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Cahill & Cromwells, aerial iron jaw, John H. Sparks, 1910. See Cromwell. Correctionville (IA) News, June 9, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Prof. J. B. Cahoon, band leader, Hurlburt & R. R. Leftwich's, 1890, 1892, 1893; treasurer and band leader in 1892, 1893. Married Mrs. D. P. Hurlburt, one of the proprietors of Hurlburt & Leftwich's, at Norwalk, Nebraska, October 19, 1893. New York Clipper, July 5, 1890, p. 262; April 2, 1892, p. 50; Clipper, May 7, 1892, p. 130; June 4, 1892, p. 206; January 7, 1893, p. 702; January 7, 1893, p. 715; November 4, 1893, p. 563. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Charles Calhoun, cook, W. F. Kirkhart Great American, 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 Callahan, in charge of first brigade, F. J. Taylor's, 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.

Rev. John H. Callahan was a chaplain with Ringling-Barnum, Cole Bros. railroad circus and Clyde Beatty Circus. Died March 25, 1987 at Rock Island, Illinois, age 82. Circus Report, April 20, 1987, p. 17. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Walter Callahan, boss bill poster, Sig. Sautelles', 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. W. Calvin, professionally known as "Capt. Robert Young," animal trainer, formerly with Howe's Great London Shows, is serving the colors, stationed at Great Lakes, Ill. Billboard, September 21, 1918, p. 33.   L. W. Calvin (Captain Bob Young), lion tamer, who toured both the United States and Cuba with circuses and carnivals, is director of a small Zoo at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, Ill. Billboard, October 26, 1918, p. 27. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Charlie Cambell was advance man for Carson & Barnes and the Davenport shows, operated the Marie O'Day Palace Car for a number of years, and was with various other shows. Died February 13, 1984 at Atlanta, Georgia, age 72. Circus Report, March 5, 1984, p. 3. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Edward Cambell, manager, Lemen Bros., 1891. New York Clipper, October 10, 1891, p. 518. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Frank Cameo and Mary Crittendon, return act, Lemen Bros., 1892. New York Clipper, May 28, 1892, p. 178. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for these persons.

Charles Cameron, female impersonator in concert, Lee's London, 1891. New York Clipper, August 22, 1891, p. 398. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Campbell & Johnson, bicycle act, 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/these person(s).

Ed O. Campbell died at his home in Ypsilanti, Mich., March 10, from a stroke of paralysis, age 71. He spent the greater part of his life in show business, his younger years with minstrel shows, and later as a billposter with the Adam Forepaugh shows. For the past ten years he held the office of constable in Ypsilanti. He is survived by a daughter and a brother. Billboard, March 2, 1919, p. 192. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

G. P. Campbell, general agent, Wallace & Co.'s, 1890; Albert M. Wetter's, 1894. New York Clipper, March 15, 1890, p. 5; April 14, 1894, p. 85; April 14, 1894, p. 92; April 21, 1894, pp. 102-103. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

J. J. Campbell, band leader, Whitby's Circus, 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.

James Campbell, owner, Campbell Bros., 1908. Cedar Rapids (IA) Evening Gazette, September 19, 1908. Also see Bardy, Ed, Story of the Campbell Bros. Circus, , Traverse City, MI: Ed Bardy, 1981. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Jerry Campbell. Campbell and Franklin have joined Kidder & Co.'s Circus for a southern tour, 1893. Jerry Campbell will clown and the team will appear in the concert. New York Clipper, September 23, 1893, p. 463. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

P. B. Campbell, press agent, Campbell Bros. Waukesha (WI) Freeman, August 18, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Virgil Campbell. Fairbury, Neb., July 4 - Virgil Campbell, 84, former partner in operation of Campbell Bros.' Circus, died here Tuesday (30). He had broken a hip and wrist in a fall and was in a hospital at the time of his death. Funeral services were conducted here Wednesday (1). He is survived by a daughter, Gertrude Campbell. A native of Augusta, Ill., Campbell and three brothers lived in Fairbury when they framed a medicine show with Fred Hatfield and Lee Greer in 1894. The show was converted into a wagon circus and later moved by railroad. It was closed in 1912. After that, one of the group, Al G. Campbell, continued in circus business, largely with small shows built at the William P. Hall farm, Lancaster, Mo. Fairbury was the site of Campbell Bros.' winter quarters, and Virgil Campbell made his home here since the show closed. The show, nicknamed the "Hump Show," used music of "The Campbells Are Coming" as bally. In 1951, the Jefferson County Fair here honored Campbell with a "circus day," and several former employees of the Campbell circus attended. (Copied from the Billboard) Bandwagon, July, 1953, p. 7. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Oreste Canestrelli, equestrian, a member of the Canestrelli circus family, traveled in Europe with his family's Circus Canestrelli. He came to the United States in 1956 for Ringling-Barnum, doing an unsupported ladder act, later presenting a chimp act. In later years he trained horses for the circus. Died circa 1988 in Naples, Italy, age 59. Circus Report, March 14, 1988, p. 12. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

George Cannon, talking clown, 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.

Canto, the Demon, dives from top of tent, lands on his chest on a chute, slides the entire length, is shot off end and lands on his feet. John Robinson's, 1910. Possibly the same as Carbo below. Iowa City (IA) Daily Press, June 20, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Harry Capito, boss bill poster, Nelson's World's 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.

John Capron, advertising agent, Gregory & Belford's, 1892. New York Clipper, June 18, 1892, p. 228. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Feofilo Carbo, slides downward on a wire from dome of tent, Sells-Floto, 1911. Oakland (CA) Tribune, April 28 & 30, 1911. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Henry E. Carderry was an electrician with the Ringling circus. Died December 29, 1984 at Loma Linda, California, age 78. Circus Report, February 25, 1985, p. 19. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Bill Caress, Wild West clown, is to be with the Ringling Bros.' Show, 1918. Billboard, March 16, 1918, p. 30.   "Big" Bill Caress, clown and formerly of the 101 Ranch, Ringling Bros. and other circuses, has retired to his farm in Indiana to study for the ministry, 1918. Billboard, July 20, 1918, p. 25. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

C. S. Carleton, general agent, Erwood's, 1893. Resigned as general agent of Erwood's Circus to take charge of the tour of Prof. Martin's troupe of educated dogs and ponies. New York Clipper, July 8, 1893, p. 280. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Nellie Carlisle and Nelson Sinclair, aerialists, Bailey's London Circus, 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 these persons.

Carlosa, only name by which he is known, balances an unsupported ladder on a table, climbs it, walks down the other side backwards, then walks up backwards, turns ladder around while at the top, then climbs down again, Shipp's Indoor Circus, 1901-1902.(1) Perpendicular ladder, Van Amburg Shows, 1904.(2) Carlosa and Silverton, wire act, Frank A. Robbins, 1906-1907.(3) Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

1. Cedar Rapids (IA) Evening Gazette, January 30, 1901; Cedar Rapids (IA) Republican, February 3, 1901; Cedar Rapids (IA) Evening Gazette, January 27, 1902.
2. Spirit Lake (IA) Beacon, July 29, 1904.
3. Bandwagon, Sep-Oct, 2001, p. 30, Nov-Dec, 2001, p. 33, 34; Portsmouth (NH) Herald, June 6, 1907.

Addie G. Carlson was a trapeze artist who toured for nearly 30 years. She was a member of the Stubblefield Trio with her mother, Annie Stubblefield and step-father George Lowe. She began performing at age 10 and was with Barnum & Bailey in 1906, remaining with that show when it became Ringling-Barnum until she retired. Born in 1892, she died in April 1982 in Dallas, Texas, age 89. Circus Report, May 3, 1982, p. 16; May 17, 1982, p. 15. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

La Belle Carmen Troupe, Wallace Bros. Circus 1898.(1) Spanish high wire artists, Forepaugh-Sells, 1902.(2) Carmen Troupe, five in number, vaudeville, 1905.(3) La Troupe Carmen, four people, Great Wallace, 1905.(4) La Carmen Troupe, Barnum & Bailey, 1907.(5) Carmen Troupe, Three Carmens, high wire, acrobats, Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

1. Couderc, Pierre, Truth or Fiction, Legend or Fact, Bandwagon, Vol. 9, No. 2 (Mar-Apr), 1965. Online www.circushistory.org/Bandwagon/bw-1965Mar.htm.
2. Ad. Waukesha (WI) Freeman, August 14, 1902.
3. Washington Post, January 3, 1905.
4. Alton (IL) Evening Telegraph, June 24, 1905.
5. New Castle (PA) News, April 12, 1907.
6. Newark (OH) Daily Advocate, April 30, 1910; Evening Telegram (Elyria, OH), May 24, 1910; Oelwein (IA) Daily Register, June 16, 1910.

Fred Carmichael, advance, Campbell Bros., 1910. Oxnard (CA) Courier, April 22, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Dave Carnes, one-armed high diver of circuses and carnivals, has accepted a position with the Standard Oil Company's Canton (O.) branch. His home is in Canton. Billboard, May 25, 1918, p. 27. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Bertha Carnihan is a little lady whose gigantic height does not exceed 32 inches. She is 21 years of age and, as can be seen by her picture, a very comely and bright little lady. She does not share any of the childlike habits usually found in little people, but, on the contrary, possesses an independence commensurate with several times her diminutive height. Miss Carnihan is a very well-educated and highly accomplished little lady and has been one of the attractions of the Ringling Brothers’ Museum for the past three years. She lives in Benson, Minn., where she has a host of warm and admiring friends. 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).

Bill Carpenter, clown, Norris & Rowe, 1908. Woodland (CA) Daily Democrat, April 20, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Sid Carpenter, trainmaster, Sells-Floto, 1909, was with Sells-Foto for last three years. Stevens Point (WI) Daily Journal, August 14, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Will Carpenter, ponies, Gentry Bros., 1908. Austin (MN) Daily Herald, June 26, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

C. A. Carr, in charge of properties, 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.

Edward Carr, trapeze, Rich & Downie, 1890. With Downie & Gallagher, 1891 and equestrian director in 1892. Jockey with Andrew Downie's 1893. New York Clipper, March 8, 1890, p. 861; June 7, 1890, p. 197; July 19, 1890, p. 294; February 28, 1891, p. 811; May 23, 1891, p. 182; August 22, 1891, p. 398; October 10, 1891, p. 532; March 19, 1892, p. 18; May 21, 1892, p. 162; July 29, 1893, p. 328. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

James Carr, lithographer, Sun Bros., 1893. New York Clipper, June 3, 1893, p. 198. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Lewis Carr, sideshow orator, Washburn & Arlington Shows, 1890. New York Clipper, July 19, 1890, p. 294. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Pauline Carre, equestrienne, Irwin Bros., 1890; Sautelle's, 1891, 1892; Scribner & Smith's, 1893. Divorced her husband, gymnast Burton A. Fisher, in 1891. New York Clipper, June 21, 1890, p. 240; June 28, 1890, p. 243; April 4, 1891, p. 71; July 25, 1891, p. 328; October 3, 1891, p. 515; August 6, 1892, p. 353; September 2, 1893, p. 412; September 2, 1893, p. 425; September 16, 1893, p. 449; October 28, 1893, p. 547. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Mike Carrell, boss bill poster, Holland & Co.'s, 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.

Hallett and Carroll have signed with the New Great Syndicate Shows for next season. 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/these person(s).

Annie Carroll.
    Equestrienne Annie Carroll, trained for the circus ring beginning in tender childhood, was married in New York on Thursday to Eddie Snow, the acrobat. The combined earnings of the couple are $275 a week. Logansport Daily Journal (Logansport, IN), April 13, 1883, n.p.n.
    Annie Carroll, bareback rider and famous in the circus for many years, is in dire distress in Chicago, and in need of assistance. She has broken her health by nursing her daughter, Edna Snow, a soubrette, who has been an invalid for three years and now has cancer of the stomach. Billboard, October 5, 1918, p. 26. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Bert Carroll, steward of the John Robinson Circus, goes back with the John Robinson Ten Big. Billboard, January 26, 1918, p. 31. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Bobby Carroll, clown, Van Amburgh Circus, 1891. New York Clipper, August 22, 1891, p. 398. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Capt. Carroll (Charles Carroll Mathewson), veteran calliope player. Read Carroll's biography online in Note Sheet (Circus Historical Society), November 1943.

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John Carroll, elephant trainer and handler. Was a cage boy for Terrell Jacobs, then joined the Kelly-Miller Circus circa 1948 and remained with the Miller organization. Died at age 54 on April 25, 1980, at Jacksonville, Texas while with the Carson & Barnes Circus. Circus Report, May 19, 1980, p. 3. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Nettie Carroll, "Deft and Dexterous Exercises on a Frail and Swinging Wire Thread," flying rings, husband Charles Carroll, ticket seller, calliope player, Ringling Bros., 1900, 1901.(1) Nettie Carroll rides a bicycle on a cable, Ringling Bros., 1902.(2) Shipp's Indoor Circus 1903, 1905: Charles treasurer for Mr. Shipp in winter, next season will play the steam calliope for Barnum & Bailey, in show business 15 years; his wife Nettie Carroll, tight wire, flying rings, in the business since she was 2 1/2, formerly one of the Stirk Family, bicycle riders, also goes with Barnum & Bailey.; they live in Petersburg, IL. Mrs. Carroll, tight wire, flying rings.(3) Nettie, high wire, Forepaugh-Sells, 1906-1907.(4) Nettie and Nettie Carroll Troupe, Barnum & Bailey, 1908, 1910, 1911.(5) Nettie, Nettie Carroll Troupe, wire artists, Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1914, 1915, 1919.(6) Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

1. Cedar Rapids (IA) Republican, July 28, 1900; Ringling Bros. Route Book, Ringling Bros.' World's Greatest Shows, Season 1900; News Democrat (Uhrichsville, OH), June 28, 1901.
2. Fort Wayne (IN) News, May 24, 1902.
3. Cedar Rapids (IA) Evening Gazette, January 27, 1903; Cedar Rapids (IA) Sunday Republican, February 1, 1903; Daily Review (Decatur, IL), January 6, 1905; Cedar Rapids (IA) Evening Gazette, February 21, 1905.
4. Semi Weekly Reporter (Waterloo, IA), June 29, 1906; Middletown (NY) Daily Times-Press, July 30, 1907.
5. San Antonio (TX) Gazette, October 7, 1908; Van Wert (OH) Daily Bulletin, July 11, 1910; Logansport (IN) Reporter, May 31, 1911.
6. Evening Gazette (Cedar Rapids, IA), June 30, 1914; Newark (OH) Advocate, April 23, 1915; Iowa City (IA) Citizen, June 23, 1919.

Nettie Carroll troupe, Hagenbeck-Wallace circus 1914. From Mike Rammer, Oshkosh WI.

John Carroll, horse trainer, ringmaster, Sells-Floto, 1908; trained ponies, Great Floto Shows, 1905. Reno (NV) Evening Gazette, May 12, 1908; Ogden (UT) Standard, May 14, 1908; Galveston (TX) Daily News, March 28, 1905. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

W. B. Carroll
    Circus manager. The Carroll Family are open for an engagement for the season of 1877, consisting of female principal, male somersault act, carrying act, fire balloon trick horse. W. B. Carroll, equestrian, Westchester, New York. [Advertisment] New York Clipper, January 27, 1877, p. 347.
    W. B. Carroll, with his family, including his daughter Miss Annie, bareback rider; Master Willie in pad act, etc.; Master Leon and his trick horse, can be engaged for the coming season, Mr. Carroll to act as equestrian director, ringmaster, etc. New York Clipper, February 9, 1878, p. 367.

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William Carroll and wife, trick mule, Frank A. Robbins, 1905. Bandwagon, Jul-Aug, 2001, p. 37. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Gwen W. Carsey, performer, appeared with Sells-Floto, Sparks and other show. At one time managed the concession department on Polack Bros. Died January 5, 1980 at San Antonio, Texas. Wife of circus band director Bee T. Carsey. Circus Report, January 21, 1980, p. 19. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Jack D. Carson, Hebrew comedian, late of Barnum & Bailey Circus, and Maria Barlow, also a performer, were married in Nashville, Tenn., October 30, 1918. Billboard, November 9, 1918, p. 24. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Jean P. Carson, "Miss Jeannie," was a wardrobe mistress, dancer and elephant rider with Ringling and Ringling-Barnum from 1916 to 1974, retiring at age 82. Died November 24, 1981 at Sarasota, Florida, age 89. Circus Report, December 14, 1981, p. 8. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

James E. Carter, one of Michigan's oldest showmen passed away at Big Rapids, Michigan, on October 16th, age 75 years. Jim as he was known by everyone who knew him was a real trouper and a true friend regardless of weather or financial conditions. He was always ready to do his best that the show might go on. He was a versatile performer and musician, being able to play any part, either Comedy or Straight and could play any musical instrument including piano and calliope. In the late nineties he organized a Dramatic Show under canvas and travelled by wagon in the early part of 1902. The show had grown and a railroad car was purchased. The performances now presented were "Uncle Toms Cabin" and "Ten Nights in a Bar Room." At the outbreak of the First World War, the show was sold and he joined the Side Show Band of Ringling Bros. This was the first and only time that they had an all white band in the Side Show, which was then under the direction of the late "Lew Graham." At the termination of his contract with the Ringling Show, Jim again engaged in the operation of his own show which this time went out on trucks playing halls in the winter and canvas in the summer, travelling through Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Ohio. During the late 1920's Jim and his family travelled with various shows and circuses, some of which were Adkins Dog and Pony Show, Tiger Bills Wild West Show (then owned by the late "Col. Emmet Snyder"), Lewis Bros. Circus and Fisher Bros. Circus. From 1948 until a few weeks before his death, Jim was again active in the operation of his own show. During World War II, he purchased a home and established a Winter quarters at Morley, Michigan, where his wife and son now reside. Jim will be missed by all who knew him. Bandwagon, Vol. 1, January, 1954, p. 12. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Lucille Carter and her husband, H. Nick Carter, toured as the Skating Carters with Shell Bros., Russell Bros., Dailey Bros., Joe B. Webb and several carnivals. She died May 14, 1979, age 71. Circus Report, July 2, 1979, p. 16. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Note: I’m just starting to look at our records, but she seems to be from Fitchburg, MA, with the maiden name Bourgeault, (I’ll need to double check the spelling of her last name) and her husband Nick came to Fitchburg, MA when he was about 5, and became a naturalized citizen. In the 1940’s they seem to have been based out of Yonkers, NY. - Susan Navarre, Executive Director, Fitchburg Historical Society

Maude Carter. Vandevere Female Zouaves, under direction of Captain Maude Carter, Lemon Bros., 1905. Fort Wayne (IN) Journal-Gazette, April 30, 1905. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Chas. C. Case, formerly with the advance of several circuses, is now located with the Dodge Auto Company of Detroit. Billboard, June 29, 1918, p. 27. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Hazel William Case, aerialist, bareback rider and wire walker, was the first performer to take a trapeze act into a New York night club. She appeared at the Atlantic City Steel Pier, with leading circuses, and the May Wirth riding act. She married Marvin Case, and in the 1940s-50s she performed on the slack wire with her husband. Her mother was the sister of Charles T. Hunt, owner of Hunt Bros. Circus and she was affiliated with the Hunt Circus for many years. Circus Report, December 26, 1983, p. 14. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Leo Case was elephant and ring stock man with F. A. Robbins for six years, and in 1916-18 on elephants with M. J. Mooney on the Barnum & Bailey show. Billboard, February 1, 1919, p. 29. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Jas. Casey, excursion brigade, Ringling Bros., 1900. Billboard, June 30, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Philip Castang
    1910: "Phil Castang, who has resigned as manager of the Swope Park zoo, will leave June 21 to take charge of the Memphis Zoological Gardens. Castang has become almost a part of the Kansas City zoo during the year and ten months that he has had charge at Swope Park. His desk in the southwest corner of the zoo building often was thronged by visitors seeking information about the lions, monkeys and Gila monsters and Phil Castang and his cockney dialect always was ready to explain. 'Oy always tike pines to tell them all they want to knaow about the animals,' said Castang. 'What's the goud o' 'avin 'm if the people don't know wot the're lookin' at. That's wot Oy sye.'
    Lion Cubs His First Playmates. But Phil Castang has been offered a better job, and no doubt the animals, from the reptiles to the bears, all of whom had learned that the short, stocky man with the jaguar claw scars across the left side of his face and the straight stem briar pipe always between his teeth had no fear of them, but knew how to minister to their every want, will miss him, too.
    Castang was born almost within arm's length of a cage of lions, in a circus wagon while the circus was showing in London, forty-three years ago. His first playmates were bear and lion cubs. He learned the business of animal trainer under his father, Harry Castang of Leadenhall Market, London, a partner of the famous Carl Hagenbeck. Later he became head animal trainer for Hagenbeck at his 800-acre zoo In Hamburg, Germany.
    Castang came to this country with one of Hagenbeck's shows nine years ago. He had charge of Hagenbeck's animal exhibit during the St. Louis World's Fair, where he worked in eleven acts each day with performing elephants, lions, tigers, polar bears, goats and dogs. After the World's Fair he traveled with the Hagenbeck circus until that outfit was purchased by B. E. Wallace of Peru, Ind. He remained with Wallace four years, and then trained chimpanzees for a circus man named J. E. Edwards, leaving this job to take charge of the Swope Park zoo.
    Memphis Offers a Decent Wage. It had been the dream of Phil Castang to build a cageless zoo at Swope Park, like the cageless zoo of the Hagenbeck's in Germany, where the animals are confined in the open by ditches, but lack of funds made even minor improvements impossible. Memphis, which has commission government, has a zoo containing more than four hundred animals, including three pairs of breeding monkeys, the only ones in the country. Memphis will pay Mr. Castang $1,800 a year besides furnishing him a house and all living expenses for himself and family. His salary here was $85 a month and no house or living expenses."(1) Philip Castang with Hagenbeck-Wallace 1908, performing elephants with Dode Fisk Shows 1910.(2)

    1918: Phil Castang has resigned as superintendent of the Overton Park Zoo at Memphis, Tenn., to take charge of the animal performances for the Jungle Film Company at Los Angeles.(3)

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1. Kansas City (MO) Star, June 11, 1913.
2. Fort Wayne (IN) Sentinel, February 4, 1908; Marshfield (WI) Times, July 13, 1910; Marshfield (WI) Times, July 13, 1910, and July 27, 1910.
3. Billboard, April 27, 1918, p. 29.

Bess Castello, bareback rider, was born Bessie Skelton, in Ottawa, Canada, January 30, 1888. She began performing at age eight with a troupe headed by her uncle. She met Fred Castello on the Norris & Rowe Circus and they married in 1908. Fred and Bess formed a riding act and appeared on the Yankee Robinson Circus and Sparks Circus. Fred died in 1917, and in 1919 Bess joined the Orrin Davenport Family on Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey for three years. She then joined the Poodles Hanneford riding act on Sells-Floto. Later she was on the Downie Bros. Circus. Southern Sawdust, No. 100, August, 1979, p. 43. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Dan Castello, formerly a circus proprietor and manager, in company with a number of gentlemen from Wisconsin, is now running a quartz mill in Leeds City, on Poor Man's Gulch, about three miles from Deadwood, D.T. The claim is named Racine, afte Mr. Castello's home in Wisconsin. New York Clipper, June 23, 1877, p. 102. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Dave Castello, late with P. T. Barnum's Great show, boy bareback rider and tumbler, can be engaged for tenting season of 1877. [Advertisement] New York Clipper, January 20, 1877, p. 339.

