Census Place: Toledo, Lucas, Ohio; Roll: 1834; Page: 8A; Enumeration District: 0043.

Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Peter Arenson, wire equilibrist and hand balancer, whose head slide was a feature the past season with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Shows, died at Chicago, October 7, of pneumonia. He was 30 years of age, and is survived by a widow. Interment was in Mount Olive Cemetery, Chicago. Billboard, October 19, 1918, p. 26. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Charles Arizona is a veritable Sampson in strength, blancing ploughs, cartwheels, etc., on his chin with apparent ease. He also bent a solid iron bar by striking it on his arm. He is engaged with Hamilton Brothers' Circus for the season, starting from New Baltimore, Ohio, April 20(?). New York Clipper, April 5, 1873, p. 7. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

William Arley, trapeze artist, killed by train, October 26, 1941. Arley and his family were traveling in their show truck when the locomotive crashed into it. A son of English troupers, born in Holland, with Barnum & Bailey and in vaudeville. Past few years the Arleys performed at fairs and Shrine circuses. A feature of the act was a perch act where one of the performers balanced a mast on his head while the others performed near the top of the mast. Wife was Fernande, son Richard, daughters Regina and Irene. "Trapeze Artist Killed by Train," White Tops, Vol. 15, Nos. 1-2 (Dec-Jan), 1941, p. 2. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

George Arlington, associate owner, Miller Bros. 101 Ranch, 1909. Daily Independent (Monessen, PA), May 20, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Cora Bell Armstrong, human spider, Billy Nelson's Greatest Show, 1892. New York Clipper, April 16, 1892, p. 94. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Max Arnold, superintendent of canvas, F. E.Davis Empire Shows, 1894. New York Clipper, March 10, 1894, p. 5. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Abe Aronson, clown, Hagenbeck-Wallace 1924. White Tops, Vol. 16, Nos. 3-4 (Feb-Mar), 1943, p. 7. Abe Aronson and Harry Ashton, the acrobats, and Vic Hugo, the magician arrived last night from Chicago and will take part in the Elks minstrels tonight. They are artists in their respective lines and travel during the summer with the great Ringling circus. They are good friends of Lou Graham, who is managing the minstrel show, and it was through his efforts that they were secured. Daily New Review (Crawfordsville, IN) January 22, 1902. Aronson & Ashton did a head-to-head and hand-to-hand balancing act. They played at the Chicago Haymarket March 7-12 1898 and the Nashville Grand Opera House March 25 1901 or 1902. They were with Ringling Bros. in 1899, 1900, 1901, 1905-1910. The Aronson's parents lived in Chicago. Some information on Abe Aronson is from Linda & Charles White. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Lew Aronson owned or managed a theatrical & circus booking agency in Chicago Illinois in 1904. 1905-1916 he was a side show manager for Gollmar Brothers Circus. 1907-1923 he owned & operated a vaudeville & moving picture house in Baraboo, WI called the Bijou (later called the Gem).
    In 1900-1905, he worked for Ringling Brothers. 1907-1908 he owned & operated a vaudeville & moving picture house in Baraboo, WI called the Bijou. From Baraboo History of the Commercial and Retail Districts by Joseph Ward. c. 2007, p. 214.

Information on Lew Aronson is from Linda & Charles White. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Joe Artressi, of the original Flying Belmonts, has signed to put on two concessions with the George A. Baldwin Shows (carnival) the coming season. Says he has had such success with this venture that he has given up the circus business after forty-four years. Billboard, February 8, 1919, p. 29. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Clarence Asbey, wife Eva, living statue act. Charley Shay's, 1891; Miles Orton, 1892; La Pearl's 1893. Clarence was equestrian director, La Pearl's, 1893. New York Clipper, June 6, 1891, p. 214; June 27, 1891, p. 268; March 19, 1892, p. 18; June 11, 1892, p. 210; July 29, 1893, p. 328; November 19, 1892, p. 586; February 4, 1893, p. 766; February 25, 1893, p. 821. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Ashbys, Ed. F. Davis Shows, 1900. Billboard, June 9, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for these persons.

Josie Ashton, rider, Forepaugh-Sells, 1900.(1) Josie Ashton, equestrienne, late of Barnum & Bailey, circa 1901 or 1902.(2) Miss Josie Ashton, rider, Frank A Robbins, 1905, 1907-1908, principal rider, also with John Rooney, 1908.(3) Ashton, Rooney & Ashton with Robbins, 1906.(4) Also see Slout's Olympians on this website. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

1. Fitchburg (MA) Sentinel, June 1, 1900.
2. Trenton (NJ) Times, September 24, 1902.
3. Bandwagon, Jul-Aug, 2001, p. 37; Portsmouth (NH) Herald, June 6, 1907; Bandwagon, Nov-Dec, 2001, p. 33; Bandwagon, Jan-Feb, 2002, p. 24.
4. Bandwagon, Sep-Oct, 2001, p. 31.

Billy Ash, known as Billy Ashton, will be back with the Robinson Ten Big, and will have some new jokes. Billy says it wsa just thirty-four years ago that he first went out with the John Robinson Circus. Billboard, March 9, 1918, p. 37. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

The Ashtons were compelled to cancel their season's engagement with the Bob Hunting Show on account of sickness. New York Clipper, April 7, 1894, p. 68. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Addie d'Atalie was with W. W. Cole's New Mammoth Circus in 1882. "Among the more notable features is the female aerial bicyclist, Mlle. Addie d'Atalie, whose performances are marvelous." Fort Wayne Daily Gazette (Fort Wayne, IN), August 29, 1882. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

George Atkinson, banjoist and comedian, has signed with the New Great Syndicate Shows, to make announcements and do his specialty in the concert, making his second season with this show. New York Clipper, February 1, 1896, p. 761. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Gordon Atkinson was an owner and concessionaire. Died April 18, 1977 at Senaca, South Carolina, age 76. Circus Report, May 16, 1977, p. 14. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Robert Lee Atterbury, age 75, owner Atterbury Bros.' Circus, died at Sioux City, Iowa, February 15, 1941. Born Paris, Missouri, February 10, 1866. "Circus Notes," White Tops, Vol. 14, Nos. 4-5 (Feb-Mar), 1941, p. 4. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Norman Atwell was known as Jo Jo the clown when he worked as a midget clown at age 5. After World War II he worked night clubs with his wife Irene, doing magic. He returned to clowning as Jo Jo, America's Best Dressed Clown, with Mills Bros., Cole Bros., Hagenbeck-Wallace, Shrine and other circuses. In later years he worked as a magic clown in the Chicago area. He also worked as a barker for the Great Lentini, the three-legged man on many circuses. Died circa 1989 at Punta Corda, Florida, age 78. Circus Report, April 24, 1989, p. 12. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Ben Augle, excursion man, advance, Welsh Bros., 1900. Billboard, June 30, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Arndt Augustad. With Skerbeck circus of Medford, acrobatic work, 1904.(1) Member of the band, Gollmar Bros. 1905, will join a winter circus troupe originating at Indianapolis.(2) Hippodrome rider, Ringling Bros. 1905, a Stevens Point, Wisconsin resident.(3) A contortionist with Gollmar Bros., 1907, will do vaudeville as an Indian Club swinger.(4) Baton work and contortionist acts, Ringling Bros. 1908.(5) Contortion, clown, Roman standing horseback riding, Ringling Bros., 1910, with Ringling past three seasons, resides Stevens Point.(6) Ringling Bros., 1911, 1913 hurdle rider, 1914.(7) 1916, Arndt Augustad returned to Stevens Point, WI to spend the winter after his season with Ringling Bros., an acrobat and rider with Ringlings for a number of years.(8) Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

1. Stevens Point (WI) Daily Journal, July 22, 1904.
2. Stevens Point (WI) Journal, October 21, 1905.
3. Stevens Point (WI) Daily Journal, March 21, 1905.
4. Gazette (Stevens Point, WI), October 30, 1907.
5. Gazette (Stevens Point, WI), February 19, 1908.
6. Stevens Point (WI) Daily Journal, March, 23, 1910.
7. Stevens Point (WI) Daily Journal, March 18, 1911; Gazette (Stevens Point, WI), November 19, 1913; Gazette (Stevens Point, WI), June 24, 1914.
8. Stevens Point (WI) Journal, November 18, 1916.

Aurora Zouaves, human automatons, military maneouvers, Forepaugh-Sells, 1905.(1) Galveston (TX) Daily News, November 8, 1905. "The Aurora Zouaves, a military close-order drill team, was formed in 1887. By 1896, wins in successive competitions earned them the title, 'Champions of the World.' From 1897 to 1906, the Aurora Zouaves were famous the world over. The team toured with Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show and with Forepaugh & Sells Brothers Circus. The Zouaves also toured Europe on their own in 1901-02, playing before thousands of spectators and the crown heads of Europe." From Aurora, Illinois.(2) Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for these persons.

1. Galveston (TX) Daily News, November 8, 1905.
2. www.aurorahistoricalsociety.org/factiods.html, poster on website.

Clarence Auskings was a veteran agent for over 50 years. He first traveled with the George W. Ely Circus in 1903, a show out of Harrisburg, Illinois. In 1904 he had the Thardo Family Circus, a wagon show from Linesville, Pennsylvania. He worked for George Hall (Popcorn) when William Campbell was the manager and later worked for Campbell when he had a two car minstrel show. In 1912 he was with George Christy who was operating a movie show under canvas and the next year when it was a vaudeville show called the Hippodrome Show. He worked for the magician Felix Hermann. He also worked for Golden Bros. and Bible Bros. In later years he worked for school shows, carnivals, etc. His last road work was for the magician R. P. Crotser. Died January 17, 1973 at Afton, Oklahoma. Circus Report, January 29, 1973, p. 4. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Adelaide Austin, bareback rider, wife of Frank Brown, died at La Plata, South America, June 8, [1889?] after an illness of twenty-three days. The deceased was born at Mexico, Mo., and was one of the D'Atalie Family who made their debut in this country in 1870 as acrobats. In 1872 Miss Austin appeared with Barnum's Circus, this city, which was afterwards burned out. She was with the same show in 1873-4-5. During the season of 1876 she was with Montgomery Queen's Circus, and in the fall of the same year joined Cooper & Bailey's Show at San Francisco, which made a tour of the Sandwich Islands, Fiji Islands, Australia, East Indies, New Zealand and South America, returning to this country in the Winter of 1879. She remained with the same show during the season of 1880, when she had the misfortune to break her leg twice. The season of 1881 she joined W. W. Cole's Circus, which went to Australia and New Zealand. Returning to this country she remained with them the season of 1882. In 1883 she joined Pubillone's Circus at Havana, Cuba, where she met Frank Brown and they were married in the Fall of the same year, when they joined Carlo Bros. circus in South America, remaining in that country ever since, as the last three years Mr. Brown has had a circus of his own. She leaves three children. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

J. Benedict Austin (John Benedict Austin), born December 8, 1873, died March 20, 1947. Proprietor, Gentry Bros. "Circus Proprietors or Owners," Charles Gates Sturtevant, published in White Tops, 1960s.

Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Frank Austen, head billposter, Fred Locke’s Circus, 1891. New York Clipper, May 16, 1891, n.p.n. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for these persons.

Ray Austen, clown, Prof. White's Shows. New York Clipper, March 31, 1894, p. 53. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for these persons.

Annie Austin, aerial artist, Hunting's New Railroad Shows. New York Clipper, June 14, 1890, p. 215. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for these persons.

T. B. Austin, advance, Hunting's, 1892. Previously with Barnum's. New York Clipper, September 3, 1892, p. 407. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for these persons.

Avalons, four in number, high wire, from England, Forepaugh-Sells, 1910.(1) Double wire act of the Avalons with seven performers, Howe's Great London, 1916.(2) The five Avalons double wire performance, State Fair, California.(3) Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for these persons.

1. Bedford (PA) Gazette, April 29, 1910; Charleroi (PA) Mail, April 28, 1910; New Castle (PA) News, April 29, 1910; Indianapolis (IN) Star, September 6, 1910.
2. Piqua (OH), Daily Call, May 18, 1916.
3. Woodland (CA) Daily Democrat, August 24, 1920.

Avenas Family, acrobats, Great Floto Shows, 1905. Galveston (TX) Daily News, March 28, 1905. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Doc. Aymar is another one of the array of arenic talent who prides himself on being a Baltimorean. Mr. Aymar started in the amusement profession some ten or twelve years ago in conjunction with Carl Clair. The two did a bar act and played in the band with a very small show, where versatility was at a premium. His later and very successful career as a performer is well known to the profession, and his accomplishments as a pyramid builder with tables, bottles, chairs, etc., are so well known that allusion to them here would be superfluous. Mr. Aymar resides in Elmira, N. Y. He has spent several years with the Ringling Bros. show. Offical Route Book of Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Railroad Shows, Season of 1893, Buffalo, NY: Courier Co., 1893. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Frank Aymar, horizontal bar, leaper, tumbler. La Pearl Shows, 1893, 1894. New York Clipper, February 4, 1893, p. 766; August 12, 1893, p. 376; September 2, 1893, p. 412; October 14, 1893, p. 510; May 19, 1894, p. 164. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Lottie Aymar is perhaps the most widely known lady performer in the circus business. Lottie Aymar comes from a family noted for its connection with the circus in America. Her father was the well-known circus rider, Walter Aymar. She commenced her professional career as a rider at the age of seven years, and her superb and graceful acts as an equestrienne have been performed with the leading circuses of this and other countries. In 1891, Miss Aymar rode her act with the Ringling Brothers, but since that time has devoted her time and talents to her highly artistic and finished aerial acts. Miss Aymar is an artist of rare gracefulness and style. Ringling Bros. 1893. Offical Route Book of Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Railroad Shows, Season of 1893, Buffalo, NY: Courier Co., 1893. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Wm. T. Aymar, well known circus performer, died of consumption on Friday. He belonged to a circus-riding family that figured in the sawdust ring for half a century. His elder brother John broke his neck in the ring in the Isle of Jersey. His remaining brother followed equestrianism; his own children followed their father's profession, and he himself died in the harness while training for the coming season. In 1859, with his brother Walter B. Aymar, he took the first circus overland to the Pacific Coast which ever performed there, and they were obliged to cut roads for the wagons part of the way. In California he ventured into a wild portion of the country, and carried his show safely through several desperate fights with Indians. On one occasion he led his performers to bloody victory over a party of Indians within his very circus ring, under the canvas. The Indians here gave him the name of "White Chief." From California the brothers took their circus to Peru, and gave performances in villages among the Indians of South America, where they ran great risks and had many narrow escapes. Wm. Aymar only remained in South America six months, and leaving his brother there returned to California where he established a livery stable on a large scale and speculated in mining stocks. Salt Lake Daily Tribune (Salt Lake City, UT), March 20, 1883, p. 1. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Top

B

John Babcock, boss canvasman, Lemen Bros., 1891. New York Clipper, May 30, 1891, p. 198. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Charles Bachtel
    Charles Bachtel, band leader, Dan Costello & C. Williams' United Shows, combined with J. T. Oatman's Equine Paradox, 1891. Mme. Bachtel was a performer on the show. New York Clipper, April 25, 1891, p. 117.
    1918: Charles R. Bachtel, circus bandmaster, was remarried to his former wife, Annie E. Sylvester-Holladay, the once famous bicyclist, in Kansas City, Mo., February 4. They celebrated their thirtieth wedding anniversary February 8. They were first married on that date in 1888 in Houston, Tex., while with the DeHaven Circus. Billboard, April 13, 1918, p. 30.

Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Percy L. Backell. Percy L. (Bill) Backell, of Herkimer, N.Y., formerly boss billposter with the 101 Ranch Show was among the drafted men who left for Camp Devens, Ayer, Mass. Billboard, February 23, 1918, p. 29. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Lewis B. Backenstoe, born 1880, died June 21, 1936. Proprietor, Backenstoe Bros., with Williard L. Backenstoe. "Circus Proprietors or Owners," Charles Gates Sturtevant, published in White Tops, 1960s.

Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

John T. Backman, glassblowers, Kline, 1908; proprietor, Backman's, 1911-1920; proprietor, Palmer Bros., 1921; equestrian director, Al G. Barnes, 1924-1931. "Circus Proprietors or Owners," Charles Gates Sturtevant, published in White Tops, 1960s.

Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Lewis D. Bader, circus musician, was a member of the Ringling-Barnum band from 1923-1933. He played trombone on Sells-Floto before 1923. Also played vaudeville show houses. Died February 1, 1977 at Washington, DC, age 78. Circus Report, February 21, 1977, p. 12. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Archer L. Bagley, assistant master of properties, Ringling Bros., can always be found speedily and accurately carrying out the orders of Mr. C. O. Miller, and the thirty or more men employed in this department are never at a loss for intelligent orders by which to work. Offical Route Book of Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Railroad Shows, Season of 1893, Buffalo, NY: Courier Co., 1893. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

King Baile, was sideshow manager, Seils Sterling Circus for several seasons. In 1941 an organizer for a fraternal society. White Tops, Vol. 14, No. 12 (Oct-Nov), 1941, p. 4. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Albertine Bailey, trapeze, Mollie Bailey Show, 1900. (probably daughter of Mollie Bailey) Billboard, June 23, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Brad Bailey, contortion, Mollie Bailey Show, 1900. (probably son of Mollie Bailey) Billboard, June 23, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Curt L. Bailey, assistant manager, Fred Locke Show, 1892, manager of privileges then advance manager, Fred Lock, 1893. Press agent, Albert M. Wetter's, 1894. New York Clipper, February 13, 1892, p. 811; July 2, 1892, p. 260; July 30, 1892, p. 324; June 10, 1893, p. 214; February 24, 1894, p. 817. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Eugene Bailey, trapeze, Mollie Bailey Show, 1900. (probably son of Mollie Bailey) Billboard, June 23, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

George Bailey, better known as “Pittsburgh” is the assistant superintendent of the railroad department and a valuable second to Mr. Taylor. There is hardly a piece of iron or wood about a car with which Mr. Bailey is not familiar, and it is a lesson in system to see him carry out the orders of his chief. These are executed with a quiet and unostentatious dispatch that stamp him as one of the most trustworthy and thorough assistants in his line. Offical Route Book of Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Railroad Shows, Season of 1893, Buffalo, NY: Courier Co., 1893. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

George E. Bailey, treasurer and ticket seller, Bailey & Winan's Circus, 1890. New York Clipper, April 5, 1890, p. 59. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Ida Bailey, performer, Bailey & Winan's, 1891. Had dogs with Charles Bartine's, 1892. May have performed with Dan C. Maning. New York Clipper, May 2, 1891, p. 135; April 11, 1891, p. 76; April 11, 1891, p. 76; April 9, 1892, p. 66; June 18, 1892, p. 228. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Thomas Bailey, boss canvasman, Chas. Lee's Circus, 1892. New York Clipper, March 26, 1892, p. 34. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

William Bailey, assistant, privileges, Terrell Bros.' Circus, 1891. New York Dramatic News, May 23, 1891, p. 6. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

A. Norman Baines and Mrs. Baines (Maude Campbell or Montana Girl), were with R. C. Carlyle's [sic Carlisle's] Wild West last season, 1917. Billboard, March 16, 1918, p. 26. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Charles Baird, steward, Whitney's Show, 1892. New York Clipper, July 23, 1892, p. 308. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Edward Baird, showman. "South Milford — Word was received here to-day that Miss Erma Baird was united In marriage to Mr. Arthur Howe in Bedford, Ill., Wednesday of last week. Miss Baird is about eighteen years of age and has always lived in South Milford. Mr. Howe is a New York man. Both are members of the Barlow show, which winters in South Milford, and they have been spending their winters in that town during recent years. They are respected highly by many friends In this vicinity." - 1908.(1) "Baird, Miss Edna, age 22(?), daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. Baird of South Milford, performer in her father's circus, known as the Barlow Brothers shows, died Friday at Macomb IL of typhoid fever." - 1909.(2) According to the 1900 census for Syracuse, Indiana, Edward Baird was a manager of a circus, wife Ella, daughters Edna and Erma. Edna was born circa 1886, Erma circa 1889. Arthur Howe and the Barlow Sisters, gymnastics, with Ginger the Clever Dog, vaudeville, 1917.(3) No information on Baird's ownership of Barlow shows. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for these persons.

1. Fort Wayne (IN) Journal-Gazette, July 15, 1908.
2. Fort Wayne (IN) Evening Sentinel, Tuesday, September 14, 1909.
3. Sheboygan (WI) Press, November 9, 1917.

George Baird, treasurer, Gregory & D’Alma’s, 1889. New York Clipper, August 3, 1889,p. 340. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Baker Troupe. Irene Hursberger, who worked with the Baker Troupe, bicycle act, writes that the Baker Troupe will open with the Barnum Show in the spring. Tony Martin and Buck Baker are in Washington, D.C. Billboard, February 2, 1918, p. 30. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Charles Baker, with his educated pig, sideshow, Rich & Downie United Shows, 1890. New York Clipper, June 7, 1890, p. 197. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Miss Baker. Miss Gray and Miss Baker, menage, Frank A. Robbins, 1907. Miss Gray, menage, Frank A. Robbins, 1908. Portsmouth (NH) Herald, June 6, 1907; Bandwagon, Nov-Dec, 2001, p. 34.; Bandwagon, Jan-Feb, 2002, p. 24. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Mr. Baker, show detective, John Robinson's, 1911. Alton (IL) Evening Telegram, May 11, 1911. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Johnny Baker, marksman, Buffalo Bill's Wild West, 1908.(1) Sharpshooter, Buffalo Bill's Wild West & Pawnee Bill's Far East.(2) "Birth: January 13, 1869, Death: April 22, 1931, Showman, Entertainer. Foster son of William 'Buffalo Bill' Cody. Although his parents never allowed Cody to officially adopt him, he nevertheless travelled, worked and studied with Buffalo Bill from the age of 7 years, after the death of Cody's natural son, Kit Carson, in 1876 at the age of 5. Under Cody's tutelage he became the sharpshooter star of 'Buffalo Bill's Wild West' show in the United States and Europe, and later was manager and booker worldwide for the show until Cody's death in 1917. He then founded the Buffalo Bill Memorial Museum. Burial: Mount Hope Cemetery, Rochester, Monroe County, New York, USA. Plot: Section I, Lot 149."(3) Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

1. Colorado Springs (Co) Gazette, August 17, 1908.
2. Fort Wayne (IN) Sentinel, June 21, 1909.
3. www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=6186.

Johnny Baker, 1918, Circus people now in the carnival business: Johnny Baker and wife, late of the John Robinson Shows, now with Washburn Shows. Billboard, June 8, 1918, p. 27.

Shorty Baker, boss canvasman, Trevino's Mexican Circus, 1890. New York Clipper, February 8, 1890, p. 791. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

William Baker, an old circus clown and variety actor, died suddenly on Monday at the residence of his son in St. Joseph, Mo. Marion Daily Star (Marion, OH), January 5, 1881, p. 1. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Barney Baldwin, broken neck man, sideshow, Washburn and Arlington’s Circus, 1891. New York Dramatic News, June 6, 1891, p. 10. New York Clipper, June 6, 1891, p. 215. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Tom Baldwin. Early 1880s, acrobatic act with Harry Potter. Baldwin afterwards became famous as the original parachute jumper. With Sells & Forepaugh, 1903. Ottumwa (IA) Daily Courier, July 27, 1903. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

William Bale, owner and performer. Operated the Bale Buckeye Circus for several years, toured a magic and illusion show for 17 years. Served as chairman of the Theatrical Arts Department, Ohio State University. Managed a magic shop in Finley, Ohio. Died May 23, 1980 at Columbus, Ohio, age 69. Circus Report, June 9, 1980, p. 14. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

R. G. Ball, contracting agent, Forepaugh's, 1904. Fitchburg (MA) Sentinel, April 9, 1904. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Ballatzer Sisters, Hagenbeck-Wallace. Surname may be misspelled. Anaconda (MT) Standard, June 19, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for these persons.

Gerald F. Bangs joined Ringling-Barnum in 1930 and was with this show for about 20 years, producing clown gags and features. Later worked on Shrine circuses. Died May 9, 1978 at Hanover, New Hampshire, age 74. Circus Report, June 12, 1978, p. 28. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

George Washington Banks, cook, Kilgore & Barber Bros.', 1899. Left stranded in June, but wife sent him money to return to Portsmouth, Ohio. Daily Times (Portsmouth, OH), Thursday, May 18, 1899, p. 8; June 13, 1899, p. 8. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

J. C. Banks, press agent, Sig Sautelle, 1900.(1) J. C. Banks, legal adjuster, Frank A. Robbins, 1904.(2) Information should be checked with additional sources

1. Naugatuck (CT) Daily News, July 28, 1900.
2. Bandwagon, Jul-Aug, 2001, p. 35.

Joseph Charles Banks, circus press agent and legal adjuster, died August 23 at his late residence and the remains were taken to his home town, Glens Falls, N.Y. for interment. In 1895 he was press agent with the Sig. Sautelle Wagon Show. When Sautelle sold his show to Joseph T. McCaddon, Banks went with the Sells-Downs Show where he was legal adjuster. Later he was press agent and legal adjuster for the Leon W. Washburn Shows and other tented enterprises. Last winter he was advance agent for a burlesque troupe. This summer he undertook the management of Finn's Overland Shows, a carnival. He was city editor of The Glens Falls Post-Star and at various times editor of The Evening Standard in Troy, N.Y. and in Lynn, Mass. He was survived by his wife, one daughter, his father and mother, one brother, Sam J. Banks, circus press agent and fixer, and a married sister. Billboard, September 14, 1918, pp. 55, 62. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

J. G. Banks, manager, Leon Washburn's Circus, 1908. May be J. C. Banks. Middletown (NY) Daily Times-Press, July 24, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Sam J. Banks at liberty. Owing to a change in plans, I am open for an engagement as adjuster, local contractor, press agent, etc. Seventeen years' experience in executive capabilities with shows such as Howe's Great London, Sanger's, Kit Carson's Buffalo Ranch Wild West, Frank A. Robbins. Address Glens Falls, Warren County, New York. [Advertisement] Billboard, February 16, 1918, p. 32. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Bonnie Banta & Son [Bonnie Bonta]

I'm her granddaughter and thought you might want to know that the last name is Bonta (with an O). The 43' "Bill" is indeed incorrect, and it should have been Phil. - from Athena Philips

1943 Shrine Circus, Winnipeg, Canada, 1943, Bill [sic Phil] and Bonnie Banta. Billboard, May 29, 1943, p. 46.

1947 Ringling Barnum Circus, Milwaukee, August 11, 12, 1947, and Freeport, Illinois, August 14, 1947. No. 6851 Miss Cybas, high bicycle act, and Bonnie Banta, perch, all new acts on the show this season. The show played the lake front lot in Milwaukee. Braathen Photo Album, Milner Library, Illinois State University.

1952 Hollywood Circus Corporation show, Phil and Bonnie Banta's perch act and Phil's new unicycle juggling. Billboard, November 8, 1952, pp. 70, 84.

1955 Nat Lewis Circus, 1955, Phil and Bonnie Banta. Billboard, June 18, 1955, p. 58.

1954 Hunt Bros. Circus, Phil and Bonnie Banta, perch. Billboard, May 8, 1954, p. 56.

1965: Sells & Gray Circus, Phil and Bonnie Banta, clowns. online, dick-dykes.blogspot.com

Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Buddy Banvard, in private life Frederick H. Horiacher, formerly a member of the Six Flying Banvards, died in Denver, of tuberculosis, November 13. Billboard, December 28, 1918, p. 58. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Flying Banvards, family of four, Forepaugh-Sells, 1904, said to be first time in this country.(1) Banvards with Sells & Downs 1905, flying trapeze and strong arm acts, three men, two women and a 14 year old boy.(2) Charles Banvard Troupe, aerialists, Norris & Rowe, 1907.(3) Four Flying Banvards, two men and two women (another source states six in number), Norris & Rowe, 1909.(4) Six Flying Banyards, trapeze, recently at Hippodrome, London, (1911) Miss Maudie Banyard, Miss Dora Banvard and four male members.(5) Flying Banvards, aerialists, well known to circus goers, two girls, Banvard sisters, short vaudeville tour, 1913.(6) Vaudeville, 1905 - Banvard sisters, trapeze. Have accepted offer with Norris and Rowe.(7) Name sometimes spelled Banyard. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for these persons.

1. Atlanta (GA) Constitution, October 16, 1904.
2. Newark (OH) Advocate, Augut 8, 1905.
3. Woodland (CA) Daily Democrat, April 9. 1907; Manitoba (Winnipeg, Canada) Morning Free Press, August 1, 1907.
4. Marshfield (WI) Times, June 30, 1909; Lethbridge (Alberta, Canada) Herald, June 2, 1909.
5. Oakland (CA) Tribune, March 26, 1911.
6. Waterloo (IA) Reporter, September 27, 1913.
7. Oakland (CA) Tribune, April 7, 1905.

Vander Barbette was a famous trapeze performer in the 1920s-30s. In later years he produced productions and aerial numbers for Cole Bros. and Polack Bros. and for several circus films. Died August 5, 1973 at Austin, Texas, age 68. Circus Report, August 27, 1973, p. 7. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Fred Barclay. Late of Australia, Fred Barclay, bareback somersault principal rider, will terminate his present engagement with "Old" John Robinson on or about March 10(?), is at liberty to arrange for season of 1878. Address Gibson House, Cincinnati, O. [Advertisement] New York Clipper, February 2, 1878, p. 360. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Baritine Trio, gymanasts, Great Floto Shows, 1904. Oakland (CA) Tribune, April 30, 1904. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

W. A. Barker, ring master with the M. L. Clark Show, was shot and killed at at North Little Rock, June 8 [1903]. He was shot about _ o'clock at night, and carried to the hospital, where he lived about three hours. His body was sent to Alexandria, La., by request of his wife, and was buried at Pineville, La., Mr. Barker had been connected with the Clark Show for six or eight years. He was forty-two years of age, and leaves a wife and three children. New York Clipper, July 4, 1903, p. 441. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

George Barnaby was a clown, touring with Ringling-Barnum and a number of other shows. Died 1985 at Sarasota, Florida, age 74. Circus Report, August 26, 1985, p. 17. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

George Barnard, contortion, tumbler, Hunt Bros. Circus, 1892. "Eastern Fans to Meet with Hunt Show at Opening of 50th Year," White Tops, Vol. 15, Nos. 3-4 (Feb-Mar), 1941, p. 3. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Al G. Barnes. . . . The Billboard of August 1, 1931, right after Mr. Barnes' death occurred: "In the death of Al G. Barnes, who passed away after an illness of seven months, July 25, on the Robeson Ranch, near Indo, California, the outdoor show world suffered the loss of one of the ablest producers and managers known to the circus in America. He had passed his 68th year.
    "Up to the time of the absorption of the big show carrying the Barnes banner, with others of the American Circus Corporation group by John Ringling, he was conspicuously active, personally managing and directing his various interests in the amusement world. Barnes sold his circus two years ago and retired to his home in Los Angeles.
    "Al G. Barnes for many years operated on the Pacific Coast and confined his activities almost exclusively to the territory west of the Rocky Mountains. His career as a showman was spectacular. His success was attributed by those who knew him most intimately to his fine business acumen, his resourcefulness, keen foresight and faculty for overcoming every obstacle he encountered. Ill-health overtaking him, he sought rest and restoration of his physical powers amid the quiet and seclusion of the desert. Pneumonia, with complications, hastened the end of his career. "At his bedside when he passed on was his third wife, Margaret Goldsboro Barnes, whom he married only last December in Phoenix, Ariz. His first wife, Mrs. Dollie Barnes, and his second, Mrs. Jane Barnes, also survive. By his second wife, Barnes was the father of three children - two girls and a boy. A sister is the only other immediate relative surviving.
    "Altho the public knew him as the owner of the Al G. Barnes Circus for 35 years, he was christened at his birth in Lobo, Ont., Alpheus George Barnes Stonehouse. His early days were spent on a farm. With Dolly Barlow, whom he later married, he started a wagon show at Glenwood Springs in 1859, financing it with $2,700 raised by selling his farm. This show consisted of a squeaky phonograph, a pony and a picture machine, but it formed the nucleus of the big circus which he sold in 1929 for more than $1,000,000." Circus Scrap Book, No. 14 (Apr), 1932, pp. 44-45.
    "The well-known circus owner of the Pacific coast, Al G. Barnes, died July 25, at his ranch in Indio, California. He was 68 years of age. He had been ill for most of the past year, pneumonia and complications being given as the cause. His right name was Alpheus George Barnes Stonehouse. He was born in Lobo, Ontario, Canada, September 1, 1862. He was married three times and is survived by all three, Mrs. Dollie Barnes, Mrs. Jane Barnes, and Mrs. Margaret Goldsboro Barnes who at his death was at his bedside, he having married her last December. Two daughters and a son by his second wife also survive. He also has a sister, Mrs. Lydia Bishop. His circus career was spectacular. He built up a well known circus and wild animals show in which he introduced no few novelties and original stunts, many of which are now incorporated in other shows. With Dolly Barlow, who later became his first wife, he started a small wagon show in Glenwood Springs, Calif., in 1895. A pony and picture machine, then new, featured that show. His boyhood was spent on a farm. He built it up to as large as a thirty car railroad show. For the most part he always operated in the West but ten or so years ago he ventured across the Mississippi River and played the East. In January, 1929, he sold out to the American Circus Corporation. In September that year they in turn included the Barnes circus with the others that they sold to John Ringling. Ringling now operates the Barnes title. Barnes took part in his own shows up to the time he sold out. He appeared in opening on "Tusko", the huge elephant he featured. White Tops, September, 1931. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Harold Barnes, wire-walker, 1941. Descends from a circus family, first instruction started at age four, began performing at age seven. "Boy Who Walks "The Straight and Narrow Path," White Tops, Vol. 14, Nos. 4-5 (Feb-Mar), 1941, pp. 15-16. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Roger Barnes was a partner in the Beers-Barnes Circus starting in 1934 until the show closed in 1966. Died in September 1975 in Florida, age 79. Circus Report, October 13, 1975, p. 14. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Chester Barnett, "Bobo," joined Sells-Floto in 1920. He started as a white faced clown, later was a tramp clown. He trained dogs as part of his act He made his entrance in a tiny car, along with dogs, a suitcase and a live skunk. Was with a number of circuses. Died February 18, 1985 at Lovington, Illinois, age 74. Circus Report, March 18, 1985, p. 10. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

