Circus Historical Society
People - Brief Information, Biographies, Obituaries K - M
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Many of these were taken from the New York Clipper, Billboard, various newspapers, and other sources. Note these sources will have typographical errors, the transcription will also have typos. All information should be checked with additional sources.
A - B C - E F - J N - R S - U V - Z
K
William F. Karl. Performing with a minstrel troupe in California was Prof. Wm. F. Karl, one of the most sensational acrobats who have ever tried the swinging trapeze or the parallel bars. Karl has been an acrobatic performer for twenty-five years, having begun at the early age of eight years, when he did "top mounting," circus horse riding, juggling, horizontal bar work, etc. Since that time he has traveled all over the world with circuses and other traveling exhibitions, as well as having appeared at the principal theaters of Europe and America. He was for two years with Barnum and Bailey's show, has appeared at Madison Square Garden, New York; Koster and Bial's, Kieth's, Proctor's and the other prominent playhouses of America; was three months at the Hippodrome In Paris, five months at the "Circus Henglar" in London, and has given his act also in the larger cities of India, Australia, South America, Mexico, Cuba and the West Indies. He was at one time a member of the famous "Flying Flames" team, which became noted for an acrobatic act that was made all the more startling by the use of fire that flared out from various parts of the apparatus with a dazzling effect. Karl does a number of feats that are not usually attempted by the ordinary acrobat, chief among which is what he calls the "twister cutaway somersault from a reversible giant swing. This is done from a swinging trapeze, hung from a "cradle," the finish of the somersault being made on a horizontal bar. It is a most difficult trick and one that is particularly effective. Oakland (CA) Tribune, May 22, 1905. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Ohela Kastara is a very clever juggler and bamboo perch performer, who performs his acts in a manner that shows him a wonderful expert even among the greatest of Japanese artists. His juggling has earned him the title of “Japan’s Greatest” in this particular line. Ohela is a resident of Keota, Japan, and has been in this country but six months. His attempts at speaking English are highly appreciated by those who admire a foreigner’s attempts at the Anglo-Saxon tongue, and furnish no end of harmless amusement to the performers in the dressing-room. Japanese Troupe, Ringling Bros. 1893. Offical Route Book of Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Railroad Shows, Season of 1893, Buffalo, NY: Courier Co., 1893. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Akimota Katara is a native of Osoko, and one of the cleverest Japanese performers that has ever appeared in this country. His greatest specialty is his act on the high wire, in which he brings to the foreground all of the characteristic and peculiar expertness of his people. He is considered the best-natured among a company of good-natured Japs, and in addition possesses a natural humor which gives his conversation in English an entertaining character. Japanese Troupe, Ringling Bros., 1893. Offical Route Book of Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Railroad Shows, Season of 1893, Buffalo, NY: Courier Co., 1893. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Frank Kauffman, trick cyclist, was the co-inventor of the high-chain drive unicycle in the 1890s. In the early 1900s he toured the world with his uncle Nick Kauffman's bicycle troupe. He formed the cycling trio, The Cyclonians, in 1912. He retired in the late 1920s and entered the carnival concession business, operating waffle stand until 15 years before his death. At age 92 he was still able to ride a unicycle. Died March 27, 1976 at Newark, New York. Circus Report, May 31, 1976, 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 grandmother Olive Atkinson was in Kaufmanns Cycle troupe in the 1920's. - Alan
Bobby Kay (real name Robert Smiley), a veteran clown, spent most of his life working in a number of capacities with Lewis Bros.; Downie Bros.; Hagenbeck-Wallace; Cole Bros., 1940s; Clyde Beatty Circus, 1950-51, where he also had the pie car; and Ringling-Barnum from 1956-83. In his later years on Ringling-Barnum, he was an advance publicity man. In later life he taught at the Ringling Clown College in Florida. Died September 9, 1983 in Long Beach, California. Circus Report, October 3, 1983, p. 24; November 7, 1983, p. 7; November 28, 1983, p. 6. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Jack Kearney, of the sharpshooting Kearneys, died at Newark, N.J., August 16, from acute indigestion. He was with Buffalo Bill on his trip abroad and had been with several circuses in this country. He had been manager at Hillside Park, Belleville, N.J., for ten years. He is survived by his wife and his parents. Billboard, August 30, 1919, p. 108. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Frank Keeble, a knight of the slide trombone. In 1886 he was lured from his birthplace to make his home under the white tents, and since that time has never lost a season. His ready fund of wit and sociability has made him a necessary adjunct to the boys, while his phenomenal work on the “Bisson” attests his ability as a musician. He is a resident of Jefforsonville, Ind. Ringling Bros. 1893. Offical Route Book of Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Railroad Shows, Season of 1893, Buffalo, NY: Courier Co., 1893. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
George Keene, elephants, Ringling Bros., 1908. Decatur (IL) Daily Review, August 18, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Harold Lee Kellems, "Happy," clown, began at age 16 with a small medicine show where he mixed the medicin, did a tramp comic and mistrel show, drove the truck and maintained the props and equipment. Later he toured with Al G. Barnes, Cole Bros., Shrine, Police and other circuses, as well as the Roy Rogers and Gene autry shows. He appeared at the Evansville, Indiana Shrine circus since 1933. His wife, Lillian, helped write the "Happy Kellems Showboat Revue" that was performed in Evansville in 1980, a show based on their years on the road. Lillian died in 1986. Happy died February 12, 1987 at Evansville, age 82. Circus Report, April 6, 1987, p. 17. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Keller Zouave Girls are booked with Pawnee Bill's Show for a season of thirty weeks, 1906. New York Clipper, March 17, 1906, p. 114. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Leland Kellerhouse, known professionally as Lee Smith, for the past eight seasons with the Jones Bros. and Cole Bros.' Shows as "clown copper," is in the Merchant Marine service, on U. S. Training Ship Meade. 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).
George M. Kelley, champion vaulter, has quit the show business and opened a saloon and dining room on Court street, Binghamton, N.Y. New York Clipper, April 26, 1873, p. 31. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Agnes Kelly toured as an aerialist and wire walker with her husband, Patrick Kelly, with Buchanan's Wagon Show, Ringling Bros., Howes Great London, and with Hagenbeck-Wallace in 1917. She and her husband operated a family circus with the C. A. Wortham Shows, toured in vaudeville and appeared at the 1939 New York World's Fair. They also operated Singer Bros. Circus and were partners in the Kelly-Morris Circus. Agnes died December 25, 1974 at Sarasota, Florida. Circus Report, January 27, 1975, p. 11. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
"Dave" Kelly, one of the best "bull" men, was a wardrobe man and ring helper with the Ringling elephants the seasons of 1914-1916. Now a corporal in the Canadian 99th battalion, enlisting in 1916. Billboard, March 1, 1919, p. 32. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Harry Kelly, of Omaha, head of commissary department, Yankee Robinson's, 1910. Des Moines (IA) News, March 25, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
John F. Kelly, of Jersey City, has been engaged to do his acrobatic song and dance and Chinese act with W. L. Main's Circus. New York Clipper, April 2, 1892, p. 50. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Carrie Kemp, rolling globe, Shipp's Indoor Circus, 1905; Shipp's American Circus, 1909. See Alex Lowande. Daily Review (Decatur, IL), January 2, 1905; Gleaner (Kingston, Jamaica), February 9, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
William Kempersmith, well-known wagon show clown, will not be with the red wagons this season. He will have several concessions at Delmar Gardens, St. Louis. 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).
Kennard Trio, Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1908. 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).
Kid Kennard, 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).