Castello Family. When the members of the Castello family of bareback riding and aerial fame, got together in Henderson, North Carolina, their home town, to put on their final performance for the American Legion circus in 1935 - 16 years ago - the outdoor show world lost more than a dozen stars and promising young performers. For just as they reached the top of their profession under the big tops, the Castellos have been equally successful in the business and professional world, with Henderson as their base of operations.
          The Castellos today consist of five brothers and sisters and their eight children, of the third and fourth generations of circus riders. The family dynasty began with Dan Castello, the famous clown and rider of Racine, Wisconsin, who had his own circus on the road in the 60's. He teamed up with W. C. Coup, an enterprising young outdoor showman, to operate Coup and Castello's Circus. Ambitious to make their show the largest in the country, they successfully induced P. T. Barnum to join them in a larger operation, which made its debut in 1871 as P. T. Barnum's Great Traveling Museum, Menagerie, Caravan and Hippodrome, which eventually became the world's largest, Barnum & Bailey Circus.
          Young Dave Loughlin, who had the urge to be a circus performer, apprenticed himself to Castello, as was the custom of beginners in those days. Castello took a liking to the youth and taught him to be an all-around performer, at the same time legally adopting him as a son. Dave teamed with two brothers to present circus acts for several years. Then he met and was married to Ada Wallett, a native of England and daughter of Madame Jeffreys, famous English tight rope artist. Miss Wallett was a descendant of William Wallett, last of Britain's court jesters, and she came to this country as Zazel, the first woman to be shot out of a cannon, in the late 70's. Unlike the present-day human projectiles who land in a net, Miss Wallett was propelled to a trapeze, where she went through an act after her trip through space. Once she was in the cannon barrel awaiting the signal for her departure, when she readied up to make sure her hair was in place. That movement caused her to suffer serious injury and thereafter she never liked to see a mirror, because, as she said, "it reminded me of the vanity that caused me to get hurt."
          Dave Loughlin taught his wife to ride and they had their carrying act on the Adam Forepaugh-Sells Bros., Norris & Rowe, and other circuses for years. Meanwhile their five children, Dave, Jr., Charlie, Fred, Edward and Edith, learned to ride while the family was living in Cortland, New York. Today, Dave, the elder member of the family, and head of the troupe after his father's death in 1923, owns a hardware store in Henderson, is a director of the First National bank and has served as a member of the city council. Charlie owns a smoke shop and a taxi business and Edward is in the jewelry business under the firm name of Loughlin and Goodwin, with stores in Henderson and Warrenton. Fred was killed in a fall from a fire truck in Henderson in 1917. Sister Edith is now Mrs. Edith O'Lary of Kissimee, Florida, and an adopted sister, Ruth, is now Mrs. Nicholas Jeffreys, a school teacher in Clayton, N. C.
          But for many years, the magic name "The Riding Castellos" was to be found in the programs of leading circuses, and on the bills of principal vaudeville circuits, grandstand shows, and amusement parks throughout the country. The Castellos worked in various combinations through the years as circumstances dictated. In the beginning the youngsters were members of their parents' family troupe. But Dave. Sr. fell under a passenger train he was boarding at Henderson, and lost a leg. Realizing his performing days were over, he purchased a hotel in Henderson. Other members of the family carried on in the best traditions of the circus. Mrs. Castello and son, Dave, had their carrying act on Ringling Brothers circus in 1912, and daughter, Edith, did a principal riding act. That same year, the Alpine family of high wire artists was featured in the performance. On the Ringling lot, Dave Castello met Pearl Alpine, who became his bride, and learned to be a rider under her husband's tutelage. Meanwhile, Edith Castello, her sister-in-law, Bessie Castello, widow of Fred, and Lulu Davenport, of another prominent circus family, formed a riding act known as The Riding Waltons, which was with Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey circus in 1919. The name of the act was from Edith's husband, Edward Walton, who also learned to ride. This act was with circuses for several years, and was revived in the 30's to play at Coney Island, with Edith, sister-in-law, Bessie, and her adopted sister, Ruth, as members.
          When the elder Mrs. Castello gave up riding to keep house for her granddaughter, Bebe Castello, who was attending public school in Henderson, Dave, his wife, Pearl, and brother, Edward, formed a trio using the family name, and they were together for 13 years, playing principally in parks and at fairs and in vaudeville. Eddie was the comedian of the act. Charlie Castello preferred aerial acts to the family's traditional riding, and he produced a single high act, in which he did swinging perch, cloud swing, roman rings and loop walking.
          The third generation of Castellos had only begun to take part in the family acts, when the Castellos retired from show business. The Dave Castellos' only child, Sylvia, learned to ride, and when she was 15, substituted for her mother in the act, while the latter was ill. She is now Mrs. Thurston Hoyle, a housewife in Henderson. Charlie Castello had five children, three of whom were performers. Charlie, Jr. learned his father's aerial act and alternated with him on occasion. Daughters, Zazel and Margie were acrobats. They are now Mrs. Woodrow Johnson of Fuquay Springs, N. C., and Mrs. Margie Cooper of Henderson. Fred and Davada were too young to be performers when their father quit the road. The Edward Castellos have two sons, Edward and Davis, neither of whom was old enough to be a performer, when their father wrote finis to his circus career.
          Only the late Fred Castello's descendants have continued in circus work. His wife Bessie, who started her career with the Gregory family of acrobats, continued in show business after her relatives had retired. Her brother, William Skelton, entered the insurance business and now is the highly respected and capable resident vice president of Loyal Protective Life Insurance company in Toronto. But Bessie, like her brothers and sisters-in-law, quit the circus at the end of the 1935 season. Her daughter, Bebe, married Joe Siegrist, aerialist, and they have their own high act. The Siegrists' daughter, Joan, married Eldon Day, also an aerialist, and they have a flying act.
          Retirement from the circus field has not kept the Castellos, or Loughlins, the family name they use in their home town, from enjoying some of the aspects of trouping which appealed to them most. The Dave Loughlins, who enjoyed their travels with circuses over the United States, Canada, Mexico and Cuba, now have a house trailer, and they take it with them to Florida during the winter months and make other trips over the country. "Reminds us of the old days," says Mrs. Loughlin. Charlie Loughlin, the former aerialist, still likes aerial thrills, and owns and operates his own airplane. Once while performing in Maine, he fell from his rigging and suffered a broken leg. The next day, with the leg in a cast, he drove his equipment truck back to Henderson. In 1947, his plane crashed and he was laid up in a hospital with broken bones for months. But he was flying again as soon as his doctor dismissed him.
          Charlie's most exciting experience, however, occurred while he was fishing off the Carolina coast. He discovered his boat was in close proximity to a bombing target of the U. S. navy. He sent word to the Coast guard of his predicament, but before word could be relayed to the navy, bombers came over and began peppering the target with explosives. Charlie clung to his boat as it bounced and floundered, but he escaped unhurt.
          While the Loughlins display a lively interest in the careers of their niece and grandniece, Bebe Siegrist and Joan Day, they have no regrets that they quit the circus. For they have since led such busy lives in Henderson, that they have had no time for other than pleasant memories of their show world days. - A. Morton Smith, "Circus Stars of Yesteryears, X. The Castello Family" Hobbies, May 1951, pp. 26-27. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Bessie Castello. Fred Castello convinced his father Dave, head of the famous Castello family of bareback riders, that he had located a promising rosinback horse in Detroit. And since the success of bareback riders largely depend on sure-footed, broad-beamed equines, the elder Castello yielded the wherewithal for the round trip from their home town of Henderson, North Carolina, and the purchase price of the animal. But was he surprised when Fred came home on Christmas eve, 1908, minus the horse, but with a pretty bride. He had been married to Bessie Gregory of the Gregory family of acrobats two days before.
          Thus began Bessie Castello's transition from an acrobat to a bareback rider of note and today as she sits in her cozy cottage in Henderson which has been her home since her marriage, she reflects on 40 years of trouping with the big shows and little ones, and the three generations of her descendants who are carrying on in the sawdust arena. And while she has been retired from show business some 15 years, she may turn up most any time in the circus arena. For though Mrs. Castello quit riding in 1935, she appeared 10 years later at the St. Louis Police circus, as a character clown, and was such a hit that Roy Rogers contracted her for a 13-weeks' tour with his troupe. Mrs. Oastello, although a grandmother, impersonated a little girl who had "lost" her father at the circus, and she prowled through the seats, screaming for "Daddy" to the hilarious amusement of the spectators.
          Bessie Gregory was born January 30, 1888 in Ottawa, Canada, the daughter of John and Mary Skelton. Curiously enough, while her parents were both members of theatrical families, neither of them took to acting. Her father was a building contractor in Ottawa. His brother, Charlie, who took the professional name of Gregory, headed the Gregory family of acrobats, while Mrs. Skelton was the former Mary Brown, sister of the Six Brown Brothers troupe, of vaudeville fame, who got their start in Ringling Brothers circus concert.
          Bessie made her debut as a performer when she was eight years old as a member of the Gregory acrobatic troupe. Other members were her uncle, Charlie, and his two daughters, Bessie and Marguerite. And with two Bessies in the act, Charlie's daughter was known as "Big Bess" and her cousin, newly initiated, was "Little Bess." The latter's first appearance was in an Ottawa theatre, since her uncle wanted to make sure of her stage presence before he took her on the road. In the years that followed, Bessie not only took part in the acrobatic act, but she was also a topmounter for her uncle's balancing perch act, and participated in a triple trapeze act with her cousins. They were with various circuses, including Adam Forepaugh-Sells Brothers, and it was in 1903 while with the Morris and Rowe circus, that she met Fred Castello of The Riding Castellos.
          The Castellos came from a pioneer family of American circus artists. Dave Castello, Fred's father, whose family name was Loughlin, was apprenticed to the famous Dan Castello of bareback riding fame, who was a partner in the P. T. Barnum Circus and Menagerie, when it went on the road for the first time in 1871. Dave Castello was married to Zazel, the human cannonball, said to be the first woman to be shot out of a cannon in a circus arena, featured by the Batchellor and Doris circus as early as 1881. Fred was one of five children of this couple who became riders and aerialists. After his marriage to Bessie Gregory, the couple had their own riding act on the Yankee Robinson Circus in 1909 and 1910. Between those seasons, their daughter, Bebe was born at Henderson.
          From the Yankee Robinson circus, the Castellos went to the Sparks Circus operated by the late Charlie Sparks and it was in the fall of 1917 that Fred Castello was accidentally killed. Between circus seasons, when the family spent their winters in Henderson, Mr. Castello was a deputy sheriff and volunteer fireman. He was mounting a fire truck to answer an alarm, when his pistol in a holster on his hip, was accidentally discharged, causing a wound that soon thereafter took his life.
          Mrs. Castello joined her sister-in-law, Edith Castello, and Lulu Davenport, of another famous family of bareback riders on the Ringling Brothers Circus in 1918. The trio of feminine artists were known as The Riding Waltons. When Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circuses were combined for the season of 1919, Mrs. Castello joined the Orrin Davenport family of riders, who were with the Ringling show for three years and then moved to Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, where they were a center ring feature for the next five years.
          In the latter years, Mrs. Castello was joined during the summer months by daughter, Bebe, who was attending school in Henderson, and she rode with her mother in the Davenport family act, and later with the Poodles Hanneford and May Wirth riding acts. Mrs. Castello left the Davenport troupe to join the Hannefords in 1927, and during the next eight years, she was with Poodles Hanneford's riding act several years on the Sells-Floto circus, and with the George Hanneford act on the Downie Brothers circus.
          In 1934, she joined her sisters-in-law, Edith and Ruth Castello, in a revival of the Riding Waltons troupe, and they were featured at Steeplechase park, Coney Island, New York, throughout the season. The next year, the act played amusement parks and fairs throughout the country, and at the end of the season, Mrs. Castello retired from the circus arena. It was the same season that her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, gave up trouping to become substantial business people of their home town of Henderson.
          It was too much for Bessie Castello, however, to disassociate herself entirely with show business, and she went to the John Benson Wild Animal Farm at Nashua, New Hampshire, in the spring of 1936, as an instructor for juvenile aspirants to learn bareback riding. For the next four years, Mrs. Castello spent the outdoor seasons demonstrating the art of bareback riding to youthful novices.
          Meanwhile, daughter Bebe had been married to Joe aerialists, and they were the parents of a lovely blonde daughter, Joanne. In 1940, when Joanne was ready to enter junior high school, her grandmother gave up tutoring at the Benson farm to keep house in Henderson so her granddaughter could attend school there while her parents were on the road with shows. Joanne was graduated from high school in 1944 and joined her parents with Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus as an aerialist.
          Mrs. Castello's yearning for show business was revived and she conceived the kid character and sold the idea to the producer of the St. Louis Police Circus. Since her engagement in 1946 with the Roy Rogers troupe, she has remained at her home in Henderson except for occasional visits with her children and grandchildren. Granddaughter Joanne, was married to Elden Day, an aerialist and now they are the parents of blonde, bright-eyed Dolores, Mrs. Castello's great-granddaughter. The four generations of Mrs. Castello's family were united during the summer season of 1950 and tiny three-year-old Dolores already has received a booking agent's contract as a performer, when she is ready for her circus debut.
          Mrs. Castello, who was once described by a magazine writer as "a cyclonic French doll in ruffles, ribbons, vermillion lips and a mop of curls" certainly belies the fact that she is a great-grandmother. She is still youthful in appearance with blonde hair, flashing brown eyes and dimples, and dynamic in her actions. It would not surprise her family if she takes another fling at show business. Daughter Bebe, on the other hand, looks forward to her retirement. She and her husband have a high aerial act, performing on trapeze bars 100 feet above the ground. Mrs. Siegrist is planning for the time when they will have a home of their own, so they may send Dolores, their granddaughter, to school, just as Mrs. Castello kept house for Joanne, Dolores' mother. - A. Morton Smith, "Circus Stars of Yesteryears, VII. Bessie Castello" Hobbies, February 1951, pp. 28-29. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Dave Castello, Sr. (Dave C. Laughlin). “Wagon Show Organized. Will Leave Cortland In May to Travel In the East. Cortland, March 18. - The Costello & Graves circus, which has been in progress of formation here for the past few months, will be launched forth on May 5th, the opening taking place at Homer. On the following day the show will be given in this city. The new circus will travel by wagon and will be composed of about sixty people, as many horses and a large number of wagons. Places of 2,000 to cities of 40,000 will be visited. The central, northern, and eastern parts of this State will be first in the line of the new company. The New England States will then be visited. A 100-foot round top tent that was used for a few weeks last summer at Newport in the giving of a society circus has been secured for the show. This will seat 3,000 people. Other tents have been purchased and will arrive the early part of April. A fine aggregation of performers been gotten together. No animals except ponies and dogs will be carried. Mr. Costello is a veteran showman and has for the past few years been the proprietor of the Kremlin hotel. Mr. Graves is a fine wire drawer at the Wickwire factory.”(1) Castello & Graves, winterquarters, Cortland, NY, circa 1906.(2) See Slouth's Olympians on this website and Draper article in Bandwagon, Sep-Oct, 2003. This circus variously titled Costello & Graves or Castello & Graves. Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

1. Syracuse (NY) Herald, March 19, 1905.
2. "Tent Show Winter Quarters," Billboard, n.d., p. 38. Probably 1906.

Hubert Castle, see Hal Smith.

Blanca Escalante Caucia was a member of the original Escalante Family. Toured with Al G. Barnes, Hagenbeck-Wallace and other shows. Then became a night club singer. Died April 23, 1978 at Foster City, California, age 60. Circus Report, May 8, 1978, p. 18. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Jack Cavanaugh and wife, animal act, riders, Hagenbeck-Wallace 1924. Mrs. Cavanaugh also did swinging ladder. 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/these person(s).

Don Cavilla. Mr. Cavilla was born in Charleston, South Carolina, on January 6, 1849, the son of Dr. and Mrs. Robert Cavilla He followed in the footsteps of his father before him, graduating from the University of South Carolina Medical School set up practice in Gastonia, Dr. Cavilla saw some acrobats perform one afternoon, and made the boast he could do everything they could and more. That night Dr. Cavilla opened in a blackface acrobatic act and thereafter traded the 'Doctor' for 'Mister.' This was much against his father's and mother's will. His mother, Irene, was the youngest sister of the great South Carolina statesman, John C. Calhoun.
       The same year Mr. Cavilla joined the orginal P. T. Barnum Circus as one of the orginal twenty-five clowns used by the great showman. That was the beginning of his 81 year career as a clown and aerial acrobat. He was an active performer until the age of 103. The Big Top has been Mr. Cavilla's life - his heartaches - his happiest moments.
       In 1888, Mr. Cavilla witnessed a great tragedy when his bride-to-be, Miss Adeli Gaffney, went into the cage of six of her pet tigers and they became vicious and attacked her. Mr. Cavilla went into the cage fearless and brought her out, and she died in his arms. This was one of the saddest experiences in the life of Mr. Cavilla. Later Mr. Cavilla married Miss Clara Bottcher of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and had four children. His two daughters followed the medical profession at their father's wish.
       Mr. Cavilla's first sight of blood was not in medical college but in the Civil War, when he entered on the side of his native south as a dispatch runner under General Beauregard. He was 13 years old. Later he was transferred to General Pickett's army and remained with that outfit until the close of the war. In addition to his own part in the Civil War he has felt the effects of four more wars; the Spanish-American, the trouble on the Mexican border, the World Wars One and Two.
       Mr. Cavilla's fabulous career under the big top stretches over eight decades and took him around the world several times. He said he learned the advice for long life from a 136 year old Chinese philosopher on a visit to Canton, China, in 1900. He recalled he told the venerable Chinese sage that he had "a mania for living" and desired to attain a greater age than his father, who later died at 104. The philosopher offered his Counsel, but at the cost of the Chinese equivalent of $400. Mr. Cavilla said he forked over the sum, and was surprised to hear the simple reply: "Mind your own business." "But, it's been good advice," he declared.
       Mr. Cavilla has suffered two serious accidents. The first came in Richmond, Virginia, in 1930. He was 81 then and still in show business. The other one was also in Virginia at the age of 103. He was brought to Albany shortly afterwards by an old friend who found him a place to live. Since then, be has delighted school children all over southwest Georgia with his clown antics and facial contortions.
       Mr. Cavilla came to us on December 14, 1955. After convalescence in his room for a few days from his trip from Albany, Georgia, he has been active in coming out for his meals regularly. - From the January 15, 1955 issue of "The Good Samaritan," a publication put out by the Bethany Homes, the Bethany Home for men in Millen, Georgia. It was sent in the fall of 1956, by Don Cavilla himself. Bandwagon, Vol. 1, May-June, 1957, p. 4. Information should be checked with additional sources
       Don Cavilla, reputed to have been the World's Oldest Clown, died at Millen, Georgia, in December of 1957. He was said to have been born in Charleston, South Carolina, January 6, 1849, although the authenticity of this is in question. We saw him perform about 25 years ago, and at that time he was supposed to have been 100 years old. Bandwagon, Vol. 2, No. 1 (Jan-Feb), 1958, p. 8. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Bud Chandler, properties, 1941. "Los Angeles Shrine Had One Night Circus," 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/these person(s).

Theodor Chandler, "Ray," animal trainer, was with Ken Maynard's Wild West, Tom Mix Circus, Siebrand Bros. Circus, Clyde Bros. Circus, Capell Bros. Circus, Turner Bros. Dog & Pony Show, Ken Jensen Circus and with Gene Holter for 9 years. He also worked in movies. He worked for Louis Goebels at Thousand Oaks, California for a number of years, as general manager trainer and importing. He last worked for the Rio Grande Zoo Park in Albuquerque in 1986, training camels. Died June 29, 1987 at Tucson, Arizona, age 72. Circus Report, August 10, 1987, p. 24. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Al Chanel, and his son Edward, leased Sun Bros. Circus, 1909. They resided at Findlay, Ohio. Van Wert (OH) Daily Bulletin, January 6, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Chapman & Berube, acrobats, Great Dode Fisk Shows, 1910. Marshfield Times (Marshfield, WI), July 27, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Mrs. Charles Chapman, advance car manager, Frank A. Robbins, 1910. Tyrone (PA) Daily Herald, July 30, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Danny Chapman, clown, spent most of his life in the circus with a number of shows, including touring with Ringling-Barnum for several years and the George Hanneford Family Circus. He authored the book, "Circus Buffoon." Died October 9, 1983 at age 70. Circus Report, October 24, 1983, p. 15. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

"Doc" Chapman, for years with the Gollmar Shows, is located at Neilsville, Wis. Billboard, September 7, 1918, p. 25. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Edward Chapman, assistant superintendent of the menagerie of the Barnum & Bailey Circus, died at the winter quarters, Bridgeport, Conn., January 6, from a hemorrhage of the lungs. Chapman was known as "Oliver Joe." He had been connected with the Barnum & Bailey Circus for the past ten years, and prior to that with the Adame Forepaugh & Sells Bros. Circus. He was a native of Springfield, O., and is survived by a brother, William Chapman, of Springfield. Internment was in Mountain Grove Cemetery. Billboard, January 19, 1918, p. 62. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Lyle Chappell was a trapeze performer and clown who also worked on the high wire and performed trained dogs. He traveled with Campbell Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. Died February 25, 1974 at Fairbury, Nebraska. Circus Report, March 11, 1974, p. 2. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

G. H. Chase, well known to the 101 Ranch Show people, and "Toots" Butler, known in circus and Wild West, were married recently. Billboard, September 21, 1918, p. 22. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Sylvester Cheatham. Franklin, Ind., May 8. Sylvester Cheatham was buried this afternoon from the residence of his brother, John Cheatham. Mr. Cheatham died in Chicago, from pneumonia, having been suddenly stricken down while on a business trip. He was leader of the Franklin Cornet Band, and was band leader for Van Amburg's circus. Jeffersonville Daily Evening News (Jefferson, IN), May 9, 1882, n.p.n. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Bert J. Chipman, who has been advertising manager for the Acme Amusement Co. the past winter, has resigned his position and will leave the first of the month to accept a similar position with the Sells-Floto shows, and will meet them at Wichita, Kansas. Mr. Chipman thoroughly understands the advertising game and has proven himself a valuable man in his line of work. We regret to see him Leave Lincoln, but as it gives him a better position in his chosen line of work we take pleasure in recommending Mr. Chipman to his new employers and congradulate them upon securing his services, as he will sure make good. [Hand dated 1917.] From a clipping without source or date, pasted into the Pan-American Route Book 1903.
    Bert Chipman, last season with Coop & Lent, and formerly with Gollmar Bros. and other circuses, is now manager of the Orpheum Players, a stock compnay. Billboard, February 15, 1919, p. 68. Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Mabel Chipman. Few youngsters realize their childhood ambitions to be circus stars, but Ma Belle Chipman is one of them. And few retired artists of the circus remain so enthusiastic about the big tops as Ma Belle Chipman. After spending 48 years in the profession as one of the most versatile circus performers of all time, Ma Belle is as enthusiastic as in the days when she practiced trapeze stunts in an apple tree at the home of her parents in Monmouth, Illinois, 65 and more years ago. Circus folks and fans are her hobby, and she is a member of half a dozen troupers' and circus fans' organizations, while she spends a good part of her spare time with her son, Harry Burton Chipman, constructing in miniature, a scale model of the old John Robinsons 10 Big Shows Combined. It was while a performer with this show in 1904 that Mrs. Chipman's son was born, and both have a fond feeling toward the Robinson circus. Mrs. Chipman was born Mabel Garrard, daughter of Jacob and Mary E. Garrard in Monmouth on September 20, 1878. Her father was a structural engineer, who built spans across the Mississippi and Ohio rivers a good part of his life.
          Mabel was so enthusiastic about show business from the time she started to school that she spent most of her time practicing acts when she was not in classes. When she was nine, she became acquainted with the neighboring Davis family, which operated a medicine show, and in their home she cultivated an alto or "peck" horn. So proficient did she become that the Davises sought to take Mabel on the road with them as a member of their family band, but the Garrards declined.
          Fate decreed, however, that Mabel would spend nearly half a century in the circus field. When she was 11, her father fell from a bridge he was building at Quincy, Illinois, and was drowned in the Mississippi river. Mabel then convinced her mother that she could help with the family finances and received permission to join the Davis family, which had by that time joined forces with Murray Childs in operating Davis and Childs Medicine show. From this enterprise she went to the Joe Bennett tent show and at the age of 19, she realized her ambition to become a high trapeze performer, having become quite a versatile performer in the eight years she had been a trouper.
          Her first circus engagement was with the Frank C. Bostock show, later known as the Bostock-Ferrari shows. It was in 1898 with the latter organization, that she met Bert J. Chipman, and following their marriage, in 1899, the Chipmans had their own show on the road and played a number of fairs and street celebrations, which had become popular at the turn of the century. They received an offer to go with Lemen Brothers World's Best shows, a 20-car railroad show at that time, with Mr. Chipman selling tickets and announcing the acts in the circus performance. Mabel, who had acquired the professional name of the Original Ma Belle, had become particularly skilled on a balancing trapeze, which was her feature act. She performed her trapeze act and rode a high school horse in the performance. While with the Lemen Brothers circus, Mrs. Chipman became acquainted with Rose Marietta and Edwin (Pop) Baldwin, who were veteran performers and saw fit to give Ma Belle their professional tutoring skill and attention. Mr. Baldwin had riding and acrobatic troupes in the show and Miss Marietta gave much of her time to tutoring youngsters who later became famous performers. The Chipmans remained with the Lemen Brothers show through its change of title to the Great Pan American Circus, and with Martin Downs, who purchased the equipment and changed the name to Sells & Downs Circus.
          Rose Marietta had become so fond of Ma Belle, that they teamed up under the name of "Marietta Sisters" with much success on winter circuits of music halls and vaudeville theatres. They presented a double trapeze act and did posing after the fashion of the "human statuary" which later became widely used in circuses. Through this association, Ma Belle became known to booking agents and she created her own act, using the title "Ma Belle", appearing in vaudeville for a number of years. Her act became known as one of the best dressed in the business, since she created her own costumes and built her own elaborate rigging. Her appearances as a featured performer attracted the attention of the larger circuses and in 1904, the Chipmans were with the John Robinson Circus. Mr. Chipman was ticket seller for the sideshow and did the announcing for the circus proper. Mrs. Chipman had branched out, and was now doing five acts. In addition to her balancing trapeze feature, she was performing on the Spanish web, in the aerial butterfly act, during which she hung by her teeth, rode high school horses, and drove one of the four-horse Roman chariots in parade and in the hippodrome races, which concluded each performance.
          In 1904, the Chipmans' son was born, and when they named him Harry Burton Chipman, Uncle John Robinson, colorful owner of the circus, ruefully commented that he would have given Harry a Shetland pony if the parents had named him John Robinson Chipman. In the years that followed, Mrs. Chipman became one of the outstanding balancing trapeze performers in circusdom, and she was featured in the performances of Ringling- Brothers, Sells-Floto, Yankee Robinson, Campbell Brothers, Gollmar Brothers, Patterson and Gollmar circuses. During the winter months, she played vaudeville dates and indoor circus engagements. These engagements including routings over the Keith-Albee, Orpheum, Pantages, Sullivan & Considine and Ackerman and Harris vaudeville circuits, thus playing the principal vaudeville theatres in all the major cities of the United States. Eventually, she turned her talents to appearances at fairs and celebrations, working for Barnes & Carruthers and Ethel Robinson booking agencies.
          After 48 years in show business, Mrs. Chipman retired from the road in 1936, and for the past 15 years has devoted herself to her real estate investments and her hobby, shows and show people. In Los Angeles, where she has maintained her home, she operates two apartment houses and a theatrical rooming house, which were acquired from her savings during the many years she was on the road with circuses and other shows. And as might be expected, her apartments and rooms are a haven for troopers. She is an active member of the Pacific Coast Showman's Association and the Regular Associated Troupers club of Los Angeles, in which she is serving now as an officer. There she likes to reminisce with the oldtimers who drop in at club meetings. She is also a member of the Troupers Club of Hollywood and an ardent member of the Circus Fans Association of America and the Circus Historical society, two of the largest organizations of circus enthusiasts. Mrs. Chipman enjoys getting out her voluminous scrapbooks and reliving her many years of trouping when former associates in show business come around. Some years ago, son Harry, presented her with several elephant figures, and now she has one of the largest collections in the country, numbering into the thousands.
          As might be expected, the Chipmans' son, Harry, who grew up with the John Robinson circus, entered show business, and was a press agent with various shows until he entered the U. S. army in 1942 during world war II. Upon his return to civilian life, he began the operation in 1944, of "The Circus Inn" in Yakima, Washington, with his wife, Marge, who passed away last October. Now he and his mother are engaged in building a scale model of the first circus he remembers.
          Harry collaborated with his father in the writing of a circus book in 1933, known as "Hey Rube," taking its title from the rallying cry of circus troupers back in the days when they often had to fight the "towners." Now the Chipmans, father and son, are preparing a sequel to their previous literary venture, which consisted of memoirs of the elder Chipman, dealing with circuses and circus personalities with whom he was acquainted during his long years in the business. Thus it may be seen, that the Chipman family is deeply steeped in circus lore and love for the big tops and their people, after a lengthy stint in the profession. - A. Morton Smith, "Circus Stars of Yesteryears, IX. Ma Belle Chipman" Hobbies, April 1951, pp. 26-27. Information should be checked with additional sources

Harry B. Chipman, press agent, car manager, advance man and performer. Born on the John Robinson 10 Big Shows to Bert and Mabel Chipman. Harry was with Sells-Floto, Lemen Bros., Hagenbeck-Wallace, Sells & Downs, Barnum & Bailey, Gollmar, Howes Great London, Hugo Bros., F. J. Taylor, World Bros. and other shows. His last tour was with Wallace & Rogers Circus in 1976. Born 1904, died March 11, 1984 at San Gabriel, California, age 80. Circus Report, March 26, 1984, p. 13. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

June Malko Christ had a flying act with her husband, Mike Malko. They were featured with Hamid-Morton, Orrin Davenport and other shows. After Mike died, she married Kenneth Christ. Died October 8, 1979 at Corona, California, age 54. Circus Report, November 12, 1979, p. 2. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Gene Christian began as a waiter on Barnum & Bailey Circus when he was a teenager and trouped for two seasons. He left show business for a number of years, then joined Beers & Barnes as an agent, touring with them for many years. Later was with Dailey Bros, Floyd King, Clark & Walters and various Bob Couls shows. He was last ahead of Royson Bros. Circus. Died June 17, 1978 at Bradenton, Florida, age 76. Circus Report, July 24, 1978, p. 8; August 28, 1978, p. 17. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Christian Christiansen, musician, tuba, Buffalo Bill Wild West, 1908. Fort Wayne (IN) Journal-Gazette, April 12, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

George W. Christy owned Christy Bros., Lee Bros., Golden Bros. and Heber Bros. circus. He also operated the Texas Ranch Wild West Show and Shrine circuses. He was mayor of South Houston for 19 years. Died August 7, 1975 at Corpus Christi, Texas, age 82. Circus Report, September 8, 1975, p. 13. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Researcher note: My information says he was originally named Milan Luigi. I have 1910 Federal Census for the George W Luigi family. Hugh Moore married Stella Luigi. Hugh Moore was my great grandfather. Nina Mayo

Carl Clair, bandmaster of the Barnum & Bailey Greatest Show on Earth, at Rotunda, Vienna, Austria, received a cablegram from London, Eng., Dec. 8, 1900, announcing the arrival of a ten pound daughter. New York Clipper, January 19, 1901, p. 1046. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

The Claires "Hans and Rosita Claire" (Hans Bucher, Rosita Hassell)

Photos: right, Hans Claire (Hans Bucher); left, Rosita Claire (Rosita Bucher, nee Rosita Hassel), 1930. Photos courtesy of Gregg K. Schrader, Belva V. Schrader collection.