E. D. Barnum, boss canvasman, W. B. Reynolds' Circus, 1894, 1895. “W. B. Reynolds Circus,” George L. Chindahl, White Tops, Vol. 23, Nos. 7-8 (Jul-Aug), 1950, p. 8; New York Clipper, February 10, 1894, p. 793. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Evelyn Irene Baronet (Reji) was an acrobat and aerial performer starting at age 12. She did acrobatics 100 feet off the ground and featured a head stand on a sway pole. She retired in 1956. Died September 12, 1987 at Cranston, Rhode Island, age 65. Circus Report, October 5, 1987, p. 10. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Arthur Barrett was a concession manager with the original Polack Bros. Circus, later with the Tarzan Zerbini Circus. Died January 5, 1989 at Sylmar, California, age 73. Circus Report, January 30, 1989, p. 26. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Charles D. Barrett, boss canvasman, Gollmar Bros.', 1891, 1892. New York Clipper, June 13, 1891, p. 231; September 10, 1892, p. 422. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Roy Barrett is at Jacksonville, Fla., will play vaudeville until the opening of the Barnum & Bailey Shows. Billboard, January 26, 1918, p. 31. 1918: Roy Barrett has not worked a bit this winter. Since leaving the Sun Bros.' Circus, December 31, he has been at Jacksonville, Fla. Roy goes with the Barnum & Bailey Show this year. Billboard, March 16, 1918, p. 29. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

S. H. Barrett, general agent of the Forepaugh-Sells Showd, died at the United States Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts, May 16, 1900. His death was due to exhaustion, following a long siege of typhoid-pneumonia. His wife and her brother, Mr. Peter Sells, were with him when he died. His wife is the sister of Peter and Lewis Sells, his children - Lewis Sells Barrett, and Sheldon. Billboard, May 28, 1900, p. 5.

Sheldon Hopkins Barrett was born November 9, 1845, at Albion, N.Y., and removed with his parents to Cleveland, Ohio, in 1855. Here they became neighbors of the Sells family, the head of whom (the father of the Sells brothers) and the elder Barrett became fast friends. Young Barrett and the three younger Sells Brothers (Allen, Lewis and Peter), went to public school together and were playmates.
       When the Woodward avenue street railway was established as the first street car line in Cleveland, Ohio, S. H. Barrett, Lewis and Peter Sells were employed as conductors. After nearly three years of this sort of service, Mr. Barrett was taken into the office of the company and became the cashier, which position he continued to hold until 1880. Several years previously the Sells Brothers had removed to Columbus, Ohio, and in 1872 they began their career as showmen, putting a wagon show under their name.
       In 1878, the bought the majority of the property of the Montgomery Queen Circus which was sold at Louisville, Ky., and converted the Sells Brothers’ Show into a railroad show.
       They sent out also their old wagon show, to which other property was added, under the name and direction of James A. Anderson, of Columbus.
       In 1880, Mr. Anderson retired from the management of the show, and the Sells Brothers then induced Mr. Barrett to resign his position with the railroad company in Cleveland, and assume the management of the Anderson show, which was changed from a wagon show into a railroad show and became known as the S. H. Barrett and Co. Show.
       Charles Castle had been engaged as general agent for this venture, but he was taken ill immediately prior to the starting out of the show in the season of 1880. Mr. Eugene A. Weller, a well-known agent was appointed car manager and did good service with the company. The writer was also associated with Mr. Weller as his general assistant, having held a similar position under Weller with the Montgomery Queen Shows (which was the writer’s first experience, actively, in the circus business, 1878.)
       Mr. Barrett never having had any experience in the show business, assumed charge of the advance, and although the show continued under his direction for a period of six years, he always remained in advance of it.
       His success and natural ability as general agent was made clearly manifest under the circumstances.
       In the spring of 1888, the Sells Brothers and S. H. Barrett Shows were merged into one, and Mr. Barrett became the general agent for them (which in 1896 were further combined with the Adam Forepaugh Show), which position he held until his death.
       Mr. Barrett, at the time of his death, was a member of the York Lodge of Master Masons and the Webb Chapter, Royal Arch Masons of Cleveland, a charter member of the Aladdin Temple of the Mystic Shrine, and a charter member of the new Consistory of Knights Templars, Columbus, and was also a member of the Scottish Rite Masonry.
       In 1869, he was united in marriage with Miss Rebecca F. Sells, a sister of the Sells Brothers, who, with two sons, survives him.
       Mr. Barrett died May 16, 1900, at the United States Hotel, Boston, Mass., from typhoid pneumonia. His remains were embalmed and taken to his home in Columbus, Ohio, for interment. This ended the worthy career of one more of nature’s noblemen. From Billboard, October 22, 1910, p. 20. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Theodore R. Barretta, clown, W. F. Kirkhart's Circus, 1893; W. C. Clark's Circus, 1896. New York Clipper, November 4, 1893, p. 561; November 14, 1896, p. 587. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Marcos Manual Barrigan, "Zapatta,"clown. First worked in concessions on Ringling-Barnum, then attended Clown College, graduating in 1969. Worked with Ringling-Barnum, Circus Vargas, American Continental and Circo Tihany. His grandfather, Marcos Droughett was a clown with the Ringling Circus, his father a cloud swing aerialist with Ringling and Cristiani circuses. Died July 13, 1980 at Los Angeles, age 30, from a rare blood disease. Circus Report, August 11, 1980, p. 18A. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Joe Barris(?), animal trainer, Yankee Robinson's. Des Moines (IA) News, March 25, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

John Barry died of influenza in New Orleans, December 30. He was buried in St. Louis Cemetery by fellow showfolks. He was at different times with the Walter L. Main Shows, Kit Carson and Howe's Great London Shows. Billboard, February 22, 1919, p. 82. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

C. Bartholomew, balloon ascensions, parachute jumps, Holland, Bowman & McLaughlin's, 1890. New York Clipper, March 8, 1890, p. 861; May 17, 1890, p. 155; May 24, 1890, p. 167. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Bartie Troupe, Sells-Floto, 1909. Daily Press (Sheboygan, WI), August 4, 1909; Yuma (AZ) Examiner, April 16 & 17, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for these persons.

H. A. Bartlett (Bartlett Family, sharpshooters), fancy rifle shooting, Allen & Co.'s Great Eastern, 1891; Sparks & Allen, 1891; Gregory & Belford, 1892 (Capt. Bartlett's Wild West); Geo. Cole's, 1893. New York Clipper, May 2, 1891, p. 135; May 9, 1891, p. 150; July 25, 1891, p. 328; March 26, 1892, p. 34; June 18, 1892, p. 228; July 29, 1893, p. 328. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for these persons.

Les A. Bartlett, musician and calliope player, trouped with shows for about 50 years.Was with Sells-Floto and a number of railroad circuses. In later years was with King Bros., Cristiani, and Wallace Bros. Died June 25, 1979 at Wichita, Kansas, age 93. Circus Report, August 6, 1979, p. 14. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Betty J. Bartok was co-owner, with her husband Milton, of Circus Bartok. She was co-owner and co-founder of the Bardex Radio Minstrels and daughter of T. C. Jacobs, owner of Jadex Minstrel Medicine Show. Betty died December 26, 1977 at Casa Grande, Arizona, age 58. Circus Report, February 13, 1978, p. 14. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Milton Bartok, owner of the Bardex Minstrels and Circus Bartok. Died on August 8, 1980 at Sarasota, Florida, age 71. Circus Report, September 22, 1980, p. 8. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

John A. Barton.

    John Barton, privileges with Bunk Allen, Sells-Gray, 1900. Billboard, May 21, 1900.

    1903: The Luella-Forepaugh-Fish Wild West Show was bought at the receiver's sale in Janesville, Wis., by Mr. Walker, president of the Erie Printing Company of Erie, Pa., who has leased the show to John A. Barton. The wild west will reopen at Appleton, Wis., Agu. 4, under the management of Harry W. Semon. The consideration is reported at $12,510. Billboard, August 8, 1903, p. 9.

    1905: John A. Barton, privileges, with the Sig. Sautelle and Welsh Brothers Combined Shows this season. Billboard, February 18, 1905.

    1911: John A. Barton, manager of privileges with the Famous Robinson Shows, has taken steps to incorporate a company, composed of T. S. Tucker, Jno. Wilmert and himself, to build circus wagons. It will be known as the Hudad Wagon Company. Arrangements are being made to erect a plant at Quincy, Ill. Billboard, April 8, 1911, p. 24.

    1915: [Barton & Bailey Shows] John A. Barton. Harry Bailey, Thos. F. Wiedemann and Mike Kahn will launch a twenty car circus from Lancaster, Mo., opening Saturday, April 24. They will carry a menagerie, consisting of seven performing elephants, six camels and fourteen cages of animals, including two performing dens. Wild West acts will be used in the big show and concert, for which they will carry cowboys, cowgirls, Cossacks and Indians. Wm. P. Hall, of Lancaster. has scouts out now purchasing sixty head of baggage horses for the show. Mr. Wiedemann will manage the show, Mr. Bailey will act as assistant. Mr. Barton will handle the privileges and Mr. Kahn will act as purchasing agent. Billboard, February 27, 1915, p. 56.

    1921: John A. Barton died at his home at Hot Springs, Arkansas, December 10 [1921]. He first became associated with the circus world in 1876. In 1920 he was with the Johnny J. Jones Exposition Shows. He made large investments in real estate in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He is survived by his widow and two brothers and three sisters. Billboard, December 17, 1921, p. 102.

    1921: John A. Barton was financially interested in the Barton & Bailey Show, Harry Bailey was a partner in the enterprise. Barton was financially interested in the Lulu Forepaugh-Fish Show, the Barton & Bailey Show, and the Wyoming Bill Show. His connection with the privileges dates back to when he put a privilege car on the Frank A. Robbins Show. His career in show business dates back to 1876. Billboard, December 24, 1921, p. 98.

Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Sam Barton, clown, John H. Sparks Shows.(1) There was a Sam Barton, comedy bicycle rider, vaudeville, 1911.(2) Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

1. Gettysburg (PA) Times, June 21, 1909.
2. Washington (DC) Post, January 8, 1911.

Charles Bartlow, assistant elephant keeper, killed by elephant at Ingersoll Park, Des Moines, IA, winter quarters of Yankee Robinson Circus. Had been with the circus for five years. Des Moines (IA), Capital, April 10, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Flying Barvards or Bovards, aerial bars, Cole Bros., 1909. Warren (PA) Evening Mirror, May 18, 1909; Daily Independent (Monessen, PA), April 28, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for these persons.

Joseph Bassett. Circus Man Killed. Wagon Tipped Over Near Castleton and Crushed Him to Death. Joseph Bassett, of Webster, Mass., was instantly killed early Saturday morning about a mile and a half from Castleton. He was employed by Sig-Sautelle, who owns a one ring circus, which appeared at Philmont and Chatham last week. The circus showed at Castleton Friday. Bassett was laid off the day before, but asked permission to accompany the show to Albany, where he said he thought he could secure work, and Sautelle granted his request. The circus left Castleton late in the night for Rensselaer, where it showed Saturday. Bassett was asleep on the top of one of the reserved seat wagons. About a mile from Castleton the road turns abruptly and is very narrow. When the wagon made the turn it turned right over and went into the gully, horses and all, the wagon burying Bassett. The driver, a Frenchman named DuShon, sustained a broken wrist. A man was dispatched to Castleton for a doctor. When he arrived he found Bassett dead. The horses were badly cut and the wagon demolished. Daily Register (Hudson, NY), Friday, Sept. 23, 1898. Information should be checked with additional sources - Contributed by Sherwin Miller. Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

W. H. Batcheller, the great leaper, entered the circus business in 1867, being at that time an apprentice of George H. Batcheller. Mike Lippman's was the first show with which he became identified, and it closed in Philadelphia. The same season Mr. Batcheller was engaged at the corner of Tenth and Callowhill streets in that city. In 1866 he went West with Forepaugh’s Show, but left in the middle of the season in Indianapolis, Ind., to join Col. C. F. Ames, with whom he continued the following season, closing in New Orleans. In 1870 he engaged with C. W. Noyes, who went as far as Houston, Texas, where the show collapsed. Batcheller then joined the McKnight or John W. Robinson Show, with which organization he remained only a short time, leaving it to join W. W. Cole, with whom he remained until Jan. 12, 1873. Next he was engaged with L. B. Lent’s New York Circus, terminating the season in Atlanta, Ga. In 1874 W. W. Cole again engaged him for the whole of the subsequent season. The campaign of 1876 he served with Howe’s Great London Show, and in 1877 returned to W. W. Cole. The latter allowed him to terminate his engagement in time to make the Australian tour with Cooper & Bailey, which party he remained with until they arrived at Auckland, New Zealand. Returning to the United States, he rejoined W. W. Cole in 1878, in St. Paul, Minn. After the close of that season he accepted an engagement from the Orrins for a season in Cuba. He joined Cooper & Bailey for 1879 and 1880. In 1881 the Barnum and London Shows were united, and Batcheller was included in the combination. For the coming season he has contracted with the United States Circus Co., Myers and Short proprietors. Clipper, February 11, 1882, p. 1. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

LeRoy Bates, an old trouper, formerly with Hagenbeck-Wallace Shows, is now at Quincy, Ill., where he is a jazz drummer at the Gem Theater. Billboard, February 2, 1918, p. 32. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Theodore H. Bauer, press agent, Hagenbeck Animal Circus, 1905.(1) This may be the same Theodore Bauer: now assistant manager of the Claridge, New York City (1915). At one time was with Barnum & Bailey.(2) Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

1. Coshocton (OH) Daily Age, February 18, 1905.
2. Raleigh Herald (Beckley, WV), June 11, 1915.

I. G. Baughman, aerial artist, "walked the ceiling with the ease of a fly." Kilgore & Barber, 1899. Daily Times (Portsmouth, OH), April 28, 1899, p. 7; Monday, May 29, 1899, p. 3; June 19, 1899, p. 7; August 30, 1899, p. 6. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Wesley S. Baum, tattooed man, performed with wife Miss Lulu, tattooed lady, and their tattooed dog, Nellie Bly. Terrell Bros., 1891; Gollmar Bros., 1892. New York Clipper, May 9, 1891, p. 155; May 16, 1891, p. 167; February 27, 1892, p. 843. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Nellie Dutton Bausman was a life long circus performer and appeared as a rider on many shows, including the Dutton Shows. Died April 15, 1974 at Brandon, Florida, age 85. Circus Report, May 13, 1974, p. 9. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

W. A. Baxter, general agent, Allen & Co.'s Great Eastern Shows, 1891. New York Clipper, May 2, 1891, p. 135. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Geo. E. Bazinet is on his way to the front with the Canadian Expeditionary Forces. Bazinet was with the Al G. Barnes Circus for six consecutive years and with the C. A. Wortham Shows last season. Billboard, June 29, 1918, p. 27. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Note: my fathers name was George Edward Bazinet and died in 1958 at the age of 42. I'm looking for information on the Circus he mentioned that his family had. I'm his daughter Cheryl K. Bazinet. Please e-mail me on "ladymoonstruck@aol.com. Thank You for any information

James Mortimer Beach, circus contracting agent, arrived at his home in Seneca Falls, N.Y. Billboard, January 19, 1918, p. 29. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