Edward Kennedy is the able and active first lieutenant of Mr. John Snellen, and as his assistant in the Ringling Bros. canvas department has distinguished himself for the great rapidity and dispatch with which the orders of Captain Snellen are executed. In the subdivision coining under his guidance he can always be found aggressively “hustling” the work. It is very rare, even when the show gets into town late, that the opening of the doors find anything in Mr. Kennedy’s department awaiting completion. Ed is a favorite with the men, and if a score of them have hold of a rope and he says “break it,” it can always be depended upon that “something’s goin’ to drop.” Mr. Kennedy has held the position he now occupies since 1890, and although still a young man his career beyond hat time covers a period of many years among the white tents. Ringling Bros., 1893. Offical Route Book of Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Railroad Shows, Season of 1893, Buffalo, NY: Courier Co., 1893. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Joe Kennedy, "It was the wonderful glitter that made Joe Kennedy, now the keeper of the lion house in Central Park Menagerie, succumb to the spell and run away from home when he was 16 years old. He was living in Newark at the time, and for the following 10 years he occupied a dozen different positions in the largest circuses in the country. He was an animal man, a clown and a tumbler. Even now, when he is married and settled down, he feels the lure of the circus. 'I get the feeling to go back again,' said Kennedy. 'The 'grub' wasn't all it should have been most of the time, but there was so much change and excitement all the time that a fellow never grew tired of It. Being a clown is no joke, though, and it's quite serious to be a funny one. . . . One of Kennedy's feats in his palmy clown days was tumbling or somersaulting over six elephants. A man who can go over two elephants, of course, is paid less than one who can over six. 'It would have paid to somesault over 12,' said Kennedy, 'but I never needed the money badly enough to take such a chance." Washington Post, January 1, 1911. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
William Kennedy. To circus managers. Billy Kennedy, clown and comic singer, can be engaged for the season. Address care of Tony Pastor's Theatre. [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).
Capt. Kent, trained seals, Gollmar Bros., 1910. Iowa City (IA) Citizen, May 11, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Kernard Bros., clowns?, 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).
Clem Kerr, treasurer, press agent, Harris Nickle Plate Shows, 1900. Billboard, June 9, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Chad Kertz, leaper, Sells-Floto, 1908. Evening News (Ada, OK), September 22, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
J. W. Kessel, "Kid," formerly with the Sells-Floto and Hagenbeck-Wallace Shows, is serving his country at the Post Hospital, Vancouver Barracks, Wash. Billboard, August 31, 1918, p. 75. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Frank Ketrow, 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).
Researcher note: My great grandfather's name was Frank Ketrow. No one knows anything about him. Can you tell me about this Frank Ketrow? Kyle Ketrow
Fred Kettler, Wooster, O., writes: "I got off the Barnum & Bailey No. 1 car at Crestline, O. I have put in 40 years on bill cars with Batchellor & Doris, Doris & Colver, 4-Paw, Cole & Cooper, Buffalo Bill, 101 Ranch, Pawnee Bill, Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey, Howe's Great London, John Robinson, M. L. Clark, Rice & Dore, Charles Bartine, Sells-Floto, Oklahoma Ranch and some others. I am now working on aluminum canteens for the army and tableware for the navy." Billboard, November 23, 1918, pp. 27, 32. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Sam Kichi is one of the juvenile members of the Japanese troupe with Ringling Bros. Though but fourteen years of age, he is one of the most expert and accomplished performers among the people from the “Flowery Isle,” and performs his acts with a grace and case that reflects in a high degree the competency of his people in acts of their peculiar nature. He is a very bright little fellow, and every one around the show is a friend of “Little Guy,” as he is jocularly named. He is a native of Yokohoma, Japan, and has been in America about three years. Ringling Bros., 1893. Offical Route Book of Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Railroad Shows, Season of 1893, Buffalo, NY: Courier Co., 1893. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Donald M. Kidder was an electrician and transportation superintendant for Cole Bros. and Ringling-Barnum circuses. Died January 29, 1985 at Sarasota, Florida, age 79. Circus Report, February 18, 1985, p. 22. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Keith Killinger was Hubert Castle's first band leader and had the Barnes & Carrothers Railroad Show band in 1958. He conducted the Ringling Red Unit band 1971-73. Born in 1926, died on May 3, 1985 at Terre Haute, Indiana of a heart attack while directing the music for the Shrine circus. Circus Report, June 3, 1985, p. 18-21. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Kimball Sisters, trapeze, Jennie Kimball, Shipp's American Circus, 1909. Gleaner (Kingston, Jamaica), February 9, 1909. See Hines-Kimball. Information should be checked with additional sourcesCan you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Kimris troupe, aerial, Morton-Hamid indoor, 1941. Kimris use a miniature airplane as a rigging, revolves at a high speed, perform aerial stunts while suspended from the airplane. "Circus Sawdust," White Tops, Vol. 14, Nos. 4-5 (Feb-Mar), 1941, p. 14. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Kincade Family, three in number, can be engaged. Business: two and four horse and Pete Jenkins, Indian, posturing, running globe and dancing barrel performances. H. A. Kincade, Philadelphia, Pa. [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).
James Kincade possesses a lineage well and favorably known among the knights of the saw-dust arena. His father, James Kincade, was a famous rider in ante bellum days, and started “Jimmie” in the business at the age of seven as a rider. James has rode numerous engagements in this country and also in Latin America. His first season with the Ringling Bros.’ Show has been the present one. James is a general favorite among the actors, where his genial good nature and commendable social qualities have made him a host of friends with the performers and others. Ringling Bros., 1893. Offical Route Book of Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Railroad Shows, Season of 1893, Buffalo, NY: Courier Co., 1893. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Austin King, rider, Norris & Rowe, 1905, 1908. Daily Nevada State Journal (Reno, NV), April 18, 1905; Anaconda (MT) Standard, June 30, 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).
Eva J. King was affiliated with King Amusement Co., King Animaland Park and King's Performing Elephants. Died June 21, 1975 in Michigan, age 67. Circus Report, July 14, 1975, p. 10. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Gladys King and her husband Howard operated the Walter L. Main, Harris Bros. and Dan Rice circuses. She was a show girl with the Ziegfield Follies in 1923. Died May 18, 1975 at Oceanside, California, age 75. Circus Report, June 23, 1975, p. 10. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Floyd King, owner and general agent, began as a press agent in 1918. In later years he was with Beatty-Cole. His last job was an advisor with James H. Drew Shows. Died August 24, 1976 at Macon, Georgia, age 88. Circus Report, September 13, 1976, p. 2. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Howard King was the co-founder of King Bros. Circus in 1919 with his brother, Floyd. Howard was first on the John Robinson Circus in 1917. Died September 15, 1975 at Oceanside, California. Circus Report, October 13, 1975, p. 14. Note: Both Howard and Gladys Taulbee King passed away at Oceanside, California in 1975. - nephew James Taulbee. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Karl L. King, bandmaster, Sells-Floto, Barnum & Bailey; composer. "Wallenda Tent of Madison, Wisconsin Honors Former Circus Bandmasters," White Tops, Vol. 14, Nos. 4-5 (Feb-Mar), 1941, p. 10. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Lucile King, 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).
Mickey King, performer, Grotto Circus, 1941. "Conn. Fans Buck Snow to Attend Indoor Circus," White Tops, Vol. 14, Nos. 4-5 (Feb-Mar), 1941, p. 8. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Phil King lives in Cleveland, Ohio, in the business 17 years, was one of the King Bros. acrobats until 1892(?) when he fell, broke his shoulder, disabled for a long time. Invented the revolving ladder act, only aerial talking act in America today. One of the laughing features with Ringling Bros. for six years, ladder comedy. With Shipp's Indoor Circus, 1903. See George Hartzel. 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).