1948: Wichita, Kansas, October 9. Rosita Claire, injured last May in a car accident, is still confined to the hospital. Billboard, October 16, 1948, p. 59.   Clyde Bros. Circus. Mrs. Hartley received a letter from Hans and Rosita Claire, informing her they are out of the hospital. [They may have been with Clyde Bros. earlier in the season?] Billboard, November 20, 1948, p. 63.

1950: Galveston, Texas, January 21. West Bros. Indoor Circus opned in Galveston, Texas, on January 18, 1950, and then went to Texas City for two days. The show is enroute to Louisiana for two weeks of one-day stands, after which the show returns to Texas. Acts include . . . Hans Claire, chair and hand balancer. Billboard, January 28, 1950, p. 58.   West Bros. Circus, Mrs. Hans Claire is back in the act with juggling. Billboard, March 18, 1950, p. 56.   West Bros. Circus, the Clairs, hand balancing and juggling; Hans Claire, chair balance. Billboard, April 22, 1950, p. 70.

1951: Charles Johnson's and Al Kayda's Circus Corporation unit, the Claires, juggling and balancing. Billboard, October 20, 1951, p. 48.

1952: Hagen Bros. Circus. Hans and Rosita Claire joined in Edna, Texas, and their balancing and juggling acts add a lot to the program. Billboard, March 29, 1952, p. 59.

1954: Hagen Bros. Circus, engaged for the Canadian run, Hans Claire, juggling. Billboard, May 1, 1954, p. 54.

1955: At the Mobile, Alabama Shrine club recently for a jackpots services, Hans and Rosita Claire . . . Billboard, January 1, 1955, p. 42.   Byron Gosh All-American Indoor Circus. Acts on the show are . . . Hans and Rosita Claire, juggling and chairs . . . Billboard, October 29, 1955, p. 66.

1956: Al Kayda's Kaye Bros.' Circus. Acts include . . . Hans and Rosita Claire, hand-balancing; Claires, hand-balancing and juggling . . . Billboard, February 25, 1956, p. 78.   Hagen Bros. Circus, Hans Claire and Company, juggling. Billboard, July 7, 1956, p. 52.

      
Passport photos, courtesy of Gregg K. Schrader, Belva V. Schrader collection.

• Rosita arrived in the United States on April 21, 1934 at New York City. She listed Belva V. Schrader as a witness on her April 14, 1943 naturalization record. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA); Washington, D.C.

• Rosita Claire Hassell Bucher, July 14, 1903 - 1962. Stage name Rosita Claire. Born in Dusseldorf, Germany.

• In memory of my dear wife, Rosita Claire - Hans Bucher. Hans Bucher was on the Board of Directors of Showfolks in 1966. 1966 Showfolks Yearbook and Directory, Showfolks of America, Inc.

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Maggie Claire, "Queen of the Air" (1800s), age 85, died July 1941 at a home for the aged. Married Harry K. Long, who died circa 1931. Debuted as performer at age 10, crippled by a fall from a flying ring at age 35. White Tops, Vol. 14, Nos. 10-11 (Aug-Sep), 1941, p. 23. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Carl D. Clancy was a circus cook on a number of shows, including Ringling-Barnum. Died April 19, 1974 at Newport News, Virginia, age 75. Circus Report, May 20, 1974, p. 12. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

George Clancy, for most of his life a seaman and ship captain, trained bears for Campbell & Fairbanks Circus and sold programs on Ringling-Barnum in the 1930s. Died January 24, 1982. Circus Report, February 15, 1982, p. 16. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Harry E. Clark, veteran circus clown, who during his career was associated with nearly all the larger shows, including Ringling Bros., John Robinson, Hagenbeck-Wallace, Forepaugh-Sells and others, died at his residence, Toledo, Ohio, December 20, age 50 years, after a three years' illness of a complication of diseases. Mr. Clark was born in Toledo, following the footsteps of his ancestors, started his career in show business at an early age. He served as producing clown with many organizations, in this country and abroad. He is survived by a widow (Pauline), a daughter, Louisa, and three sons, George, formerly with the Robinson Circus, now of the Canadian army; David, also a performer, now with the American armies in France, and Harry, a motorcycle policeman in Toledo. Burial will be in Forest Cemetery. Billboard, December 28, 1918, p. 54. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

John Clark, billed as Clark of the Tattooed Scalp, who was an attraction of the circus and carnival world, died April 14 at Montreal, Can., of pneumonia. He was with Ringling Bros.' Circus a few years ago. His widow, Mrs. B. Clark, known as Princess Beatrice, noted for tattoo work, survives, and two children. They reside in Chicago. Billboard, May 4, 1918, p. 66. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Belle Clarke (or Clark), menage, high school horse, Frank A. Robbins, 1906-1909,(1) Madam Clarke, high school horse with doves, Frank A. Robbins, 1910; Belle Clark, educated horse, dogs, and pigeons, Frank A. Robbins, 1911.(2) Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

1. Bandwagon, Sep-Oct, 2001, p. 31; Portsmouth (NH) Herald, June 6, 1907; Bandwagon, Nov-Dec, 2001, p. 33; Bandwagon, Jan-Feb, 2002, p. 25; Bandwagon, Mar-Apr, 2002, p. 37.
2. Bandwagon, May-Jun, 2002, p. 23; Bandwagon, Jul-Aug, 2002, p. 28.

New York, July 6. Birchet Clarke, known as "Kit" Clarke, dean of circus press agents, died at his home, 608 E. Seventy-fifth street, Flatbush, Thursday, age 86, and, according to his desire, his body was cremated the same day. "Kit" Carson, the Western scout, gave Clarke his sobriquet of "Kit," and it stuck ever since, even his mother calling him by that name. Clarke was probably the originator of the alliterative paragrahp form of advertising with the Adam Forepaugh Show when still a young man. Clarke managed Haverly's Minstrels. At one time he was manager for Harry Kellar, the magician, and was at times associated with many of the gift shows. He retired thirty years ago. He leaves a widow, two daughters and a son. Billboard, July 13, 1918, pp. 3, 57, 58. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

C. A. Clarke, press agent, general contracting agent, Cooper & Co. Circus, 1900. Billboard, June 30, 1900; Billboard, August 18, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Elizabeth Hanneford Clarke. Mrs. Elizabeth Clarke of North Hollywood, Calif., sticks to her knitting a good part of the time. And quite an avid knitter she is by her own admission. But let a circus raise its big top on any vacant lot within a couple of hundred miles of the Clarke domocile and the household goes into action. Mrs. Clarke likes to putter about the house when she isn't knitting, but when there is a circus around, she and daughter, Ernestine, and son-in-law, Parley Baer, take off to revel in the realm of sawdust and spangles. "Our automobile," says Mrs. Clarke, "can find a circus lot all by itself if there's a show within a hundred miles." And when the Clarkes arrive on a circus lot, it's like a homecoming celebration. For there are few circus performers in America whom Mrs. Clarke does not know, and in most cases she has been acquainted with their families for generations.
          Mrs. Clarke was born on a circus lot, began performing in public when she was 10, managed her father's No. 2 show in Ireland when she was 15, and has spent 37 of her 57 years in the ring as a bareback rider, retiring in 1941. But she is the only member of her family who has given up the circus profession. Her mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Hanneford, now past 30, carries on as ringmistress for the bareback riding act of her son, Poodles Hanneford and family, and another son, George Hanneford, also has a family riding act of renown.
          Mrs. Clarke's father was Edwin Hanneford, known to intimates as Ned. He was married to Elizabeth Scott in Leeds, England, in 1889. Both were members of well known circus families of that period. Mrs. Hanneford was a tight rope walker and did a variety of riding acts, including jockey, principal and a carrying act with her husband. In addition to being a rider, Mr. Hanneford did a knife throwing act. But Mrs. Hanneford gave up tight rope walking, her daughter recalls, "because father refused to be a rigging man." Bareback riding was more difficult in those days for women than in 1950, Mrs. Clarke points out, because "women rode fully clothed - no skimpy costume in England and Ireland before the turn of the century."
          Mrs. Clarke, second child of the Hanneford family, was born in a living van when the E. H. Bostock Circus was exhibiting in Shaftesbury, Dorsetshire. And she has never been back there. It was when she was 10 years old in 1903, that her parents, after years of scrimping and saving, took out their first show. It was formed in Ireland and never left the Eire boundaries during the first nine years of its existence. The same year, Elizabeth made her debut in public as a performer as Mrs. John Bull in the pantomime, "Cinderella" for Algy's Circus. Algy was a top flight clown of the era. Later she did "Cinderella" in Poole and Bosco's circus in Belfast. In 1908, when Elizabeth was 15, her father put out a No. 2 circus which she managed. "I can still vividly remember," Mrs. Clarke recalls, "coming to a cross roads and going on by myself with my little show while Mother and Father and the rest of the family kept on with the No. 1 show. The pride of having my own living wagon and an illustrious title was nearly lost in my tears and the lump in my throat." She kept the show on the road all season and the next year, the two were amalgamated to form a circus that had 350 horses, about 40 ponies, an elephant, camels, lions, zebra and a cage full of monkeys.
          Elizabeth was quite a performer in her father's show. She did a Roman ladder act, worked an elephant and her horse act, appeared in the family riding act, walked a tight wire, did some juggling, presented a high school horse, and performed on a rolling globe. In addition, she helped her mother make wardrobe and received two shillings, six pence a week for maintaining the costumes. In 1912, Hanneford's Circus and Monagerie left Ireland and toured England and Scotland. As in the past, the circus was stored during the winter and the Hannefords played the indoor circuits.
          Mr. Hanneford died in June, 1913, and son Poodles took over as head of the family. It was that winter the group played their first vaudeville date with misgivings that turned into triumph. Performing in Hengler's circus at the Olympia in Liverpool, the Hannefords accepted an engagement in vaudeville at the Hippodrome theatre. Mr. Hengler was so upset he predicted the Hannefords "would fall on our collective faces right in the orchestra pit," and Mrs. Clarke says "we almost believed him." Theatre stages in those days slanted as much as a foot from proscenium arch to backwall. "What our horses would do, going alternately up hill and down hill, we didn't know," Mrs. Clarke says. But the engagement was successful and the family played many vaudeville dates in England and America thereafter.
          While appearing in the Christmas circus at the Agriculture Hall in London, during the winter of 1913-14, the Hannefords were approached by John Ringling for an engagement with the Barnum & Bailey Circus in America in 1914. But the Hannefords were committed to take their show out that season, in spite of the flattering offer. And Mrs. Hanneford managed the show that season, while Poodles, Elizabeth and George performed in the Blackpool Towers Circus in Blackpool, England. It was a difficult season for the family show, however, with Great Britain in the throes of World War I. Many of the circus horses were commandeered by the government, and Mrs. Clarke says "Soon our show that we loved and took such pride in was just a shell of its former self." So the Hanneford circus was disbanded for the last time and in March, 1915, the family sailed for the United States. They remained in New York until they opened with the Barnum Circus in old Madison Square Garden on April 1. For four years, the Hanneford family riding act was a feature of the Barnum & Bailey Circus, while the family played winter seasons of 1916 and 1917 with Santos and Artigas Circus in Havana, Cuba.
          In the winter of 1918, the Hannefords appeared at the Hippodrome theatre under the direction of Charles Dillingham and in the Spring of 1919, the Ringling Brothers and Barnum Bailey Circuses were merged. That was the year that Elizabeth Hanneford met her future husband, Ernest Clarke, aerialist and bareback rider, who had been a performer in the Ringling show continuously since 1906. Ernest Clarke was the eldest son of Charles Clarke, owner of Clarke's Continental Circus in England, and was of the fifth generation of the Clarke family of circus owners and artists in that country. He and his brother, Charles F. Clarke perfected a two-people flying return act and with their younger brother, Percy, presented a bareback riding act. The appeared with the Lord Sanger Circus in England for a number of years and joined Barnum & Bailey Circus, then in the last year of a five-year European tour, during the winter of 1901-02 in Paris.
          When the Barnum & Bailey Circus returned to the United States for its 1903 tour, the Clarkonian aerial act and the Clarke Family of riders came with it. For versatility, Ernest Clarke is acknowledged to be one of the greatest flyers who ever mounted a pedestal and he was the first to complete a triple somersault and a number of other difficult feats. After the 1903 season, the Clarkes went to Cuba with Pubillones Circus and to Mexico with Orrin Brothers Circus, re-turning in 1905 to New York to open at the Hippodrome theatre. From 1906 to 1918, the Clarkes were featured in the Ringling Brothers circus. The Ringlings, who had owned the Barnum & Bailey Circus since 1906. Alternating the two great circuses over routes on American tours year after year, decided to combine the two shows into one - the largest ever to take the road, in the spring of 1919. The Clarke family of the Ringling show and the Hanneford family of the Barnum & Bailey show figured in the merger in more ways than one.
          For on November 21, 1920, Ernest Clarke and Elizabeth Hanneford were united in the Little Church Around the Corner in New York City. The courtship of Elizabeth Hanneford and Ernest Clarke, members of two royal families of the circus, took place during the two seasons they were together on the merged Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey circus, Miss Hanneford appearing in her family riding act and Mr. Clarke as the flier in the remarkable Clarkonians' flying return act. But after their marriage in the fall of 1920, bookings of the family acts separated the newly-weds during the 1921 season. That year, the Hannefords were featured by Sells-Floto circus owned by the American Circus corporation, while the Clarkes remained with the Ringlings, their flying act having been a fixture in the show since 1906. Since Mrs. Clarke was a bareback rider and not an aerialist, she went with the Hanneford family act that year. However, after the birth of their daughter, Ernestine, Mrs. Clarke joined her husband on the Ringling show, where they remained through the 1926 season, playing indoor dates during the winter months.
          The Hannefords were engaged to present their bareback riding act on the stage in "The Circus Princess," a musical comedy at the Winter Garden in New York in 1927, and Mrs. Clarke joined the troupe for that engagement. Her brother, Poodles, had a small speaking part in the production and he and Mrs. Clarke did a dance specialty together. When Charlie Chaplin produced his feature picture, "The Circus", the management of Grauman's Chinese theatre in Hollywood arranged for a circus prologue on the stage. The Hanneford family riding act took part, as did Emil Pallenberg's bears, Ed and Jennie Rooney, aerialists, and several others who had been headliners with the Ringling circus and were friends of the Hannefords and Mrs. Clarke. The engagement stretched into an eight months' stint, and thereafter, the Hannefords and Clarkes joined forces to form a unit. Under this merger, the bareback personnel included Poodles Hanneford and his wife, Elizabeth; Ernest's brother, Percy Clarke, and the elder Mrs. Hanneford, ringmistress. Ernest and Charles Clarke continued their flying return act together, and the Charles Clarke family had a juggling number. The unit quit the American circus field for two seasons to appear at the Olympic theatre in London and the Empire theatre in Paris.
          About this time, the American Circus corporation, owner of the Sells-Floto show and four other large railroad circuses, arranged for Tom Mix, then at the height of his popularity as a western motion picture star, to make personal appearances in the arena, and anticipating a heavy drawing power, proceeded to contract outstanding acts to support the movie personality. So the Clarke and Hanneford families with their feature acts were with Sells-Floto show for the second time, that year. At the conclusion of the 1929 season, John Ringling purchased the five circuses owned by the American Circus corporation, and began their operation in 1930. That season, the Hanneford-Clarke unit forsook the circus field to appear in grandstand shows at fairs and exhibitions in amusement parks, but they returned to the Sells-Floto fold in 1931, the final year of the Tom Mix three-year engagement.
          In 1932, the families shifted to another Ringling-owned circus, Hagenbeck-Wallace, where they remained two years, and thence to another Ringling property, the Al. G. Barnes circus in 1914. During these years, two new members had joined the Hanneford riding act, Gracie Hanneford, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Poodles Hanneford, and Ernestine Clarke, daughter of Ernest and Elizabeth Clarke, both in their early teens. The season 1935 saw the Clarkes and Hannefords grouping with an eastern motorized show, Gorman Brothers circus. It was the first time since they had disposed of their wagon show in England a score of years previously, that the Hannefords and Mrs. Clarke had traveled with an overland circus. The Clarkes and Hannefords went their separate ways in 1936 and were not reunited except for a brief period in the winter of 1942.
          The Clarkes were with Cole Brothers-Clyde Beatty circus with Mrs. Clarke and daughter, Ernestine, appearing in principal riding acts, while Ernest and Percy Clarke collaborated in another bareback number. The family, made what Mrs. Clarke describes as "the one really great mistake we made in show business" in 1937. That season, they went out with a small motorized circus originating on the West Coast, which had a brief and unsuccessful tour. Meanwhile, Tom Mix had organized his own circus which had been growing rapidly since its formation in 1934, and he engaged the Clarkes for the 1938 season. That year, Mrs. Clarke, daughter Ernestine, and Percy Clarke did principal riding acts, the Clarkes produced a big 12-people bareback number, and the Flying Clarkonians closed the performance with Ernestine making her debut as a flier. That was the last year for the members of the Clarke family together on a circus.
          In 1939, they played grandstand shows at fairs and in amusement parks as they had done in 1930. and in the fall, went to the Hawaiian islands to appear in a show produced by E. K. Fernandez, who annually imports American talent. The following year, the Clarkonians’ flying act was the free attraction of the Ira C. Huggins carnival attractions in the Pacific Northwest, and also the act appeared on Treasure Island at the World's Fair in San Francisco. It was at the Western Washington State Fair in Puyallup, Washington, that Ernest Clarke became ill and he passed away on January 10, 1941. Like, the good troupers they are, Mrs. Clarke and daughter carried on that year, joining Russell Brothers motorized circus. Ernestine was a baton spinner in the opening tournament, did a principal riding act, participated in the big riding act in the flying return number with her uncle, Charles. Mrs. Clarke was ringmistress for the riding acts, and she did a finish trick that always surprised the audience and elicited extensive applause. Dressed in a formal evening gown, Mrs. Clarke concluded the act by discarding her whip, gathering up her skirt, and making a fork jump to the horse. She also took part in the Charles Clarke family juggling act. It was her last season as an active performer, although she remained with daughter, Ernestine, with circuses until 1946.
          In 1942, Mrs. Clarke and "Ernie" were under the Cole Brothers banner, where the latter demonstrated her versatility. She appeared in the opening spec, did a principal riding act, performed on the Spanish web, rode a high school horse, and was in the Reiffenach family bareback number. Mrs. Clarke was ringmistress for the principal act, her only appearance in the performance. During the winter of 1942-43, the Clarkes joined her brother Poodles and his riding act for vaudeville dates and Polack Brothers Indoor circus. The Clarkes went back to the Ringling show for the first time in 17 years in 1943, when Ernestine appeared in production numbers and one of Art Concellos flying return acts. During the following winter, Mrs. Clarke and Ernestine trained two bareback riding horses and in 1944, Ernestine was a featured bareback rider, as well as having her own flying act on the Ringling show.
          A beautiful girl, Ernestine was picked for the cover of the Ringling program in 1944, and her picture on one of her fine bareback horses, with Clown Lou Jacobs, was featured. Her flying act brought back the "Clarkonians" title to the Ringling circus for the first time since 1926. It was in 1948, while Ernestine was still a featured Ringling performer that she was married to Parley Baer, California radio artist, and she gave up her circus career at his request. Thus she and her mother retired to the comparative quiet of housekeeping and homelife in North Hollywood.
          They were the first of the Hanneford troupe to ewe up trouping as the Poodles Hanneford and George Hanneford riding acts are still going strong, with another generation of their families joining their parents in the arena. Even so, the Clarkes have not forgotten the art of the circus. When Ernestine's cousin, Kay Frances Hanneford, daughter of George Hanneford, was injured during a circus engagement in Chicago recently, Ernestine flew to the Windy City from California, and went into the act without a rehearsal. Last season, when Mrs. Clarke was vacationing with brother George and family, who were appearing in their riding act in a Montreal, Canada, amusement park, her niece and nephews, Kay Frances, George and Tommy, dared her to mount one of their rosinback horses. Mrs. Clarke took the dare, removed her shoes, vaulted on the horse, and stood up without a mechanic for a few laps of the ring to the plaudits of her admiring young relatives. "And why not?" asks Mrs. Clarke. "Hadn't I been a bareback rider 37 years - from 1904 to 1941?" - A. Morton Smith, "Circus Stars of Yesteryears, VI. Elizabeth Hanneford Clarke" Hobbies, December 1950, pp. 26-27; "Circus Stars of Yesteryears, VI. Elizabeth Hanneford Clarke" Hobbies, January 1951, pp. 28-29. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Ernest Clarke, aerialist, equestrian, died January 10, 1941. Born in England, joined Barnum & Bailey in Paris 1902. Did a triple somersault in a flying act. Formed a flying return act with his brothers Percy and Charles. The Clarkes were with Barnum & Bailey in 1904; Pubillones and Orrin Bros. winter 1904-05; Ringling Bros. 1906 - 1926. Thereafter with various circuses. Married Elizabeth Hanneford. "Ernest Clarke," 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 this/these person(s).

Harry Clarke, clown, Cole Bros., 1908. Fort Wayne (IN) Sentinel, May 18, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Al Clarkson, Kay Bros. Circus, 1941. "Gainsville Circus to Open in April," White Tops, Vol. 14, Nos. 4-5 (Feb-Mar), 1941, p. 9. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Jack C. Clayton, aerial performer, who has traveled with circuses and carnivals, is at Camp Hancock, Augusta, Ga., having joined the colors after a season with the Parker Shows last year. Clayton was with the Ringling Bros.' Circus from 1910 to 1912, Barnum & Bailey 1913, and Tom W. Allen Shows, 1914 to 1916. Billboard, February 23, 1918, p. 28. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Deward Clemens, "Dick," wild animal trainer, began his circus career in 1914. He was featured on a number of shows, including Hamid-Morton, Polck Bros., Tom Packs, Bring 'Em Back Alive Frank Buck Series, Circus Atayde and for several years a feature in the Ueno Zoo at Tokyo. He retired in 1958. Born in 1898, died July 30, 1979 at Hayward, Wisconsin. Circus Report, September 3, 1979, p. 16. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Barry Clifford, husband of Mlle. Clifford, sword swallower, has charge of the door with the Barnum & Bailey annex. Billboard, May 18, 1918, p. 31. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Thomas Clifford, late of the Orrin Brothers's Circus, is engaged as leading tumbler with W. W. Cole's Circus. New York Clipper, April 13, 1878, p. 23.
    Thomas Clifford, veteran tumbler or leaper, lies in the Cook County Institutions at Oak Forest, Ill., suffering from a broken hip, which he sustained on June 1 last, when he fell. In all probability be will be crippled for life. Mr. Clifford began his career as a showman in 1869 with the Yankee Robinson Circus, and since then has traveled with nearly all the big shows. He made good money in his younger days, but his bank roll gradually deteriorated until now he is practically penniless, and he has asked that we appeal to readers of The Billboard for assistance on his behalf. Mr. Clifford hails from Binghamton. N.Y. His present address is Cook County Institutions, No. 63, Ward L-l, Oak Forest, Ill. Billboard, August 12, 1916, p. 24.
    Thomas Clifford, veteran tumbler and leaper, who has traveled with all the big circuses except Ringling Bros., appeals for financial assistance. He is 68 years old and is suffering from a broken hip, sustained two years ago. Billboard, June 1, 1918, p. 62.
    Thomas Clifford, one of the best known of the old time circus performers, who died in the County Hospital, Chicago, July 10, was one of the first acrobats to turn a double somersault successfully. He was one of the greatest of leapers, an act of such physical demands that it is said to have resulted in his crippled condition in later years. It was while leaping from a powerful springboard over the backs of a herd of elephants that Clifford evolved the double somersault. According to Mike Bodkins, the veteran showman, who is now custodian of the Showmen's League headquarters in Chicago, Clifford worked with the best shows of his day, including P. T. Barnum and Spalding & Rogers. Clifford is said to have a wife living in Missouri and a son in Chicago. Billboard, July 26, 1919, p. 37.

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Cliffords, aerial rings, trapeze, 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/these person(s).

Dan Cline, advance, Shipp's Indoor Circus, 1903. Cedar Rapids (IA) Evening Gazette, January 24, 1903. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Frank N. Clinton, for seven seasons with Sun Bros.' Circus as front door man and boss property man and with Smith Greater Shows for two seasons, has left the white tops. He is at his home in St. Elmo, Tenn. Billboard, August 3, 1918, p. 56. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

John C. Cloutman was first a magician. He was then a timekeeper on John Robinson, 1926; press with Russell Bros., 1935; several years on Hunt Bros. staring in 1953 when he was ghost writer for owner Charles T. Hunt; advance press on Cristiani Bros., 1957; office manager on Sells & Gray, 1963-67; office manager on Bob Snowden's Cavalcade of Starts, 1968; timekeeper, Ringling-Barnum blue unit, 1969; press and office on Circus Bartok, 1970; and press and novelties on Roberts Bros. in 1974. Circus Report, February 6, 1984, p. 17. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Willis Cobb
    Willis Cobb's troupe of dogs, goats and monkeys, the Livingston Brothers, John Murts and Emma Hoffman are the new people announced at the Theatre Comique this week. New York Clipper, January 20, 1877, p. 342.
    Willis Cobb, clown, and his miniature circus of monkeys, goats and dogs, go with Sells Bros.' European Circus for the tenting season of 1877. New York Clipper, March 3, 1877, p. 391.