The Bealls, strong act with the Walter L. Main show, 1918, after closing the season with that attraction, have opened their home in Philadelphia, where they will rest until after the holidays. Billboard, November 9, 1918, p. 32. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Foster Beam, advance, Hagenbeck-Wallace. Waterloo (IA) Semi Weekly Courier, May 21, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

George Bean, superintendent baggage stock, Hurlburt & Leftwich, 1894. New York Clipper, May 19, 1894, p. 164. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Edward Beard, advance, Howard, Slentz & Belford's, 1893. New York Clipper, July 29, 1893, p. 328. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Joe Beauford, age 34, died June 11 in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. He was waiting the arrival of the John Robinson Circus when death overtook him. Internment was at Poughkeepsie. He is survived by a widow, who is a member of the Robinson Circus. Billboard, June 22, 1918, p. 66. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Louis Beauvais, one armed gymnast, back bending, posturing, trick tumbling, head and hand balancing, wire act, Chas. Lee's Great London, 1890-1893. New York Clipper, July 19, 1890, p. 304; December 19, 1891, p. 683; September 24, 1892, p. 456; October 8, 1892, p. 488; January 28, 1893, p. 755; September 30, 1893, p. 483. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Al Beck, in charge of menagerie, Bruce L. Baldwin's, 1894. New York Clipper, April 21, 1894, p. 103. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Chris Beck, advance, F. J. Taylor's, 1893. New York Clipper, August 12, 1893, p. 362. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Ben Beckley, cowboy, Campbell Bros. Brownsville (TX) Daily Herald, November 29, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

George Beckley, boss bill poster, Welsh Bros., 1900. Billboard, June 30, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

George B. Beckley, veteran agent and circus man, is in Harrisburg, Pa., recovering from an illness of over three years' duration. He is at present paralyzed in both legs, unable to walk. He is well known among circus and outdoor amusement people. For years he was associtated with Welsh Bros. He was also with Wyoming Bill as car manager, and his last engagement was with Jones Bros. & Wilson's Circus. In his early days he was with the Barnum & Bailey Circus, and toured Europe with that organization. He was a minstrel agent and business manager for the Great Lafayette. He is in straitened financial condition, an inmate of the Dauphin County poorhouse at Harrisburg. Billboard, June 1, 1918, p. 62. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Fred Beckman, owner, age 87, died October 17, 1941 at Shreveport, Louisiana after a fall in his private car. Born Oskaloosa, Iowa, 1854, left home at age fourteen for employment in the circus. With W. W. Cole Circus, later agent for Barnum & Bailey Circus. Then eighteen years as manager of Wild West shows, including the 101 Ranch Wild West and Arlington & Beckmann Shows. Then joined with Ed Heinz in Heinz & Beckmann Shows, but partnership ended after the first season. Went with World at Homes Shows 1916-17, C. A. Wortham 1918. Beckmann, Barney S. Gerety and George E. Robinson purchased Wortham's unit, leased the title, and put out Wortham's World's Best Shows. In 1923, Beckmann and Gerety founded Geckmann & Gerety Shows. Was Chairman of the Board, Amusement Corporation of America until his death. Buried at Showman's Rest, Woodlawn Cemetery, Chicago. "Fred Beckman," White Tops, Vol. 14, No. 12 (Oct-Nov), 1941, p. 2. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

George A. Bedee, advance manager, F. J. Taylor's, 1893, 1894. New York Clipper, August 12, 1893, p. 362; August 19, 1893, p. 378; April 21, 1894, p. 102. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Miss Mary Bedina, equestrienne, Hagenbeck-Wallace. Newark (OH) Daily Advocate, April 30, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Bedinis, riders, Hippodrome, New York City, Bedini family, riders, Ringling, 1908.(1) Bedinis, Sells-Floto, 1911.(2) Also, Draper, John, "Equestrian Bedini Family," Bandwagon, 35, No. 5 (Sep-Oct), 1991. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for these persons.

1. Salt Lake (UT) Tribune, February 23, 1908; Evening Tribune (Marysville, OH), April 23, 1908.
2. Oakland (CA) Tribune, April 28 & 30, 1911.

Flora Bedini, equestrienne, Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1908, had just arrived in this country from Europe less than two weeks ago.(1) Flora, rider, ringmaster, Sells-Floto, 1909.(2) Equestrienne, Sells-Floto, 1910. (3) Equestrienne, Sparks World Famous Shows, 1918.(4) Flora married Walter Guice, she died in 1950.(5) According to the ship list, the Bedinis sailed from Southamton, February 21, 1903, arrived March 4, 1903. They were listed as circus artists, passage paid by Barnum & Bailey: Flora, age 17, English; Victor, age 35, Italian; Adelaide, age 29, English; Victoria, age 16, English. An Adelle (Addie) Hodgini (sister of Albert Hodgini Sr.) married Sir Victor Bedini had children Victoria (married Joe Coyle a clown) and Flora both were riders.(6) Madame and Victor Bedini have private training quarters with lighted arena and tan bark ring.(7) In the 1920 census, Aurora, Kane County, Illinois: Victor Bedini, age 52, born Italy, circus performer, immigrated 1905; Addie Bedini, wife, age 48, born Scotland, circus performer, immigrated 1905. 1930 census, Aurora, Kane County, Illinois: Victor Bedini, age 62, born Italy, horse trainer, immigrated 1903; Adey Bedini, wife, age 74, born Scotland, horse rider, immigrated 1903. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

1. Newark (OH) Advocate, May 8, 1908.
2. Yuma (AZ) Examiner, April 16 & 17, 1909; Anaconda (MT) Standard, June 24, 1909.
3. Eau Claire (WI) Sunday Leader, July 31, 1910.
4. Grand Rapids (WI) Tribune, August 1, 1918.
5. Taber, Bob, "Walter Guice," Bandwagon, Vol. 7, No. 2 (Mar-Apr), 1963, pp. 10-11. Online at www.circushistory.org/Bandwagon/bw-1963Mar.htm.
6. http://marinahodgini.com/5.shtml
7. Sheboygan (WI) Press-Telegram, July 14, 1924.

W. H. Bedwards, advertising department, Forepaugh-Sells, 1905. A resident of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Fort Wayne (IN) Journal-Gazette, March 28, 1905. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

David Beebe [Beehe?], at one time a well known circus man, committed suicide last week [1905] at his ome in Somers, Westchester Co., N.Y., by shooting himself. Continued illness, it is believed, caused him to end his life. Mr. Beebe was about sixty years old. In the early seventies he owned a small circus and traveled all over the United States. When he gave up the show business he started in selling hats in the country districts. New York Clipper, December 16, 1905, p. 1101. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Bobby Beech is the senior member of the firm of Beech & Bowers, and his fame as a minstrel performer and manager of minstrel enterprises is identical with that of Mr. Bowers. Mr. Beech originated the idea of organizing a minstrel company to take the place of the old-time circus concert. The character of the performance given by Mr. Beech and Mr. Bowers in this connection under the canvas of the Ringling Brothers, together with the novel ideas introduced by them into its composition, show that his ideas were well founded and equally well sustained in their execution. Bobby Beech has been in the minstrel profession a great many years and is a veteran whose specialties show the artistic finish resulting from years of experience and natural capabilities. Offical Route Book of Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Railroad Shows, Season of 1893, Buffalo, NY: Courier Co., 1893. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Dick Beemer, general contracting agent, Irvin & Son's, 1894. New York Clipper, June 23, 1894, p. 245. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

John Beers, contortionist, French's New Sensation, ca. 1891. Possibly with Harris' Nickel Plate Shows, 1890. New York Clipper, December 27, 1890, p. 661. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Raymond Behee was a member of the Aerial Behees with the Christ & Howe, Al G. Barnes and other circuses in the 1920s-1930s. Died February 2, 1981, age 74. Circus Report, February 23, 1981, p. 27. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Nita Belew (Irish) married Marritt Belew, circus horse trainer and they worked with Christy Bros. Circus for many years. Died October 2, 1979 at Phoenix, Arizona, age 86. Circus Report, November 12, 1979, p. 18. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Al G. Belford and Mazie Belford have signed with Frank A. Robbins' Circus for the coming season, 1906. New York Clipper, March 17, 1906, p. 114. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for these persons.

Belfords, seven in number, Norris & Rowe, 1909.(11) 1909: "More than ordinary interest attaches to the appearance of the Belford troupe of acrobats, now headlining the most expensive vaudeville bill ever given at the Temple theater, from the fact that the Belford aggregation is a northern Indiana product, and is proud of it. Waterloo is the home of the Belfords when they are not touring the country with the Ringling circus or playing vaudeville between seasons, and member of the troupe declare that playing Fort Wayne is like appearing among friends. And if the Belfords are proud of it, northern Indiana should be prouder, for this interesting group is really the premier acrobatic act of the country today. There is none better, and the fact that for four seasons the Belfords have been the stellar acrabatic feature of the great Ringling circus demonstrated the professional standing of the artists. The Belfords were with the circus when it appeared in Fort Wayne last summer. They are engaged for next season, opening early next spring, and the following year will undoubtedly take them to Europe. It's an interesting group - that bunch of seven - and all but two of them are Belfords. At the head is George Belford, who has been in the business thirty-five years - though he doesn't look it. He started as a circus rider when a mere boy with the Thayer-Noyes circus, when Alf Ringling, now one of the owners of the big circus, was playing a cornet in the little circus band. Belford soon discovered that riding was not to his taste, while acrobatic work appealed to him. He had talent in that direction and soon developed into a career that has been uniformly successful. He quickly reached the altitude of a top-notcher. and stayed there.
      "Then there is the qaurtet of boy Belfords - Webster, Dalbert, Arthur and Lester - all of them bright, quick-witted, versatile and enthusiastic, and all of them are destined to be acrobatic stars. All of them are Hoosiers save Lester - the smaller lad with the sunkissed hair. He is a native of Petaluma, Calif., the son of a widow there. George Belford came upon him four years ago, adopted him into the family, and the closest sort of attachment prevails in the circle, both socially and professionally. The two remaining members of the troupe are Bruce Sinclair, also from Waterloo, and Jack Wilhelm, whose home is but a short distance across the Ohio state line, so that he narrowly escaped being a Hoosier, also. During the long summer tour of the circus, Mrs. Belford travels in the special car with her husband to give motherly care to her boys, and despite the environment and the constant travel, the Belfords have a great deal of genuine home life, and the education of the boys is carefully looked after by a private tutor. Mrs. Belford, with a company of friends from Waterloo, is coming this week to see the act at the Temple.
      "When the circus season closes, the Belfords return each year to Waterloo. Here Mr. Belford has purchased an old building, formerly used as a brewery, and has fitted it up as a gymnasium. After a brief rest the troupe begins rehearsals and practice of new acts for the folIowing season - for the public constantly expects new acts - and there must be progress if one is to remain at the top of the profession. The appearance in Fort Wayne Monday was the first performance of the Belfords since the circus season closed last fall, and their work here embraces much that Is now being given to the public for the first time. While the work in vaudeville is enjoyed - and the Belfords always have more vaudeville time offered than they can fill - the members admit that they feel more at home in the sawdust ring beneath the 'big-top' of the circus and are anxious for the opening of the season. The Belfords give the fastest act known to the acrobatic profession. It is of but eight minutes duration, yet in that time a total of from seventy to seventy-five tricks are performed, so one can get something of an idea of the tremendous speed at which the performers work. In the program, also, are many stunts done by no other company. The feet-posturing is entirely original with Mr. Belford, and many of the other difficult and sensational stunts are attempted by no other company in the profession. Absolute genius, supplemented by tireless energy and persevering effort, has won for George Belford and his wonderful company of Hoosier lads the top-notch place in the profession."(2)
      "Kendallville, Ind., Nov. 30 [1910] - 'Don't let 'em kid you about this actors' colony,' said George Belford of the Seven Belford Brothers, famous circus acrobats, whose home is near Waterloo, when asked about his plans of starting an actor's colony on his farm recently purchased one mile north of Kendallville. 'That's good press dope, all right.' continued Belford, 'and somebody certainly started something when that story was put up, but, take it from me, that as far as I know now, all I'm going to do is to build a nice home on the farm for me and my wife and the boys, to stay when we want to 'lay off.' I may put up a training barn, but that's all I've got in mind now.' Mr. Belford was here with Ab Kelly of Waterloo and together they fixed up the final details of the deal whereby he becomes the owner of the additional twenty-two acres of the Frank Swanders farm, making a total of 122 acres that he now owns. He had just come from New York, where he and his company of acrobats had played a successful engagement at the Colonial theater. He was in a hurry to get back, as next week they open an engagement at Philadelphia."(3)
      1911: "While the Seven Belfords are giving their wonderful acrobatic performance as a farmer, Br Belford, as a theoreti-theatre this week, the eyes of the seven are figuratively turned northward toward a 160-acre farm near Kendallvllle, where, beginning next week, George Belford and his six marvelous boys will go into camp to rusticate and get close to nature after a strenuous season in vaudeville that began early last fall and has continued without a break until the present. The Belford troupe is a northern Indiana organization and is well remembered in Fort Wayne from its appearance at the Temple two years ago, as well as for prior performances here with the Ringling circus. The back-to-nature stunt on the farm, however, is new. Mr. Belford, whose home Is at Waterloo, purchased the farm near Kendallville last summer. It will be his permanent home when he finally retires from the world of acrobatics, and next to his wife and his boys it is the joy of his heart. While making no pretensions to practical skill as a farmer, Mr Belford, as a theoretical agriculturist, is planning his plowing and sowing and reaping with a touch of an artist. Anyhow he and his boys are going to have a lot of fun and some genuine relaxation as they dally with the soil, and money making is a secondary consideration in the enterprise. After years of circus life, the Belfords dipped into vaudeville two years ago. They liked It so well and the salary is so remunerative that they have remained in it, though confessing a longing for the sawdust ring again. The act is of so high a grade of merit that it is in constant demand in the top-notch circuits. The troupe is identical in membership with that which Mr. Belford presented In Fort Wayne two years ago."(4) Also see Slout's Olympianson this website. Can you add information? Email your documented information for these persons.

1. Lethbridge (Alberta, Canada) Herald, June 2, 1909.
2. Fort Wayne (IN) Sentinel, January 6, 1909.
3. Fort Wayne (IN) Sentinel, November 30, 1910.
4. Journal-Gazette (Fort Wayne, IN), May 25, 1911.