Thomas King, renowned as a leaper and rider, and experienced manager, died in St. Agnes' Hospital, near Baltimore, Oct. 26. Born in Baltimore in 1812 [1832?], he was reared in that city, his family having dwelt for many years in what was known as Fishmarket space, near Centre Market. When a boy he attached himself to a circus. When Welch & Lent reopened the Philadelphia Circus in Walnut street, Nov. 1, ___, he was of the company. Early in 1850 he went to California, and was credited with performing the feat of leaping a distance of thirty-one feet seven and one-half inches over nine horses. He became the manager of the California Circus, which he brought East, opening with it at the Holliday-street Theatre, Baltimore, on Nov. __, 1858. In April, 1862(?), while he was exhibiting a buffalo hunt with his circus in Baltimore, his whole establishment was blown away by a gale that broke the centre pole into four pieces and affrightened the buffalo so that they broke their chains and escaped. They were recaptured, and King leased the Front street Theatre for a resumption of his circus. In the Summer of that year he started out as flying vaulter with S. P. Stickney's show, which was a branch of L. B. Lent's "Hippozoonomadon," with which Stickney soon consolidated; and while in Canada,in the ensuing October, a fire consumed Stickney's two performing ponies and King's trotter, Wild Bill. In February 1863, he opened with Gardner & Hemmings' Company at the Amphitheatre, Philadelphia, with his somersaults over eight horses. He continued there after Gardner & Hemmings had vacated, Frank Whittaker being the successor in management. On April 20, Lent started out his "Equescurrisulum," with which Tom was leaper, rider and general performer, which later covered the "la perche equipoise" act with William Smith. Lent closed in Brooklyn in November, and in January, 1864, Tom was with the circus of Mrs. Warner, formerly Mrs. Dan Rice, in Philadelphia. With Bryan, he next organized the Great Excelsior Circus, which opened in Philadelphia on March 12, preparatory to starting on a Summer tour. With his wife he withdrew from it on Aug. 29, at Jonesville, Mich., and on Nov. 10 opened with Mrs. Warner's Great National Circus, at the Continental Theatre, Philadelphia. The following season he was with the Thayer & Noyes' Circus and Van Amburg Show, which started from Girard, Pa., and opened in Washington, D.C., April 1, 1865. George W. Kelly, the leaper, was also with this party. In New Orleans on Dec. 17 the circus divided, one branch, with which was King, going up the Red River, and the other to Galveston, Texas. Their steamboat sank, and the Red River branch returned to New Orleans on Jan. 22, 1866. The long season closed abruptly on Sept. 26. The next season he went with Adam Forepaugh, who opened in Richmond, Va., March 20, 1867. We lack space to follow him further. He had ceased to be a leaper of not, and had become an equestrian. It is stated that his last engagement was as ringmaster with Barnum's Hippodrome in Baltimore. At Rhinebick, N.Y., on May 12, 1859(?), he married Miss Virginia Moyers of Joe Pentland's Circus. We think that she survives, and at least we have no record of her death. There should also be some children surviving. Mary Jane Virginia, then their youngest daughter, died at Lebanon, Ky., on July 26, 1865, while father and mother were riding with Thayer & Noyes' Circus. He was the brother of the late Mrs. Russell and Mrs. Kennedy, restauranteurs in Baltimore. He had been sick for three months, it is said, having been prostrated by the exposure inseparable from circus life. New York Clipper, November 3, 1877, p. 250.
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Vicki King was an aerialist and the wife of circus owner Floyd King. She joined Cole Bros. Circus at age 18 and later toured with King Bros. Circus. Died January 3, 1975 at Macon, George, age 49. Circus Report, February 3, 1975, p. 6. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Agnes Kingston (Mrs. Chas. Hammond), a circus performer, died July 7, at Charlestown, Mass., from heat prostration. She came to this country in 1864 with Seth B. Howe's Circus, and later was with Barnum and Forepaugh's Shows, Buckley's Hippodrome and Coup's Circus. She leaves a husband and two children. The remains were interred 9, in Forest Dale Cemetery, Maiden [or Malden]. New York Clipper, July 20, 1901, p. 440. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Mary Kinko
Mary Kinko, Hagenbeck-Wallace 1928. Photo courtesy of Gregg K. Schrader, Belva V. Schrader collection.
Mary Hayden married Glen Sunbury ("Kinko") November 26, 1919 at Phoenix, Arizona. Arizona, Marriages, 1865-1949. Glen was a well-known clown.
Mary Kinko was with the Al G. Barnes circus in 1922.(1) In 1924 she was listed as a menage rider with Sells-Floto.(2) However, she was also listed presenting a balloon pony and on the hippodrome track on the Al G. Barnes show in 1924.(3) In 1935, on Cole Bros., she was injured while performing an aerial ladder act.(4) Mary and her husband, "Kinko," were with the Tom Mix circus in 1937.(5)
In the 1930 census, Mary and Glen Sunbury, circus performers, were living in Peru, Indiana. Mary stated she was married at age fourteen and that she was born in Ireland. Glen Sunbury's World War I draft registration states that he was with the Ringling Bros. circus, born November 8, 1896, in Minnesota.
1. Official Season Route Book and Itinerary, Al. G. Barnes' Big 4 Ring Wild Animal Circus, Season 1922.
2. Bandwagon, Vol. 8, No. 2 (Mar-Apr), 1964.
3. Bandwagon, September-October, 1985, pp. 7, 8.
4. Mansfield News-Journal (Mansfield, OH), November 11, 1935, p. 1; Newark Advocate (Newark, OH), August 7, 1935, p. 2.
5. Syracuse Herald (Syracuse, NY), May 10, 1937, p. 4.
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Don Kirby, clown, was a veteran of 20 years, appearing with DeWayne, Rudy Bros., Gatti-Charles, Disney on Parade, Dobritch, Paul Kaye Circus and other shows. Died January 11, 1975, age 36. Circus Report, January 27, 1975, p. 11. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Esther Kirk was a circus and vaudeville performer, beginning as an aerialist doing trapeze and iron jaw with her husband and brothers that later became a family act, the Cycling Kirks. Died April 29, 1978 at Sheboygan, Wisconsin, age 81. Circus Report, May 22, 1978, p. 19. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Frank Kirk, bill poster, Great Wallace, 1894. New York Clipper, April 7, 1894, p. 71. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Hugh Kirk, aerial performer with Howard Deetz, Sells-Floto, 1908. 1916: "Martin E Kirk, aged 31 years, died at the home of his father, James Kirk on Maryland Avenue after a three months illness. He was in charge of the concessions for the Hagenback-Wallace Circus, but left their employ due to illness. Surviving are his father; a sister, Mrs Edna Reed and a brother, Hugh Kirk in Omaha NE with the vaudeville circuit. Burial and services are in St Patrick s Catholic Church." Evening Times (Cumberland, Maryland), March 27, 1908; Cumberland (MD) Times, February, 15, 1916. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Kishimona Japanese Troupe, seven in number, Norris & Rowe, 1909. Lethbridge Herald (Alberta, Canada), June 2, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Harry Kissell, an old showman, is in need of aid from his friends. Early in 1917 he suffered a paralytic stroke. A few months later he fell and dislocated his shoulder, which makes his condition worse. Kissell has been with the Gollmar Bros.' Circus, the Sherman-Kelley Stock Company, and other attractions. Send donations to Harry Kissell, Sandwich, Ill. Billboard, January 19, 1918, p. 34. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Si Kitchie, Japanese head balancer, a member of the Royal Tokio Troupe with the Sparks Circus, has closed with that organization and will enter vaudeville with his single act. Kitchie was formerly one of the features with the Santos & Artigas (Cuban) Circus. Billboard, October 12, 1918, p. 52. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
George Kline, bareback mule rider, Lemen 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).
Tiny Kline, aerialist, 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).
Inge Kluge (Peterson), retired circus performer. Toured with circuses throughout the world, coming to the United States in 1949 to join Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, where she was a center ring feature for three years. She also appeared with Polack Bros., Tom Packs and Shrine circuses. Inge and her husband Ray worked a mixed group of animals. She died at Sarasota, Florida in January 1980. Circus Report, January 21, 1980, p. 4. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Jos. T. Kluger, second man and circus agent, who has been with the Ringling Bros. and B. & B. Shows, and last season with The Bird of Paradise Company, is stationed at Camp Zachary Taylor, Ky. 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).
Clem T. Klugherz, known as "Dutch," died June 13 from injuries received while using a gasoline blow torch. Burial took place at Calvary Cemetery, Mankato, Minn. At one time he was in charge of the front door of the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus. He rendered service to the Pubillones Circus in Cuba and during the past winter was the acting manager for R. M. Harvey with the Lowery's Greater Minstrels. Last summer, while with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, he met with an accident which resulted in a permanent injury to his left foot. His widow, a sister and his father survive him at his home in Mankato. Billboard, July 6, 1918, p. 24. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Harry E. Knowlton, widely known as a museum manager and press agent, died while en route from Richmond, Va., to his home in Erie, Pa., Thursday night, Oct. 17. He at one time managed houses in Erie, Pa.; Jamestown, N.Y., and later had the Wonderland Museum, in Buffalo, N.Y. At the time of his death he was press agent for the Walter L. Main Fashion Plate Shows. The remains were taken in charge by Mr. Main. New York Clipper, October 26, 1901, p. 760. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.