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Alfredo Codona, born in 1893 in Hermosillo, Senora, Mexico, has been credited with being one of the greatest flyers the world has ever known. His specialty was a triple somersault high in the air which he performed day after day with finesse and rhythm that was a sight to behold. It was said that when Alfredo performed all other performers who could, stopped what they were doing just to watch his act. He worked with several circuses, first with Wirth Brothers in 1913 and finally with Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus where he was headliner for several years. As a headliner it was natural that he should be attracted to another headliner in the aerial field. Miss Lillian Leitzel and Codona fell in love and were married in 1928 between performances in Chicago amid much fanfare and publicity. Codona loved Lillian with a consuming devotion but all did not go smoothly due to the temperamental status of both stars. Tragedy struck in 1931. Lillian Leitzel, performing in Copenhagen, fell, receiving fatal injuries. Codona was inconsolable and in his sorrow become melancholy and morose. This physiological condition caused him to lose ground professionally and as his timing become less exact he one day fell in Madison Square Garden and tore a ligament in his shoulder which grounded him permanently. Later he became equestrian director on the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus and later worked with the Tom Mix Show. He never overcome the emotional condition brought on by the death of Lillian Leitzel, although he later married Vera Bruce, an old time member of his flying troupe. Tragedy struck again in 1937. Codona died by his own hand July 1, 1937 and was buried, at his own request, beside the ashes of Lillian, his great love. "Elected to Circus Hall of Fame," Bandwagon, Vol. 5, No. 2 (Mar-Apr), 1961, pp. 22-23. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Victoria Codona was an aerialist and wire walker, one of the Flying Codonas with her brothers Lalo and Alfredo. Was a featured aerialist at age 15. She last performed in 1924. Her family migrated to Mexico and established their show, Circo Codona. Was with Barnum & Bailey Circus in 1909, remaining for four years. With Sells-Floto in 1919-20. She retired in 1921. Died circa 1983 at Palm Springs, California, age 94. Circus Report, August 29, 1983, pp. 8, 9. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Guy Cohn, trap drummer with the Sparks Show since it was a show, is out of the business temporarily, and is clerking in Cooper's Clothes Shop at Vandergrift, Pa. [1918] Billboard, January 12, 1918, p. 31. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Joe Colby, "Odie Dodie," was a pitchman who worked with a number of circuses. Born in 1905, died March 28, 1981 at Los Angeles, California. 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).

Bert Cole (Albert H. Cole). See C. G. Sturtevant's article, "Born to the Business - A Sketch of Circusman Bert Cole," White Tops, February-March, 1943, Vol 16, Nos. 3-4, pp. 3-4, 12.

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King Cole, side show manager. 1917: "Side Show Manager at Liberty with five first-class side show acts. Strong, intelligent opening and announcements, and A-1 ballyhoo. King Cole and wife are open for immediate offers for side show for the coming season. Would consider offers to put on entire side show for small circus or Wild West. King Cole, 1802 State Street, Chicago, Ills." Billboard, March 24, 1917, p. 143. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

M. T. Cole, manager, Cole Bros., 1909. Marshall (MI) News, June 25, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Coleman's Dogs, Cats, Doves, Hippodrome, New York City, 1908. NY Times, January 26, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Elbert Eugene Coleman was a circus owner and theatre operator. He owned or leased titles of circuses from 1928 to 1946, such as Jesse James Shows, E. E. Coleman, Seils-Sterling and the M. L. Clark & Sons. Died February 20, 1982 at St. Petersburg, Florida, age 91. Circus Report, March 29, 1982, p. 23. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Horace Coleman, musician, Ringling Bros., 1910. Austin (MN) Daily Herald, August 27, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Lee Coleman ("Shanty"), boss canvasman for many years around the Ringling Bros.' Circus, died at Los Angeles, January 16 from a combination of diseases. Billboard, February 1, 1919, p. 63. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Con Colleano died November 13, 1973 at the age of 73. The famous tight wire artist was born in Australia of a circus family. He came to America for John Ringling in 1924 to join the big show, where he stayed for seventeen years. He later appeared with Cole Bros, and other shows and in 1959 appeared with Cristiani Bros. 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).

Winifred Colleano performed by assisting and styling her husband Con Colleano's wire act from the 1920s to the 1960s. They were with Ringling-Barnum, Cole Bros., Beatty rail show and other circuses. Died January 5, 1986 at Sydney, Australia. Circus Report, January 27, 1986, p. 6. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Charles Collins, musician, clarinet, joined Fred Jewell band with Barnum & Bailey, 1910, was with Barnum & Bailey last year, with Ringling Bros. one season [no date]. He was from Mansfield, Ohio, with Sells-Floto, 1911. Mansfield (OH) News, March 12, 1910, March 15, 1911. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

John Collins was a truck operator with the Clyde Beatty Circus for many years. Died January 13, 1982 in Florida. Circus Report, March 1, 1982, p. 20. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Comanche Charlie (Charles Brunning), a cowboy, died March 12 [1900], at Chicago, Ill. The deceased, who was about thirty-eight years of age, was born in Canada, but came to the United States as a young man, and settling in the West, became a cowboy. He was at various times with the Buffalo Bill Show, the Barnum & Bailey Circus and the Old John Robinson Circus. Last summer he had his own show on the road, which was known as Comanche Charlie's Hippodrome and Horse Fair Exhibit, playing parks and fairs. The remains were placed in a receiving vault, awaiting orders from his relatives. New York Clipper, March 24, 1900, p. 87. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Aquie Comez, wild west rider, trick roping, Hagenbeck-Wallace 1924. 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/these person(s).

Fred Cone is one of the recent additions to the roster of the Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest hippodrome talent. He is a great rider all around the track, but on the home stretch he never fails to cover himself with glory, and if occasionally he dues not win it is not because he don’t want to. 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).

Mrs. Catherine Conklin, mother of Peter Conklin, clown, and George Conklin, animal trainer, died April, 1891, at the residence of her daughter, at Chicago, aged eighty two years. 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/these person(s).

Edward Conklin, juggler, has entirely recovered from his sickness and has signed with the McCormick Bros.' Silver Plate Show for next season. 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/these person(s).

Pete Conklin, the old circus clown, is talking and selling tickets in front of the whip on the Bowery, New York. Billboard, May 25, 1918, p. 28. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Peter Conklin, Jr., re-engaged with Barnum & Bailey, Ltd., sailed to London, England, March 17, 1900. Son of famous clown, Peter Conklin. New York Clipper, March 17, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Conklins (Conklings), contortion, Harris Nickel Plate Shows, 1900. Billboard, May 21, 1900; Billboard, June 16, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Jim Conley began in in vaudeville at age 18 with partner Fred Conley, doing a wire walking act. The act became the Conley Trio when Fred Conley married Frieda Melillo of the Melillo Sisters. Later he added iron jaw, menage, juggling, bareback and a dog, pony and monkey act to the repertoire. Jim married Virginia Hill in 1938 and they became the Conley Family act that included their children. The Conleys were featured on Dailey Bros., Al G. Kelly-Miller Bros., Hunt Bros., King Bros., Robbins Bros., Hamid-Morton and Von Bros. In later years Jim traveled on his son Carl's show, Circus Williams. His daughter Anita married Albert Vonderheid of the Von Bros. circus family. Jim died March 3, 1982 at Kent, Ohio, age 81. Circus Report, March 29, 1982, p. 23. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Bertha Conners, her husband Albert, and son Jimmy performed with circuses with their tightwire, iron jaw, wagon wheel and dogs acts. Died October 9, 1984 at Gainesville, Texas, age 83. Circus Report, December 10, 1984, p. 26. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

George V. Connor, who for many years managed the outside shows with the 101 Ranch Wild West, has been engaged to manage the side show with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Show. Mrs. Connor's health has improved so George can again take the road this season. L. K. Baker, his old time leader, will have the colored band and minstrels with eighteen people, all men. Billboard, April 6, 1918, p. 28. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Connors Family, Riding Connors, six in number, riders, English jockeys, acrobatic riding, Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1910-1912.(10) Riding Connors, Miss May Conners, equestrienne, Robinson's Famous Shows, 1915.(2) Riding Connors, vaudeville, five in number, men & women, 1914.(10) Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

1. Evening Telegram (Elyria, OH), May 24, 1910; Oelwein (IA) Daily Register, June 16, 1910; Fort Wayne (IN) Journal-Gazette, May 21, 1911; Daily Courier (Connellsville, PA), May 7, 1912.
2. Olean (NY) Evening Herald, June 17, 1915; Marshall (MI) News-Statesman, July 21, 1915.
3. Lincoln (NE) Daily News, January 23, 1914.

Dolly Connors worked with her husband, Jimmy, on the tight wire, rolling globe and animal acts, performing in circuses, night clubs and theaters. Died July 20, 1977 at Gainesville, Texas, age 70. Circus Report, August 29, 1977, p. 2. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

George Connors, equestrian director, Hagenbeck-Wallace 1924. 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/these person(s).

Jack Connors, formerly with the Forepaugh-Sells, J. Augustus Jones, Cole Bros.' and Howe's Great London shows, is at Camp Greenleaf, Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. Billboard, July 13, 1918, p. 56. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Mike Connors, car manager for Sun Bros.' Circus the past three seasons, is home at Kittanning, Pa. 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).

Thomas Conroy, circus clown of years ago, and lately won fame as tutor of pool and billiards, died at his home, 1445 Bedford avenue, Brooklyn, N.Y., January 3. Mr. Conroy had been connected with John O'Brien, Dan Rice, Cathers & Shallcross, Pullman & Hamilton and King & Franklin. He was 59 years old. Billboard, January 12, 1918, p. 66. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Billie E. Constantine was a high wire and trapeze performer who toured with Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus. Died July 18, 1984 at Tampa, Florida, age 85. 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).

J. D. Cook, formerly butcher with the Howe London Shows, John Robinson and late of the Sells-Floto Circus, is now serving the colors at Camp Travis, San Antonio, Tex. Billboard, November 16, 1918, p. 27. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

M. T. Cook, formerly balloon rider on the Ringling Show for several years, is now a bugler in the 21st Co. at Camp Hancock, Ga. Billboard, October 19, 1918, p. 27. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Edna Cooke, bareback rider, Lemen Bros., 1900; Anna Cooke, four and six horse rider, Edna Cooke, somersault bareback rider, Pan-American Shows, 1901, 1902.(1) Cooke Sisters, Anna and Teresa, equestriennes, Lemon Bros., 1905; ad says Anna & Teresa, article says Anna & Edna.(2) Cooke Sisters, four and six horse riders, Chief Hale's Fire Fighters, 1906.(3) The Cooke sisters had four children, were with Lemon Bros. several years; Edna Cooke was the youngest, a bareback rider; others were Anna Cooke Somers and Theresa Sommers.(4) Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

1. Billboard, June 30, 1900; Manitoba Morning Free Press (Winnipeg, Canada), August 16, 1901; Idaho Daily Statesman (Boise, ID), April 23, 1902.
2. Fort Wayne (IN) Journal-Gazette, April 30, 1905; Fort Wayne (IN) Sentinel, April 29, 1905.
3. Ad. Stevens Point (WI) Daily Journal, June 20, 1906.
4. Bierly, Paul E., Hallelujah Trombone!, 2003, p. 16.

M. C. Cookston, agent, B. B. & H. Circus (Burns, Boldt & Hanus), 1900, Billboard, June 9, 1900.; manager advance car No. 1, Cooper & Co., 1900, Billboard, August 18, 1900. 1918: Brownwood, Tex. M. C. Cookston, who figured prominently in circusdom years ago, is now in the auto transfer business here. Billboard, March 16, 1918, p. 28. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Charles Cooper, veteran boss canvasman, who has been 24-hour man with the Gentry Bros. Show the past season, closed the season with that attraction, and after helping to put the show away in winter quarters at Houston, Tex., left for his home in Vineland, N.J. Mr. Cooper, is the brother of Mrs. Miles Orton and the uncle of Norman Orton, of the Orton Troupe, with the Ringling Show. Billboard, November 9, 1918, p. 32. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Chas. F. Cooper of Cooper, Jackson & Co. died in Memphis, Tenn., Dec. 18 (as we are written) of consumption, which he contracted years ago in malarial districts of the South. Deceased was born at Greenfield, Mich., in 1849, and has been twice married. His second wife, we believe is living, but there are no children. Before he became interested in circuses he was by trade a butcher. He was with Yankee Robinson (interested in the sideshow) when Robinson made his Kansas tour, years ago. Before and after that he worked privileges with several well-known shows. From 1870 to 1875 he was with various shows. In 1876 he took a river-show down the Mississippi; from 1878 to 1880 he managed Van Amburgh's sideshow; in 1880 (Winter) he, together with Tom Haley, started a show down the river from St. Louis. They were quite successful, and, coming North in the Spring, he, with Linas A. Jackson, organized what was called the Cooper & Jackson show. He managed that for two years. In the Spring of 1882 they took J. Ferguson in partnership, under the title of Cooper, Jackson & Co., and they ran the show until it was levied on by sheriff Dec. 1. Clipper, October 10, 1885, p. 677. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

James F. Cooper, the sole owner of the Adam Forepaugh Shows, started in business for himself at the age of fifteen, at his native city, Philadelphia, Pa. He was at that age proprietor, and ran the line, of omnibuses from Philadelphia on the old Second Street Pike to Fox Chase. After three years he sold this line and purchased the Germantown Road Omnibus Line, and shortly afterward sold the same to Joseph Singerly for three times what he paid for it. He then went to Washington, D. C., started an independent omnibus line, and inside of three months controlled every line in that city. He remained at Washington until 1863, when he returned to Philadelphia and entered the circus business at National Hall, corner of Twelfth and Market Streets, in partnership with Dan Gardner, Dick Hemmings and John O'Brien. After five weeks on the road, Mr. Cooper bought Mr. O'Brien's interest, the firm then being Gardner, Hemmings & Cooper. That season they visited Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey, and had a most successful trip. In 1864 the show continued under the same management, touring about the same territory. It was in that season that Mr. Cooper originated the cook tent, blacksmith shop and horse tents on the lot. He was also the first manager to ever give a concert under a circus canvas. In 1865 the show started out in the Spring, greatly enlarged. That same season they hired the Van Amburgh animals, and made considerable money. The Fall of 1865 W. H. Gardner purchased an interest in the show, and that Winter Dan Rice was engaged to travel with it for the season of 1866, at a salary of $1,000 per week and all his expenses, this being the largest salary ever paid to any single performer. Dan Rice furnished his two great performing horses, X L Sor and Stephen A. Douglas, and the famous trick mules, Pete And Barney, these being the first mules that had ever been broken. At Milwaukee Mr. Cooper bought Dan Gardner's interest in the show, and in the Fall of 1866 W. H. Gardner sold his interest to Harry Whitby. It was in that season that Mr. Cooper first met James A. Bailey, who was then the general agent for the Lake Show. Mr. Bailey, that season, did what Mr. Cooper considered the cleverest bit of advertising that had ever been done. During the seasons of 1867, 1868 1869 and 1870, the firm was Hemmings, Whitby & Cooper, James A. Bailey being the general agent in 1869 and 1870, at a salary of $100 per week. At that time this was the biggest salary that any agent had ever received. In1870 Harry Whitby was shot and killed by a desperado, at Raymond, Miss. Mr. Cooper, at the time, was at his home, Philadelphia, very sick, and barely able to dictate a telegram to have the entire show shipped to Philadelphia, where it wintered and went out the next Spring (1871), under the name of Hemmings & Cooper. In 1872 James A. Bailey purchased Mr. Hemming's Interest, and the show was then known as Cooper & Bailey's International Ten Allied Shows. This firm continued until the Fall of 1880. The Winter of 1875-6, the show put up at St. Louis and in the Spring of 1876 It opened in that city, combining with Howe's London Circus for one week only, and turning people away at every performance. Later the show started across the continent, with J. B. Gaylord as general agent. The business of the entire season was marvelous. At San Jose the door receipts amounted to $6,600, the largest amount the show had ever taken up to that time. After a two weeks' stay at San Francisco, they sailed on the Pacific Mail Co.'s steamship City of Sydney, Nov. 9, 1876, en route for Australia. They stopped at Honolulu, Sandwich Islands, one day (the King's birthday), exhibited the animals on board the steamer, were visited by King Kalakaua and the Royal Family, And thouands of visitors. They also touched at the Fiji Islands, and arrived at Sydney, Aus., twenty-eight days out. They toured Australia and New Zealand twice; visited Souraba, Samarang and other prominent cities in the East India Islands; sailed from Auckland New Zealand on the ship Golden Star, for Callao, Peru; arrived there in May, 1878, after a voyage of fifty-two days; visited the principal cities in Peru, Chili, Argentine Republic and Brazil, and arrived at New York City Dec. 10, 1878, after a very stormy passage from South America. During the Winter of 1878-9 the show was enlarged by the addition of Howe's Great London Circus and Sanger's Royal British Menagerie, one of the largest (if not the largest) American circus at that time. The show wintered at Twenty-third Street And Columbia Avenue, Philadelphia, and opened the season early in April, 1879, at Philadelphia; 1879 and 1880 were two of their most prosperous seasons, 1879 being the "Baby Elephant" and "Electric Light" season. Mr. Cooper disposed of his interest to James L. Hutchinson, and retired from the firm in the fall of 1880. But he re-entered the circus business in 1886, his partners being P. T. Barnum, W. W. Cole and James L. Hutchinson. For two years the show was known as "P. T. Barnum & Co.’s Greatest Show on Earth." The Fall of 1887 Mr. Cooper disposed of his interest to James A. Baily, retiring to his home at Philadelphia, and, as every one supposed, to bed farewell to the circus business; but in this all were mistaken, for on the death of Adam Forepaugh, Mr. Cooper purchased that show, and is now in the business on a larger scale than ever. He has expended over $100,000 this past Winter in refitting his show. His private car is truly the most magnificent that has ever been built. It is 70 ft. long, and is fitted up regardless of cost. The parlors, bedrooms, dining room, smoking room and kitchen are complete in every appointment. A grand piano occupies a position in the parlor of the car. This is for the especial benefit of Mr. Cooper’s charming and beautiful daughter, Linda. Mr. Cooper lives in a palatial residence on North Broad Street, Philadelphia. He is a kind and generous man. He owns four farms in Philadelphia County and two hundred houses, and is reported to be worth about $1,800,000. Since Mr. Barnum’s death he is the oldest active showman now living in this country. Clipper, April 25, 1891. Information should be checked with additional sources [Note: James E. Cooper died at Philadelphia, January 1, 1892.] Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Dolly Jahn Copeland was an aerialist, performed with elephants and horses and was in the film "Greatest Show on Earth." Was with Ringling-Barnum. Died September 1, 1984 at Sarasota, Florida, age 63. Circus Report, September 17, 1984, p. 20. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Corell Trio, Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1908. Indiana (PA) Weekly Messenger, May 13, 1908. Possibly Corellis? Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Johnny Correia, Correia Family (Correia/Corriea/Coreia/Correa). Senorita Correa, equestrienne, Forepaugh-Sells, 1901.(1) John Coreia, somersault rider, Hargraves' Big Railroad Shows, 1904.(2) 1905: Mme. Correa, equestrienne; Jahn and Miss Correa, equestrians and Correa Company, riders; Johnny, rider, 1908; 1911: Corriea, Edith, rider, said to be from England - Forepaugh-Sells, 1905, 1908, 1911.(3) Correia Family of Spanish riders, Gollmar Bros., 1913; Correia Family, riders, Barton & Bailey, 1915.(4) John Correia and Miss Amelia, riders, Howe's Great London, 1916.(5) Rose Correia, trapeze, sister of Johnny Correia, noted riding clown, 1906; Johnny Correia and his troupe of American riders, 1906.(6)
      John Correia, ". . . born about 1861 in Portugal as Jao Correa de Almeida. Known in the U.S. as John Correia, he was a circus cloud swing performer, equestrian and ringmaster and married another circus performer, Marrietta Lowande (b. 1871). He died July 4, 1907 in Canyon City, CO while on a circus. He and Marrietta made their home in Petersburg, Illinois, where he was buried." (undocumented)(7) 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/these person(s).

1. Daily Palladium (Benton Harbor, MI), August 20, 1901.
2. Bucks County Gazette (Bristol, PA), April 28, 1904.
3. Janesville (WI) Daily Gazette, May 13, 1905; Cedar Falls (IA) Gazette, June 15, 1906; Cedar Rapids (IA) Evening Gazette, August 11, 1908; Warren (PA) Evening Mirror, April 29, 1911; Newark (OH) Advocate, May 1, 1911.
4. Oelwein (IA) Register, May 21, 1913; Ogden Standard (Ogden City, UT), May 21, 1915.
5. Daily Democrat (Monessen, PA), May 9, 1916.
6. Lima (OH) News, June 25, 1928; Burlington (NC) Daily Times, September 11, 1928.
7. Almeida Family Genealogy Forum, posted Aug. 17, 2000, http://genforum.genealogy.com/cgi-bin/pageload.cgi?circus::almeida::54.html.

Mariette Correa, equestrienne, Sells-Floto, 1908. Reno (NV) Evening Gazette, May 12, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
    Comment: The correct spelling is Marrietta Correia. Part of the Lowande circus and family. - Dot

Miss Marietta Corres, rider, Forepaugh-Sells, 1900. Probably Marrietta Correia above. Fitchburg (MA) Sentinel, June 1, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Orville Cortwright, a Toledo boy, has been engaged by the John Robinson show to work the track and also do clowning. 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).

Charles Cory, Wallace Shows, 1900. Billboard, May 28, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Hazel Cotter

Photo, Hazel Cotter, aerialist. Photo courtesy of Gregg K. Schrader, Belva V. Schrader collection.

1913: Hazel was a member of the Avallon Troupe with Barnum & Bailey in 1913. Circus Report, February 25, 1974, picture supplement.

1925: Proctor's, Troy, New York. On the bill were Hazel Cotter, "The Grace of the Air" and coming is Poodles Hanneford, the greatest comedy act in vaudeville, the international equestrian comedian and his family. Opening the vaudeville at Proctor's Theatre today is Hazel Cotter, described as "flying through the air with the grace of a bird." This flying is done on a trapeze and throughout the motion she is executing a series of difficult and intricate feats. Troy Times (Troy, NY), 1925.   Hazel was also described as "A Vision on the Webbing" at Proctor's. Schenectady Gazette (Schenectady, NY), October 3, 1925, p. 14.   She also performed on the tight rope. Brooklyn Daily Eagle (Brooklyn, NY), October 6, 1925, p. 5.

1926: At the Jefferson. Hazel Cotter, "a vision on the web" opens the variety entertainment, with an exhibition of acrobatics on a trapeze high above the stage. Auburn Citizen (Auburn, NY), January 8, 1926, p. 14.

1931: Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Eagles' circus . . . the Six Avalons in their double wire act, attractively costumed, give a program of double-wire walking, dancing and stunting. Miss Elsie Christensen and Miss Hazel Cotter give a popular performance on the aerial ladders. Sheboygan Press (Sheboygan, WI), May 23, 1931, p. 6.

1932: American Legion, Kaukauna, celebration . . . special attractions include acts by members of a flying circus. Performers will be Miss Hazel Cotter and the Floyds Flying Circus doing feats in the air. All of the members of this troupe have shown with well known circuses. Appleton Post Crescent (Appleton, WI), June 30, 1932, p. 18.

1934: In 1934, Hazel Cotter, queen of the air on the single trapeze, with the Shrine Circus at Fargo, Minnesota. Bismarck Tribune (Bismarck, ND), March 27, 1934, n.p.n.

1934: Christie's Indoor Circus . . . Hazel Cotter, the Venus of the Air, novelty trapeze and web act; aerial ladders, Miss Fisher, Elsie Christensen. Sheboygan Press (Sheboygan, WI), April 18, 1934, p. 15.

1937: Hazel Cotter, "the girl on the Roman Rings," will perform her graceful aerial act at the Hippodrome show during the Dairy Cattle Congress. Miss Cotter has performed her act with leading circuses and in vaudeville. Oelwein Daily Register (Oelwein, IA), September 25, 1937, p. 8.

1946: Hazel Cotter Harris Dies in Chi Hospital. Chicago, Feb. 9. - Mrs. Hazel Cotter Harris, 40, widely known circus performer and wife of Whitey Harris, clown cop, died at the Illinois Masonic Hospital here Wednesday (Feb 6) night of multiple sclerosis. Born at Union City, Pa., Mrs. Harris was one of a well-known family of performers, her two brothers, Fred and Bill, and a sister, Hallie, all having appeared with many shows. She had trouped with Howe's Great London, Hagenbeck-Wallace and Sells-Floto shows as a member of the Fisher Sisters, the Avalons and as a single aerialist. Formerly the wife of Bobbie Valentino of the Flying Valentinos, she was married in 1936 to Harris. Mrs. Harris was member of the auxiliary of the Showmen's League of America. Funeral services were held this afternoon, with burial at Wundr Cemetery, Chicago. [Note: Whitey Harris' name was Orville Harris.] Billboard, February 16, 1946, p. 64.

Also see Belva Schrader & Hazel Cotter

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Margaret Coulter (or Marguerite Coulter), rider, high school pony, daughter of W. H. Coulter, W. H. Coulter's, 1911. Adams County Free Press (Corning, IA), May 13 & 17, 1911. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

W. H. Coulter, proprietor, W. H. Coulter's Famous Railroad Shows, 1911. Adams County Free Press (Corning, IA), May 13, 1911. Note: W. H. Coulter, proprietor Cole Bros. Circus, 1912-1913, Parkinson's Directory of the American Circuses. Real name may be Wade Coulter. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Jack Cousins, oldtime equestrian director and bareback rider, was in France in the veterinary department of the army. He is due to return to France in charge of some horses and mules at an early date. Billboard, March 30, 1918, p. 29. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Joe Cousins, performer, 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/these person(s).