Charles Bell, assistant manager, George W. Hall, 1893. His wife was also with the show. New York Clipper, January 7, 1893, p. 702; January 14, 1893, p. 730; February 11, 1893, p. 784. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

John W. Bell, band leader, traveled with Robbins Bros., Lee Bros. and the C. R. Liggett shows. He was band leader for 101 Ranch, 1929-31; Gorman Bro., 1934; C. R. Montgomery, 1946; Polack Bros., 1947; King Bros., 1948, Biller Bros., 1949; Ward Bros. and Stevens Bros., 1950; and Cole and Walters, 1951-53. Moved to Seattle in 1954 and operated a donut shop and helped to sponsor the Wenatchee Youth Circus. Born in 1898, died November 23, 1972, age 74. Circus Report, December 11, 1972, p. 2. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

William Bell, master of transportation, Lemen Bros., 1891; boss canvas man, Lemen Bros., 1892. New York Clipper, October 10, 1891, p. 518; May 28, 1892, p. 178; July 16, 1892, p. 292. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Harry Belmain, Japanese juggling act, Sparks & Allen's Shows, 1891. New York Clipper, July 25, 1891, p. 328. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Lottie Belmont. Lotino (Lottie) Belmont informs us that she was granted a decree of divorce from her husband, William Andrews, in San Francisco, Cal., on March 2. New York Clipper, April 21, 1877, p. 31. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Wiliam Belmont, concert, R. F. Clement's New Show, 1890. New York Clipper, August 23, 1890, p. 373. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

George Benedict, euphonium and first violin, who is well known in the musical profession as an artist of rare ability on both instruments. He has successfully conducted several well-known orchestras, which attests his ability as a leader, while his pleasing manners have won for him many friends. His home is at Muskegon, Mich. Ringling Bros. 1893. Offical Route Book of Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Railroad Shows, Season of 1893, Buffalo, NY: Courier Co., 1893. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Billy Benjamin, of Fitz & Webster's company, has signed with Walter L. Main's circus for clown. The show opens May 4 at Geneva, O. Mansfield News (Mansfield, OH), April 27, 1901, n.p.n. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Arthur Bennett, advance, Sells-Floto, 1911. Nevada State Journal (Reno, NV), May 16, 1911. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Burt Bennett, advance and contracting agent, Reed's Big 25 Cent Shows, 1890; general agent, Rigall & Co., 1893, 1894. New York Clipper, August 2, 1890, p. 334; November 4, 1893, p. 561; April 28, 1894, p. 117. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

David Bennett, advance, Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1911. Lima (OH) Daily News, May 15, 1911. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Edward Bennett, musician, Welch & Sands, 1893. New York Clipper, July 1, 1893, p. 264. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Fred A. Bennett, who for the last twenty years has been a high stilt walker with the Barnum & Bailey, Ringling and other circuses, last season with Al G. Barnes Circus, died at the Northern Hospital for the Insane at Elgin, Ill., Dec. 17. In an inquest a corner's jury's verdict was that he came to his death as the result of a general paralysis of the insane. He was a member of the crew of the Maine when it was blown up in Cuban waters in 1898. His face was powder-marked by the explosion, marks he carried to his death. He was 48(?) years of age. Interment was in Showmen's League Rest, Woodlawn Cemetery. Billboard, December 27, 1919, p. 89. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Irene Bennett, ring and web act, Hagenbeck-Wallace 1924. Ladder and double rings with Mrs. alma De Puy. White Tops, Vol. 16, Nos. 3-4 (Feb-Mar), 1943, p. 7. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Lewis Bennett, advance, Sautelle Show, 1891. New York Clipper, May 9, 1891, p. 150. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Sam Bennett, comedy mule riding, Shipp's Indoor Circus, 1902.(1) Sam Bennett, comedy bareback act on a mule, Dutchman act, Forepaugh-Sells, 1902.(2) See Slout's Olympians on this website, real name Rooney, may have been a clown rider. Comedy bareback act in guise of the wooden shoe Dutchman on a mule, Skillful rider, Forepaugh-Sells, 1903.(3) ". . . one of the funniest things ever seen in a circus is the burlesque champion bareback act performed by Mr. Sam Bennett in the guise of a wooden show Dutchman on a mule. Bennett is one of the most skilled riders in the arena in reality and this fact enables him to perform some of the most ludicrous tricks upon the back of his mule. He will be here with the Adam Forepaugh and Sells Brothers Enormous Shows United when they exhibit here on South Road, Monday, June 23, 1906."(4) Clown, comic baseball act, Shipp's Circus at local Opera House, 1906 [article headline says Baseball act of Sam Rooney].(5) Clown, Barnum & Bailey, 1910.(6) Rider, Forepaugh-Sells, 1911.(7) [Sam Bennett, Barnum & Bailey, 1912. Bennett, English vaudeville headliner, clown 1912.(8) Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

1. Cedar Rapids (IA) Evening Gazette, January 23, 1902.
2. Portsmouth (NH) Herald, June 13, 1902.
3. Daily Eagle (Traverse City, MI) July 29, 1903.
4. Portsmouth (NH) Herald, June 13, 1906.
5. Cedar Rapids (IA) Republican, January 28, 1906.
6. Ogden (Ogden City, UT) Standard, July 22, 1910.
7. Warren (PA) Evening Mirror, April 29, 1911.
8. Fort Wayne (IN) Journal-Gazette, July 15, 1912.

William Bennett, equestrian director, Trevino's Mexican Shows, 1894. New York Clipper, January 20, 1894, p. 735. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for these persons.

James Bensley, a well known gymnast, died Sunday, Aug. 7 [1904], at Belleville, Can. He was born about sixty-four years ago, in the Province of Ontario, Can., and began his career as a circus performer in 1865, he and his partner being known as the Bensley Bros., trapeze and horizontal bar performers. They toured that year with L. B. Lent's Circus, after which Mr. Bensley played successfully with the following old and well known shows: Wheeler's, Geo. F. Pailey, Washburn's, John H. Murray, and Boyd & Peters. In 1877 he introduced his son in a unique and novel act, which kept them a feature in vaudeville until he joined the Adam Forepaugh Shows, Barnum & Bailey's, Roberts & Gardner, Howe's London, Rogers, and Gollmar Bros. & Downie. Recently he played parks and leading vaudeville houses until he was stricken with diabetes, which caused his death. His wife, a son, two brothers and a sister survive him. Interment was in Belleville, Can., Aug. 9. New York Clipper, August 27, 1904, p. 611. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for these persons.

Harry Benson has decided to make a change this year after four seasons with the La Tena Circus. He has signed up with the Sparks Show as head porter. Billboard, March 2, 1918, p. 33. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

John T. Benson, American representative for Carl Hagenbeck, wild animal dealer. See article in SPEC. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for these persons.

Bento Bros. and Rita, acrobats, head-balance, 1941. Formerly with Barnum-Bailey, Hagenbeck-Wallace. "Fan Notes," White Tops, Vol. 14, Nos. 4-5 (Feb-Mar), 1941, p. 11. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for these persons.

Charles Bernard joined the advance forces of the Sparks Circus at Antigo, Wis., June 6. Bernard has had long experience in advance departments of outdoor attractions, in addition to managing his own billposting interests and shows during the past thirty-six years. Billboard, June 22, 1918, p. 61. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for these persons.

Willie J. Bernard, well-known circus man, formerly with Howe's Great London, John Robinson, Sun Bros., Frank A. Robbins, Mighty Haag, Gentry Bros., and other circuses, and the husband of Emma Bernard, also well known in the cicus world, died recently at Palm Beach, Florida, of heart failure. Mr. Bernard was known to the profession as Prof. Willie Bernard, began his show career in 1906 as a lecturer. He leaves a widow, Emma. Billboard, December 7, 1918, p. 26. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for these persons.

Frank Bernardo, lessee of privileges, performer, Trevino's Mexican Shows, 1894. New York Clipper, January 20, 1894, p. 735. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

John Bernhard, band, Sun Bros., 1894. New York Clipper, March 17, 1894, p. 21. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Arthur Berre

1903: Colorado Grant's Show. Arthur Berre, dancing tight rope and principal bar performer. New York Clipper, July 18, 1903, p. 480.

1904: Arthur Berre has signed contracts with the Gollmar Bros. R. R. Shows to do his bounding somersault wire act and ladder drops. Billboard, March 26, 1904, p. 7.   Arthur Berre, originator of the pedestals and premier acrobat and rebounding rope. He is making goos this year with the Gollmar Bros.' Railroad Shows. Billboard, September 3, 1904, p. 7.

• Possibly this Arthur Barre: Busby Bros.' Show, Arthur Berre, bounding rope and principal clown. Billboard, September 27, 1902, p. 6.

• Possibly this Arthur Barre: Great Sanger Show, Arthur Barre, equestrian director. Billboard, March 20, 1920, p. 109.

Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Berre & Hicks

Photos courtesy of Chuck Finley.

1906: Berre & Hicks, enroute with the Patterson & Brainerd Carnival Co. Billboard, October 20, 1906, p. 24.

1907: Peoria, Illinois, Al Fresco Park (V. C. Seaver, manager), Berre and Hicks' Aerial Circus. Billboard, August 17, 1907, p. 8.   Berre and Hicks have quit and taken up vaudeville. Their high ladder act was there. I had to turn my head while they made those death-seeking head-first plunges. Billboard, August 17, 1907, p. 25.   Berre & Hicks (White City), Indianapolis, Ind., 12-17. Billboard, August 17, 1907, p. 30.

1907: Lafayette, Ind., Dec. 6. Over in Tipton, not a great way from here, is the Martz Opera House, and while the "Opera House" sounds good, somehow the meagre population of Tipton hasn't much faith in it, so when the "Berre and Hicks All-Star Vaudeville Company" played Tipton in Martz', they said: "It's no use" to the manager, who was the audience, and straightway stranded. John Le Vere, a contortionist and wire-walker, who was the feature of the company, was with the show only one week. The Eagles assisted Mr. Berre to his home at Bloomington, Ill. Berre and Hicks were with the John Robinson Show the past summer. Variety, December 7, 1907.

1908: Berre & Hicks, enroute with Campbell Bros.' Show. Billboard, October 31, 1908, p. 24.

1910: Campbell Bros. Great Consolidated Shows, 1910. Berre and Hicks, novelty gymnasts and acrobats; third season, a feature with the above show, doing a novelty acrobatic ladder act, introducing many different drops. Also making good with their novelty revolving aerial act. Billboard, October 15, 1910, p. 51.

1911: Berre & Hicks, novelty gymnasts, sensational ladder and table act, John Robinson 10 Big Shows, 1911. Billboard, July 1, 1911, p. 26.

1912: John H. Sparks, Berre and Hicks, aerialists, head long dive from a high ladder, wire artists. Billboard, April 20, p. 23; May 11, 1912, p. 50.

1913: Gentry Bros.' Show No. 2. Berre and Hicks, a combination aerial and acrobatic team, present three sets, viz., iron jaw, backward ladder drops and bounding wire. Billboard, November 8, 1913, p. 24.

1913: Gentry Bros.' Famous Shows No. 2. The circus part of the performance is taken care of by Berre and Hicks, with their iron jaw, backward ladder drops and bounding wire acts, and the Cherry Family in their comedy bar act. Billboard, April 18, 1914, p. 25.

• Berre and Hicks were a husband and wife team according to Stuart Thayer. Stuart Thayer, "American Circus Anthology, Essays of the Early Years," arranged and edited by William L. Slout. On this website, Thayer (use find)

Information should be checked with additional sources. Can you add information? Email your documented information for these persons.

Joe Berris, equine paradox, Rhoda Royal Show, 1900.(1) Jose Berris, probably a rider, Cole Bros., 1909.(2) Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

1. Billboard, July 7, 1900. 2. Ad. Iowa City (IA) Citizen, June 28, 1909.

Green Berry. To circus and menagerie managers. G. Berry, who has held the position of general contracting and advertising agent the past six years wiht Howe's London Circus, etc., is at liberty, and can be engaged for the season of 1877. Green Berry. [Advertisement] New York Clipper, February 24, 1887, p. 379. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Note: Berry died August 29, 1877 at Des Moines, Iowa, in a railroad accident. - Kari Aronpuro

Miles Berry, general agent. J. A. Bennett & Co.'s Grand Circus Royal, 1890; general agent, sideshow, W. B. Reynolds, 1892. "Miles Berry, general agent of the W. B. Reynolds Shows, is taking a vacation, and is visiting his relatives at Constantine, Mich." [October 1892] New York Clipper, October 18, 1890, 503; March 19, 1892, p. 18; April 23, 1892, p. 98; October 29, 1892, p. 538; October 29, 1892, p. 548. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

William Berry, advance, G. E. Rich's Circus, 1891. New York Clipper, August 15, 1891, p. 382. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Fred Berthof, bill poster, John Robinson Show, 1894. New York Clipper, April 7, 1894, p. 71. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Bertik Troupe, Howe's Great London, 1911, 1912, 1916.(1) May be Bartik. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for these persons.

1. Daily Independent (Monessen, PA) April 26, 1911; Chareroi (PA) Mail, April 24 & 26, 1911; Portsmouth (NH) Herald, August 7, 1912. Daily Independent (Monessen, PA) April 20, 1916.

Bertini Duo, aerialists, appeared on Circus Gatini in 1978. In 1977 Henry Strazan-Bertini and his wife toured South America with Super Circo Frances. In addition to their aerial act, they presented a comical chimp act. Southern Sawdust, No. 94, February, 1978, pp. 26, 27. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for these persons.

Charlie Besile was associated with the Hamid family for about 40 years and became their general manager and announcer in 1965. He also toured with Bob Atterbury's show. Died March 24, 1975 at Brielle, New Jersey, age 69. Circus Report, April 28, 1975, p. 8. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

W. S. Bibb, treasurer, Bruce L. Baldwin’s, 1894. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Minnie Bickett, wife of William E. Bickett, of the Flying Bicketts, died February 13 at St. Petersburg, Fla., after having been an invalid for eight years. About twelve years ago, while performing at Riverview Park, Terre Haute, Ind., she fell from the flying trapeze, and the injuries cuased paralysis to set in about eight years ago. Billboard, February 23, 1918, p. 74. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Norman Bickler, in charge of privileges, Terrell Bros.' Circus, 1891. New York Dramatic News, May 23, 1891, p. 6. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Oscar Bieloh, clarionet and alto, has just completed a satisfactory engagement with the Ringling Bros. organization. His home is at Bridgeport, Wis. Offical Route Book of Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Railroad Shows, Season of 1893, Buffalo, NY: Courier Co., 1893. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Flying Bifcards, Howe's Great London, 1910. Name may be misspelled. Charleroi (PA) Mail, September 26 & 27, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for these persons.

Jane Big Heart, Osage Indian, rider, 101 Ranch Wild West, 1908. Lethbridge (Alberta, Canada) Daily Herald, June 16, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

A. F. Biggs, Forepaugh-Sells, 1911. News (Frederick, MD), May 25, 1911. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Fred Biggs (Mlle. Fredricka Biggs)

Fred Biggs was on Robinson in 1911 as a female impersonator. He may also also appeared (as a male) with the Robettas Trio slack wire act. Information and photo courtesy of Chuck Finley.

Frederika Biggs was listed as a clown on John Robinson's 10 Big show, 1911. Alton (IL) Evening Telegraph, May 13, 1911.

Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

At liberty, R. S. Bigsby, general superintendent, late with Miller Bros. & Arlington's 101 Ranch Shows, Jess Willard-Buffalo Bill Wild West. Address care of Billboard office, New York City. [Advertisement] Billboard, February 23, 1918, p. 29. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Frank Billings, billposter, Irwin Bros., 1893. New York Clipper, March 11, 1893, p. 2. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Prof. J. R. Bingham's Equine Paradox and Dog Circus, McFadden & Co.'s, 1891. New York Clipper, June 27, 1891, p. 268. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Louis Bingham has been in the employ of the Ringling Bros. show for several years. He is the superintendent of the side show canvas and has general charge of the various mechanical requirements entering into its composition. The paintings are always up when the parade comes back to the lot and the show is ready to go on. Offical Route Book of Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Railroad Shows, Season of 1893, Buffalo, NY: Courier Co., 1893. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Allen Binkley, "Slim," started in the property department on Tom Mix Circus in 1935, he was on props and the calliope in 1936. In 1937 he was on the back door and was Tom Mix's personal employee. He also did a comedy act with George Hanneford, where he portrayed a candy butcher. Circus Report, February 16, 1987, p. 2. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

W. L. Bird, car no. 2, box brigade, advance, French & Co.'s, 1890. New York Clipper, June 14, 1890, p. 215. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Sandor Biro, the Great Boros, was a break-away sway pole performer. Born in Budapest, Hungary and came to the United States in 1964 when he was with the Hamid-Morton Circus. He performed with a number of circuses and fairs. Died May 5, 1977 at Chicago, Illinois from injuries during a circus performance. Circus Report, May 23, 1977, p. 14. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Bishop Brothers (Abel L., Elcain). Abe leaper, Al clown, Yankee Robinson, 1910, 1911.(1) Perry (IA) Bishop. Dare Devil Bishop, triple somersault over backs of six elephants and four camels, Yankee Robinson, 1911.(2) Bishop Brothers, Al and Abe, performers for past 15 or 20 years, retired circa 1912, returned 1914, signed with Col. Buchanan, Revolving ladder act, Al Bishop also did clowning, Abe did double somersaults over elephants and camels, lived Winterset, Iowa.(3) With Yankee Robinson, 1914, Al & Abe - Abe was double somersault leaper, Bishop Brothers did ladder act, 1914.(4)
      "October 30, 1945. A. L. [Abel L.] Bishop Died Here on Tuesday. For 38 Years He Had Been Nationally Known in Circus World. A. L. Bishop, a life-long resident of Winterset, and at one time one of the most famous circus performers in the nation, died at his home in Winterset Tuesday morning after a brief illness. He had been stricken suddenly on Monday and died early the next morning. He was 78 years of age. Mr. Bishop was born in Winterset Dec. 25, 1866, the son of William H. and Jane Bishop. As a young man he and his brother, Cain Bishop, entered the circus profession as a team known as Bishop Brothers, acrobats and aerialists. For 38 years they were associated with some of the outstanding circus troupes of the country, as acrobats and aerialists. Some of the circuses with which they performed were the Charles Taylor shows, Campbell Brothers, Yankee Robinson, World Brothers, and the Sells and 4-Paw circus. This latter show was one of the largest circuses on the road at that time, starting the season each year in Madison Square Garden in New York City. With this show he was featured performer, billed as the champion triple-sommerset artists of the world. He was offered a contract to show in London, England with this circus during the winter season. Since retiring from the circus business many years ago, he had followed the trade of painter in Winterset. Mr. Bishop was married Nov. 11, 1903 to Effie Snyder, who survives him. He also leaves two daughters, Mrs. Curtis Dowler of Decatur, Ill., and Mrs. Eva Rinehart of Blissfield, Mich.; one son, Robert Bishop of Springfield, Ill.; the brother, Cain Bishop of Winterset; and a sister, Mrs. Clara Hudson of Portland, Ore. Funeral services will be held this Friday at 2:30 p.m. from the Ramsey-Richards funeral home in charge of the Rev. W. A. Samp of the Winterset Methodist church. Burial will be made in the Winterset cemetery."(5)
      February 13, 1952. Elcain A. Bishop Dies at 88 Years. Winterset Man Ranked With Nation's Top Circus Stars Many Years. Elcain A. Bishop, formerly one of the top circus aerialists of the world, died at his home in Winterset Thursday, Feb. 7 at the age of 88 years. Death came to him during his sleep that night. He had been in failing health the last five years, and had suffered several strokes. Mr. Bishop was a native of Madison county, and this had always been his home, although during his active years he traveled throughout the United States with the nation's leading circuses, as a member of the famous Bishop Brothers revolving ladder act. He was born on Hoosier Prairie, southeast of Winterset, a son of William H. and Jane Bishop. As a young man, he was married to Winnefred Rhodes, who survives him. They were the parents of one daughter, now Mrs. Catherine Hartman of Wapakoneta, O. He also leaves a nephew, William F. Martin, whom he reared in his home and who has been with him the last 20 years; and four grandchildren in Ohio. Funeral services were held Sunday from the Richards Funeral home, in charge of the Rev. Clement Loehr, pastor of the First Presbyterian church. Burial was made in the Winterset cemetery. http://iagenweb.org/boards/madison/obituaries/index.cgi?read=104530 Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for these persons.