Edward C. Knupp, general agent, Cole Bros., 1909. Olean (NY) Evening Times, November 30, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Charles E. Kohl. Charles E. Kohl, of Chicago, one of the leading figures in the vaudeville world, president of the Kohl & Castle Amusement Co., and chairman of the executive committee of the United Booking Agency, died at his country home at Oconomowoc, Wis., on Nov. 12, from heart disease. Mr. Kohl was one of the most conspicuous figures in American vaudeville management. The Kohl & Castle Co., of which he was the president, was the Eastern representative of the Orpheum circuit, and the Western representative of the United Booking Offices.
Mr. Kohl was one of the largest owners of theatrical real estate in Chicago, and owned and controlled the Majestic, the Chicago Opera House, the Olympic, the Haymarket, the Criterion, the Star and Garter, the Academy and the Bijou. He was the director of the Western Vaudeville Managers' Association.
He had been in poor health for some time, and had been for the last three weeks at his Summer home. He was fifty-five years old, and had been a prominent figure in the theatrical development of Chicago since before the great fire of 1871.
James L. Hutchinson, the famous circus man, gave Mr. Kohl his start. Hutchinson had long been associated with P. T. Barnum and with W. C. Coup, on the sale of the book, "The Life of P. T. Barnum."
In 1873 Mr. Hutchinson gave charge of the sale of the book to Mr. Kohl. Beginning at this enterprise, the latter went through every branch of the circus and show business and traveled over every section of the country until he lost the wander spirit and settled down permanently in Chicago.
Mr. Kohl was a pioneer in the business of entertaining the public, and was the first dime museum manager of Chicago. He satrted the famous Kohl & Middleton Dime Museum, Clark Street, near Madison, and the place became famous throughout the country for the variety of the exhibits offered.
An arrangement was made with P. T. Barnum by which the oddities of "The World's greatest show" were displayed in Kohl & Middleton's Museum in the Winter. At one time a branch was run on the West Side, Chicago, and during the World's Fair there was one on State Street, South of Van Buren Street.
Kohl made money and quit the museum enterprises to embark in theatrical management.
He secured control of the Chicago Opera House after David Henderson gave it up in 1893, and later, in partnership with Mr. Castle, obtained control of the Olympic.
The Kohl & Castle Amusement Company was formed shortly after, and the firm is one of the big factors in the vaudeville business of the country.
Mr. Kohl is survived by a widow and two sons, C. G. Kohl [sic C. E.] and J. P. Kohl, and twin daughters, Dorothy and Caroline, aged nineteen years. Mrs. Kohl was one of the famous Lewis Sisters, of Hamilton, Ont., and a sister of Julia Arthur, the actress. New York Clipper, November 19, 1910, p. 1004.
Charles E. Kohl. In the early hours of Saturday morning the spirit of Charles E. Kohl, known far and wide in theatrical circles and known to many as the "vaudeville king," was called from this busy life in which he had held so prominent a part. Mr. Kohl had not been in the best of health for some time and on Friday he had seemed as well as usual, but toward morning he was stricken with severe pains, and though every medical attention was given him, it was all unavailing and he passed away in a few minutes, death being due to an attack of neuralgia of the heart. Mr. Kohl and son, Jack Kohl, had spent the past week at their country home on Lac La Belle, where for the past few years the family had spent the week ends during the winter months as well as spending their summers here, and on Friday they were joined as usual by Mrs. Kohl and the twin daughters, the Misses Caroline and Dorothy Kohl, and all the family with the exception of the eldest son, Charles Kohl Jr., who is in business in Chicago, were with Mr. Kohl when the end came so suddenly and without warning.
Mr. Kohl was 55 years of age and was born in Canada. When a young man prior to entering the vaudeville interests, Mr. Kohl was interested in a circus and later he and George Middleton, his partner for many years, conducted museums in Milwaukee, Chicago and other cities several.
A story is told of how, Mr. Kohl came to purchase a summer home here. In the early days of his circus venture, the shows had, been playing to poor houses, weeks of continuous rainy weather causing small audiences in tho several cities played, but when the circus struck Oconomowoc the sun shone brightly and the two performances drew crowded houses, putting the show on its feet and from then on fortune seemed to smile on the venture. When Mr. Kohl desired to purchase a summer residence he remembered Oconomowoc, buying a beautiful site on Lac LaBelle and erecting one of the prettiest homes in this vicinity on its shores.
Mr. Kohl is survived by a wife, two sons and two daughters. He also leaves an aged mother, Mrs. John Kohl, and two brothers, all of whom reside in Canada, and a sister, Mrs. Wright of New York. The funeral services were held on Monday afternoon at the Kohl home on Lac LaBelle, the service being read by Rev. John White, rector of Zion Episcopal church. The remains will rest in the Shufeldt receiving vault in LaBelle cemetery until the vault which Mrs. Kohl plans to erect in La Belle cemetery is completed. The floral tributes were very beautiful and in great numbers.
The honorary pall bearers were Morris Meyerfeld of San Francisco, E. F. Albee, Martin Beck, A. L. Erlanger, New York; John Dupee, George Mlddleton, George Castle, Levy Mayer, Frederick H. Rawson, Chicago, and Herman Fehr of Milwaukee. The active pall bearers were H. W. Cutter, Sam Lederer, George Kingsbury, Lyman B. Glover, Frank Rivers, William Roche, C. E. Bray, Chicago, and Paul Stone of Oconomowoc. "Many Are Called by Death," Oconomocow Enterprise (Oconomowoc, WI), November 17, 1910. All information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Tony Kolb, ticket seller, who had been connected with the Yankee Robinson Circus for many years, died September 9 at New Ulm, Minnesota. He met with a serious accident the fore part of last month while the show was touring Iowa, and was sent to his home at New Ulm. Billboard, October 12, 1918, pp. 26, 58. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Arnie W. Konkala, clown, was with Ringling-Barnum in the 1940s-50s. Died January 21, 1976 at Sarasota, Florida, age 64. Circus Report, March 15, 1976, p. 4A. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Oscar Konyot was born in Romania, coming to the Ringling Bros. Circus in 1910. He then developed animal acts and returned to Ringling-Barnum in 1952. In 1954 he toured with a chimp rodeo show, rejoining Ringling in 1966. Died November 10, 1975 at Sarasota, Florida, age 78. Circus Report, January 5, 1976, p. 13. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Kopp. F. S. Kopp's band, lately returned from South America with Howes & Cushing's Circus, joined Van Amburg's Show June 19 in Athol, Mass. F. S. Kopp is leader of brass band, F. A. Kopp, leader of orchestra, and E. M. Kopp, solo cornetist. New York Clipper, June 30, 1877, p. 111. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Albert Koplin, circus and vaudeville performer, died last week [ca September 1906] at his home in Hood River, Ore., after a brief illness, from quick consumption. Mr. Koplin was bron in York, Pa., July 27, 1883. For five years he was associated with Campbell Brothers' Circus, and one season with the Floto Shows. During the past four years he had been in vaudeville, working in one of the leading Chicago houses at the time he was stricken with his fatal illness. Mr. Koplin was a man of exemplary habits and amiable disposition. New York Clipper, September 15, 1906, p. 801. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.
Kosters, hippodrome riders; Harry Koster, human fly and mail agent, Frank A. Robbins, 1905-1906. Harry, loop walking, Frank A. Robbins, 1907; equestrian director, Frank A. Robbins, 1908. Miss May Koster, clown song, Frank A. Robbins, 1907; female clown, Frank A. Robbins, 1909. Bandwagon, Jul-Aug, 2001, p. 37.; Bandwagon, Sep-Oct, 2001, p. 30; Portsmouth (NH) Herald, June 6, 1907; Bandwagon, Nov-Dec, 2001, p. 33.; Bandwagon, Jan-Feb, 2002, p. 25.; Bandwagon, Nov-Dec, 2001, p. 33; Bandwagon, Mar-Apr, 2002, p. 37. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Kotocho Imperial Troupe, Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1908. 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).
Norbert Kreisch performed as "Norbu, the Almost Human Gorilla," an ape-man routine that emulated the famous gorilla King Kong, for more than 30 years. When he was 15, he performed an acrobatic act with a traveling circus in Germany, then joined a tumbling troupe. He came to the United States in 1949 to be with Ringling-Barnum for three years. He made news when he scaled the outside wall up to the electric news bulletin of the Allied Chemical Building in Times Square. Norbert became producer of Circorama in 1983. Circus Report, June 13, 1983, p. 8. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Kitty Kruger, rider, six horses, Lemen Bros., 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).