W. C. Cox, Campbell Bros., 1909, had been with this circus for 4 years and was contracted for the next year. In charge of lighting department, Campbell Bros., 1910, had been in lighting department for past 15 yrs. Said to be “of LaGrange, Indiana.” Fort Wayne (IN) Journal-Gazette, November 12, 1909; Van Wert (OH) Daily Bulletin, April 1, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

W. D. Coxey, whose scholarly countenance appears here, is the press representative of the World’s Greatest Show. To him is left the very important task of arranging for and writing the various newspaper advertisements and notices which fill columns of the local papers for weeks prior to the appearance of the show. Mr. Coxey is a thorough newspaper man in the strictest sense of the word. He began life as a printer and at the age of twenty was a reporter on the Philadelphia Times. He subsequently held positions of trust on the Philadelphia News, the Philadelphia Press, Chattanooga Commercial and various Chicago papers. His advent into the amusement profession was as a playwright, his first theatrical production being an original play entitled “Her Sacrifice,” which was successfully produced. He has written a number of other plays and filled various important positions in the theatrical profession. In 1889 be was press agent with the Forepaugh Show, and since 1800 has held his present position as press representative with the Ringling Bros. 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).

Joseph Coyle, postmaster, Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1917, speaks French, German, Spanish, Hindoostani and Polish, knows enough Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese and modern Greek to make himself understood.(1) Joseph Coyle, Jr., four years old, youngest clown on the road, John Robinson's 10 Big, 1911.(2) Joseph Coyle, clown; Mrs. Joseph Coyle and two children, said to have died on relief train. Hagenbeck-Wallace 1918 train wreck.(3) Revised death list: Mrs. Joseph Coyle, Joseph Coyle Jr., 11, Charles Coyle, 3, all of Cincinnati. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

1. Iowa City (IA) Citizen, August 4, 1917.
2. Alton (IL) Evening Telegraph, May 13, 1911.
3. Fort Wayne (IN) Journal-Gazette, June 24, 1918; www.gendisasters.com/data1/in/trains/hammond-circustrainwreck1918.htm.

Joe Coyle, clown, Hagenbeck-Wallace 1924. 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/these person(s).

Mike Coyle
    Mike Coyle, advance, Forepaugh-Sells, 1900. Replaced the late S. H. Barrett. Coyle had been with the Buffalo Bill Show. Also see Slout's Olympians on this website. Billboard, May 28, 1900.
    Auburn, N.Y., July 26, 1918. Michael Coyle, veteran circus man, died at the Willard House in Weedsport, N.Y., his home, this morning, age 80. He made his first showing in the circus world in 1864 with the James Melville & Co.'s Circus as treasurer at St. Louis, Mo. In his early days a newspaper man when a young man, became connected with the P. T. Barnum Shows and for many year was chief publicity man for Mr. Barnum. After the death of Mr. Barnum, he was with Barnum & Bailey Shows, and for many years with the original Buffalo Bill Wild West Show. While with the Barnum Show and the "Bill Show," he acted at different times as business manager, transportation manager and treasurer. He gave up about a dozen years ago. He was born in Whitesboro, but moved to Weedsport with his parents when he was six. He is survived by one brother, four nephews and five nieces. Billboard, August 3, 1918, pp. 24, 58.

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William Craig, "Max," began as a boy, doing blackface on Uncle Tom's Cabin in 1926. His family was witht he J. B. Henry Bros. Circus, where his father was a musician. Later Max worked double traps with Clifford Henry and they took the act to the Polack show, where Max met and married Gertrude Hammond in 1937. Max and Gertie had two acts, hand balancing and roling globes. They were with Seabrand and Arthur Bros. shows, then Clyde Beatty in 1945. Then with C. R. Montgomery and Howard Suesz, then Gil Gray from 1948 to 1966. During the years they did their acts with Gray, Max was prop boss, manager and built wagons, including the Cinderella Pumpkin. He was with the Dr. Pepper Circus where he built the front banner line. From 1967 to 1974 the Craigs were with Hamid-Morton, Rudy Jacobi, Ruth Repine, and Shrine and fair shows. Their acts became Craig's Guanacos, Princess Kandra and Cimarron (dressage horse) and the Podunk Fire Dept. comedy act. They raised miniature horses starting in 1975. Circus Report, October 17, 1988, p. 20. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Harry Cramer, for the past two years lecturer on the freaks with the B. & B., is making more "dough" with his bakery in Newark, N.J. Billboard, June 8, 1918, p. 27. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Fred Crandall and wife, riders, Hagenbeck-Wallace 1924. 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/these person(s).

Stewart Craven, an old showman and famous elephant trainer, brief mention of whose death at Dalas, Tex., was made in this column two weeks ago, was a native of Wooster, O., and has reached his fifty-sixth year at the time of his demise. His first appearance in the circus ring was with the Van Amburgh Menagerie in 1857, and while with that show he broke the celebrated elephant, Tip Osage [sic Tippo Saib]. Mr. Craven trained him to hold a perch, while the former climbed to the top and performed a number of wonderful gymnastic tricks. He also stood on the elephant’s great tusks and did a juggling act, the elephant meanwhile traveling around the ring at full speed. Later Mr. Craven broke the two elephants, Anthony and Cleopatra, who created much excitement at the old Broadway Theatre this city. In 1859 he joined the Nasby [Mabie?] Circus and Menagerie, and it was with that show that he proved his great ability as an elephant trainer by conquering Canada, afterwards known as Romeo, said to be one of the meanest and most brutal elephants that ever lived. Mr. Craven also broke and trained the famous elephant Empress, owned by the late John O’Brien, and later he trained a half a dozen elephants for Kelly’s London Circus. Afterwards he was engaged by the late Adam Forepaugh to break in a large herd of pachyderms, and in the work he succeeded admirably. Mr. Craven was of a somewhat retiring disposition, and was possessed of much patience and kindness. For several years prior to his death he had been a resigned victim of consumption. Clipper, February 8, 1890. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Lilly Martin Craven. Eighty-one years ago Lilly Martin Craven was a performer in Adam Forepaugh's Noachian Menagerie, Gigantic Museum and Classic Circus. And today, the same Lilly Craven, now Mrs. Lilly M. Larwill of Kansas City, Missouri, retains her penchant for travel she acquired as a trouper, though 65 years have passed since she left the big tops for good. Despite the fact that she will observe her 98th birthday September 15, Mrs. Larwill this summer enjoyed an extensive vacation tour, just as she has every summer for many years. She spent part of the season in Tucson, Arizona, after visiting in Dallas, El Paso and Albuquerque, attended a family reunion in Long Beach, California, and thence to Los Angeles for the Shrine convention. A short stay in Colorado concluded her travels for 1950 and she is back home again.
          As the wife of the late Stewart Craven, one of the most successful and famous elephant trainers of all time, she was hostess in their Philadelphia home to a parade of the circus greats of the golden age of circuses in the 70's and 80's - Dan Rice, P. T. Barnum, Col. William F. Cody. James E. Cooper, James A. Bailey, Tom Thumb, and many others.
          Mrs. Larwill did not come from a circus family. She was born Lilly Mondena Martin in Philadelphia on September 18, 1852, the daughter of John and Jane Elizabeth Martin. It was the close proximity of her home to the winter quarters of the Adam Forepaugh and John E. (Pogie) O'Brien circuses, that brought about the meeting with the handsome six-foot-two Stewart Craven, who was a native of Chester, Wayne County, Ohio, and who was training elephants for the Philadelphia circus owners. She was 12 years old and Craven was 31 when they met in the neighborhood of the circus quarters. At that time Craven already had 15 years of circus experience with Van Amburgh's Menagerie, the Mabie Brothers Circus, and the Dan Rice Circus, owned by O'Brien. Craven courted his future wife in the shadow of the barns where circus wagons, tents, seats and other equipment were stored during the winter months. And when Craven came to Philadelphia at the end of the 1868 season in October, to begin the customary training of elephants for Forepaugh, the couple were married in Calvary Episcopal church. They established a home in Gwynedd, Pa., where their only son, Charles Stewart Craven, was born December 27, 1869, and today he is his mother's former business partner in a jewelry firm in Kansas City, and her frequent companion on their numerous trips about the country.
          Craven, Jr., at 81, is probably the only eye witness living today of one of the most remarkable events in American circusdom, in which his father was a principal participant, and which was largely responsible for the uniting of P. T. Barnum and James A. Bailey in a circus partnership which brought about the Barnum & Bailey Circus, "the greatest show on earth." This unique circumstance was the birth of a baby elephant in the Cooper and Bailey Circus quarters at Columbia Avenue and 23rd Street in Philadelphia, on March 10, 1880, to Hebe, a member of the elephant herd. Two years previously Craven had joined the Cooper and Bailey circus in Philadelphia quarters, after its return from a tour of Australia and South America, and had bred Hebe to a male elephant. When the baby elephant was born at 2:30 a. m. there was consternation in the animal barn. The mother went on a rampage, tossing a red hot stove some 20 feet, and pushing her infant around with her trunk. Stewart Craven, Jr., then 11 years old, followed his father to the animal barn when helpers came to tell him the news, and hid behind a cage wagon to take in the proceedings, unknown to any of the men, who were struggling with the elephant herd, aroused by the mother beast's tantrum. The baby elephant was named Columbia, and it was the principal attraction of the Cooper & Bailey Circus during the 1880 season. On several other occasions elephants had been bred at the P. T. Barnum winter quarters in Bridgeport, Conn., and the Sells-Floto quarters in Denver, Colorado, and while several babies were born, none lived more than a few weeks. Columbia, named for the street on which the quarters were located, was quite healthy and lived to the age of 25.
          That same winter season Craven, working in secret behind barred doors of the elephant barn, trained two groups of five elephants each to perform in a ring together. While there had been other cases in which elephants were brought into rings together, they did their acts separately, whereas Craven had his charges cooperating in pyramids and group stunts, revealing a training triumph previously unknown in the American circus world. P. T. Barnum was so impressed with the baby elephant as an attraction, and the trained elephant acts, that he offered to purchase the Cooper and Bailey Circus from its owners, J. E. Cooper and James A. Bailey, and to make Bailey his partner in the show business. The deal was consummated in 1881 and Bailey took over to make the Barnum show the leader in the field.
          When Mrs. Craven was married to the elephant trainer, 19 years her senior, in 1868, few women participated in circus performances. At that early day in the evolution of one-ring shows into multi-ringed arenas of later years, the ratio of women in a circus troupe was about one to every 50 men. Because her husband was a famous animal trainer, Mrs. Craven was content to play a small but useful part in the show. Her young son, Stewart, Jr., lived with his grandparents in Philadelphia during the first five years of his life, while his parents trouped. Mrs. Craven was the Egyptian princess in the circus spectacle as her first assignment, and she recalls riding in a gilded chariot drawn by a dozen Shetland ponies, with no less than Johnny and Willie O'Brien, sons of owner Pogie O'Brien, as her slaves, waving large bamboo fans during the procession. She also became fascinated by the art of the glass blowers in the circus sideshow, and learned this art, which she practiced with troupes of glass blowers traveling with the various circuses her husband was associated with from time to time.
          During the 70's, the Cravens were with the P. T. Barnum circus, under the O'Brien regime, Howe's Great London and the Adam Forepaugh shows, before he went with Cooper and Bailey in 1878. The year before his marriage, Craven had gone to Europe when a physician recommended a sea voyage for an ailment from which he sufferred, and while there he arranged to bring a collection of wild animals back to the states. He placed his collection on exhibition in Cleveland, Ohio, and New York City, while disposing of them. And when he left the circus business, he operated similar museums in New York, Chicago, Cleveland and at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. Mrs. Craven plied her glassblowers’ trade and sold tickets for these exhibitions.
          His health impaired by injuries sustained when he was mauled and bitten by a lioness, causing blood poisoning, Craven and his family went to Texas, settling near Dallas, then a small village on the Trinity river, and engaged in the cattle and horse shipping business. He died January 16, 1890, and Mrs. Craven was married seven years later to George M. Larwill, whom she survives. Mrs. Larwill has since engaged in several business activities, including the management of a cooperative home for business girls in Dallas. But for the past 35 years she has been vice-president of the jewelry firm operated by her son in Kansas City, although she retired from active participation in the store's affairs in 1937 at the age of 85. Despite her advanced age, Mrs. Larwill never voices fatigue and during the Shrine convention it was not unusual for her to retire at 1:30 a. m. after a full day of activity. There is probably no one else alive today who participated in such circuses as the P. T. Barnum, Adam Forepaugh and Cooper and Bailey shows, when these great shows were in their infancy, and remembers so vividly the incidents which marked Mrs. Larwill's career in circus-dom. - A. Morton Smith, "Circus Stars of Yesteryears, III. Lilly Martin Craven" Hobbies, September 1950, pp. 34-35. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Creata Bros. and Helene Hartzell, bar act, 1941. Had been with Wallace Bros. circus for several seasons. "Fan Notes," White Tops, Vol. 14, Nos. 4-5 (Feb-Mar), 1941, p. 9. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Adolph Cristiani, "Tripoli," acrobat and ground tumbler. Died at Sarasota, Florida on March 15, 1980 at age 70. Circus Report, March 31, 1980, p. 2. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Ernesto "Papa" Cristiani died on October 21, 1973 at the age of 91. The patriarch of the famous riding Cristiani Family came to America in 1934 for the Ringling interests and first appeared with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus that year. With Papa Ernesto and Mama Emma Victoria came six sons and four daughters. They continued with the Hagenbeck-Forepaugh-Sells show in 1935 and then moved to the Al G. Barnes show for two seasons. In 1938 they were featured with Ringling-Barnum and remained on that show for a number of years before going to the Cole show. Later in association, first with Floyd King, with the King-Cristiani Circus and then with Big Bob Stevens and the Bailey-Cristiani Circus, they entered the ranks of circus owners. In 1956 they first toured the Cristiani Bros. Circus, which grew to be one of the largest on the road in 1959. Ernesto retired from riding after the Ringling show, but continued in full command of the family. Survived by 10 children, 25 grandchildren and many great grandchildren. 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).

Ortans Cristiani performed with her family in teeterboard and bareback riding. When she was 14, she became the first woman to do a triple somersault from a teeterboard, creating a four high number in 1937. She also performed on the trapeze, tumbling acts and bareback ballerina. She married Fred Canestrelli in 1950. She retired in 1974 but continued as a teacher and trainer. Died November 12, 1987 at Sarasota, Florida, age 64. Circus Report, January 25, 1988, p. 3. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Oscar Adolfo Cristiani came to the United State with the Cristiani Troupe of acrobatic horse riders to join Ringling-Barnum in 1934. They were with this show until 1943. At one time they operated their own circus. Oscar remained active in animal training and for several years had his own elephant act. Died December 15, 1987 at Sarasota, Florida, age 82. Circus Report, January 11, 1988, p. 19. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

John Crogan died October 22, 1919 at Seaton Hospital, New York. He was 58 years old, and began his career when quite young with the Barnum & Bailey Circus. He was born in Newport, N.Y., and went into the show business in the early '70s. Billboard, November 8, 1919, p. 60. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Cromwell, Cahill & Cromwells, aerial iron jaw, John H. Sparks, 1910. See Cahill. Correctionville (IA) News, June 9, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

John T. Crone, secretary and auditor, John Robinson's Ten Big Shows, 1910. Evening Tribune (Marysville, OH), April 4, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

S. L. Cronin, long time manager of the Al G. Barnes circus spent nearly half a century with the White Tops. He passed away at his home in Arcadia, California, November 16, 1958. From his large collection of circusiana he left, it is learned he was with the Walter L. Main circus before he had the advertising banners on the Howes Great London Show in 1912. He was with all the shows controlled by Mugivan & Bowers. He sold banners for both the John Robinson and the Hagenbeck & Wallace shows. However, Mr. Cronin was best known to circus fans for his long connection with the Al G. Barnes Circus as manager. Bandwagon, Vol. 4, No. 2 (Mar-Apr), 1960, p. 24. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Robert Cronkelton, of Elgin, Ill., closed with the Ringling Shows at Wheeling, W. Va., and left for his home in answer to the call of the draft. He is at Camp Sheridan, Alabama. Billboard, July 13, 1918, p. 56. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Dr. Theodore S. Crosby, chief surgeon, McCaddon European shows, 1905. Last season with Walter L. Main show. Titustville (PA) Herald, March 25, 1905. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Laurence Cross was in show business starting in 1924 and was known for his clowning. He toured with Russell Bros., Clyde Beatty Circus, Lee Bros., Christy Bros., Robbins Bros., Barnett Bros., Cole Bros., Rudy Bros. and the Paul Kaye circus. Died November 6, 1973 at Pittsburg, California. Circus Report, November 12, 1973, p. 9. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Floy Crowell, rider. Norris & Rowe, 1908. Centralia (Washington) Daily Chronicle, June 1, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

W. H. "Cap" Curtis, circus general superintendent and boss canvassman died in Cuevas, Miss., on April 2. He was 82 years old and had been in show business since 1890. Services were conducted at Gulfport on Monday, the 5th. Only known survivors are a niece and a nephew. "Cap" Curtis gained fame in the circus business for being the first person to move circus wagons with a motor vehicle and in 1910 he first built the Curtis patent seat wagon. These were in general use for about 15 years. During the time that he was with the Hagenbeck Wallace show he perfected and put into use the Curtis spool wagons for rolling the big top. The last circus he was with was Cole Bros. in 1950 but he trouped as a lot superintendent with Royal American Shows in 1952. His last work with the Big Top was as boss canvassman when a Pennsylvania city borrowed a Ringling tent to house a Birthday Party for President Eisenhower in September, 1953. Bandwagon, April, 1955, p. 3. Information should be checked with additional sources
      William Hanford "Cap" Curtis, born December 10, 1873 on a farm near Hazelhurst, Mississippi began his circus career with the Andress (or Andrews) Circus about 1889. Beginning with titles such as superintendent of canvas, lot superintendent and general superintendent he soon became well known for his extraordinary qualities as a man of indomitable spirit, great courage and resourcefulness. An outstanding example of a typical American circus executive, "Cap" set foot on circus lots all over the United States. A man with an inventive turn of mind, "Cap" contributed much to the safety, stability and security of circuses during their development in the early twentieth century. While with the John Robinson Circus from 1902 to 1907 he designed a cable truss system to hold seat stringers firmly in place which soon come into general use by other canvasmen when they realized its advantages. As superintendent of canvas for the Sells-Floto Circus in 1915 he was granted United States patent number 1184672 for his canvas spool-wagon, a new system of handling the tent which saved time getting off the lot and made it easier to spread the canvas the following day when the tent was put up. Still with Sells-Floto, "Cap" become the first man to use a tractor on the lot. From 1917 to 1926, as boss canvasman and general superintendent on the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, he designed and developed a group of folding seat wagons which were patented in 1919 and used for many years. William Hanford "Cap" Curtis died April 9, 1955 near Cuevas, Mississippi. His ideas and inventions will always live with the big top. "Elected to Circus Hall of Fame," Bandwagon, Vol. 5, No. 2 (Mar-Apr), 1961, p. 22. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Jack Cousins hails from the Antipodes. Though an Australian, he has been riding in this country for several years. Mr. Cousins is a great traveler, and has seen almost every country on the face of the globe. This has been his first season with the Ringling Brothers’ Show. He is a very finished and clever jockey and hurdle rider. His home is at Sydney, Australia. 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).

G. C. Crowley, "Doc," owner of the largest motorized carnival in the middle west in the 1930s that originated in his home town of Richmond, Missouri. Died September 20, 1980 at El Cajon, California. Circus Report, October 6, 1980, p. 18. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Edward Cullen, was with Robinson shows since a child, past several years was general manager, now general manager Hagenbeck Animal Circus, 1905. Was connected with Robinson circus 35 years, died at Cincinnati, Ohio, 1909. Cullen, business manager, died at home in Walnut Hills, Cincinnati, many years business manager with John Robinson shows, recent years excursion conductor railroad. Coshocton (OH) Daily Age, April 14, 1905; Fort Wayne (IN) Sentinel, June 7, 1909; Portsmouth (OH) Times, June 12, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Paul Cunningham. Circus train porters, attention. Paul Cunningham, for years train porter with Ringling Bros., died leaving no known heirs. Who knows his heirs, his family connections? Please report information to Bank of Baraboo, Baraboo, Wisconsin. [Advertisement] Billboard, February 9, 1918, p. 32. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Walter Curler, billposter, home Perry Iowa, Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1909. Perry (IA) Daily Chief, May 22, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Frank E. Curran (one-legged jumper and athlete) has returned from Cuba after the biggest part of the season with Circo Pubillones and the last few weeks with Circo Santos & Artigas. He will open with the Barnum & Bailey Circus. Billboard, April 20, 1918, p. 28. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Daisy Curtis, rider, Forepaugh-Sells, 1911. Warren (PA) Evening Mirror, April 29, 1911. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

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Da Coma family, acrobats, Ringling Bros., 1900.(1) French family Da Coma, Ringling Bros., 1901.(2) 1903: Mr. Da Coma lives in Cincinnati, owns a farm in Kentucky, spends as much time as possible there; has built a gymnasium; Da Coma Family, eight in number, acrobats, were with Ringling Bros. 8 years, Will play parks and fairs in coming season; Shipp's Indoor Circus, 1903.(3) Da Coma Family, Ringling Bros., 1906.(4) Art DaComa and Jessie Macree, flying act, Norris & Rowe, 1909.(5) "Famous circus acrobats train in Decatur before tour, May 28-June 2, 1932. Art DaComa, a famous former showman and owner of The Five Flying DaComas troupe, visited E.R. Whitton in Decatur. DaComa of Florida was traveling to Cincinnati. The troupe of circus acrobats trained in Decatur for years before touring each spring. The DaComas were an attraction with Barnum & Bailey, Ringling Bros. and John Robinson."(6) Note: Slout's Olympians says Arthur and Rose Da Coma. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

1. Anaconda (MT) Standard, August 23, 1900.
2. Oakland (CA) Tribune, August 3, 1901.
3. Cedar Rapids (IA) Sunday Republican, February 1, 1903.
4. Galveston (TX) Daily News, October 21, 1906.
5. Phillips, Fred H., "A Circus Parade Which Has Taken Over Half a Century to Wend Its Way Through a Small Town in Eastern Canada," Circus Scrap Book, No. 15 (Jul), 1932, pp. 31-40.
6. Decatur Daily (Decatur, AL), June 3, 2007.

Paul Daemmrich, musician, clarinet, lived Pittsville, Gollmar Bros., 1910. Grand Rapids (WI) Tribune, May 18, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Thomas Dailey has charge of one of the most important departments of the advertising of the show. As Manager of Car No. 3, he accomplishes the wonderful excursion billing of the Ringling Brothers’ Show. The enormous crowds that daily come by special excursion trains to visit the Big Show are the best proof of the efficiency of his work. On him and his score or more of bill posters, programmers, etc., depends the work of heralding, on the different railroad lines centering at the exhibition stand, the excursion rates, arrivals and departure of trains, the posting of cloth banners and dates, etc., and the rebilling of the work done by the previous cars. Mr. Dailey commenced his career at the foot of the ladder, and from a bill-poster has worked his way to his present position by his own energy and ability. He has been manager of the excursion billing with the Ringling Bros. two years, before which time he filled similar places with the 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/these person(s).

William Dahn, oldtime performer, formerly with Barnum & Bailey and Ringling Bros. circuses, died at Springfield, Ill, July 10(?). He at one time was with the team of Dahn and Adair. He died of heart trouble and is survived by the widow, a son, his father, four sisters and two brothers. Billboard, July 27, 1918, p. 82. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

P. M. Dalby, known in the circus and carnival world, was killed near Hammond, La., recently, when he fell from an automobile, striking his head on a rock. Mr. Dalby lived in Los Angeles, and at the time of his death was engaged in logging and mapping the highway for the Auto Club of America. A widow, known in the show world as Vida Earle, survives him. Billboard, January 26, 1918, p. 31. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Wm. M. Dale, advertising manager, John Robinson Circus, 1909 (John G. Robinson) Evening Telegram (Elyria, OH), June 24, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Ray Daley (son of the late Jerry Daley), late of Howe's Great London and Patterson-Gollmar Shows, recently enlisted and is stationed at Camp Grant, Rockford, Ill. Billboard, March 9, 1918, p. 30. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Rube Dalroy likes motion picture work so well that he has decided to stick to it. He is with the National Film Co. at Denver. The Al G. Barnes Circus last year claimed Rube. Billboard, March 16, 1918, p. 29. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Carl Dalton (or Earl Dalton), owner, Yankee American Shows, 12 wagon show, from LaCrosse, Wisconsin, son of George Dalton, left La Crosse for performance at Stoddard tomorrow. La Crosse (WI) Tribune, June 5, 1908. Note Yankee American Shows: Sturtevant lists Earl M. Dalton, owner; other sources list the Lindemanns. 1920 census La Cross, Wisconsin: Carl M. Dalton, owner road show; Florence Dalton, actress, road show. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Howard Damon, manager, Damon's Australian Aggregation, Damon's Big Australian railroad circus, Howard Damon Australian Railroad circus. Howard Damon circus, 20 railroad cars. Charleroi (PA) Mail, May 18 & 19 & 20, 1909; Portsmouth (OH) Daily Times, April 15, 1911. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Glen Dande, known as "Red," formerly with the Famous Robinson, Hagenbeck-Wallace and Gentry Bros. Shows, is now holding first chair with his clarinet in Kryl's Bohemian Band over the Redpath Chatauqua Circuit. Billboard, July 27, 1918, p. 27. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Ollie Danford, rider, late of the Robinson Show and formerly of the Buffalo Bill Show, is now a member of the Canton, Ohio, fire department. Billboard, September 21, 1918, p. 25. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Dare Troupe, aerial bars, Hargraves' Big Railroad Shows, 1904. Bucks County Gazette (Bristol, PA), April 28, 1904. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

"Dan" Darleigh. "Castello & Graves Circus, which has been on the flat since Monday says the Utica Observer has traveled in hard luck ever since it started in May. Bad weater kept the people from the tents and the money from the treasury, and there has been some little delay in paying the help. Yesterday, the circus people filed six bills of the sale in the County Clerk's office, covering practically all of their effects. To-day, 'Dan' Darleigh, who is known in Utica through his appearance at the theatres in different companies and who has been the clown with the circus, secured a writ of attachment and levied on two horses to secure a bill for something like $40 for services for himself and his wife. It is probable that the matter will be settled and the circus will proceed after a few days. The legal work has not been permitted to interfere with the presentation of the shows. 'Dan' will not be with the show when it goes out." Oswego Daily Times (Oswego, NY), June 24, 1905. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

George O. Darling, last season with the advance forces of the La Tena Circus, well known in advertising circles, and serving the colors in France, has returned to the United States, having been wounded at Chateau Thierry in France, 1918. Billboard, September 28, 1918, p. 71.   George O. Darling, last season a member of the advance forces with the La Tena Circus, and who was recently invalided home from the front in France from wounds received in battle, and Melvina Young, of Athol, Mass., were married October 29, 1918. Billboard, November 9, 1918, pp. 24, 26. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Nancy Darnell, performer with Ringling Brothers, retired 1941. Operated an acrobatic school at Canton, Ohio, teaching youth to perform on the rings and flying trapeze. 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/these person(s).