1. Daily Chief (Perry, IA), April 29, 1910; Cedar Rapids (IA) Republican, May 9, 1911.
2. Cedar Rapids (IA) Republican, May 9, 1911.
3. Perry (IA) Daily Chief, April 25, 1914.
4. Perry (IA) Daily Chief, April 24, 1914.
5. Winterset Madisonian (Winterset, IA), October 30, 1945. Online: iagenweb.org/boards/madison/obituaries/index.cgi?read=104393.
6. Winterset Madisonian (Winterset, IA), February 13, 1952.

Tom Bishop and his wife, Robin Bishop, met on the John Strong Circus. Robin was a spectator and Tom was doing a clown number on the swinging ladder. This led to their marriage and they formed their cradle act, the "McKay Duo." They were on the Hanneford Circus, Big John Strong Circus, the ill-fated Circus Galaxy, and the ill-fated Hollywood Stunt and Thrill Circus in Brazil. In 1977 they appeared on spot dates for Paul Kay. Southern Sawdust, No. 94, February, 1978, p. 17. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Fred M. Black, with his troupe of trained stallions, ponies and dogs, Young Bros. & Baldwin, 1892. New York Clipper, April 23, 1892, p. 98. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Chief Black Wolf and a band of braves, squaws and papooses, J. P. Gallagher's, 1893. New York Clipper, June 24, 1893, p. 248. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Harry Blackford, musician, F. J. Taylor's Circus, 1894. New York Clipper, April 28, 1894, p. 117. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Lou Blackford, musician, Bryan & Williams' Circus, 1894. New York Clipper, May 12, 1894, p. 149. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Mark Blair, programmer, Rigall & Co.'s New Colossal Shows, 1894. New York Clipper, April 28, 1894, p. 117. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

L. C. Blake, manager, Car No. 1, W. B. Reynold's Circus, 1893. L. C. Blake Jr. was listed, probably billposter. New York Clipper, September 16, 1893, p. 447. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

J. H. Blanchard, in charge of second brigade, Chas. Bartine Shows, 1893. New York Clipper, March 25, 1893, p. 34. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

David W. Blanchfield was superintendent of the truck and tractor department for Ringling-Barnum during the days under canvas and when the show went indoors. Later associated with Circus World Museum at Baraboo, Wisconsin. Died November 13, 1980 at Rocky Hill, Connecticut, age 91. Circus Report, December 1, 1980, p. 13. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Joseph Blanco, known as "Specs" and "Injun Joe," worked a variety of wild animals as handler, trainer and presenter. Primarily an elephant man, he was with Ringling-Barnum, Kelly-Miller, Beatty-Cole, Hamid-Morton, Cristiani and Gran Circo Norte Americano over his 15 year career. Died January 30, 1978 in New York City, age 49. Circus Report, April 10, 1978, p. 8A. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Thomas Blankenship, formerly of the advance car of the Howe Great London Shows, has been called to the colors. Billboard, March 16, 1918, p. 30. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

George Blatz, billposter, Irwin Bros., 1893. New York Clipper, March 11, 1893, p. 2. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Albert Bliss, Bliss Family Troupe. ". . . Albert Bliss, . . . and his sister, Mrs. Louise Murphy, . . . who were members of the Bliss family troupe, of which there were eight children and the mother and father. Four of the brothers were acrobats, and each of the others had specialities. They played for many years with Barnum and Bailey, Forepaw [sic], Carey, and Sells Floto circuses. In 1860 they came to Madison with the Carey circus and remained here for some time putting on variety shows at the old Burroughs opera house. One sister, Mrs. Mattie Robins, is still in the show business, managing the Frank A. Robbins circus at Jersey City."(1)
      November 18, 1932: "Albert Bliss, 82, who achieved international fame as a circus performer before the Ringling brothers were known to the show world, died Thursday night at a Madison hospital. Son of Charles A. Bliss, a noted American circus performer of the past century, Mr. Bliss and his two brothers became known as the outstanding circus leapers, performers who have almost disappeared from the modern circus. They performed in the central ring, jumping over the animals. One of the Bliss feats was to leap over 15 elephants. The Bliss brothers were with Barnum and Bailey's circus for years. They were born and raised as circus troupers. Albert Bliss retired from the circus nearly a half century ago and had lived in Madison since. For many years he lived with his brother, Charles, in a cottage by Lake Monona, but after the latter's death in 1926, he made his home with his niece, Mrs. John Wilkinson, 2305(?) Rowley ave. Besides his niece, he is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Louise Bliss Murphy, 602 Brittingham blvd.; and Mrs. Frank Robins, Jersey City, N. J., and a brother, Joseph Bliss, 402 Brittingham blvd."(2) Also see Slout's Olympians on this website. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

1. Wisconsin State Journal (Madison, WI), May 4, 1930.
2. Wisconsin State Journal (Madison, WI), November 18, 1932.

Charles Bliss. Notice to circus managers. Charles Bliss, clown, tumbler, barrel dancer, etc., can be engaged for the tenting season. Address Madison, Wis. [Advertisement] New York Clipper, February 10, 1877, p. 367. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Earl Bliss, musician, Bryan & Williams' Circus, 1894. New York Clipper, May 12, 1894, p. 149. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

John Bliss, trick tumbling, W. B. Reynolds Circus, 1892. "W. B. Reynolds Circus," George L. Chindahl, White Tops, Vol. 23, Nos. 7-8 (Jul-Aug), 1950, p. 7. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Hans Blocker, band leader, Dick’s New Model Circus, 1891; Richards' Big Show, 1892. New York Clipper, May 16, 1891, n.p.n; July 18, 1891, p. 312; September 26, 1891, p. 484; May 21, 1892, p. 162; June 4, 1892, p. 194. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Albert L. Blodgett, formerly in the advance of Harris' Nickel Plate Shows, now manager New Haven Bill Posting Company, 1900. Billboard, May 21, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Blondin, see Jean Francois Gravelle.

Bertha Pauline Blush was one of the Loretta Twins, triple horizontal bar performers (see Loretta Twins). The Loretta Twins routed with most of the famous mud shows of the early 1900s. Married aerialist George Novikoff and later vaudevillian Charles Smith. Her sister was Ora N. Ernst. Died October 19, 1981 at Los Angeles, California, age 83. Circus Report, December 14, 1981, p. 12. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Ora Norine Blush was one of the Loretta Twins, triple horizontal bar performers (see Loretta Twins). She married John Ernst in 1912 and was residing in Texas at age 90 in 1983. John Ernst was one of the flyers out of Bloomington, Illinois, a member of the Flying Lafayettes, later with the Flying LaMars. In 1935, at age 41 when the Loretta Twins were no longer performing, she was doing a single horizontal bar act with no net. Her daughter, June Wattles Ernst, was married to Burt Lancaster for 11 1/2 years - when the marriage ended, she re-married. June died in 1977. Circus Report, October 3, 1983, p. 23; March 26, 1984, p. 14. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

The Loretta Twins were recorded in the Guiness Book of Records with their triple fly-away to the mat from fixed board, achieved at Los Angeles, California in 1914 with the Barnum & Bailey Circus. That year John Ringling North searched Europe but could not find another female bar act. Their father, Theodore Blush, searched for years, asking if there was another such act. Ora Norine Blush and Bertha Pauline Blush were born January 10, 1894 at Packwood, Iowa to Theodore Edward and Mary Minerva Craig Blush. They toured with their parents at age 6, playing parks and fairs around Denver, Colorado. They also toured with mud shows for 40 years, including: W. W. Cole Dog & Pony Show, 1906; Orrin Bros., 1907; Gentry Bros., 1908; Loretta Family Railroad Show (one car), 1908; Yankee Robinson, 1910; Mollie Bailey and Dode Fisk circuses, 1910; Tatalie Circus, 1912-13; Barnum & Bailey, 1914; Wirth Bros. Circus, 1916, Sells-Floto, 1917. When the twins went to Puerto Rico to be with Circus Tatali, they went with Ora's husband John Ernst and her sister's future husband George Stephen Novikoff, who taught the Loretta Twins to fly and the Flying Estonians were created. Circus Report, August 15, 1983, p. 14; March 26, 1984, p. 14. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Ed Bluski, circus billposter, whose home was in Cedar Rapids, Ia., died recently at the home of his mother, that city, following a brief illness of bronchitis. Before entering the circus field, Mr. Bluski spent a few years as an employee of Green's Opera House in Cedar Rapids, and at the age of 20 entered the service of Ringling Bros. as a billposter, and with whose enterprises he was associated until his death, a period of twenty years. He is survived by the mother, three brothers and two sisters. Billboard, February 1, 1919, p. 37. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Mace Bodenheimer, steward, Terrell Bros.' Circus, 1891. New York Dramatic News, May 23, 1891, p. 6. New York Clipper, June 13, 1891, p. 230; July 18, 1891, p. 316. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Paul Edward Bohler worked on Hoxie Bros. in various capacities. In 1965 he was a clown and he and his wife worked the front end on this show in 1977. Created a miniature Bohler Bros. Circus, popular mall display. Died March 6, 1984, age 50. Circus Report, March 26, 1984, p. 18. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Boise Flying Act, Grotto Circus, 1941. "Conn. Fans Buck Snow to Attend Indoor Circus," White Tops, Vol. 14, Nos. 4-5 (Feb-Mar), 1941, p. 8. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for these persons.

Marcel Boisvert was a high wire performer. At times he worked as a rigger and on props with Garden Bros. Circus and props at Marineland for John Cuneo. In 1980 he had a bike and wire walking act touring eastern Canada with Le Cirque International. He was featured as a star attraction at the Salon de Sciences Occultes in 1986. He also toured a season with Universal Circus. Died August 10, 1986 at Lebel-sur-Quevillon, Quebec, Canada, age 35, while performing on the high wire in his own circus, Le Cirque C.M. Circus Report, September 8, 1986, p. 20. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

John Bolis, veteran boss canvasman, formerly on the Forepaugh and John Robinson circus, is now custodian at the City Auditorium at Canton, Ohio. Billboard, July 13, 1918, p. 25. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Charlie Bolus (also called Chris Bolus), boss canvasman, was on Forepaugh, Montgomery Queen, Sells Bros., Main Circus, and others. Died in 1920, age about 80. Noted for patching a tent by cutting out a variety of shapes for the patch, such as a elephant head. "My Friend, Jimmy Whalen," White Tops, Vol. 15, Nos. 1-2 (Dec-Jan), 1941, p. 6.

Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Col. Daniel Boone

    An extraordinary scene was witnessed in the Portsmouth Amphitheatre, Portsmouth, Eng., recently. The great attraction has been the daring entry made into the lions' den by Colonel Boone and Miss Nellie Carlotta, and the same feat was performed by a young naval officer. For a few days he had made a boast on board ship that he would face the animals in the den, and heavy bets were made that he would not make the entry. He accepted the bets, and in the presence of a large company, including a number of officers from the ships in the harbor, in company with Colonel Boone, he entered the cage and walked about among the beasts. The feat was watched by the spectators, who were almost breathless with excitement during the few minutes the scene lasted, and on making his exit he brought down the house, appearing before the curtain no less than five times. New York Clipper, September 6, 1884, p. 389.

    Col. E. Daniel Boone and Milly Carlotta, with their performing lions, were at Scotia Music Hall, Glasgow, Scotland, weeks of September 15 and 22. New York Clipper, October 11, 1884, p. 471.

Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Gabe Boone, band leader, W. B. Reynolds Shows, 1892, 1893. New York Clipper, August 20, 1892, p. 372; June 3, 1893, p. 198; January 14, 1893, p. 729. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Pecos Pate Boone (Thomas Payton Boone) and his family operated a wild west show for 22 years. Owned and operated a blacksmith show in Christoval, Texas and was author of Boone Boys - Frontiersmen and their Great Wild West Show." Claimed to be the great-great-grandson of Daniel Boone. Married India V. Boot in 1917 in Kansas. Died September 25, 1980 at Christoval, age 92. Circus Report, October 13, 1980, p. 30. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Booths, Arthur and Lizzie, aerial artists, Charles Lee's Great London Shows, 1891. New York Clipper, April 11, 1891, p. 74; June 13, 1891, p. 241. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Curt Boquist, aerial performer, a native of Sweden. Curt and his wife, Melitta, performed as the Sikorskys, an aerial perch act, and as Melitta and Wicons, a ground perch act. They toured with Polack Bros. for several years and other major shows. Died July 11, 1980 at Naples, Florida, age 62. Circus Report, August 18, 1980, p. 6. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

George Boreing, high stilts, Prof. Tony White's Shows, 1894. New York Clipper, March 31, 1894, p. 53. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Arthur Borella, clown, Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1910, 1926.(1) 1946: Arthur Borella, clown, currently appearing in a circus at the stadium comes from a circus family, 30 years under the big top, Borella spent five years each with Ringling Bros., Sells-Floto, Al G. Barnes, 12 years with Hagenbeck-Wallace, three years with Cole Bros. circus.(2) Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

1. Oelwein (IA) Daily Register, June 16, 1910; Edwardsville (IL) Intelligencer, June 30, 1926. 2. Southtown Economist (Chicago, IL), May 5, 1946.

George W. Boring, clown and comedian, Sargent & Kidder's, 1892. New York Clipper, March 5, 1892, p. 859. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Gus H. Bork was a billposter on a bill car ahead of the Barnum & Bailey Show in Europe. Bork is now the owner of the billposting plant at Amsterdam, N.Y. Billboard, March 29, 1919, p. 31. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

James Borland, horse trainer, in charge of ring stock; Prof. Borland's trained dogs and goats. Fred Locke's, 1892, 1893. New York Clipper, July 2, 1892, p. 260; June 10, 1893, p. 214. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Borsini Troupe, company of five, Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1908. Europe's wonderful globe act, vaudeville, 1911. Charleroi (PA) Mail, May 12, 1908; Daily Review (Decatur, IL), January 1, 1911. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for these persons.