Eddie Kuhn, lion tamer, and his family joined Ben Davenport's Bailey Bros. Circus in 1945. Eddie and George Hubler were partners in a circus. Eddie bought Hubler out in 1950 and was owner of the Capt. Eddie Kuhn Circus. In 1954 the family peformed 19 acts in Bill Morris' Kelly-Morris circus. Eddie and his wife Charlene were on the Dorey Miller's Circus boat fire. Eddie's children: Barbara Joyce, Jeannie and Eddie Jr. Joyce married Gary Loraditch, owner of the Exotic Animal Circus in 1985. Eddie Jr. worked a cat act when he was age 12. Circus Report, June 10, 1985, p. 22. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Harry P. Kutz, press agent of the Cole Bros.' Circus, who has two sons in the army, has volunteered his services to the Government, and has been accepted in the Quartermaster Reserve Corps. Billboard, January 12, 1918, p. 62. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Elsie Kyle (Ward) was a member of the Nine Flying Wards aerial act, touring with Sells-Floto, Hagenbeck-Wallace, Robbins Bros. and Al G. Barnes. Died May 2, 1977 at Fremont, California. Circus Report, June 6, 1977, p. 14. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
L
Madame La Blanche, strongwoman, Howard Damon Big Show, 1909. Charleroi (PA) Mail, May 18, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources
Hank Lachance, known to circus people as Hank Norris died in Wilmington, Ohio, on May 14, 1955. He was on the Norris & Rowe, Hagenbeck Wallace and other shows. Burial was in Wilmington. He was by birth a French-Canadian and was a veteran of the English Army in the First World War. Bandwagon, June, 1955, p. 14. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
La Fayette family, aerialists, Forepaugh-Sells, 1911. Newark (OH) Advocate, May 1, 1911. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Lafferty, French aerial contortionist, Forepaugh-Sells, 1910. Bedford (PA) Gazette, April 29, 1910; Charleroi (PA) Mail, April 28, 1910; New Castle (PA) News, April 29, 1910; Mansfield (OH) News, August 24, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Josef La Fleur, with Fields & Hanson's Drawing Cards, has signed with Ringling Bros. World's Greatest 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).
Everett Angel LaForm, "Buddy," was the son of Joe and Lillie LaForm, who had a flying trapeze act, the Flying LaForms, that traveled with a number of circuses. Buddy also did a trampoline act and clowned with his wife. Died May 22, 1984. Circus Report, June 18, 1984, p. 15. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
La Grange Family, concert performers, vocalists, Sells-Floto, 1908. Anaconda (MT) Standard, May 31, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Emma Laine, slack wire, Harris' Nickel Plate Shows, 1900. Billboard, May 21, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Horace Laird, aerial ring artist, has decided to abandon the road this season, and will remain in Chester, Pa. He is breaking in new acts. Season of 1919 he will be understander for the Baker Troupe. 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).
Clay Lambert, contracting agent, Ringling Bros., 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).
Clara Lamberti, and her husband Willie, came to the United States with the Gretona high wire act in 1929 and joined Ringling-Barnum. Later they were with Cole Bros. Circus, had their own high wire act and worked in vaudeville with a dance act. Died April 24, 1988 at South Bend, Indiana, age 78. Circus Report, May 30, 1988, p. 12. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Willie Lamberti was a member of the Gretonas high wire act. With his wife, Clara, came to the United States in 1929 with the Ringling-Barnum Circus. The Gretonas and the Wallendas arrived on the same boat and performed opposite each other on the Ringling show for seven years. Resided Rochester, Indiana in 1981 at age 73. Circus Report, September 28, 1981, p. 31. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Wilhelm Lamberti, "Willie," married Clara Friedewald and together they performed with the Gretona High Wire Troupe on Ringling-Banum. Later they left the troupe and toured with Cole Bros. Circus, 1937-39, then touring vaudeville with a dance and balancing act. They then developed their own high wire act, with Clara riding across the wire and Willie suspended below. They also produced an act with their daughter Lorena and son Martin. Died September 12, 1987 at Rochester, Indiana, age 79. Circus Report, October 5, 1987, p. 10. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Lamont Family, acrobats. Three in number, Ringling Bros., 1901; Great Wallace Show, 1905; Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1910. North Adams (MA) Transcript, May 25, 1901; Racine (WI) Daily Journal, June 7, 1905; Newark (OH) Daily Advocate, April 30, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Zeka B. Lamont, see Herbert Shellhammer.
W. F. Lamoy, former trainmaster on the Mighty Haag Shows, has a saloon in Antigo, Wisconsin. [1919] Billboard, August 9, 1919, p. 45. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Lamy Brothers were acrobats act doing aerial retun and casting act out of Quincy Illinois. I can place them on Campbell Bros. for Seasons 1907 and 1910. - Information, photograph and promotional card contributed by Chuck Finley.
Circus people now in the carnival business: Jack Lancaster, former clown with Forepaugh-Sells Show, late of motion pictures, now with Washburn's Shows. 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).
John Lancaster, one of the most versatile clowns that ever donned the motley, is successfully taking part in some of the productions of the Selig Polyscope Company, Chicago. For years the genial John was principal clown with Walter L. Main, the Wallace Shows, and other prominent circuses. Billboard, December 21, 1912, p. 38. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Alfredo Landone was a clown with Ringling-Barnum and a number of other circuses. He was born in Buenos Aires and came to the United States in 1961. Died February 20, 1985 at Sarasota, Florida, age 84. Circus Report, March 11, 1985, p. 13. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Johnny Lang (Red), formerly with Howe's Great London and the past two seasons with the Robinson Famous Shows, is now a sergeant at Camp Joseph E. Johnston, Fla. "Red" is known by all as a race rider and clown. Billboard, June 22, 1918, p. 26. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
La Nole. Melnotte, La Nole and Melnotte, high wire, Norris & Rowe, 1904, 1905; Hugh La Nole, ladders, Norris & Rowe, 1905.(1) John and Amy La Nole, Hugh Melnotte, high wire, Forepaugh-Sells, 1905.(2) Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
1. Woodland (CA) Daily Democrat, April 21, 1904, April 11, 1905; Daily Nevada State Journal (Reno, NV), April 8, 1905.
2. San Antonio (TX) Daily Light, November 22, 1905.
John Lanotte (La Nole?, Melnotte?), suspended ladder, Norris & Rowe, 1905. Daily Nevada State Journal (Reno, NV), April 8, 1905. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Fred LaNovel was born into a circus family circa 1885 and at age five was to be a clown on Barnum & Bailey. His parents were bareback riders, dying when Fred was young. He worked with his sisters in the Flying LaNovels, a high wire act, in the circus and the nightclub circuit. Between 1912 and 1918 he built and flew his own airplane. Then he bought a mono-plane and did stunt flying and skywriting. Circus Report, March 1, 1983, p. 10. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Researcher note: Fred Albert LaNovel was married to my grandmother Ruby Caretha LaNovel. She died in 1962. We found out when mother was 36 that he was not her real father. He lived until 1984 when he said he was 112 but told service he was 102 because he thought he was too old for service. Don't know what is true. He had various professions when I was young body repair, built beautiful furniture and carved features by hand and refurbished mattresses when he became blind. After ww2 he had surgery on his eyes and became a rancher. He never had wrinkles and always seemed healthy until when he was 99 or 109 who knows he was chasing a bull in a 1200 acre pasture and his leg gave out. Veteransin San Antonio removed and evidently had second leg removed. Said they didn't rehab anyone his age. He contacted his senator and others and they built him legs which he could use for hours each day. He ran up and down that rehap bar like a kid. Wish I knew more of his early life. Mj.androes@gmail.com
John Sidney Lantz handles the bass drum stick in a hearty manner. His generous nature has made him a general favorite. He winters in Shelbyville, Ills. Ringling Bros. 1893. Offical Route Book of Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Railroad Shows, Season of 1893, Buffalo, NY: Courier Co., 1893. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Harry La Pearl, clown, Barnum & Bailey, 1909.(1) Married Francis McGinley of Chicago.(2) Harry La Pearl, for many years leading producing clown with the Barnum & Bailey Circus, has signed for the company at the Hippodrome, New York, for next season. He is preparing many new features that promise to bring him much success.(3) 1918 railroad wreck. ". . . extricated himself from the debris bearing hardly a scratch and joined the rescue crew. . . ."(4) William Henry La Pearl, born October 10, 1884, Danville, Illinois; died January 14, 1946, Los Angeles, California; spouse Loretta _?_. Circus clown, began as a child with his father J. H. La Pearl, circus operator.(5) 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. New York Times, May 23, 1909.