Researcher note: In my research of wrestling in Canton, OH I ran across a couple of instances of Nancy Darnell performing her trapeze act at a couple of wrestling shows. She and Jack Malloy performed on the 12/13/1934 card held at the Canton City Auditorium. She also performed by herself on the the 12/27/1934 show at the same venue. Jason

Elsie Darr

Photo, right: Elsie Darr (right) and Rose Sullivan (left), trapeze, Hagenbeck-Wallace 1928. Photo courtesy of Gregg K. Schrader, Belva V. Schrader collection.

1926: Jessie Ward, of the Hagenbeck-Wallace circus, is of the famed Ward-Kimball Troupe. She turns somersaults, and does twisters, in mid-air flights, in mid-air flights, vieing with her illustrious husband. Jimmy Ward, who is acknowledged "Ace" In high-trapeze "Thrillers." There are eight people in this big act. Including Irene Bennett, another "Queen of Grace and Beauty." who is the only lady catcher of a lady mid-air somersaulter in the game. Miss Bennett was born near Hutchinson. The act may be styled a "Home Number," for another of the troupe, a very pretty and charming miss, is Elsie Darr, who was born within twelve miles of Great Bend. Hutchinson News (Hutchinson, KS), September 15, 1926, p. 8.

1925: Sells-Floto [probable]. Ward Troupe, George and Majorie Reed, Nellie Sullivan, Elsie Darr, Erma Ward and Rose Sullivan. Bandwagon, November-December, 1986, p. 14.

1926: With Hagenbeck-Wallace were . . . Elsie Darr. Bandwagon, November-December, 1986, p. 15.

1927: Ward Troupe, Elsie Darr. [with photo] Bandwagon, November-December, 1986, p. 17.

1928: Hagenbeck-Wallace, Ward-Kimball Troupe. Bandwagon, November-December, 1986, p. 16.

1930: Sells-Floto. Rose Sullivan, Rose Ward(?), Pansy Ward(?), and Elsie Darr, in cloud swing, Display 13. Bandwagon, November-December, 1986, p. 17.

1932: Al G. Barnes Circus, Wayne and Eileen Larey (Eileen Sullivan), Elsie Darr . . . Bandwagon, November-December, 1986, p. 17.

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

"Dinky" Darrow, woman clown, Sells-Floto, 1909. Daily Press (Sheboygan, WI), August 4, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Homer C. Davenport, clown, cartoonist. "San Francisco, January 2. - Homer C. Davenport, cartoonist, is serious ill . . . in San Francisco. . . . suffering from a complete nervous breakdown. . . ." Atlanta (GA) Constitution, January 3, 1910. Clown McMahon's one-ring circus. Wrote an autobiography The Country Boy. Died of pneumonia in 1912. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Lillian Davies, Hagenbeck-Wallace, rider, 1907-1908. Weekly Press (St. Joseph, MI) July 11, 1907; Racine (WI) Daily Journal, May 13, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Bert Davis, press agent, Forepaugh-Sells, 1900. Billboard, June 2, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Bill C. Davis, wild west rider, Hagenbeck-Wallace 1924. 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/these person(s).

Charles Davis and family, see Alzanas.

Ed F. Davis, trained barnyard quadrupeds, 1900. Billboard, May 1, 1900, p. 6. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

F. E. Davis, advance manager, Cooper & Co., 1900. Davis was let go circa August 1900 due to his carrying his wife, son and dog with him and that he was "adverse to over-exertion." Billboard, May 1, 1900; Billboard, August 18, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Mrs. Grace Ainsworth Davis, wife of James Davis, and formerly connected with the commissary department of the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, died at Peru, Ind., after an operation for a tumor. She was for many years in charge of the cook tent with the H.-W. Show. She resided in Peru, Ind., and since leaving the circus has managed the cafe at the Bearse Hotel. She is survived by her mother and husband, James Davis, who is now with the Barnum Show, assistant to Chas. Henry. Billboard, August 24, 1918, p. 27. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Jack Davis promoted circuses and other events, starting when he was 21 as a billposter with Hagenbeck-Wallace. He was with Ringling-Barnum, Cole Bros., Beatty-Cole and Sells & Gray circuses. In 1959 he had 16 elephants walk across the Mackinac Bridge during its dedication. Died November 23, 1985 at Bay City, Michigan, age 79. Circus Report, December 23, 1985 (No. 50), n.p.n. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

James Davis, caterer (cook tent), Hagenback-Wallace. Newark (OH) Advocate, May 8, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

James R. Davis, better known as "Jumbo" Davis was in the show business most of his life, the greater part of his time as an agent for Barnum, and was known to circus and show people the world over. He got his nickname of "Jumbo" from the fact that he purchased the big elephant for Barnum and had it brought ot this country. In his boyhood he was for a time a page in the Capitol Building, but very soon afterwards drifted into the show business, which he stuck to for the rest of his life. He was for many years one of Barnum's most trusted agents, and traveled all over the world seeking and purchasing curiosities. In his capacity as Barnum's agent he crossed the Atlantic nine times. He also acted for a time as Manager of the Curiosity Syndicate, by which Circus Proprietors hired out their freaks for a tour of the Dime Museums connected with the syndicate, which extended throughout all of the principal cities of America. He was for a while connected with the Doris Circus as railroad contractor. Shortly after C. E. Kohl and George Middleton left the employ of Barnum to start in the Dime museum business, Davis joined them and became manager of the West Side Museum in New York city. He later went to Cincinnati to manage the Vine Street museum, which belonged to the same firm, and was at this work when he died, still a very young man. He had been in rather poor health for several months, being affected with bronchial and lung trouble which left him badly emaciated. The cause of his death, however, is said to have been heart disease. He was at work right along until the museum closed, feeling as well as usual. He left a wife, but no children. Mr. Davis was well educated and was an exceedingly able man in his line of business. He was very popular with the profession and had many friends in Chicago, and in Washington, D.C., his native city. Circus Scrap Book, January 1929, Vol. 1, No. 1, pp. 14-15. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

John Davis was a knife thrower who traveled with John Robinson, Hagenbeck-Wallace and Ringling circuses. Died July 1975 at Worcester, Massachusetts, age 93. Circus Report, August 25, 1975, p. 4. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Mr. Davis, 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/these person(s).

Stewart W. Davis. To circus managers. Stewart W. Davis, ringmaster and equestrian director, and wife, Miss Annie Worland, principal equestrienne and tight-rope artist. Can be engaged for the tenting season. Address Stewart W. Davis, South Juniper street, Philadelphia, Pa. [Advertisement] New York Clipper, February 3, 1887, p. 355. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Thomas H. Davis, now a theatrical manager, was at one time a circus agent after the manner of his brothers, "Jumbo" [James R. Davis, above] and Charley. Tom is now also the publisher of a literary home journal, and the only one in the country giving a bottle of whisky with every fifty-cent subscription, and as an offset to the booze premium, will shortly present John Kernell as a lecturer on temperance. Mr. Davis is versatile as well as entertaining. Billboard, May 21, 1900, p. 5. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Sam Dawson, now in charge of the No. 1 car of the Buckskin Bill's Wild West, 1900. Billboard, June 30, 1900, p. 5; August 18, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Skinny Dawson, press agent, Parker & Watts Circus. "Gainsville Circus to Open in April," White Tops, Vol. 14, Nos. 4-5 (Feb-Mar), 1941, p. 9. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Stanley Dawson, Cole Bros., 1941. "Los Angeles Shrine Had One Night Circus," 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/these person(s).

John DeAlma [D'Alma], veteran circus trouper, died in Chicago Tuesday, May 16, of heart disease. Mr. DeAlma had trouped with practically every large circus, including the Scribner & Smith and Walter L. Mains shows, during his career. He was 70 years old at the time of his death. Besides his career with the large shows, Mr. DeAlma had a dog and pony circus of his own that was successful for ten or more years. In his early days Mr. DeAlma was an acrobat, coming from a well-known family of acrobats. For a number of years Mr. DeAlma was employed at the Columbia Amusement Company and was also superintendent of the Haymarket Theatre Building in Chicago. His widow is also generally known to veteran outdoor troupers.
    John DeAlma, or "Mooneye" Wilson, as he was known in Clearfield before he became a showman, was an employee of the Clearfield Fire Brick Works. "Jacketschy" or Mooneye" first tried tight rope walking, practicing in private evenings and Sundays in Murray's Woods. His tight rope walking ended following an attempt in the early '80s to walk a rope stretched across Market street. He made great preparations for the event, employing an orchestra - a fiddle and an organ. At the proper moment "Mooneye" stepped out dressed in tights, with a balancing pole in had. When he reached the center of the tight rope, he nerve failed, he let go of the balancing pole, dropped to the rope and hung on for dear life. A spring wagon was brought out and placed under the rope walker, who was dangling ar arm's length from the rope. With the aid of a box and a couple of strong armed citizens, he was rescued from his perilous position.
    Mr. D'Alma married Lottie Barger, a local girl. They had two children, Harry and Maude. D'Alma continued his efforts to get into show business and became quite an acrobat. He trained his family and they all became creditable performers, traveling all over the United States and Europe with their own and other circuses. Harry died in Australia while on tour. Their daughter, who was a bareback rider, married and now lives in Chicago. From Clearfield (PA) Progress, June 13, 1922. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Frank and Bernice Dean resided in Palmdale, California in 1974. They performed three acts for thirteen weeks with Happytime Circus in that year. Their acts consisted of whips, rope spinning and their dancing horse, "Black Knight." Southern Sawdust, November, 1974, p. 7.

Bernice Dean, western performer. Married Frank Dean while with a wild west show in Japan. Bernice and Frank always worked as a team, roping, riding, whips, knives, etc. They appeared with all the major circuses, and often went overseases on tours. Died on February 14, 1980 at Indio, California. Circus Report, March 3, 1980, p. 13. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Frank Dean, western performer, was first on a rodeo in 1926, thereafter in rodeos, circuses, vaudeville, etc., up to his death. Started the International Trick & Fancy Ropers Association. Died January 24, 1985 at Lancaster, California, age 77. Circus Report, February 4, 1985, p. 34. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Bill DeArmo (real name Wilbur Graham) was a juggler, clown and trapeze artist in circuses and vaudeville. After he retired he performed for benefit shows and church programs until he was in his 80s. Died in July 1981 at Dimondale, Michigan, age 94. Circus Report, September 21, 1981, p. 20. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

L. Debonnaire is so well known, both in and out of the profession, that more than casual notice of him would appear as a waste of words. “Deb,” as he is generally called among the people of the show, is an all-round performer and clown. In the latter capacity he has furnished auditors of the Ringling Brothers’ Show laughter to their hearts’ content for the past two seasons. He resides at Cincinnati. Offical Route Book of Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Railroad Shows, Season of 1893, Buffalo, NY: Courier Co., 1893.
    Louis De Bonnaire, the circus clown, is dangerously ill at his home, Cincinnati, O., 1895. He is in great need of financial assistance. He was engaged for King & Franklin's Circus in 1891. New York Clipper, February 21, 1891, p. 795; March 30, 1895, p. 55. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Chief Debro's wife, who recently underwent an operation in Indianapolis, has returned to her home in New Haven, Ind., where she will remain until able to join her husband, who is with the John Robinson Shows. Billboard, June 1, 1918, p. 27. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

DeBurry, bicycle death leap, John Robinson's, 1905. Coshocton (OH) Daily Age, April 21, 1905. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

De Carlo and Stockes family, horizontal bars, Great Floto Shows, 1905-1906. De Carlo, Stoke and Clemmings, trio of flying comedy meteors. Galveston (TX) Daily News, March 28, 1905, September 22, 1906. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Louis De Castro, veteran circus performer who trouped with some of the biggest attractions in his palmy days, who has originated many acrobatic and gymnastic feats, has retired from active circus life as a performer on account of a nervous breakdown and is at his home in Jacksonville, Ill., with his family. Billboard, November 9, 1918, p. 32. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Oscar Decker joined the John Robinson Circus as billposter in 1919. He was brigade manager, concession superintendent, cookhouse manager, and other jobs with Hunt, Downie, James M. Cole, Mighty Haag, Eddy Bros. circuses. In later years sold novelties at parades, fairs and ballparks. Died December 2, 1981 at Newburgh, New York, age 85. Circus Report, January 25, 1982, p. 24. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Harry DeCleo. See Forrest Snider.

Col. Phil De Coupe, veteran circus and carnival lecturer, and his wife, Nora, the Musical Midget, are on the farm near Harrodsburg, Ky. Billboard, February 15, 1919, p. 37. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

William Dedrick owned the Dedrick Dog & Pony Circus and was a sign painter who lettered and put scroll on many show trucks. Died January 28, 1975 at Riverside, California, age 82. He was probably the Capt. William Dedrick who had pony and dog acts, 1941. Circus Report, February 17, 1975, p. 6; "Los Angeles Shrine Had One Night Circus," 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/these person(s).

John Deere, rider. Norris & Rowe, 1908. Centralia (Washington) Daily Chronicle, June 1, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Howard Deetz, aerial performer with Hugh Kirk, Sells-Floto, 1908. Evening Times (Cumberland, Maryland), March 27, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Deforrest Bros. - Tony and Willie - can be engaged for the tenting season of 1877. Brother act, horizontal bar and tumbling. [Advertisment] New York Clipper, January 20, 1877, p. 343. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Juanita Deisler started on Cole Bros. in 1937. In 1940, she and her husband, Roy, joined Ringling-Barnum as the Flying Royals. She did two and a half somersaults and double pirouettes. They also toured in shows around the world. Died January 8, 1975 at Gibsonton, Florida, age 58. Circus Report, February 17, 1975, p. 6. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

DeKoch Trio, equilibrists, Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1909. Ogden (UT) Standard, June 21, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Tony De Koe, of the De Koes, and Florence Hesse, of the Siegrist-Silbon act, were married in San Francisco, September 10. Both are members of the Barnum & Bailey Shows. Billboard, September 28, 1918, p. 28. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

De Koek company, gymnasts, acrobats, Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1910. Oelwein (IA) Daily Register, June 16, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Delamedes, eight in number, statue act, Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1910. Oelwein (IA) Daily Register, June 16, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Dr. Alex Delavin, veterinay specialist, Ringling Bros., 1908. Fort Wayne (IN) Sentinel, August 4, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Delavoye, clown, Delavoye and Fritz, policeman trick house act, Shipp's Indoor circus, 1905. Cedar Rapids (IA) Evening Gazette, February 21, 1905. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Clara Delbosq, of the Loyal Repenski Troupe, made her debut at age seven in Cole Bros. Circus in 1939. Not as rider, but on a swinging ladder, controlled by Justino, star of the troupe. SPEC (Circus Historical Society), Vol. 1, No. 1 (Jan), 1940. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Chas. Deline, billposter, Yankee Robinson, 1910. Humeston (IA) New Era, April 6, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Fred Delmont, clown, Hagenbeck-Wallace. Oelwein (IA) Daily Register, June 16, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Delmont Troupe, Great Wallace Shows, 1906, Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1908. Waterloo (IA) Times-Tribune, June 5, 1906; Charleroi (PA) Mail, May 12, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Irene Delmore

This card is back marked Sells-Floto Season 1927. In White Tops, Nov.-Dec.1971, Joseph Bradbury's article "Sells-Floto Circus Successful Season of 1929" identifies Irene Delmore as appearing on the sideshow as "Queen of Escape." The sideshow was managed by Lou Delmore, but I don't know what if any relation he was to Irene. - Card and information courtesy of Chuck Finley   Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Delno Troupe, Delno & Garnell. Delno and Garnel(?) live in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in the business about nine years, horizontal bars, about 40 ft. in the air, last four years with Barnum & Bailey in England and Paris, next season with Forepaugh-Sells, with Shipp's Indoor Circus, 1903.(1) Delno Garnell Troupe, Wallace Show, 1906.(2) Delno Troupe, acrobats, aerial bar, eight in number, Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1907, 1908, 1910.(3) Delno Troupe, European comedy bar performers, Ringling Bros., 1911.(4) Delno Troupe, Sells-Floto, 1918. (5) Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

1. Cedar Rapids (IA) Sunday Republican, February 1, 1903.
2. Waterloo (IA), Semi Weekly Courier, June 19, 1906.
3. Fort Wayne (IN) Journal-Gazette, May 4, 1907; Lake County Times (Hammond, IN), August 19, 1907; Colorado Springs (C)) Gazette, July 8, 1908; Newark (OH) Daily Advocate, April 30, 1910; Evening Telegram (Elyria, OH), May 24, 1910; Oelwein (IA) Daily Register, June 16, 1910.
4. Nevada (Reno, NV) State Journal, August 15, 1911.
5. Indianapolis (IN) Star, March 16, 1918.

De Louvre Troupe, statue act, Sells-Floto, 1911, 1912. "Troupe De Louvre, now one of the features of the Sells-Floto circus, . . . give presentations of heroic Roman, Grecian and latter day statuary, . . . Such famous masterpieces as 'The Fountain, The Passing of the Seasons, The Tribute to Cupid,' . . . are in their repertoire . . . will appear on the center stage, and in the rings on either side of them will be a pair of snow-white Arab horses, which will also pose in heroic numbers representing famous battle scenes." Oakland (CA) Tribune, April 28 & 30, 1911; Woodland (CA) Daily Democrat, May 8, 1912. (5) Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

John Del Vecho was born in 1863, and at age 82 he and his wife were living with their daughter in Buffalo, New York. He started to troupe in 1880, at age 17, and retired in 1938. In 1880 he started with Juniville Opera Co. (Black Crook) for six years. Then he teamed with Thomas Walters in a musical sketch, playing vaudeville for four years. He was with Primrose & Dockstader's Minstrels from 1900 to 1906. He played the organ on the stage and baritone in parade. Was with Stetson's Uncle Tom Shows from 1909 to 1914, leader of the band in parade and played on the stage. In 1915-16 he was back with Dockstader's. In 1917 he started with the Gentry Dog & Pony Shows, then with Sells-Floto from 1919-1921. He played under C. L. Brown, band leader. He was with Neal O'Brien Minstrels from 1922-24, with Charles Sparks Circus, 1925-1934, under band leader Jack Philips, who died in 1944 at Columbus, Ohio. Next with Andrew Downie's circus (Charles Sparks, owner), from 1934 to 1938, retired that year and went to Buffalo. He played the calliope with Gentry and Sparks and wrote music for Spark's spectacles. He was a writer of music for dramatic, Tom shows, circuses and other companies. Bandwagon, October 15, 1945, Vol. 4, No. 5, p. 3. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Capt. Demetri (Dimitri?), Russian Cossack, said to be fatally injured at Musactine, Iowa, September 23, Campbell Bros. Circus, 1908 & 1910; death denied September 24. Capt. Demetri, leader, Russian Cossacks, at Iowa State Fair, 1909. Sioux County Herald (Orange City, IA), September 23, 1908; Austin (MN) Daily Herald, September 24, 1908; Adams County Free Press (Corning, IA), September 1, 1909; Brownsville (TX) Daily Herald, November 29, 1910. (5) Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Bill DeMott is at the quarters of the John Robinson Show, Peru, Ind., daily, and his wife is practicing with the new horse, Bill, bought last fall. Billboard, March 9, 1918, p. 41. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

James DeMott. Circus managers, James DeMott and family to hire. Business: principal by male and female, scenic acts, double ponies, trick horses, etc. Address J. DeMott, Frankford, Pa. [Advertisement] New York Clipper, February 17, 1877, p. 376. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Josie DeMott. Mrs. Josie De Mott Robinson and her mother, Mrs. James De Mott and Rona Oakley have taken apartments at Atlantic City for the last half of the summer. Mrs. Robinson took a course at Columbia University for "overseas" work in rebuilding "our boys" who have suffered the loss of eyes, ears, arms or legs. She is waiting the call to sail over and practice her war profession. Billboard, August 24, 1918, p. 26. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Frank Dempsey
    Frank Dempsey, veteran boss canvasman, who on account of ill health was forced to fill a minor capacity with Ringling Bros. this season, closed a few weeks ago after being in the hospital for a few days. Billboard, October 12, 1918, p. 27.
    Frank Dempsey died at Hutchinson, Kan., may 29, from stomach cancer. "Col." Dempsey had been engaged as boss canvasman with Brunk's Comedians this season, but could not fill the engagement. He was formerly boss canvasman or assistant with most of the large organizations and many small ones. The early part of last season he acted as "sailor" on the Ringling Bros. Shows, but was forced to close due to his physical condition. His longest engagement was probably with the Reed's European Shows, under the management of A. H. Reed, with which he was boss canvasman for some ten years, beginning in 1900. He was about 60 years old. He had but one living relative, a sister in California. He was entirely without funds at the time of death, and his remains were laid to rest in Hutchinso with charitable funds. Billboard, October 4, 1919, p. 46.

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Jennie Denzer. Lola, the original Lola, and the little aerio-comic vocalist, Miss Jennie Denzer, now at Tony Pastor's, N.Y. Would like to hear from circus managers. Biz.: single and flying trapeze, double trapeze and ladder-of-life. The child contortionist Little Pearly. All go in concert. Address Lola, Atwater st., Rochester, N.Y. [Advertisement] New York Clipper, March 3, 1877, p. 392. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Valentine Denzer, acrobat, at one time part owner of Denzer's Circus, died at his home in West Hoboken, N.J., Nov. 2. He was seventy years old, and had been out of the circus business for about twenty years. In his younger days he was a noted performer and one of Barnum's stars. He was also with the Sells Brothers, and in his younger days was the leading acrobatic attraction of the old New York Circus Company on Fourteenth Street. After retiring from the circus he engaged in the clothing business in New York. He leaves several children. New York Clipper, November 10, 1900, p. 811. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

Alma De Puy, ladder, menage, elephant act, Hagenbeck-Wallace 1924. 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/these person(s).

Edwin Derious, an old equestrian manager, died in Philadelphia, July 19, aged eighty years. Mr. Derious was born in Philadelphia, and while very young was apprenticed to a showman named Hunt. Under his Instruction, young Edwin soon became a fine athlete and equestrian, and later on was connected with Joseph Palmer's Circus, traveling with it for about ten years. In 1842 be went to England with Van Amburgh's Circus, which was first American show of its kind to visit that country. After six years' stay, Mr. Derious returned to his native country, and engaged as equestrian manager with Rnfus Welsh, who had the Amphitheatre at Ninth and Chestnut Streets, Philadelphia, on the site of the Continental Hotel. About 1851, in partnership with Charles and Richard Rivers, two well known theatrical men, Mr. Derious organized a circus of considerable merit, among whose members were the late Daniel Gardiner and Edward Woods, with their wives. After extensive tours through the South and West, the company disbanded in New Orleans, at the breaking out of the war. At the opening of the Paris Exposition of 1867 Mr. Derious was retained as equestrian manager by a Paris circus, and it was while performing there that he was gored in one of his arms by a Buffalo. Not many years after this accident Mr. Derious. was stricken with paralysis, and for the last ten years had been an invalid. He was a very good rider, vaulter and tight rope performer, and was at one time very popular, although not remembered by the present generation of circus goers. "Deaths in the Profession," New York Clipper, July 28, 1888, p. 315. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Rex de Rosselli, 61, press agent and spectacle producer, Cole Bros., died July 21, 1941 at the Broadview Hotel, East St. Louis, Illinois. Had been with the show since 1936. Born at San Juan Capistrano, California. Fist connected with a dramatic stock company, then with Al G. Barnes Circus for ten years. In the Orient for three years with Pathe Freres. With American Circus Corporation, John Robinson Circus in 1930; Hagenback-Wallace, 1931-32. Had also been with Ringling and Sells-Floto circuses. Burial at Bloomington, Illinois. "Rex de Rosselli," White Tops, Vol. 14, Nos. 10-11 (Aug-Sep), 1941, p. 22. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Eddie De Van, double somersault leaper over animals, lives in Philadelphia, age 24, is middle man with Da Coma Family, the trick ground tumbler. With Shipp's Indoor Circus, 1903. Cedar Rapids (IA) Sunday Republican, February 1, 1903. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

William De Van, equestrian, bareback rider, Ringling Bros., 1901, Forepaugh-Sells, 1903, Great Floto Shows, 1905. Courier (Connellsville, PA), April 19, 1901; Cedar Rapids (IA) Evening Gazette, May 20, 1903; Galveston (TX) Daily News, March 28, 1905. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Delevoye, English clown, Howe's Great London, 1910. Charleroi (PA) Mail, September 26 & 27, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Capt. DeVere is still at the Poor Farm, Albany, Ga. Capt. DeVere and his wife Madam DeVere, bearded woman, were with Cooper & Jackson, Boyd & Peters, Miles Orton, Pogey O'Brien, Burr Robbins, Irwin Bros. and Yankee Robinson. Billboard, November 15, 1919, p. 58. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Charles Devere. C. N. Devere and his wife died in an explosion in the grocery store of Michael Newman, St. Louis. Sleeping in the house were C. N. Devere and wife. "Mr. Charles Devere was well known to circus show people, being an old and popular advance agent in that business. He had lately closed the season with Howe's London show at Dallas, Tex., and came here to spend the winter. He is a brother of the well known poet and actor, Will Devere, of Leadville, Col." Massillon (OH) Independent, November 4, 1887. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Devlin's Zouaves, Buffalo Bill's Wild West. Colorado Springs (Co) Gazette, August 17, 1908; Ogden (UT) Standard, September 9, 1908.

DEVLIN ZOUAVES - SELLS-FLOTO CIRCUS SEASON 1913
Henry C. Devlin - Founder and Owner, Titled “Captain”
J.D. Benn - a J. Bum listed in 1914 BB, prob. Benn
Howard Joseph Good - an Andrew & Melvin Good on Season 1914
Geroge F. Schwemle - spelling per business card, script in 1913 album as Schewemele and Schwemble [George?]
J.S. Collins
Clyde Funk
Claude Jackson
Jack Hughes - spelling per business card, script in 1913 album is Huges
J. S. Collins
James Francis Mosher
Charles Marsh
Robert Emerson
L. Hayward - a Leo Hayward on Season 1914 BB
Millard - a Fred A. Willard on Season 1914 BB, script could be Willard or Millard
Jerry Clayton - not confirmed as a D.Z.
White - not confirmed as a D.Z.
Frank DeLong - not confirmed as a D.Z.
     This information compiled by Chuck Finley in August 2016. Primary source is a family photo and postcard album believed to belong to J. D. Benn (J. Bum?) who was a member of the Devlin Zouaves. BB is a reference to The Billboard article of 1914 page 70 (edition unknown).