Note: Here is a photo of Borsini and Company. Its hard to find any information on this group. - Michael Borofsky

Borsini and Company, Strand Theater, New York, 1921

Antonio Borza, "Charly," began performing at age 5 in his family's circus in Spain. He performed in Europe with his brother-sister trampoline acts and his impersonations of Charlie Chaplin. He was an acrobat, professional bull fighter and achieved the status of matador. Borza and his wife Thea, who was a bareback rider, came to the United States in 1940 to join Ringling-Barnum. He helped for the Sailor Circus in 1949. Later he and his wife opened a restaurant. Died May 13, 1987 at Sarasota, Florida, age 78. Circus Report, June 1, 1987, p. 23. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Henry W. Bothwell, in charge of car No. 1 ,Irvin & Sons' Great American Railroad Show, 1894. New York Clipper, April 14, 1894, p. 85. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

F. A. Boudinot, "Babe," was general agent and traffic manager of Ringling-Barnum, retiring in 1955. Worked for some 42 years in advance advertising positions starting with Ringling Bros. Circus. Was famous for his opposition brigades. In later years was an executive with an outdoor advertising firm. Died March 18, 1981 at Chicago, Illinois, age 85. Circus Report, April 20, 1981, p. 21. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Firmin Bouglione was a member of the Bouglione circus family, show owners and wild animal trainers. Firmin was credited with having started several prominent animal trainers in the business. Died February 17, 1980 in Europe, age 75. Circus Report, November 24, 1980, p. 4. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Joseph Bouglione, circus owner known as the French Barnum, was in the circus world for more than 50 years. He was also an acrobat and animal trainer. The Bouglione family owned the Cirque d'Hiver building and the Medrano Circus building. Died August 5, 1987 at Paris, France, age 83. Circus Report, September 21, 1987, p. 23. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Michelle Bourbon (Mike) was a white face clown with Hoxie, Clyde Beatty, Cole Bros., Ringling-Barnum and several carnivals. He died December 22, 1987 at Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, age 51. Circus Report, March 28, 1988, p. 21. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Bert Bower, lot superintendent, was shot and may not survive, at Frankfort, Kentucky, Howe's Great London, 1909. Van Wert (OH) Daily Bulletin, June 3, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

George L. Bowers, advance, 1892; treasurer, 1893, Erwood's New Consolidated Shows. New York Clipper, September 17, 1892, p. 438; June 17, 1893, p. 230. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Otis Bowers is too well known in the amusement profession to need any personal introduction or capitulation of his success in the calling of minstrelsy here. The popularity of the Beech & Bowers Famous Minstrels and the personal and magnetic drawing powers of its celebrated leaders are proverbial. Mr. Otis Bowers is a comedian of much versatility and laughter-provoking abilities and holds an enviable position among the leading minstrel men of this country. As one of the two leading members of the company bearing his name, jointly with that of Mr. Beech, his remarkable accomplishments and able directorship of the minstrel program have added to the lustre of his name in a field hitherto unexplored by him. Mr. Bowers is the owner of a number of famous running horses, among them being “Lady Nell” and “Bobby Beech,” the latter named after his famous partner. Ringling Bros. 1893. Offical Route Book of Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Railroad Shows, Season of 1893, Buffalo, NY: Courier Co., 1893. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Ed T. Boyce, circus special agent, expert lithographer, etc., is now connected with the Jewel Tea Company at Sioux City, Ia. Billboard, August 31, 1918, p. 27. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Billy Boyd, Charles Boyd, performers, Cooper & Co. Circus, 1900. Billboard, June 30, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Jim Boyd, boss canvas man, Eddy Bros.', 1894. New York Clipper, February 24, 1894, p. 817. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

O. J. Boyd (Orlando J. Boyd), general agent, Washburn & Arlington's, 1890, contracting agent, New York and New Orleans Circus, 1892. New York Clipper, January 11, 1890, p. 738; January 25, 1890, p. 765; April 19, 1890, p. 91; April 26, 1890, p. 111; May 17, 1890, p. 155; July 19, 1890, p. 294; April 16, 1892, p. 95. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

J. E. Boyle, railroad contractor and advance representative, Irwin Bros. Circus, 1892. New York Clipper, August 20, 1892, p. 372. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Marlene Bradbury and her husband, Floyd, were on the Famous Cole Circus and managed the Holiday Hippodrome show for nine years. Born in Illinois, Marlene Ewen married Floyd Bradbury in 1953. Died in November 1980 at Keokuk, Iowa, age 44. Circus Report, November 24, 1980, p. 4. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Charles Braden, general manager, Scott's Combined Shows, 1890. New York Clipper, May 31, 1890, p. 183. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

William Braden, bill brigade, Bartine's Circus, 1890. New York Clipper, November 1, 1890, 533; November 22, 1890, 581. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

H. A. Bradford, advance, Harper Bros.', 1891. New York Clipper, January 31, 1891, p. 743. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Russel Bradley, boss canvasman, Mat Wixom's Circus, 1891. New York Clipper, July 18, 1891, p. 312. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Fred and Ella Bradna. But for an unfortunate accident under the big top six years ago, those grand troupers, Fred and Ella Bradna might still be on the road with Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Hospitalization of Mr. Bradna for several months with a fractured right hip, influenced their decision to retire to the comparative quiet of their attractive Sarasota, Fla., bungalow, where they frequently entertain their friends of the circus world. It was during a matinee performance in Dallas, Texas, on September 12, 1945, that Mr. Bradna was incapacitated. A windstorm hit the show grounds, causing the tall quarter poles in the big top to dance, and this movement of supports for the great expanse of canvas alarmed the some 2,700 spectators witnessing the show. The crowd became panicky and made a rush for the exits, although a heavy rainstorm was in progress outside. Bradna and other officials of the show, assisted by policemen and firemen on duty in the tent, made vain efforts to keep the patrons in their seats. And in the scramble, Mr. Bradna was knocked down, suffering the hip injury. He had not recovered sufficiently to accompany the show when it left Sarasota for the 1946 Madison Square Garden engagement in New York, and since he and Mrs. Brandna were in their middle 70's with half a century of activity in the circus behind them, they reluctantly decided to conclude their professional careers.
    The Bradnas had come to America to perform in the Barnum & Bailey circus in 1903, upon its return from a five-year tour of Europe. In 1902, James A. Bailey, managing director of the show, saw the Bradna act in the London Hippodrome, and he contracted the couple to come to this country with his show the following season. Except for winter engagements in Europe, they were with the Barnum and Bailey Circus and the merged Ringling and Barnum & Bailey shows continuously for 42 years, and Mr. Bradna still holds the title of equestrian director emeritus, in recognition of his able and faithful performance of the duties of ringmaster for a third of a century.
    Mrs. Bradna was a bareback rider when she came to this country, her partner, Fred Derrick, an English equestrian. Some years later, she developed what was known in show parlance as an "act beautiful," more extravagantly described by press agents as "an altogether delightful display of color and charm in which thoroughbred horses and scores of dogs and doves assist Lady Dainty in the arena." This act represented an ingenious combination of features conceived by Mr. and Mrs. Bradna, varying from year to year and introducing new novelties, emphasizing grace and beauty of presentation. A gleaming white vehicle was drawn by teams of white horses while a highly trained winged horse rode on the cart. Clever white dogs walked in and around the rims of the wheels, balancing themselves as the vehicle was driven into the ring. A score or more attractive young women of the circus personnel, in handsome costumes added to the pretty picture, and Mrs. Bradna released a profusion of colored birds from a lofty cage, which circled the arena and alighted on the backs of the horses. This feature was presented in the center ring of the circus for a dozen or more years through the 1933 season. Thereafter, for 11 years, Mrs. Bradna matched her supreme horsemanship with that of famous equestrians gathered together from all over the world.
    Mr. Bradna was made equestrian director of the Barnuin & Bailey Circus in 1912, and he remained in that post when the show was merged with the Ringling circus. His principal duty was to assemble the acts contracted for the season into displays and to dovetail the numbers into a performance that had precision, variety and snap. Since there were often as many as 25 nationalities represented among the performers, many of them newcomers from abroad each season, his ability to speak English, French, German, Spanish and Italian, stood him in good stead in dealing with temperamental artists. With diplomacy and a knowledge of the temperaments of the profession, he kept peace among the great artists of the circus, and at the same time ruled with a firm hand to keep the program moving properly. Furthermore, he made a striking appearance in big top, sometimes immaculate in top hats and tails, sometimes impeccable in a red hunting coat, riding trousers and boots. A tiny whistle which he blew for the changing of acts was the law of the circus performers and hundreds responded promptly to its blasts throughout the show.
    The Bradnas' romance is a dramatic story. His family name was Ferbero, and he was born in Strassburg, Alsace-Lorraine, the son of a wealthy brewer. In his youth, he attended the public schools of his home town and became so proficient in vaulting that he held the record for all Europe three consecutive years from 1888 to 1890, clearing the bar at 11 feet, one-half inch, He also was an expert on the horizontal bars, an achievement which stood him in good stead in later years. Upon the completion of his schooling, he joined the French army and the end of eight years of service he held the commission of first lieutenant in the Eighth Regiment of Chevaux-Legers, or light cavalry.
    Ella Bradna is a Bohemian, was born on her father's circus. She and her brothers and sisters were trained as bareback riders, and while appearing in the Albert Schumann Circus in Vienna she first met Lt. Ferbero. Miss Bradna suffered a fall from her horse during a hurdle leaping number in front of the box in which Lt. Ferbero was sitting. He leaped to the arena and carried her from the path of other hurdle jumping animals. He returned to the circus the following day to pay his respects and learn that Miss Bradna had not been seriously hurt. Upon leaving the army, he joined two Rumanians in a horizontal bar act, performing under the title "The Poppescue Brothers" and it was while appearing at the Noveau Circus in Paris, that he and Miss Bradna met again and were married. That was the year 1900. Since the Bradna name was well known in European circuses, and Fred Ferbero knew he was destined for a circus career, he adopted his bride's family name to become known as Fred Bradna.
    During his career with the circus, Fred Bradna became acquainted with many prominent citizens and public officials. Prior to 1922, the circus staged a daily parade, and Mr. Bradna, as parade marshal, came to know thousands of police chiefs and other officers, with whom he consulted on parade routes through downtown areas. For a number of years, he spent the winter months producing indoor circuses in theatres, auditoriums and coliseums for Shrine temples, Elks lodges and other fraternal bodies, and these contacts added many friendships. And because he followed his hobbies so enthusiastically, he became acquainted with nearly every game warden in the country. He has fished and hunted in every one of the 48 states and in Canada and Mexico. He has thrilled to deep sea fishing near Boston and off the Florida coast, has angled for steelhead trout in Montana streams, big mouthed bass in Minnesota lakes and divers and sundry fish in Vermont creeks and Idaho rivers. He has cast among the stumps of the backwaters of the Calcasieu river near New Orleans, and has hunted deer in Texas and pheasants in the Dakotas.
          The friendships he and Mrs. Bradna have made throughout the country are evidenced by the more than 450 Christmas greeting cards they received the past Yuletide from all over the United States and several foreign [remainder of text missing]. - A. Morton Smith, "Circus Stars of Yesteryears, VIII. Fred and Ella Bradna" Hobbies, March 1951, pp. 26-27.

Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for these persons.

Charles Brady, superintendent of properties, Sells-Floto, 1911, had this position for several years. Colorado Springs (CO) Gazette, March 20, 1911. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Harry Brady, door talker and assistant manager, W. D. Ament, fairground show, 1891. In 1893 purchased one-third interest in Ament's and with W. D. Ament, had the sideshow privilege with Gollmar Bros. New York Clipper, July 25, 1891, p. 328; March 11, 1893, p. 5; June 3, 1893, p. 198. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

W. C. Brainard, business manager, Sig Sautelle's, 1892. Sideshow manger, Sautelle's, 1894. New York Clipper, March 19, 1892, p. 18; July 23, 1892, p. 308; February 17, 1894, p. 801. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

William H. Brandon, well known for many years throughout the country as the keeper of the unruly elephant "Hannibal," connected with Van Amburgh's Menagerie, died suddenly on Sunday at Athens, N.Y., aged fifty-two years. New York Times, March 14, 1871, p. 4. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

William S. Brandon has signed with the Great American R. R. Shows, as clown and for Dutch and Irish specialities in concert. New York Clipper, April 21, 1894, p. 102. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Francis Edward Brann (Butch Siegrist) was an aerialist with Ringling-Barnum for many years. He was also with the Roy Rogers Thrill Circus. Died June 5, 1988 at Sarasota, Florida, age 95. Circus Report, June 27, 1988, p. 3. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Ed. Brannan (E. L. Brannan), general agent, Sells-Gray Shows, 1900. Billboard, June 9, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Ed Brannon, animal trainer, 1941. "Circus Notes," White Tops, Vol. 14, Nos. 4-5 (Feb-Mar), 1941, p. 16. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Pearl N. Branson
    P. N. Branson, formerly with Sells-Floto advance, and Elizabeth Spiegel were married in Wichita, Kan., October 26, 1918. Billboard, November 9, 1918, p. 24.
    Pearl N. Branson, general agent, Cole Brothers Circus from April 23, 1946 to August 21, 1947. Burial at Kansas City, Missouri. Cole Brothers Circus Route Book for Season of 1947, p. 37. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

C. W. Brasie, side show talker, last season with Ringling Bros., with Great Wallace Shows, 1900. New York Clipper, March 17, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Archie Brauer spent 10 years with John Robinson's circus, three years with the Gentry Dog & Pony Show. From 1915 to 1920 he was on the business staff of the Clarence Wortham Shows (carnival). In 1921 he was treasurer of the Palmer Bros. circus. After recovering from a truck accident with Palmer Bros., he was an accountant with Miller Bros.' 101 Ranch Show, 1925-27, and concessionarie and cookhouse steward on Beckman & Gerety Shows, 1937-1941. Archie MacBrair Brauer (Jake) died at San Antonio, Texas on October 20, 1945, age 66. He was born in Cincinnati on September 21, 1879 and raised by his uncle, John A. Dingess, an advance and general agent. He was the grandson of A. MacBrair, who headed a lithographing and printing firm in Cincinnati. White Tops, November-December, 1945, Vol. 18, Nos. 11-12, p. 9.

Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Barbara Braun and her husband Sylvester, were on the Clyde Beatty Circus in 1951, performing trick riding, roping and a whip act in the Wild West concert. In the 1950s the Brauns were part of Rex Rossi's Fair Unit and for several seasons with Steele's Frontier Days at fairs. Later they appeared in circuses for Parley Baer and Bob Yerkes. Their black and white Appaloosa horses were used to carry the flags on some shows. Southern Sawdust, No. 83, May, 1975, p. 23.

Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for these persons.

Stephen Brenner was a clown who toured with circuses for three decades until he retired in 1943. Claimed he was the first "Bozo the Clown." After retirement, continued to clown for parties, parades, special events. Died April 3, 1982 at Baltimore, Maryland, age 87. Circus Report, April 26, 1982, p. 10. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Theodore Bretta, equestrian director, and wife, McCafferty's Shows, 1893. New York Clipper, July 29, 1893, p. 328. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Charles Bricker, "Specks," Frank A. Robbins, 1910. McKean County Miner (Smethport, PA), December 22, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Don Bridwell, Whizzer the Clown, became a professional clown in 1950 on Cole Bros. Circus. After that he worked several shows, including Hagan Bros. and Shrine circuses. He was with Kelly-Miller, 1963. He put out his own show, Dawn Bros., in 1967. With Carson & Barnes, 1968; Shrine circuses 1969-71; Emmett Kelly Jr. Circus, 1971-73; Shrine circuses, 1974-75; Kelly Bros. and Garden Bros. circuses, 1977; Shrine circuses, 1979-83; TNT & Royal Olympic, 1984. Circus Report, October 28, 1985, n.p.n. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Ned Brill Band

Ned Brill and His Band on Barnum & Bailey Season 1911. His first season on B&B as band leader was 1911 (succeded Fred Jewel) and is credited with the circus standard Under the Big Top. Photo and information courtesy of Chuck Finley.

Robert Brisdorph, boss cook, G. E. Rich's, 1891. New York Clipper, August 15, 1891, p. 382. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

John W. Brister, colored, Brister Band of Cincinnati, married Eva Hammond, a widow, snake charmer, on August. 18, 1900. One or both were with Pawnee Bill's Wild West Show, 1900. Billboard, August 25, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for these persons.

Jack Bristol, boss hostler, Washburn & Arlington's, 1891. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Prof. William Bristol, trained horses, Charles F. Prescott’s Great Eastern, 1895. Courier-Gazette (Rockland, Maine), in "The Eastern Circus," White Tops, Vol. 21, Nos. 1-2 (Jan-Feb), 1948, pp. 5-6. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for these persons.

Brock Brothers, for a number of seasons with Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, are not together this year [1918], "Sandy" having been taken in the draft. Alec is with the John Robinson Circus doing high perch with his wife, who also does her revolving trapeze act. Billboard, May 4, 1918, p. 29.   Brock Bros. and Edna, the horizontal bar and high perch artists, with Hagenbeck-Wallace from 1914 to 1918, will not follow the white tops this season [1919]. They will play fair dates. They arrived from Cuba April 23, where they closed a season with the Santos & Artigas Circus (Red Show), April 15. They left for their home at Huntington, W. Va. Billboard, May 3, 1919, p. 34. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for these persons.

Eddie Brodie, who had charge of the lights on the Gentry Shows, closed at Jackson, Ky. [1919] Brodie was in the B. & B. last year and with Al G. Barnes for the previous three seasons. Billboard, June 28, 1919, p. 46. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for these persons.

Bronze Troupe, acrobats, Howe's Great London, 1911, 1916. Daily Independent (Monessen, PA) April 26, 1911; Chareroi (PA) Mail, April 24 & 26, 1911; Daily Independent (Monessen, PA) April 20, 1916. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for these persons.