2. New York Times, April 4, 1910, p. 9.
3. New York Clipper, June 15, 1912, p. 11.
4. Oakland (CA) Tribune, June 23, 1918.
5. Internet Movie Database, IMDb, www.imdb.com/name/nm0478806/bio.
Whitey Larkin, stock, Buckskin Bill's Wild West, 1900. Billboard, May 21, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Julius Larouche, rider, Forepaugh-Sells, 1910-1911. Charleroi (PA) Mail, April 30, 1910; 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).
Lar-Rays. The Flying Lar Rays consisted of catcher Ray Marek, his wife, Susan, and flyer Larry Gill with his wife Jennifer. All were graduates of Sarasota's Sailor High School. They made their professional debut in 1974. Southern Sawdust, No. 83, May, 1975, p. 7. Information should be checked with additional sources
- Note: Combining both Larry & Ray the act was developed over many years by Ray's preforming skills and unique ability to do it all. Acquiring & increasing skills working for Zacchinis & Alexanders and in 1972 were on the road with bookings with Eddie Zacchini, Castle, Hanneford, and the Shrine temples, to name a few. So the date is incorrect as to professional opening year. Ray (the catcher/flyer and leader-agent) broke his back but continued working into 1979 until act broke apart because of finances and conflicts within the group. Ray Began a comedy trapeze with Scott Plunket but was doomed at the three Mile island incident when entire show broke up and returned to Fla. Still with the entertainment blood he went to California to do many shows,features,and had four union cards that invited work in stunts in Hollywood where he married a well know stuntwoman Jean Coulter. Both Retired in Palm Springs after many hard but happy years. Both advocates for equality in the stunt woman's rights and book contributions (History of stuntwoman by Molie Gregory) and so much more. Just some of the facts that might be useful. Warm regards, Ray Marek
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La Rue Brothers, three in number, Ed. F. Davis Shows, 1900. Billboard, June 9, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources
- Note: My great grandfather was part of the LaRue brothers. He was from Philadelphia. I have a few of his diaries from traveling in the circus. He was the smallest man and stood on the top when they performed. Lorene
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Fay LaRue
Fay LaRue, Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1928. Photo courtesy of Gregg K. Schrader.
Fay was also with Hagenbeck-Wallace in 1929, listed as a menage rider. New Castle News (New Castle, PA), May 14, 1929, p. 8.
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Wm. La Rue. Wm. La Rue and James G. West will go out with the Forepaugh & Sells Bros.' Show this season, joining it at Columbus, O., in April, 1906. New York Clipper, March 17, 1906, p. 114. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Darlene Lasater, wild west performer, married Carl Lasater in 1941, a catcher with the Flying Wards. Carl joined the Flying Beehees and played the Fernandez Circus in Hawaii, where he became ill and died. Darlene's father, Alfred, was a performer with rodeos and circus wild west shows. Darlene and her sister Malee performed in rodeos and fairs in their youth. In 1928 the family was with Hagenbeck-Wallace, where her father was in charge of the wild west after show. Darlene toured with John Robinson Circus in 1929-30, doing an act of trick roping and riding. In 1932-33 she was with Downie Bros., with Tom Mix Circus in 1935 and joined Cole Bros. Circus in 1937. Died May 26, 1987 at Rochester, Indiana, age 75. Circus Report, June 29, 1987, p. 24. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Fred Lasere, Forepaugh-Sells, 1911; Barnum & Bailey, 1913. Charleroi (PA) Mail, May 4, 1911; Atlanta Constitution, October 26, 1913. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Jose Andreu Laserre was a European circus clown known as "Charlie Rivel." His career began at age 3, playing the role of the strong man in his family's circus in Spain. Died July 25, 1983 at Barcelona, Spain, age 87. Circus Report, August 15, 1983, p. 11. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Ruggera Lauber (Tosca), a member of the Zoppe family, was a bareback rider and trapeze performer. She came to the United States with her family in 1948 to join Ringling-Barnum and later toured with Polack, Beatty and Hamid-Morton circuses. Her brother was Alberto Zoppe. Died March 29, 1988 at Simi Valley, California, age 58. Circus Report, April 11, 1988, p. 32. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Neptune Laughingwater, "Tiny," was a motorcycle stunt rider with circuses. Died August 18, 1984 at St. Petersburg, Florida, age 75. 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).
Flying La Vans, four in number, Norris & Rowe, 1904. Woodland (CA) Daily Democrat, April 21, 1904. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Freida LaVelda, see Frieda LaVelda Timson.
Ted LaVelda, see Ted Akeman.
La Verne Troupe, horizontal bars, Norris & Rowe, 1909. Marshfield (WI) Times, June 30, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
"Fat" Lawson, clown. "The famous clown 'Fat' Lawson, uses a trick air-ship that apparently soars to the top of the tent. As passengers he carries a number of his companion clowns. When the airship has attained a goodly height and speed, it suddenly bursts, and it is a world of fun to the the struggling clowns clinging to the topes as the airship settles to the ground. . . ." Norris & Rowe, 1908. Stevens Point (WI) Daily Journal, April 23, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
LaZellas, photos of the Aerial LaZellas
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Prof. Leamy. Circus acts, aerial artists, for sale to settle an estate: double trapeze and rigging, used by the late Prof. Leamy in the act of the Leamy Sisters. Write John J. Leamy, Syracuse, N.Y. [Advertisement] Billboard, January 19, 1918, p. 29. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Jack LeClair, clown of the Ringling Bros.' Circus, is playing W.V.M.A. time with a comedy acrobatic act, called Trolly Car Duo. Billboard, February 2, 1918, p. 31. Jack Le Claire (John B. Le Clercq), the past three seasons with the Ringling Shows as clown, enlisted July 18 and is stationed at Paris Island, S.C. Billboard, August 17, 1918, p. 27. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
James LeClair. To circus managers. Mlle. Leona and James Le Clair would like to arrange for the tenting season of 1877 with a circus. Business: double trapeze, introducing leap for life; Mlle. Leona in outside wire ascensions, walking the smallest wire of any performer living. James Le Clair, Boston Hotel, Boston, Mass. Both people for concert. [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).
The California Marvel, Shed Le Clair, flying trapeze and double somersault artist, in his great Life-Drop. Address Eighth street, Philadelphia, Pa. [Advertisement] New York Clipper, February 1, 1879, p. 360. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Fred Ledgett, bareback riding, Wallace Shows, 1900.(1) Shipp's Indoor Circus, 1905: "Fred Ledgett and wife, who is Dollie [sic] Julian. Fred Ledgett and Dollie Julian have not been so long in double harness that the romance has worn away. Dollie Julian is a mere girl of 18 but she is known as one of the greatest bareback riders in the world. She does not show what she can do here because of a recent illness and appears only with her husband in a carrying act, one which she has been practicing, by the way, for but three weeks. But next summer she will be the principal lady bareback rider with the Barnum circus, her contract being already signed. She is one of the very few women who can do somersaults on horseback. Her husband, Fred Ledgett, is the premier jockey with the Barnum show and considered about the most finished performer in that line in his profession. His home is at Rockford, while his wife comes from Havana, where her mother, Lindy Julian, runs one of the best known training schools for circus riders. Mrs. Julian Is 53 years old but she still rides an act with a circus in summer with as much spirit as her 18-year-old daughter."(2) Fred Ledgett and Dallie Julian, riders, Barnum & Bailey, 1906-1907.(3) Fred Ledgett and Dallie Julian, riders, Dallie descrived as a young Australian, Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1909, 1915.(4) Fred Ledgett, superintendent of properties, was a famous bareback rider, had not performed on horses for years, again rode in Hagenbeck-Wallace soon after the train wreck, Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1918; equestrian director, John Robinson Circus, 1919.(5)
1. Billboard, June 16, 1900.
Ernest Ledoux and wife, wire act, 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).