DEVLIN ZOUAVES - SELLS-FLOTO CIRCUS SEASON 1914
Henry C. Devlin; Nickname - Titled Captain; Comment - Owner; Source - Album&BB
Fred A. Willard; Nickname - Fritz; Source - Album&BB
Ray Millard; Nickname - Pat; Source - Album&BB
John Hickey; Nickname - Hick; Source - Album&BB
Ray Baxter; Nickname - Mother; Source - Album&BB
Alec Brown; Nickname - Queenie; Source - Album&BB
George Watson; Nickname - Whitey; Source - Album&BB
Ray Newton; Nickname - Newt; Source - Album&BB
Abe Caston; Comment - May be A. Gaston; Source - Album
Lloyd Abele; Nickname - Abe; Source - Album&BB
Andrew Good; Nickname - Goodie; Source - Album&BB
Melvin Good; Nickname - Shorty; Source - Album&BB
John Murray; Nickname - Pete; Comment - May be J. Maway; Source - Album
Lawrence Boyce; Nickname - Larry; Source - Album&BB
Robert C. Emerson; Nickname - Boob; Source - Album&BB
Harley Emerson; Nickname - Snag; Source - Album&BB
George F. Schwemle; Nickname - Dutch; Comment - as spelled on business card, also spelled Schwemble in album script
Don Howard; Source - Album&BB
Martin Backus; Nickname - Mart; Comment - May be M. Bakus; Source - Album
Leo Hayward; Nickname - Shine; Source - Album&BB
James Francis Mosher; Nickname - Jimmie; Source - Album
Orville Walters; Nickname - Dutch; Source - Album&BB
Arthur Simons; Nickname - Art; Source - Album&BB
Paul J. Payne; Source - Album&BB
Harry Payne; Source - Album&BB
Richard Swift; Nickname - Dick/Duffy; Source - Album
J. Bum; Comment - May be J.D. Benn from Season 1913; Source - BB
G. Schwemble; Comment - May be George F. Schwemle from album; Source - BB
A. Gaston; Comment - May be Caston from album; Source - BB
J. Maway; Comment - May be John Murray from album; Source - BB
M. Bakus; Comment - May be Martin Backus from album; Source - BB
     This information complied by Chuck Finley in July 2016. Source album is a family postcard and photograph album belonging to a member of Devlin Zouaves on Sells-Floto 1914 Season. Member may be J.D. Benn. Source also photocopy The Billboard article 1914 page 70 (edition unknown).

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Eddie De Voe, who died in the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus disaster on June 22, was one of the best known clowns in the circus field. He entered the show business doing a single contortion act in 1898. He joined Geo. Baker, of the Meeker-Baker Trio in 1905, with whom he remained a partner until his death. The act was known as Baker and De Voe. The were with the Reilly & Woods show, Dainty Duchess and played practically all the leading vaudeville theaters. They were three seasons with Forepaugh-Sells, four seasons with Barnum & Bailey, and six seasons with Hagenbeck-Wallace. Mr. De Voe was age 42 and his home was Meriden, Conn. He is survived by three sisters and two brothers. Billboard, July 27, 1918, pp. 27, 79. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Signor Devori, daredevil dive, Dode Fisk Great Combined Railroad, 1909. Austin (MN) Daily Herald, June 8, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Ted De Wayne Lybarger, known as Ted De Wayne, was the owner of the DeWayne Bros. Circus. Born in 1912, died March 27, 1973 at Los Angeles, California. Circus Report, April 9, 1973, p. 4. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Charley DeWolf, Cochecho Indian and hurdle rider, can be engaged with horse for season 1877. Address, Dover, N.H. [Advertisement] New York Clipper, February 24, 1887, p. 384. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

James De Wolfe, advance, Forepaugh-Sells, 1900. Billboard, June 23, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

A. E. Diggs, advance, Forepaugh-Sells, 1911. Newark (OH) Daily Advocate, April 11 & 25, 1911. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Leo Dignan, advance, home Perry, Iowa, Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1909. Perry (IA) Daily Chief, May 22, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Kip Dingler performed with his parents, Red and Ann Dingler, on the King Bros. Circus in the early and mid-1950s. His father Red was a bar performer, and Ann appeared in the spec on King Bros. Kip was the State Champion pole vaulter in 1978, and lettered in three sports, football, basketball and track. He also worked on the horizontal bar, trampoline and tumbling. Southern Sawdust, No. 96, August, 1978, p. 3. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Feruccio Dini, musician, probably resident of Woodland, California, Campbell Bros., 1910. Woodland (CA) Daily Democrat, May 24, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Diavolo, see Joseph Aaron, Robert Vandervoort.

Diovolo (Diavolo?), bicyclist, 140 foot incline, rides across 'chasm' high above herd of elephants, Leon Washburn's Circus, 1908. Middletown (NY) Daily Times-Press, July 18, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Sam Dock. Reading, Pa., July 18 - Sam Dock, 89, a veteran of 69 years of trouping, died at his home here July 3. He had been ill several weeks. Dock was on the road every season from 1883 thru 1951. He joined French & Company's Circus, a boat show, then moved to Howe, Pullman & Company and French & Monroe. Subsequently, he was a performer with Harris Nickle Plate, Orrin Barber, and Forepaugh. Starting his own shows, he had Dock & Jordan in 1887 and Dock and Sallade in 1889. For the next three seasons he was superintendent of Welch Bros.' Circus and owned a one-third interest in it. He and Al F. Wheeler left Welch to start the Wheeler Circus in partnership in 1893. Starting in 1894, Dock operated his own show, sometimes using his name as the title and sometimes calling it the Great Keystone Show. He continued this operation until the 1920's, From about 1929 until 1942, the show was usually known as Brison Bros. Dock worked dogs and ponies on Bond Bros., Reo Bros. and Dix Bros. from 1942 to 1946, when he joined Raymond-Lee Circus, owned by his nephews, Ray and Lee Brison. His final season was 1951, when the Brisons' show was Lee Bros. for the first half and the Sam Dock Circus for the second half of the season. Bandwagon, July, 1953, p. 7. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Researcher note: The Raymond-Lee Circus was owned by Sam Docks's grandsons Raymond and Lee Brison, not his nephews as stated. Sam Dock was my great-great grandfather, his daughter Claire Dock Brison was my great grandmother and his grandson Raymond Brison was my grandfather (my mother's father).

Rose Dockrill, equestrienne, also her husband George Holland, rider, Norris & Rose, 1905.(1) Rose, Norris & Rowe, 1908.(2) Rose, equestrienne, George Holland, rider, Holland Dockrill trio, Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1910.(3) Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

1. Reno (NV) Evening Gazette, April 21, 1905.
2. Anaconda (MT) Standard, June 30, 1908; Centralia (Washington) Daily Chronicle, June 1, 1908.
3. Newark (OH) Daily Advocate, April 30, 1910; Evening Telegram (Elyria, OH), May 24, 1910; Oelwein (IA) Daily Register, June 16, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Rudy Docky was an animal trainer, tumbler, aerialist, musician and was in management. He had his boxing dogs on the Cole show in 1949, clowned on Polack Bros., and appeared with Super Circus, E. K. Fernandez, Marineland, Circus Sarrasani and Mexico's Circus Union. He played four instruments, was a mountain climber, ski instructor and owned a restaurant in Germany. He died in Medford, Oregon. Circus Report, February 23, 1987, pp. 14B, 18A. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Jerry A. Dodge
    While the bill car of Forepaugh's Circus was leaving Hamburg, Ia., May 25(?), Jerry A. Dodge, in stepping from the car to the engine, missed his footing and fell upon the track in such a manner that one of the wheels passed over him, killing him instantly. His funeral took place the following day, his remains being interred in the Hamburg Cemetery, T. R. Toole of Forepaugh's Circus, having for that purpose purchased a lot which is to be hereafter known as "The Strangers Rest." . . . The deceased, who fulfilled the position of painter and decorative artist with this show, had been engaged in San Francisco, Cal. in which city he had recently arrived from India and Australia, where he had acted as agent for John Wilson's, Cooper & Bailey's, and other circus companies. He was a native of New York State, and left a widow and one child. New York Clipper, June 8, 1878, p. 87. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Robert Dohn, strongman, lifts an automobile with his teeth, Barnum & Bailey, 1908. Oxnard (CA) Courier, September 11, 1908.

Note: This article is from the "Grand Rapids Press," May 18, 1908. Mr. Dohn was performing at Ramona Park that week.
    "Robert Dohn, billed as 'the Modern Samson of Germany,' and who hushes the music long enough to announce that he is the 'champion teeth weight lifter of the world,' offers a strong man act that is interesting, one of his best feats being the lifting by his teeth of a cannon on which is seated a young man. He does not 'lift' an automobile as announced, but drawn it about the stage with his teeth." - from Gail Snow

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Daisy Doll, see Hilda Emma Schnieder.

Dollar Troupe, several years ago one of the leading acrobatic acts, is no more, but its members are upholding the circus traditions: George Zammert is clowning with the Barnum Show, with the Boganny Troupe and Tony with the Tornados. Mrs. Dollar and girls are doing a dog act in vaudeville, and Dollar himself is in the automobile business in New York. Billboard, April 20, 1918, p. 30. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

C. A. Donaldson. To sideshow managers. I can be engaged as a sideshow solicitor for the season of '77. C. A. Donaldson, Maynard, Fayette County, Iowa. [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/these person(s).

Michael S. Donohue, sideshow performer. Worked as a sword swallower, fire eater, ticket seller and canvas man with Sells & Gray, Ward Hall and Circus Vargas. Died at age 23 on May 7, 1980 in a car accident in Germany where he was with the U.S. Army. His father was Jack Donohue, human balloon, his mother was Rose Eakin, Serpentina. Circus Report, June 9, 1980, p. 16. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

R. Dooley (Bernard Dooley?), equestrian director, dancing tight wire, trapeze head stand, Frank A. Robbins, 1907, 1910. Bernard Dooley of the Six Ortons. Portsmouth (NH) Herald, June 6, 1907; Bandwagon, Nov-Dec, 2001, p. 34.; Bandwagon, May-Jun, 2002, pp. 23, 25. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Eddie Dorey, producing clown, was married to Mae Powers, non-professional of Faribault, Minn., at Des Monies, Ia., January 19. Mr. Dorey has traveled with many circuses, including Gollmar Bros., Yankee Robinson and Patterson-Gollmar Bros. He is a member of the National Vaude. Artists and the Showmen's League of America. Billboard, February 2, 1918, p. 30. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Bertha Dorian, "prominent in vaudeville, whose sensational aerial work has been seen in all the leading vaudeville houses in America, Canada and Cuba. Miss Dorian entered the circus business under the instruction of T. J. Nichols, and made her first appearance with the J. H. La Pearl Circus, afterwards playing with the Sells Bros., Lemen Bros., Harris' Nickel Plate, and her last circus season was with the Ringling Bros. She was also the feature act with the Parisian Belles Burlesque Co., Rider's Night Owls, and A. B. Leavitt's Rentz-Santley Co. During the past suumer she played parks and summer resorts, and at present she is on an eight weeks fair circuit for Harold Cox. Miss Dorian is the widow of Alfred Dorian, contortionist." New York Clipper, October 4, 1902, p. 692. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Bill Doris and wife, sideshow, Cooper & Co. Shows, 1900. Billboard, May 1, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

John Doris, "John B. Dorris [sic], of Boston, whom many people will remember as a famous circus man a score of years ago, is in the city in advance of May Robson, who is soon to appear in Fort Wayne in 'The Rejuvenation of Aunt Mary.' Mr. Dorris came to Fort Wayne from Toledo . . ." Also see Slout's Olympians on this website. Fort Wayne (IN) Sentinel, January 31, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

W. J. Doris has signed with the Adam Forepaugh Circus for this season. 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/these person(s).

Dr. J. B. Dossett, connected with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Shows during the past two seasons, was married September 18 at Dayton, O., to Miss Lillian Bronson, non-professional. Billboard, October 5, 1918, p. 27. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Edward Dougherty. Kansas City, Mo., Sept. 3. Edward Dougherty, well known on the vaudeville stage and in the circus business, died at a local hospital today. Dougherty was a noted animal trainer. Anaconda Standard (Anaconda, MT), September 4, 1901, n.p.n.    Edward Dougherty, owner of the Dougherty Dog and Pony Show, died in Kansas City on Sept. 2, of heart disease. He was forty-two years of age and had long been connected with amusements. New York Dramatic Mirror, September 21, 1901, p. 21.    Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Hughey Dougherty (Hugh?), triple somersault, Howe's Big London Shows, 1909. Oil City (PA) Derrick, July 6, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

James Dougherty, for the past few seasons manager of the Garden of Allah with the Greater Sheesley Shows, died January 29 at the Sheesley Zoo, Baltimore, Md., from pneumonia, following an attack of influenza. He was 38 years old and had been in the outdoor show business since his boyhood, being at different times with Downie & Wheeler, Coop & Lent, Sig Sautelle, La Tena and several other outdoor attractions. He is survived by a widow, his mother and three sisters. Billboard, February 8, 1919, p. 66. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Martin J. Downs, owner, Cole Bros., died at Toronto, result of blood poisoning and amputation of a leg as a result of a kick from a circus horse five months ago, 1909. Fort Wayne (IN) Sentinel, October 19, 1909; Manitoba Free Press (Winnipeg, Canada), October 20, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Fritz Drahn, zebras, Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1908. Daily Courier (Connellsville, PA), May 16, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

1893: The work of Mr. B. M. Drake, whose picture is given here, is that of contracting agent. When the agents of a big show strike a town the various people with whom they must do business, or at least a part of them, usually prepare to give them, to use a slang phrase, “the roast.” That is, they are going to get all they possibly can for the services they can render the show, and it is the difficult task of Mr. Drake and his assistants to make the many contracts for license, feed, livery, billboards, grounds, hotels, etc., etc., and at the same time to keep the expenditure within certain well-defined limits. Mr. Drake has filled this position for four years with the Ringling Bros.’ Show, prior to which time he occupied similar positions with Frank A. Robbins’ and other shows. Mr. Drake is one of the most successful contracting agents and advance managers in the circus business. Offical Route Book of Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Railroad Shows, Season of 1893, Buffalo, NY: Courier Co., 1893.

    1896: B. M. Drake, so long with the Ringling Bros., has been engaged as general agent and railroad contractor by the Syndicate Shows for next season. 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/these person(s).

Herr Drayton (real name Charles E. Bogar), known in the profession as Herr Drayton, the Cannon ball Man, died Nov. 3, at Chicago, Ill., from cancer of the throat. He had been ailing for about a year. Mr. Drayton, who was forty-six years old, had been in the show business over twenty years, and had filled engagements at most of the principal museums in the country. He was several years with the Wallace Show. His last engagement was with the Gollmar Bros.' Circus. He leaves a wife and two sons. New York Clipper, November 17, 1900, p. 839. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Drew Family, riders, Forepaugh-Sells, 1911. Warren (PA) Evening Mirror, April 29, 1911. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Chas. Dryden, foot and hand juggler, late of the Campbell Circus, is now permanently located at Wichita, Kansas, where he has accepted a Government position. Billboard, August 10, 1918, p. 25. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Dubells, real name Lorenz Hirschorn and his wife Barbara. They were an acrobatic act and Barbara performed on the high wire, carrying two men on her shoulders as she walked the wire. They were with the Ringling Brothers seven years. Lorenz, age 86, and Barbara, age 72, died from exposure, February 7, 1947 in Chicago. White Tops, January-February, 1947, Vol. 20, Nos. 1-2, p. 10.

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

Karl Dubsky was one of the orginial Dubsky risely act with 12 members in the original troupe. His father framed a circus in Arabie and Turkey in 1910. They also had circus in Hungary and came to the United States in 1922, remaining until 1930. It is said that the family was in the circus business since 1750. Karl died January 8, 1982. Circus Report, March 29, 1982, p. 17. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Dunedin Troupe. Queenie Dunedin was with the Ringling Bros. circus, a member of the Dunedin Troupe.(1). The troupe consisted of four boys and girls who had a series of marvelous 'stunts' on bicycles.(2). Mary K. Wolfarth was known as "Queenie Dunedin" during her vaudeville days. Born in England, her mother took in boarders to support the six children. Mary joined the Dunedin Family Troupe, of Australia, at the age of nine and then traveled with them throughout the world for 14 years. The troupe arrived in San Francisco just after the 1906 earthquake. Her act included trick cycling, juggling and fancy roller skating. In her later years she appeared as a comedienne on radio shows, at the Boston Stage Door Canteen and before England's Royalty. Mary died at Quincy, Massachusetts, on March 3, 1977, age 89.(3). Maudie and Nellie Dunedin, trick bicycle riders and twin sisters, made their debut in 1908 at the Oakland Orpheum (California). They were granddaughters of James E. Donegan. James E. Donegan was known in Europe, Australia and America as the greatest trainer of athletes and bicyclists in the world. "He was for years himself an accomplished performer and now his fame is being perpetuated by his sons and daughters. They make up the great Dunedin troupe of acrobats and trick cyclists."(4). In 1943, the daughter of Nellie Donegan, Helen Reynolds, created the Helen Ranolds Skating girls. Helen was trained in skating, wire walking and trick bicycle riding by her grandfather, James E. Donegan of the Dunedin Troupe.(5). Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for these persons.

1. Billboard, April 20, 1946, p. 74.
2. Oakland Tribune (Oakland, CA), March 30, 1908, p. 14.
3. Circus Report, April 4, 1977, p. 2.
4. Oakland Tribune (Oakland, CA), April 2, 1908, n.p.n.
5. Wisconsin State Journal (Madison, WI), January 10, 1943.

Dan Ducrow, "a Californian by birth in 1855, a member of the famous family of clowns. Dan Ducrow began his circus career in the Civil War days. He was a lad of nine when he started with the Great World Circus as a trick-mule rider. For nine years he toured the Orient, Hawaii, Australia, China and the East Indies with this pioneer circus outfit. As he worked he studied and in due course of time he became a somersaulter and joined the Montgomery and Queen Circus. When Mclntrye and Heath were minstrel men with Sells Brothers' wagon show, Ducrow was one of the chief clowns. He was a prized entertainer in Cuba for twelve years with the Pubillones Circus. In more recent years, attached to the Barnum, Bailey and Ringling Brothers circuses, he joined with his brother, Tote [sic], in a clown act that won national recognition. Ducrow was seventy-five when he died in the attic of a rooming house in Sarah street, Pittsburgh. His last appearance was a few weeks before, one made against the advice of friends and physicians. But he had been advertised to entertain the youngsters at the Shriners' picnic at Kennywood Park and he worked in the blazing heat for their amusement. At seventy-five such exertion was too much. He fainted after the performance and died a few weeks later." Oakland Tribune (CA), August 31, 1930. Dan Ducrow, clown, Shipp's American Circus, 1909. Gleaner (Kingston, Jamaica), February 9, 1909. 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/these person(s).

Toto Ducrow. ". . . I am a Californian said he referring to that portion of his life. A native of Watsonville of French and Spanish descent. My father and mother separated when I was a child my mother taking the girls of the family while the boys remained with my father. He apprenticed me to a show man. Why exclaimed I thereby displaying an appaling amount of ignorance on a very important subject - do you mean to tell me that in your day the children of this country were bound out? Certainly. Until a comparatively recent period when prohibiting laws were enacted concerning children. He was eight years old when he left Watsonville to travel with the oldest show man of this country. John Wilson was a great friend of my mother's and he apprenticed my brother and myself to him. He had a wagon show and we traveled everywhere with him - way up even into the Blue mountains. . . . This apprenticeship lasted for two years and twice during that period Totius Ducrow ran away. God but he was a brutal man exclaimed the clown of John Wilson. Adding as if in extenuation but then he wanted us to become great artists. Brutal in what way? The question brought a flash to Ducrow's eye. He is nearly fifty years old now but the memory of the early days spent in the ring is with him still. For originally he was not intended for a clown. He was destined to become one later in life after years devoted to learning how to do bare back riding dancing trapeze work and things of like nature. Whey do you know said he of that early time my master used to stand in the middle of the ring with a bag of rocks while my brother and I were riding around. When our work didn't please him and he couldn't reach us with a long whip he'd throw stones at us. That was only one way that Wilson had of training his charges.
      " 'I hated the work' continued Ducrow 'always was a coward and afraid of getting hurt. Two or three bad falls had made me timid and all this time I was crazy to become a clown. We had one with us. A big fat man always laughing. I used to steal into his dressing room and copy his make-up. One day they caught me at it. Soon after my master quizzed me about it before them all. I can see the whole crowd sitting about laughing. They knew what was up. My brother wasn't like me. He was fond of his work and said so. When it came my turn I was afraid to speak. Finally when I did speak Wilson patted me on the shoulder. 'All right, clown you shall be.' Never continued Ducrow 'shall I forget my first appearance. My master stood there with folded arms watching. I saw him gritted my teeth and felt sure that if I could only make him laugh I'd be all right. He did laugh was the conclusion.
      "With Wilson's show Ducrow traveled the world over. It was in Melbourne that he ran away for the first time. 'And it was six months before they found me. I fell into terrible company down on the water front. Used to go with all the street famis ragged news-boys peddlars thieves. At night I slept in the hull of an old ship. I was ragged and unkempt. One Sunday afternoon in company with a lot of these waifs I was bending over playing upon the esplanade when I heard a voice saying 'That look like Totius Ducrow. It is Totius.' 'I knew the voice. It was John Wilson speaking. They made a grab for me sent for a carriage and took me to a hotel. There I was taken into the barber shop and such a scrubbing they gave me. . . . After that he was pretty kind to me. . . . I ran away once more.' This second runaway occurred at Calcutta, India. 'I was almost as dark as the native boys and it was rather hard to distinguish me from them. . . . One day I was . . . swimming with a lot of the native boys when I heard calling. 'Here you Totius you blankety blank blank. Come out of there. John Wilson again.' This time they tok me home in a palanquin. . . .
      "Since those adventurous days of childhood Totius Ducrow has traveled with many big combinations such as [Ringling?] Brothers circus. . . . I was making money hand over fist' said he 'when that big mountain began to smoke. I didn't like the looks of it a bit, and one day I said to a friend of mine a Frenchman Monsiour aren't you afraid of that mountain? He replied, five years ago he smoked like that and nothing came of it. 'But the ground under our feet got hotter and hotter so I told my company I was going to get out. Asked them if they wanted to come along. Everyone of them said yes. The next evening with only our gripsacks we left. The authorities wouldn't permit the removal of trunks or baggage for fear of creating a stampede. . . . later the company heard this rumbling which gave token of the destruction of thirty thousand lives. I tell you' recounted Ducrow. I got down on my knees and prayed. The reat of them too. And they gathered about me saying 'God Almighty must have told you to leave.' There was an item in the Clipper saying that I was among the victims, and from where we were at [Point a Pete(?)] it was impossible to get word. Cables had been destroyed, the sea was a boiling mass. It was three months before I got away. Meantime I got a . . . as interpreter at a hotel. I speak four languages - English, Spanish, French and German.' After that experience Ducrow came to America and now he is in his own country - 'God's country he calls it.
      ". . . he stopped clowning and went into vaudeville. He orignated the song and dance act known as the Happy Hottentots which he gave up when down in South America his partner died. 'For the next three years I was second clown to the great Ricardo Bell(?) he recounts the favorite clown of the Republic of Mexico. From Mexico Ducrow got his first engagement as leading clown. This was at Cuba before the . . . circus called the grande Circo Publiones. After several years spent in Cuba came life in New York on the dramatic stage. And now, after forty years of traveling Totius Ducrow is again in the land of his birth. Idora is the only amusement park in the country employing a company of clowns. . . ."(1)
      Toto Ducro, clown, featured the burlesque bull fight, the rabbit hunt, the burlesque menage horse act, had a clown dog, Norris & Rowe, 1907, 1908.(2) Ducrow and his clowns were performing in 1910.(3) Al G. Barnes, 1912 ". . . Toto Ducrow led the Barnes circus clowns . . ."(4)
      Toto Ducrow was with Al G. Barnes, 1912, ". . . 'It takes brains to play the part of a fool and the hardest work In the world is to get a laugh out of people,' says Toto Ducrow, one of the best known of the old school of clowns, as he sat on the ring bank following a performance of the Al G Barnes Circus in Los Angeles the other day. No one seemed to doubt the statement of this veteran of the flapstlck and firecracker. 'Clowning is a science, just as medicine,' he continued 'It must be studied just as the ministry or law. Some people have an idea that a grotesque makeup and a few silly actions will take you through. Well, not much. A clown has to work and work hard. He must be an originator, one quick to grasp a new point. Each act of a clown is a little drama all in Itself. A sort of pantomime. Actors will tell you that pantomiming is the hardest of all work to do.' For more than fifty years Ducrow has been a jester. For many years he was a contemporary of Dan Rice. Ducrow is the last of the old school of clowns. In his early life he was a contortionist and an acrobat. When he began to age he got stiff and the alternative was clowning. There is scarcely a village of any size In the United States or Canada where Ducrow has not appeared. He has instilled joy and gladness into the hearts of millions of little tots, both in this country and abroad. Fourteen years ago while Ducrow was appearing in London he was presented with a gold medal by the late Queen Victoria. Ducrow was the flrst to Introduce Shakespearian clowning which is nothing more than puns on the bard of the Avon. . . ."(5)
      Toto Ducrow, former circus clown, played a part in a movie "the Prairie Pirate." Same role he encacted with Douglas Fairbanks in the move "Don Q."(6) 1920 census, Los Angeles, California: Ducrow, Tote, age 58, immigrated 1846, actor motion pictures, born Spain, parents born France; wife Agatha, age 50, born Spain; daughter Blanche, age 15, born NY. All information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

1. “Clowns - Their Life, Sorrows and Work,” Oakland (CA) Tribune, June 13, 1901.
2. Woodland (CA) Daily Democrat, April 3, 1907, April 20, 1908.
3. Lowell (MA) Sun, June 11, 1910.
4. Oakland (CA) Tribune, April 1, 1912.
5. Oakland (CA) Tribune, March 26, 1912.
6. Galveston (TX) Daily News, March 7, 1926.

William Ducrow, equestrian, having returned from his South American tour, is open for an engagement. Wm. Ducrow, 124 Third avenue, New York. [Advertisement] New York Clipper, March 31, 1877, p. 3. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Jimmy Duffy was one of the seven brothers who operated the Duffy's Irish Circus in Ireland. He was an all-around performer who had been a clown, trapeze performer, rider and ringmaster. Died December 29, 1972. Circus Report, February 5, 1973, p. 2. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Mike Duffy, of the team of Duffy and May, died suddenly of hemorrhages of the stomach in Pittsburg, Pa., December 22 [1917]. The body was shipped to his home in Columbus, O., where internment was made. Mr. Duffy was 43 years old, and for a number of years was with the Sells-Forepaugh Circus. Later he was with the Wallace and Sun Bros.' circuses, where he did a head balancing trapeze turn for nineteen years. During the past year he switched his act to juggling and unicycle work. A widow and two sisters survive him. Billboard, January 5, 1918, p. 62. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Jerry Duggan, boss 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/these person(s).