Leslie Brooks, clown, came to the United States in the early 1920s with a stilt walking troupe that toured vaudeville. He returned to England and returned to the US to tour with the Hamid-Morton Circus in the early 1960s. He worked for a number of circuses including the Gatti-Charles Circus. Died October 6, 1983 at Medford, Oregon, age 79. Circus Report, October 17, 1983, p. 9.

    Researcher note: Lesley brooks was my uncle whom left Oldham near Manchester, England in 1963. His long time friend from the vaudeville days in the 1920s was then known as Archibald Leech, later to be known as Cary Grant the big movie actor. - Terry Brooks

Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Louis Brooks, comic jester, Reed's Twenty-five Cent Show, 1890, 1891. New York Clipper, August 2, 1890, p. 323; May 30, 1891, p. 198; July 18, 1891, p. 312. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Silas M. Brooks, a former showman and aeronaut, died April 7 [1906], at the Burlington poor house, Collinsville, Conn. Mr. Brooks first entered the show business in 1848, when P. T. Barnum's manager engaged him to carry out a scheme of the showman in the shape of a Druid band. Mr. Brooks manufactured crude horn instruments and trained the band. They were grotesquely costumed, and proved one of Barnum's successful features. They were exhibited until the Jenny Lind craze. Then Brooks traveled with the troupe, and, making a small fortune, gradually drifted into the show business for himself. A few years later he had a circus of his own. A feature of the show was a balloon ascension, for which Paulin, an aeronaut, of Philadelphia, was engaged. When the show was at Memphis, Mr. Paulin was taken ill. Mr. Brooks donned the garb of the aeronaut and made his first balloon ascension. He continued making ascensions. He finally retired with a fortune, and married a bareback rider of his circus. New York Clipper, April 14, 1906, p. 225. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Will and May Brooks, tattooed couple, have signed with the Pawnee Bill Show for next season, making their third season under the management of ??? ???. New York Clipper, March 25, 1893, p. 34. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for these persons.

Brown Family, with three horses, and the wonder, Miss Mollie Brown, can be engaged for the season of 1877. Harrison street, Frankford, Pa. [Advertisement] New York Clipper, January 13, 1877, p. 336. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for these persons.

Abner Brown, musician, Bryan & Williams' Circus, 1894. New York Clipper, May 12, 1894, p. 149. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

C. Warde Brown, formerly of the Hagenbeck-Wallace, John Robinson and other circuses, is manager of the Majestic Gardens, Grand Rapids' motion picture palace. Billboard, March 9, 1918, p. 29. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

David H. Brown, who years ago traveled with G. G. Grady's Old-Fashioned American Circus, as a balloonist, died at Urbana, O., recently. He was 72 years of age. Billboard, August 24, 1918, p. 66. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Dick Brown, boss hostler, F. J. Taylor's, 1892. New York Clipper, July 2, 1892, p. 260. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Duncan Brown, bill poster, Cooper & Co., 1900. Billboard, August 18, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Emory C. Brown began his career in 1897 with the Forepaugh-Sells Circus as a teamster. Worked for Carl Hagenbeck Circus, M. L. Clark & Sons and other shows in a variety of jobs. At one time was a catcher in a flying act. Collector, donated his collection to Florida State University at Tallahassee. Died August 24, 1980 in Georgia, age 98. Circus Report, September 15, 1980, p. 23. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

George Brown, boss hostler, Clark Bros.' Circus, 1891. New York Clipper, February 21, 1891, p. 795. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

George Brown, English clown, died at his late home in Kansas City, Mo., Dec. 20, of heart trouble. For several years Mr. Brown was with the Barnum & Bailey Shows. He was also with several other large circuses, including Sells-Floto the season of 1915. Billboard, December 28, 1918, p. 54. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

George Brown, clown. see Marie Meers.

Harry Brown was a press agent for Clyde Beatty-Cole Bros. Circus for many years. He also worked in a variety of positions for Ringling-Barnum, Hagenbeck-Wallace, Hoxie Bros. and King Bros. Died December 29, 1982 at Bridgeton, New Jersey, age 63. Circus Report, March 15, 1983, p. 7. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Henry Brown, superintendent of stock, was born in 1868 near Columbus, Ohio. He became a driver on the Sells Bros. Circus in 1890. He was on their trip to Australia, a six and eight horse driver. He drove an eight for Ringling Bros. with Charlie Rooney and George Stumpf. He was boss of ring stock in 1910-1911, but went back to driving and went over to the Sells-Floto show, where he became superintendent of baggage stock in 1922, continuing until that circus was taken off the road after 1932. He took Charlie Rooney's place on Hagenbeck-Wallace, then went to Cole Bros., remaining as boss 1936-38. He then retired to his home near Columbus, where he died March 27, 1955. White Tops, Aug-Sep, 1944, p. 6. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

James Brown, billposter, Lemen Bros., 1891. New York Clipper, December 12, 1891, p. 664. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Mollie Brown, equestrienne, and Clarence Farrell, a non-professional, were clandestinaly married in Philadelphia, Pa., last month. New York Clipper, March 23, 1878, p. 415. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

T. J. Brown, contracting agent, McMahon's International Hippodrome, Circus and Menagerie, 1891. New York Clipper, March 28, 1891, p. 28; New York Dramatic News, March 28, 1891, p. 12. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

W. W. Brown, treasurer, Chas. Hall's, 1891. New York Clipper, July 18, 1891, p. 312. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

F. M. Browne, lithographer and programmer, Irvin & Sons', 1894. New York Clipper, April 14, 1894, p. 85. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

William Browne, boss property man, Downie & Gallagher's, 1891. New York Clipper, May 23, 1891, p. 182. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Bill Browning, boss hostler, Irvin & Sons', 1894. New York Clipper, April 14, 1894, p. 85. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

J. W. Brownlee, manager, Grant's New Colossal Shows, 1891. New York Clipper, May 2, 1891, p. 148; July 25, 1891, p. 340. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Howard Bruce, musician, drums, Gollmar Bros., 1910, resided Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Stevens Point (WI) Journal, March 19, 1910; Gazette (Stevens Point, WI), September 21, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Samuel Bruns, of Buffalo, N.Y., has secured the candy privileges with Sautelle's Circus, 1892. New York Clipper, March 26, 1892, p. 34. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Frank D. Bryan, principal singing and talking clown, Irwin Bros.' Circus, 1893. New York Clipper, August 20, 1892, p. 372; March 11, 1893, p. 2. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

T. W. Bryan, clown, Clark Bros.' Circus, 1891. May be the W. T. Bryan, knockabout clown, Bryan & Williams' Circus, 1894. New York Clipper, August 15, 1891, p. 382; May 12, 1894, p. 149. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Gloria Buchal was an acrobat with the Seven Ashtons risley act. Died April 23, 1982 in Australia, age 52. Circus Report, June 7, 1982, p. 12. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Fred Buchanan, proprietor, Yankee Robinson shows, changed name to Buchanan Bros. show, 1908. Des Moines (IA) Daily News, August 8, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

John L. Buck, former circus man, now connected with the New York Hippodrome, last season for six weeks with Polack Brothers. Billboard, March 23, 1918, p. 74. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Mrs. John Buckley, of Baraboo, Wis., circus performer, died last week in Wheeling, W. Va. She was formerly a member of Ringling Bros. Circus. Billboard, June 8, 1918, p. 66. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

J. M. Buckner, advance, French & Co.'s, 1890. New York Clipper, June 14, 1890, p. 215. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

George Bulgaru, "Gheorghe," was an aerialits, gymnast and clown, featured for many years in Europe, South Africa and the United States. He was with Mills Bros., Krateyl, Kludsky, Togni, Boswell and other shows. Born in Romania, died May 17, 1988 at Sarasota, Florida, age 80. Circus Report, June 20, 1988, p. 29. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Fred Bulter band leader, E. G. Holland & Co.'s, 1892. New York Clipper, March 26, 1892, p. 34. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Charles W. Burch, equestrian director, Dieffenbach's, 1890. Equestrian director and assistant manager, Dieffenbach's, 1891. New York Clipper, October 18, 1890, 503; October 18, 1890, 523; November 15, 1890, 568; November 29, 1890, 596; March 7, 1891, p. 826. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Billy Burchardt, "Billy Bender," contortion, started trouping in 1908 on the Yankee-American Show. He was on Gollmar Bros. 1911-12; 1914 on Sells-Floto. Between 1920 and 1927 he was on Sells-Sterling and in 1928-29 on Hall Bros. Southern Sawdust, No. 86, February, 1976, p. 21. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Burdeau. Mlle. Jeanette Burdeau, principal equestrienne, and Henry Burdeau, clown, can be engaged for the traveling season. [Advertisement] New York Clipper, April 28, 1877, p. 39. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

C. Burdell, chief billposter, Hurlburt & Leftwich's, 1891. New York Clipper, July 4, 1891, p. 284. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

J. W. Burdette, proprietor, Bristol & Co.'s Circus, 1890. New York Clipper, May 31, 1890, p. 191. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

H. C. Burgess, press agent, W. B. Reynolds', 1892. New York Clipper, April 23, 1892, p. 98. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

E. M. Burk, railroad contractor, Great Wallace Shows, 1900. Resided Dayton, Kentucky. By June he was reported to remain in very serious condition. He was moved from Detroit to Chicago, at the Leland Hotel, suffering severely. E. D. Colvin, Jack Holland and Ralph Peckham are looking after him. By late June, he was convalescent. Billboard, June 2, 1900; June 23, 1900, p. 5; June 30, p. 5. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

George Burke, general advertising agent, Bartine Consolidated Circus, 1889. New York Clipper, April 27, 1889, p. 107. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Lee Burke, Trevino's Mexican Shows, 1894. New York Clipper, January 20, 1894, p. 735. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Pat Burke, boss canvas man, New Bartine Shows, 1894. New York Clipper, March 17, 1894, p. 21. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

William E. Burke, "Billy," many years singing clown with old Forepaugh Show, several seasons with Sells Brothers. Now in England with a comical educated mule, 1900. Also see Slout's Olympians on this website. Billboard, June 2, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Foster Burns, advance, Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1909; treasurer, Sells-Floto 1910. Perry (IA) Daily Chief, May 22, 1909; Yuma (AZ) Examiner, April 23, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Frank Burns, general contracting agent, Sig. Sautelle's, 1894; With Forepaugh's in 1894. New York Clipper, March 3, 1894, p. 833. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Frank Burns, boss props, Prof. Tony White's Shows, 1894. New York Clipper, March 31, 1894, p. 53. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Will T. Burnside, manager, Professor Morris’ Equine, 1891. New York Dramatic News, August 15, 1891, p. 10. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Prof. O. Y. Burr, leader of band and assistant manager, Belford Circus, 1896. New York Clipper, February 1, 1896, p. 761. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Oliver D. Burr, advance J. Taylor's Great American, 1891. Boss billposter, Hunting's, 1893. New York Clipper, April 11, 1891, p. 74. Clipper, August 12, 1893, p. 362; November 4, 1893, p. 561; April 11, 1891, p. 74. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Burrell Bros., double ring act, Howard Damon Australian Shows, 1909. Charleroi (PA) Mail, May 25, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Frank Burt, balancing act, slack wire, Prof. Williams Shows, 1892. New York Clipper, March 19, 1892, p. 18. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

W. H. Burt. To guard the patrons of the Ringling Bros.’ Show against crooks, pickpockets and fakirs is the difficult and sometimes perilous work of Mr. W. H. Burt, the popular and wide-awake superintendent of our Pinkerton Detective force. Few, even of those experienced with the details of show life, know the many difficulties that Mr. Burt has to contend with in keeping away from the show and towns it visits, the army of dishonest people who, but for his untiring and constant attention, would infest our route with their disagreeable presence. That he is eminently successful in his work is proven by the fact that patrons of the Ringling Bros. are so thoroughly protected from these causes, that no single instance of any dishonest depredation has occurred since his incumbency of the position he occupies. Mr. Burt is a man of wide experience in his profession and possesses the happy faculty of making many friends among the officials of the cities visited by the show. Offical Route Book of Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Railroad Shows, Season of 1893, Buffalo, NY: Courier Co., 1893. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

H. Burton, manager, Dan Bartholomew’s, 1891. New York Clipper, May 16, 1891, p. 169. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Julius Burton, a contortionist, who traveled with circuses some years ago, and more recently had performerd in some of the variety theatres here, but who of late had been gaining a precarious living by performing in saloons and other places, committed suicide by hanging, at __ Essex street [New York], either on the night of July 10 or the morning of the 11th. He was 32 years of age and unmarried. New York Clipper, July 20, 1878, p. 134. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

William Burton, treasurer, W. B. Reynolds', 1892. New York Clipper, March 19, 1892, p. 18. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

George A. Buskirk, who had the No. 2 wagon and downtown office with Hagenbeck-Wallace from 1915 to 1919, is now chief clerk at the Denison Hotel, Indianapolis. Billboard, November 22, 1919, p. 53. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Oliver Buss, boss billposter, Fred Locke's, 1892. New York Clipper, May 15, 1892, p. 146. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

C. A. Bussiau, boss property man, G. W. Hall's (Jr.), 1894. New York Clipper, February 24, 1894, p. 817. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Guy A. Buswell, "Buzzy," joined Al Wheeler's Dog & Pony Show when he was 16. He was with Wallace Bros., Sparks, Sells-Floto, John H. Robinson, Walter L. Main, the old King Bros., Hagenbeck-Wallace and with Ringling-Barnum in the 1930s. He was first a laborer, then worked with horses handling the teams for loading and unloading the circus. He left circus life in 1941 and did not return until he signed with the Great American Circus at age 82, later with Hoxie Bros. as a maintenance man, still with this circus at age 87. Circus Report, July 6, 1981, p. 18. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Albert W. Butler,"Silent Al," died November 4, 1973 at the age of 84. He was best known as a contracting agent for the Ringling-Barnum Circus, a position he held for 27 years. Between seasons he handled publicity for Rogers & Hammerstein. In recent years he was associated with the Morris Mechanic Theater in Baltimore, Maryland. He attended the Milwaukee parade in 1972. Bandwagon, Vol. 17, No. 6 (Nov-Dec), 1973, p. 43. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

    I saw your entry on Al W. Butler. I don’t think he was called “Silent Al.” I think that was someone else. [I have] his draft registration card from 1917. He was [a press agent] with Sells-Floto then. He was my grandfather. My mother, Betty Jean Butler (died 1994), was born in Venice, Ca. She studied dance as a child and was a dancer and bit part actress at MGM during the Depression. They lived in Woodland, CA at the time this enlistment card was made. My grandmother, Fanny Butler, his first wife, was born and raised in Woodland. - Tony Knight.

Isabelle Butler, was in vaudeville, performing on skates. Due to ill health she changed to ice rink performances. Miss Butler was with Barnum & Bailey three years, did the "dip of death" in an automobile, taking the place of Madame de Teirs (Mauricia de Tiers), the French woman who originated the act and was killed in a fall from a defective machine. Miss Butler has done trick bicycle riding. Isabelle Butler did the dip of death, driving a car loop upside down that lasted four seconds, performing her act twice a day. Manitoba (Winnipeg, Canada) Morning Free Press, January 10, 1911; Women Daredevils by Julia Cummins. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

James Butler, slack wire, balancing traps, Rigall & Co.'s, 1894. New York Clipper, April 28, 1894, p. 117. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Ernest Byrd, known in the circus world as "Alabama Jack," died of pneumonia while at sea, September 30, 1918, a soldier serving in the army. He was formerly a candy butcher with the Haag show 1911-1913, and in the cookhouse of Hagenbeck-Wallace seasons of 1914-1916, leaving the latter show at Canton, O., May 7, 1916. His remains were sent to Canton for burial in Westlawn Cemetery. Billboard, November 23, 1918, p. 26. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Traci Byrd made her debut on Carson & Barnes Circus on June 19, 1978, at a very young age. She was the daughter of Barbara Miller Byrd and Geary Byrd, and grand daughter of Carson & Barnes owner, Dory Miller. Southern Sawdust, No. 96, August, 1978, p. 10. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Evelyn Byron (Robson) joing the Bessie Valdare troupe of lady cyclists in 1907 and was with them for six years. She then joined the Barnum & Bailey Circus as an aerialist, cyclist, bareback rider, etc. she was also a partner in the acts of Dooley & Evelyn and Evelyn & Dolly. She married Roy Byron in 1919. After his death in 1943 shoe was a dental clerk. Died December 13, 1977 at Northfield, Massachusetts, age 88. Circus Report, January 16, 1978, p. 11. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Top