Victor Lee will be out of the circus business this year, having signed with John Sheesley to put on his big Chinese illusion show, Within the Gates of Pekin and to manage Mr. Sheesley's Garden of Allah. Billboard, March 30, 1918, p. 28. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Le Fleur Troupe, statues, Norris & Rowe, 1906-1908. 1904: ". . . Le Fleur, the beau Brummell of acrobats, the peer of all gymnasts. . . ." Waterloo (IA) Times-Tribune, September 13, 1904; Woodland (CA) Daily Democrat, April 5, 1906; Woodland (CA) Daily Democrat, April 5, 1907; Reno (NV) Evening Gazette, April 9, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Dr. J. W. Lefever, veterinarian, Wallace Circus (Peru), 1911. Fort Wayne (IN) Journal-Gazette, April 14, 1911. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Arthur Le Fluer or Arthur Le Fleur?, "Human Top," iron jaw, 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).
August Legert, equilibrist, Shipp's American Circus, 1909; Mr. Legert, hand balancing. Shipp & Feltus, 1914. Gleaner (Kingston, Jamaica), February 9, 1909; Gleaner (Kingston, Jamaica), March 23, 1914. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
A. Lehman, clown, leaper and tumbler, can be engaged for tenting season 1877. Address, Eighth avenue, New York. [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).
Jack Lehman, member of the Al G. Barnes Circus, died in St. Mary's Hospital, San Francisco, Cal., April 25, of pneumonia, age 31 years. His father, Isaac Lehman, is a resident of Newark, N.J., and the body was shipped there for burial. Jack died during the Al G. Barnes Wild Animal Circus' visit to San Francisco. Jack had been in the circus game all his life. With the Barnes show he held the program concession, but spent most of his time at the gate with Claire Giles and the bunch. Billboard, May 4, 1918, pp. 66, 71. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
H. Lehrter ("Whitey"), boss canvasman of the Walter L. Main Shows, and Myrtle Reno were married October 5 at Princess Anne, Maryland. Billboard, November 9, 1918, pp. 24, 52. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
R. Victor Leighton, press agent, Miller Bros. 101 Ranch, 1908. Fort Wayne (IN) Journal-Gazette, August 28, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Lewis B. Lent. During the first half of the season of 1834, he was agent with June, Titus and Angevine’s Menageries, and in August of that year he purchased an interest in I. R. and W. Howe’s Menagerie. He was considered one of the best agents in the country. From 1835 to 1838, inclusive, he was co-partner of Brown and Lent’s Circus, traveling by steamboat on the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, and exhibiting chiefly in New Orleans, Natchez, St. Louis, Louisville, cincinnati, and Pittsburg. From 1839 to 1842, inclusive, he became again associated with June, Titus and Angevine’s Menageries and Circuses. In 1843, he became a partner in and manager of Rufus Welch’s National Circus, and the following year was co-partner of Sands and Lent’s American circus, exhibiting in England. returning to America in 1845, he became again a partner and manager of Rufus Welch’s National Circus. During the next three years he was co-partner and manager in three distinct shows, all newly fitted out - Van Amburgh’s Menagerie, Sands, Lent and Company’s American Circus, and June, Titus and Angevine’s Menageries and Circus. The season of 1849 he passed in California. The following two years he was again a partner and manager of Rufus Welch’s Circus. In 1852 and 1853 he was a partner with Seth B. Howe’s and P. T. Barnum, and manager of P. T. Barnum’s Museum and Menagerie, exhibiting among other curiosities, General Tom Thumb. During the next three years he was partner with Rufus Welch in the National Theatre and Circus, in Philadelphia, Pa. The show was announced as Welch’s National Circus and L. B. Lent’s New York Circus combined. Welch’s wagons were painted with vermilion, and Lent’s ultramarine blue. From 1857 to 1863, inclusive, he managed L. B. Lent’s National Circus. The next three years he was the proprietor and manager of the Equescurriculum, New York Circus, in the Hippotheatron, New York City. In 1873 and 1874 he managed the New York Circus, Museum and Menagerie. In 1875, he was the railroad agent of Howe’s and Cushing’s Circus and Menagerie. In 1878, he was managing and railroad agent of Van Amburgh and Company’s Menagerie. In 1879, advance director for Adam Forepaugh, and at the end of the season revived the New York Circus at the Globe Theatre, New York. He died in New York, November 29, 1887. Billboard, November 26, 1910, p. 21. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Leon (probably Girard Leon), Leon, clown, Frank A. Robbins, 1906-1907. Portsmouth (NH) Herald, June 6, 1907; Bandwagon, Sep-Oct, 2001, p. 30; Bandwagon, Nov-Dec, 2001, p. 33. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Dan Leon, four horse rider, Robinson's Show, 1891; Ringling Bros., 1900; bareback rider, Coulter & Coulter's Dog and Pony Show, 1909.(1) Equestrian director, rider, has herd of performing elephants and four horse carrrying act, W. H. Coulter's, 1911.(2)
1. Woodland (CA) Daily Democrat, June 27, 1891; Waterloo (IA) Daily Courier, June 23, 1900; Adams County Free Press (Corning, IA), June 16, 1909.
Jessie Leon, wife of Dan Leon. Ringling Bros., 1901; mid-air bicycle act, late of Ringling Bros., Coulter & Coulter's Dog and Pony Show, 1909; high wire, W. H. Coulter's, 1911. News-Democrat (Uhrichsville, OH), June 28, 1901; Adams County Free Press (Corning, IA), June 16, 1909; Adams County Free Press (Corning, IA), May 17, 1911. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Mollie Leon, formerly of Ed. and Mollie Leon, trapeze performers, with the Old John Robinson Circus, died at her home in Urbana, O., March 28 [1905]. Her daughter, Maude Leon, of the Leon Sisters, head balancers and acrobats, survives her. New York Clipper, April 15, 1905, p. 202. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
La Belle Leona, equestrienne, Great Floto Shows, 1904. Oakland (CA) Tribune, April 30, 1904. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Arthur Leonard was a show electrician who started with Hagenbeck-Wallace in 1917. Was with 101 Ranch, Mills Bros., Leonard Bros., James Bros. and King Bros. Died December 28, 1975 at Tampa, Florida, age 74. Circus Report, March 15, 1976, p. 4A. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Fred Leonard and Bette Leonard. No couple long retired from the circus has kept in closer touch with the big tops and their people than Fred and Bette Leonard of Wichita, Kansas. For Mr. Leonard has spent the 13 years training horses, many of them for circuses, and Mrs. Leonard for the past five years has been president of the Circus Historical Society of America. While the Leonards did not meet until years later, they both entered the circus field in 1917, and traveled with a host of circuses, large and small, during the next two decades. It is not surprising that Mr. Leonard became a circus performer, because his father was a noted horse trainer. But Mrs. Leonard's people were never in show business. She entered the circus world when her grandfather disposed of some horses and ponies to Elmer Jones of Warren, Pa., a circus owner, and Bette went along to work animal acts.
Joe C. Leonard was enroute from Norfolk, Va. to New York City to join the B. & B. advance staff. Lillian Hurdman of the Darlings of Paris Company, in private life is Mrs. Leonard. Billboard, March 16, 1918, p. 30. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Jack A. Leontini was a long-time director of the Tom Packs Circus and was associated with Karl Wallenda for many years. Died September 30, 1981, age 81. Circus Report, October 26, 1981, p. 8. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
George Leopold. Mlle. Geraldine and George Leopold, world-renowned male and female gymnasts, after a successful tour of California, Mexico, Central America, South America via Panama, Peru (Callao and Lima), Bolivia, Chili (Valparaiso and Santiago), Buenos Ayres, Montevideo, Brazil (Rio Jeaniro, Bahia, Barnambuca and other towns), Venezuela, West India Islands, Havana, Cuba, etc., are disengaged for their double trapeze, character dances, single trapeze, flying rings, leaps, horizontal bar, and Lulu jump. Mlle. Geraldine, being the first and only lady that has performed this act, would like to arrange with a variety company going to South America for the latter end of September or beginning of October. Would take a share in it, or will find a company and sell a hall interest in it. Address care of Clipper office. [Advertisement] New York Clipper, June 16, 1877, p. 96. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Mr. Leroy, and wife, aerialists, revolving ladder, Howard Damon Australian Shows, 1909. Charleroi (PA) Mail, May 25, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Fred Leslie, trained animals, pigs, from Decatur, Illinois, has trained animal act with pigs, Hagenbeck-Wallace 1911. Said to have won fame abroad. Daily Review (Decatur, IL), June 23, 1907. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
John Leslie died in Jersey City, N. J., Jan. 2, of pluro-pneumonia. His funeral and interment took place there. His real name was John Leslie Riordan, and he was born in St. Louis, Mo., thirty-five years ago. He had traveled as one of the Leslie Brothers, acrobats and gymnasts, and more recently with his wife, professionally known as Mlle. Irene, who does "the slide for life." His last engagement was at Bunnell's Museum, Jersey City. His wife is now ill in this city, and by the advice of her physician has cancelled all engagements. New York Clipper, January 19, 1884. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Charlotte LeVine was the daughter of Charles Hunt, Hunt Bros. Circus owner. She performed as an aerialist with the show for over 20 years. She also performed with her husband, Harry, with a chimp act. Died September 2, 1986 at Rockville, Maryland. Circus Report, October 13, 1986, p. 4. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Albert Levinson (Al Flosso), magician, began doing magic at age 9. Was with Al G. Barnes, Sells-Floto, Ringling and 101 Ranch. Worked in vaudeville and on Coney Island. Known as the Coney Island Fakir and the King of Koins. Died May 13, 1976 in New York City, age 81. Circus Report, June 21, 1976, p. 7. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Max Levy, 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).