James Duggar, single trapeze, clown, Hagenbeck-Wallace 1924. 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/these person(s).

Raymond Duke was in the circus business for 52 years, first with John Robinson Circus in 1924, there after working as elephant and camel man, clown, contracting agent or billposter. He was with Ringling Bros., Hagenbeck-Wallace, Ketrow Bros., Barnett Bros., Seils-Sterling, Harry Haag, Bud Hawkins, Haag Bros., Mighty Haag, Tom Mix, Parker & Watts, Cole Bros., Bailey Bros., Clyde Beatty, Bradley & Benson, Stevens Bros., Eagle's Indoor, St. Louis Police, Ayres & Kathryn Davies, Hagen Bros., Fred J. Mack, Al Jones, Barr Bros., Leonard Bros., Famous Barnes, Adams Bros., Adams & Seils, Famous Cole, Penny Bros., Sterling Bros., Sells Bros., Birnam Bros., Clark & Walters, King Bros. and Fisher Bros. In 1976 he was with Fisher Bros. and Mid-America. Died January 22, 1977 at Donna, Texas, age 70. Circus Report, February 7, 1977, p. 2. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Bill Dunbar, of the old Forepaugh Show, is stage manager of the Academy of Music at Lynchburg, Va. Billboard, February 16, 1918, p. 31. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Duncan, animal trainer, Mighty Haag, 1910. Gettysburg (PA) Compiler, May 4, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

James L. Dunn died of consumption in Crawfordsville, Ind., May 13, at the age of 33 years. He was, it is believed, a native of Rochester, N.Y., and had relatives there, from whom he had been separated about ten years. He was well known in the circus profession. His remains were buried in Oak Hill Cemetery 14. New York Clipper, May 26, 1877, p. 71. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Lee Dunn, musician, former resident of Shobonier, Illinois?, died this week of quick consumption at Springfield, Barnum & Bailey, 1910. Decatur (IL) Review, June 10, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Tom During, trainmaster, known as "Hog Face Dutch." Killed by a switch engine at Danville, Illinois, January 6, 1910. He worked as a switchman in the winter. Was with Barnum & Bailey for years, trainmaster with Wallace-Hagenbeck the last few seasons. A native of Danville, Illinois. Fort Wayne (IN) Sentinel, January 12, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Hank Durnell, with his wife Madeline Almonault, trick riders, are with B. & B. Billboard, April 6, 1918, p. 30. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Effie Dutton, 89, widow of Billy Dutton, noted bareback rider and leaper of the 1880s and 1890s and with whom she appeared until his death, died here February 1 after a long illness. In later life she appeared on the dramatic stage as Polly in "Polly of the Circus." The Riding Duttons and Effie Dutton were featured with the Forepaugh-Sells, John Robinson and Ringling shows of years ago. Mrs. Dutton is perhaps the last survivor ot the famous Forepaugh-Sells show that made the memorable Australian tour in 1892. Survivors include Nellie (Jordan) Dutton and Bausy (Bausman) Dutton, who carried on the Riding Duttons name for 30 years after retirement of the originators, and a sister in California. Billboard, February 11, 1956, p. 60. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.

William Dutton, circus rider, died at the Galt House, Cincinnati, O., Dec. 24 [1906]. He never recovered from the effects of an assault by a highway robber about two months ago. Mr. Dutton was born in Toronto, Ont., sixty-three years ago. He made his first appearance as a circus man in Cincinnati, in 1860, at old Woods' Theatre, where John Robinson and William Lake were operating a winter circus. Two years later he went with John Robinson's Circus. He was married in '65, in Chicago, to Iza Stowe, and one son, William Dutton, survives the union, and resides in Philadelphia. During Mr. Dutton's career as a rider he was with the George De Haven Circus, the L. B. Lent Show and then the Forepaugh Circus. His second wife was Helena Smith, a daughter of William Smith Sr., the four-horse circus rider, and a sister of William Smith Jr., one of the orginial Big Four. For the past seven years Mr. Dutton had been with the Robinson Shows. He had traveled all over the world. His wife, and adopted son Jimmy Dutton; Johnny Wilson, Mrs. Van Dyke, a rider, and Tom Ambrose were at his bedside when he died. Mr. Dutton was an Elk, and a Mason of high degree and his funeral occurred from Elks' Temple. New York Clipper, January 5, 1907, p. 1212. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Woodrow F. Dutton was a lecturer and inside man on the 1941 Enginge and Hutton whale show unit. He worked various world fairs, Clyde Beatty, Ringling Bros., E. K. Fernandez, Capell and Siebrand shows, Conklin Shows, Amusements of America, James E. Strates, Royal American and Foley & Burke shows. He was a partner with Mimi Garneau, a partner and manager with Lou Dufour. Died August 8, 1985 at Denton, Texas, age 71. Circus Report, November 11, 1985, p. 16. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Mdme. Duval, cake-walking horses, Hargraves' Big Railroad Shows, 1904. Bucks County Gazette (Bristol, PA), April 28, 1904. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Charles Dwyer, "Dooley," was a carnival and circus man who at one time worked for Dailey Bros. and Downie Bros. Died June 18, 1975 at Gardiner, Maine. 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).

M'lle D'Zizi, bicycle leap, somersault act "Spanning Death's Arch," "leaps the chasm" from platform 80 feet high, down an incline, leaps a herd of elephants at the end, Cole Bros., 1908, 1909. Elyria (OH) Chronicle, May 25, 1908; Daily Courier (Connellsville, PA), April 29, 1909; New Castle (PA) News, April 23, 1909; Manitoba (Winnipeg, Canada) Morning Free Press, July 19, 1909. D'Zizi is said to have been a man - McClintock, P. M., "Cole Circus 'Curse' and the Erie Lithograph Co.," Bandwagon, Vol. 10, No. 4 (Jul-Aug), 1966, pp. 8-10. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

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Paul Eagles, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, 1941. "Los Angeles Shrine Had One Night Circus," 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/these person(s).

Bonnie Earl and Billy Earl performed their "Bonnie & Clyde Comedy Musical Act" on the Hunt Circus in 1975. Billy was also ringmaster. They were also on the King Bros. Circus. In 1976 Billy was ringmaster and announcer on Sells & Gray Circus. Southern Sawdust, No. 85, November, 1975, pp. 9, 22; No. 89, November, 1976, p. 30. Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Harry Earl, press agent, Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1908. Oelwein (IA) Daily Register, August 13, 1908. Oelwein (IA) Daily Register, August 13, 1908. Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Earl Sisters, contortion act in midair, Wallace Shows, 1900. Billboard, June 16, 1900. Oelwein (IA) Daily Register, August 13, 1908. Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Aerial Earls, double trapeze, rings, Hagenbeck-Wallace 1924. 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/these person(s).

Flying Earnests, trapeze, Dode Fisk Shows, 1910. Marshfield (WI) Times, July 13, 1910, and July 27, 1910. Oelwein (IA) Daily Register, August 13, 1908. Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Chona Eastwood, from Mexico, nine generations circus, performed in flying acts, contortion, rolling globes, teeterboards. After performing in Mexico's Circus Atayde, she came to the States and trouped with the Cristiani Bros. Circus, where she married candy butcher Howard Eastwood. Their son, Wally, performed on the trampoline. In 1967 the Eastwood family was with Hoxie Bros. Circus. In 1974 Howard and Chona also presented their Gorilla parody, with Howard in the gorilla outfit, and also presented tightwire and foot balancing acts. The Eastwoods played Shrine dates and traveled with Cole's All Start Circus in 1975, presenting their gorilla act, billed as "Miss Sheba and Her Almost Human Gorillas." Southern Sawdust, November, 1974, p. 19; No. 82, February, 1975, p. 23; No. 83, May, 1975, p. 7. Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Billy Eaton, of Detroit, Mich., will be general press representative of Gentry Bros.' Famous Shows the 1918 season. Billboard, April 20, 1918, p. 27. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Eddie Eckert, see Ed Rounds

Eddy Family, acrobats, high wire. With Walter L. Main, 1898.(1) Eddy Family, six in number, acrobats, performed in full evening dress, three women & three men, Rhoda Royal Shows, 1900.(2) Eddy Family, acrobats, said to earn $1,000 a week, eight people, Sells & Gray's, 1901 (William Sells and James H. Gray's circus).(3) Eddy Family, Wallace Shows, 1902.(4) Eddy Family, seven men and women, perform in evening dress, Forepaugh-Sells, 1903, 1904.(5) Sells-Floto, 1906-1908.(6) Gentry Bros., 1909.(7) Howe's Great London, 1910-1912.(8)
      Ancestry.com, Fournier Message Board, Feb. 8, 2003, Subject: Rosa (Freund) (Eddy) Fournier, CT. ". . . my great-aunt Rosa was adopted by the Eddy family along with her brother Philip and were circus performers. Rosa did acrobatics and Philip walked the high wire. Rosa lived in Bridgeport, Connecticut until her death in the 1960's. . . ." All information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

1. Phillips, Fred H., "A Circus Parade Which Has Taken Over Half a Century to Wend Its Way Through a Small Town in Eastern Canada," Circus Scrap Book, No. 15 (Jul), 1932, pp. 31-40.
2. Naugatuck (CT) Daily News, September 11, 1900.
3. Idaho Daily Statesman (Boise, ID), June 21, 1901.
4. Semi Weekly Iowa State Report (Waterloo, IA), July 4, 1902.
5. Fort Wayne (IN) Sentinel, June 5, 1903; Newport (RI) Mercury, May 21, 1904.
6. Tom Moran and Tom Sewell, Fantasy by the Sea, Peace Press: Culver City, CA, 1980; San Antonio (TX) Daily Light, September 25, 1906; Advocate (Victoria, TX), Sejptember 29, 1906; www.paultanck.com/venicefirsts/thecircuscomestotown.htm.
7. Anaconda (MT) Standard, July 5, 1909.
8. Charleroi (PA) Mail, September 26 & 27, 1910; Daily Independent (Monessen, PA) April 26, 1911; Chareroi (PA) Mail, April 24 & 26, 1911; Daily Review (Decatur, IL), May 2, 1912.

George Edgerton manages the ring and the Edgerton Sisters (trapeze performers) are the features, Sutton's Circus, 1891. New York Clipper, May 9, 1891. Edgerton Sisters, Gollmar Bros.' Circus, 1891, from Iowa newspaper: The Edgerton Sisters, two of the best aerial artists traveling, gave a daring act on the double trapeze. Freeborn Country Standard (Albert Lea, MN), August 19, 1891, p. 1.
    The Edgerton Sisters and George Edgerton and his trained stallion have signed with Baldwin & Young Bros. Shows, 1892. New York Clipper, April 2, 1892, p. 50. May Edgerton, listed as one of the Edgerton Sisters. New York Clipper, January 2, 1892, p. 712. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Ada Bell Edwards, strongwoman, Forepaugh-Sells, 1910. Bedford (PA) Gazette, April 29, 1910; Charleroi (PA) Mail, April 28, 1910; New Castle (PA) News, April 29, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

George Edwards was a horse trainer, boss hostler for Ringling Bros. Circus, 1900-1910. He was still training horses up to a week before his death. Died January 6, 1985 at Jackson, Michigan, age 81. Circus Report, February 4, 1985, p. 34. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Royal Eggleston, who was formerly of the team, Eggleston and Comstock, black face comedians, died night of Oct. 13 [1902], at St. Joseph's Hospital, Syracuse, N.Y. He had been for a number of years with Charles Lee's Circus, but he retired about six years ago, and took up his residence in Syracuse, working as a clerk in the Hotel Onondaga. New York Clipper, October 18, 1902, p. 751. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Art Eldridge, formerly with W. P. Hall, John Robinson Circus and others, has been engaged by Frank P. Spellman to be general superintendent for the United States Million-Dollar Motorize Circus. Billboard, February 23, 1918, p. 36. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Elliott Family, Forepaugh-Sells, 1911. Charleroi (PA) Mail, May 4, 1911. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Charles Ellis, while occupying various positions of trust and importance with the World’s Greatest Show, is also an experienced and efficient car manager and agent. During the present season he has acted in various capacities, both in advance and with the show. Mr. Ellis is a thorough business man in every way and has served in official capacities with the show for the past four years. His systematic business methods, great experience and splendid education fit him for performing the various duties he is often called upon to undertake. “Wherever France most needs a man,” is an expression eminently fitting his case in connection 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/these person(s).

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

Effie Ely, performer, Ely's Combined Shows, 1900. Billboard, June 30, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

G. D. Ely, proprietor and manager, Ely's Combined Shows, 1900. Billboard, June 30, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Mrs. K. D. Ely (probably G. D.), treasurer, Ely's Combined Shows, 1900. Billboard, June 30, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Ralph Emerson, Sr. was press agent for 25 years for the Hartford, Connecticut Sphinx Temple Shrine Circus. It was his camera that caught the 1944 Ringling-Barnum Hartford fire, with the classic photograph of Emmett Kelly. At one time he owned a private zoo in Newington, Connecticut. He and his sons had a business providing horse supplies and western wear. Died in December 1982, age 76. Circus Report, February 1, 1983, p. 18. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Robert Emmons, animal act, Ed. F. Davis Shows, 1900. Robert O. Emmons, animal trainer with the Davis Shows, was drowned at Jackson, Michigan, while attempting to rescue a boy. Billboard, June 9, 1900; June 23, 1900, p. 5. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Gee Gee Engesser, The Blond Bombshell of the Circus World
August 6, 1926 – July 15, 2008. A Biographical Snapshot
(From Feld Entertainment, Inc.).
      The circus world mourns the passing of one of the most unique and memorable performers of the 20th century. Gee Gee Engesser was born into the circus business and mastered a wide array of talents; from training arctic sled dogs to the great Asian elephant, she was a natural at whatever she accomplished.
      When asked about her life she noted three factors that defined her work. She was first and foremost a circus artist, animal lover and trainer of many different species. Second, she was a fiercely independent woman who raised a family, owned a business and sent her son to college while performing - long before "women's lib" was even on the horizon. Third, she was a passionate advocate for "genuine animal welfare" and the rights of humans and animals to work together. It was this magical combination of heritage and hard work that made Gee Gee Engesser a one-of -a-kind for the history books.
      Early Years - Born Georgedda Zellmar Engesser on August 6, 1926 in St. Peter, Minnesota, the middle daughter of George Engesser and Vates Swenson, she was literally raised in the circus. George and Vates were vaudevillian performers and owners of traveling repertory shows and circuses. At one time in the mid 1920’s the Engesser Family owned and operated six traveling theatre shows and Schell Bros/Zellmar Bros. Circuses. To young Gee Gee this was her playground and early circus education. It was on this backdrop that Gee Gee grew up. At the age of three, she performed swinging aerial ladders and acts with elephants and ponies on her parents’ circus.
      During her early teens she performed with dogs, goats and learned trick riding and roman riding on Barker Bros., Attabury Bros and Kelly Miller Bros. shows. During this time she also served the civilian war effort making toys for children of military families during World War II.
      The Incredible 16 Horse Roman Riding Hitch - In 1945, at the age of 18 Gee Gee joined the great Cole Bros. Circus as a featured equestrienne. While on Cole Bros. she performed jumping horses, ménage horses, swinging ladder and rode with the Loyal Repenski bareback riding act. However, her greatest accomplishment was riding the difficult and daring 16- horse roman post hitch. Standing astride two horses hitched to 14 in front she raced around the hippodrome track at breakneck speed thrilling young and old alike. To this day she is one of a handful of people to successfully master this feat. In doing so, she became know as the blond bombshell of the circus world and received national media attention culminating with a full-page cover photo on This Week Magazine (the predecessor of Parade Magazine).
      In 1946, she met and married Bill Powell Sr., an accomplished center ring wire walker, and they toured and performed together on the Cole Bros., Cristiani Bros., Daily Bros, and Clyde Beatty Circuses.
      The Alaskans - In 1951, her son Bill Jr. was born while she was busy preparing for her next uncharted venture. Alaskan malamute sled dogs and arctic wolves had always fascinated Gee Gee. After doing extensive research on sled dogs she reasoned that they potentially could become a great circus attraction. There were three problems; these animals were large, possessed vicious temperaments and were considered largely untamable in a circus act setting. Not to be discouraged she personally selected eight large Malamute/Wolf mixture pups and hand raised them for over two years during the training process. The results were nothing less than spectacular. The animals large size (120 lbs.) and aggressive nature combined to make an explosive presentation that captivated audiences nationwide.
      From 1953 until 1970 “Gee Gee’s Alaskans” toured as the feature attraction on every major sports and recreation exposition and Shrine Circus engagement in America. She also toured and performed the Husky act with Gil Gray/The Show Beautiful, Clyde Bros., Tom Packs, Cowboy movie star Gene Autry’s stadium spectaculars, Pollack Bros. and Atayde Bros. in Mexico City. She was also featured on the television shows What’s My Line and You Asked for It. Her image, a fur clad beautiful blond bombshell posing with Alaskan Huskies, graced covers of numerous of major newspapers around the country. But this was only the beginning.
      Lions and Tigers and Bears and More - In 1968, Gee Gee married her second husband, elephant trainer Robert “Bucky” Steele, and together they acquired 6 elephants, 12 mixed cats, 6 black bears and 12 white Willmar ponies. For the next ten years they toured Gatti Charles, Hamid Morton, George Matthews Great London circuses and numerous major indoor Shrine dates.
      In 1970, Gee Gee and husband Bucky’s five elephants were featured performers in the Disney television movie Runaway on Rogue River/The Great Elephant Chase, starring Slim Pickens and Willie Aames. In 1986, her mastodon clad elephants were featured in another major motion picture, Quest for Fire.
      Upon retiring from active performing in 1983, she turned to producing a circus in Montreal, Quebec at Parc Safari, a well known theme park in Canada. It was during her tenure at Parc Safari that she conceived a totally new live theatrical animal attraction when A Town Called Justice debuted in 1987. As the producer of “Justice” she combined the best elements of musical theatre, circus acts, movie stunts and animal attractions. This unique blend of animals and musical theatre ran successfully for seven years to standing room crowds at Parc Safari.
      Giving Back - In 2002, Gee Gee Engesser opened yet another new chapter in her life long dedication to the circus. She organized the first recognized charitable event for animal and circus industry causes at Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s dress rehearsal in Tampa, FL. As a result of her efforts, she raised approximately $75,000 for a variety of pro-circus animal organizations including the International Elephant Foundation, the Outdoor Amusement Business Association and other worthy causes.
      Awards and Recognition - In 2007 Gee Gee Engesser was inducted into the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art as Circus Celebrity. She was one of 30 circus artists worldwide to receive this recognition. In 2008 Gee Gee received one of the highest honors in the circus arts with her induction into the Ring of Fame on Sarasota’s historic St. Armand’s Circle.
      Gee Gee Engesser passed away July 15, 2008 three weeks shy of her 82nd birthday. For over eight decades she personified the circus and remained active in promoting the circus arts to the rest of the world. She was and always will be an inspiration to all who knew and loved her. Gee Gee is survived by her son Bill Powell Jr., an executive with Feld Entertainment; grandson Cory Powell, a student at the University of South Carolina and a sister Roxy Luce Engesser of Trenton, Florida.
      A celebration of her life will be held at 3 p.m. on August 9th at Showfolks of Sarasota Club, 5204 Lockwood Ridge Road North, Sarasota, Florida

Vates Lola Engesser and her husband George formed both Shell Bros. and Zellmar Bros. circuses. She was a bookkeeper, musician, circus performers, vaudeville performer, advance agent, and toured the Orpheum, Pantages and Keith circuits. She started in show business at age 4. Died September 13, 1984 at Steubenville, Ohio, age 88. Circus Report, October 22, 1984, p. 13. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Willie Engles, for several season in charge of the privileges with the Yankee Robinson Circus, died at his home in Cincinnati, December 16, of influenza. He is survived by a widow and four children. Billboard, January 11, 1919, p. 28. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

W. E. English, musician, bass horn, formerly leader Yuma band, Sells-Floto, 1910. Yuma (AZ) Examiner, April 23, 1910. W. P. English, band leader, Sells-Floto. Mansfield (OH) News, March 15, 1911. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

George Enos, Enos Troupe, performers, 1941. "Fan Notes," White Tops, Vol. 14, Nos. 4-5 (Feb-Mar), 1941, p. 12. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Gene Enos and Mary Enos, globe, perch, Hagenbeck-Wallace 1924. 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/these person(s).

Leo Entwhistle was an elephant man with Hoxie Bros. Circus for 14 years. Died September 4, 1981 at Highland, Indiana while on tour with the circus, age 60. Circus Report, September 28, 1981, p. 20. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Millie Equinas, known in private life as Mrs. Joe De Cramer, wife of Joe De Cramer, the elastic skin man, died at Corzer Hospital, Chester, Pa., July 20. Mrs. De Cramer was with all the large outdoor circus sideshows. The body was interred at Calvary Cemetery, New York. She is survived by her husband and two children. Billboard, August 3, 1918, p. 58. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Karl Erikson (Schneider) came to the United States with his partner, Hans Schumann, during World War II. They were with Ringling-Barnum before they went out on their own. Known as the Incredible Eriksons, the act consisted of gymnastic stunts. Karl married Conchita Morales in 1948, an iron jaw performer form the Morales family. She joined the Eriksons act and died in 1979. Hans Schumann died in 1983. Karl died June 24, 1988 at New Port Richey, Florida, age 84. Circus Report, August 8, 1988, p. 10. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Pansy Erickson was an aerialist with Ringling-Barnum, Lamont Bros. and other shows. She performed as part of the Smiletta Family Troupe. Died January 1, 1976 at Ketchikan, Alaska, age 85. Circus Report, January 26, 1976, p. 2. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Ernesto Sisters, Ringling Bros., 1906; wire artists, three in number, vaudeville 1909. Ernesto Family, three women, wire walkers [probably Ernesto sisters], Howe's Great London, 1911. Lima (OH) Daily News, June 8, 1906; Manitoba Morning Free Press (Winnipeg, Canada) June 8, 1909; Daily Courier (Connellsville, PA) April 19, 1911. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Ernst [Loretta Twins]. Ora Ernst (Ora Blush Ernst) and her sister, Pauline Ernst, the Loretta Twins. Vaudeville, 1905: ". . . the Loretta Twins Trio, the most remarkable athletic exhibition ever given on the stage by mere children. The twin sisters, 14 years old, performing on the triple horizontal bars, everything that has been done by full grown gymnasts; including flying leaps by the hands and feet, from bar to bar, and a triple somersault before alighting in the safety net. The brother of the little girls does the clown part."(1) Dode Fisk, 1910: "The stamp of approval has been placed on the Loretta Twins by all the crowned heads of Europe before whom they have performed during the last two years. The Loretta Twins are bar performers par excellence, doing many wonderful and perilous feats never before attempted by any other artists, thus making them a particularly enchanting feature with the Great Dode Fisk Snows, which will exhibit at tne fair grounds at Marshfield, Saturday, July 30."(2) Barnum & Bailey, 1914.(3)
      Ora and her sister Pauline were the Loretta Twins, famous during the teens and twenties for an aerial bar and trampoline act and horizontal bar. Ernstonian aerial troupe, the twins and their husbands. Ora was with Barnum & Bailey, performed on high single bar with no net. Ora's daughter June Ernst performed on the horizontal bar.(4) Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

1. San Antonio Daily Light (San Antonio, TX), October 29, 1905.
2. Marshfield Times (Marshfield, WI), July 27, 1910.
3. Galveston Daily News (Galveston, TX), October 3, 1914.
4. Buford, Kate, Burt Lancaster An American Life, DaCapo Press, 2001, p. 39.

Jack Ernst, one of the members of the Loretta Twins troupe, who was injured on March 16 while performing in Porto Rico, died at San Juan, April 10. In making a flying leap from the trapeze to be caught by his partner, he made a miscalculation and fell upon his head into the net. He injured his spine and was paralyzed for three and a half weeks. Burial took place in San Juan. The Loretta Twins Circus is reported to be doing very good business in Arecibo, P. R. Harvey, the Loretta Twins' brother, is doing the catching in the flying, and works all thru the show. Billboard, April 30, 1921, p. 51.

Billy Escalante, bull fight act, 1941. "Los Angeles Shrine Had One Night Circus," 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/these person(s).

Esther Escalante was known for her heel and toe trapeze act. She started her act at age 6 in her father's Escalante Bros. Circus. She then was with Al G. Barnes, Hagenbeck-Wallace, Cole Bros., Clyde Beatty and a number of other shows. Died April 30, 1988 at West Covia, California. Circus Report, May 23, 1988, p. 8. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Ishmael Escalante, properties, 1941. "Los Angeles Shrine Had One Night Circus," 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/these person(s).

Phil Escalante came to the United States from Mexico with his family in 1909. The family operated their Escalante Bros. Circus until 1932, then touring with Al G. Barnes, Hagenbeck-Wallace, Cole Bros., Clyde Beatty and Shrine circuses. In 1957 Phil and his wife Betty were with Musical Enterprises and Theatre in the Round in 1957. Phil was rigger in charge of tents and Betty had concessions. Died January 11, 1988 at Glendale, California, age 81. Circus Report, February 1, 1988, p. 17. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

John D. Evans, died April 24 [1887], at San Antonio, Texas, buried at Lincoln, Illinois. He graduated from law school, but preferred circus life. At the time of his death he was treasurer of W. W. Cole's Circus. His widow is Kate Foley, recently a member of the Murray and Murphy Company. New York Mirror Annual and Directory of the Theatrical Profession for 1888, pp. 107-108.   Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Merle Evans [1918], late "music master" with the Buffalo Bill-Jess Willard combination, is now with the Gus Hill Minstrels. Billboard, February 16, 1918, p. 31.   Merle Evans and wife, late of the 101 Ranch and Buffalo Bill-Jess Willard combination, go with the S. W. Brundage Shows this summer. Merle will assume his old position of "music master." Billboard, March 9, 1918, p. 30. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Walter Evans, owner, Evans Circus killed at Maben, Mississippi, December 20, 1909. Evans said to have had a street battle with Harry and Rock Johnson, citizens of Maben, 25 persons arrested, most of them members of the circus troupe. Commerce (TX) Journal, December 17, 1909; Lima (OH) Daily News, December 19, 1909. Note: Parkinson's Directory of the American Circus doesn't have a circus with this name until 1914. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).

Charles Ewers is shown here in a portrait taken some seven or eight years ago. Mr. Charles Ewers is another one of the long array of riders thut grace the roster of the Ringling Bros.’ Show. He has ridden jockey and hurdle acts for a great many years, and every season has found him producing innovations in his unique and pleasing acts. Mr. Ewers resides in Columbus. Ohio, where he has an unusual number of friends, who invariably entertain him, whenever he comes to town, with princely hospitality. 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).

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