Ike Lewin, mule 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).
George Lewis, "Slim," an elephant man who toured with most of the major circuses and worked in many zoos. Was the author of Elephant Tramp, and an authority and lecturer on elephants. Died June 10, 1981 at Redding, California, age 70. Circus Report, June 29, 1981, p. 25. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
H. Stanley Lewis, the well known advance agent, entered the profession in 1893 as side show lecturer with the Great Wallace Shows, afterward appearing in vaudeville with a lightning crayone act, under the name of De Lonzo. In 1894 he was engaged as agent by Davis & Keogh, remaining with that firm until its dissolution, in 1899, during which time he represented FrankBush, in "Girl Wanted"; John ___, "Down in Dixie" and many of Davis & Keogh's other attractions. During the seasons of 1899-1900 and 1900-01 he has officiated as business manager of Welsh Brothers' "Uncle Tom's Cabin," and is now representing the tour of "A Ragged Hero," under the direction of the Richards-Fielding Amusement Co. The summer seasons of 1895 and 1901 have found him filling the positions of general advertising manager with Sun Bros., Scribner & Smith, Leon W. Washburn, Pawnee Bill's Wild West and Welsh Brothers' Railroad Shows, and he has been re-engaged by the latter firm for 1902. Mr. Lewis is a prominent Elk, Knight of Pythias, Eagle and Red Man, and is an honorary member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. New York Clipper, December 21, 1901, p. 922. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.
Note: I was just reading information on your website about H. Stanley Lewis because I have an envelope dated Apr. 29, 1905 addressed to Mr. Lewis c/o Frank A. Robbins Circus in Morristown, N.J. The envelope also has some interesting pencil drawings, as if Mr. Lewis opened it and used it for some funny illustrations and dated it two days after receiving the letter. Maggie
Joe Lewis, one of the Ringling clown alley cutups, will again be with the Ringling enterprises. He is now engaged in Government work at Washington, D.C. Billboard, February 8, 1919, p. 29. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.
Paul M. Lewis was the owner of Lewis Bros. Circus. In 1926 Paul and Ray Zimmerman formed the Lewis & Zimmerman Circus. Not long afterward, Paul purchased Zimmerman's share and renamed the show Lewis Bros. Zimmerman remained with the show as an executive employee. Lewis Bros. played the midwest and east until Paul died in 1953. After his death, the show was sold to Jack and Jake Mills for their Mills Bros. Circus. Paul Lewis' wife, Mae, and daughter, Evelyn were versatile performers on his circus. Circus Report, October 7, 1974, p. 7. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
William Lewis died in Brewster, N.Y. recently. He began his circus career with Frost's Show more than half a century ago, and later joined the Van Amburg Circus as driver of twenty-four horses drawing the band chariot. He was afterwards with Howe's Great London Shows. Since his retirement from the circus business a number of years ago, Mr. Lewis had been employed in and near Brewster. He was 84 years old. Billboard, April 27, 1918, p. 28. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Edward Lichtle, known as Ed Raymond, was a clown who toured with a number of shows, including Ringling Bros., Cole Bros. and Polack Bros. He stared in show business at age 20 and retired in 1954 after he became partly blind when children threw peanut shells into his eyes. Died in April 1973, age 79. Circus Report, April 23, 1973, p. 3. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Elvira Liazeed came to the United States with her four sisters as the Granada Sisters, going with Ringling Bros. in 1906. Later Elvira and her husband Hadji had an Arabian troupe. Elivra died circa 1980, age 92. Circus Report, November 15, 1982, p. 8. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Hercules Libby, equestrian manager, ringmaster and cannon ball performer, and Katie Ferguson, rider, banjoist, and song-and-dance artist, can be engaged. Address Stanton street or Revere House, N.Y. [Advertisement] New York Clipper, March 10, 1877, p. 395. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Wm. Lightfoot, clown, John H. Sparks Shows, 1909. Gettysburg (PA) Times, June 21, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources
"Peru, Ind., Nov. 15. - Fred Ledgett, about 60, former well known local resident and equestrian director and bareback rider with the Sells-Floto and Wallace circuses for many years, died at his home, 811 Kishwaukie street, Rockford, Ill, at 3 o'clock Sunday afternoon after a seven months' illness of a throat ailment. Mr. Ledgett had made his home in Peru for about 44 years, going to Rockford last winter.Mr. Ledgett was born in Kenosha, Wis. Survivors are the widow, Mrs. Irene Ledgett, two daughters, Margaret (Ledgett) of Chicago and Ann (Ledgett) of Monticello, Ill., and three brothers, residing in Rockford. The deceased held a life membership in the Elks lodge in Decatur, Ill, and was a member of the Shrine in Rockford. Funeral services were conducted Tuesday afternoon in Rockford, but the time was not set. Burial was in the Rockford cemetery."(6) Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
2. Daily Review (Decatur, IL), January 6, 1905; Cedar Rapids (IA) Evening Gazette, February 21, 1905.
3. Middletown (NY) Daily Times-Press, May 2, 1906; Racine (WI) Daily Journal, July 9, 1907.
4. Ogden (UT) Standard, June 21, 1909; Fort Wayne (IN) News, September 6, 1915.
5. Manitoba Free Press (Winnipeg, Canada), June 28, 1918; Janesville (WI) Daily Gazette, July 12, 1919.
6. Fulton County Indiana Obituaries 1938, News-Sentinel, www.fulco.lib.in.us/Tombaugh/Obituaries/Html/1938.htm; Logansport (IN) Pharos-Tribune, November 15, 1938.
". . . Donley Glasscock and his wife and two children and Annie and Marie Scott. They are all circus performers. Donley Glasscock and his wife are known professionally as "The Two Leons," tight wire performers. Mrs. Glasscock, Mrs. Scott and Mrs. Dan Leon are sisters. . . . The patriarch of the family is Dan Leon, who, when a child, was apprenticed to a circus rider, who used him in a "carrying act," holding the little fellow aloft on the palm of his hand while he posed upon the back of a galloping horse. Dan, always good natured and hopeful, is unusually radiant now with his family around him. He laughs as he tells of how two rival circus managers tried to "contract" for his services at the end of his apprenticeship, and of how one enticed him away from the other. . . . Donley Glasscock's father was one of the old-time circus owners, who took his wife with him on his tours, and Donley was born down south in a wagon of his father's circus, the Anglo-American show. And his child, Marguerite, was born two years ago in a circus wagon. His son, 4 years old, was born in a hotel while the show was traveling. This boy is named Leon Donley Leon."(3)
1900 census, Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio, Ringling Bros. Circus: Daniel Leon, age 29, born August 1870, born Iowa, father born IA, mother born Canada; Jessie Leon, age 25, born January 1875, born Maine, parents born NY, both listed as single. 1910 census Kansas City, Jackson County, Missouri: Daniel Leon, son-in-law (of Margerett Salsberg), age 47, married at age 20, born Ireland, parents born Ireland, circus trainer; Jessie Leon, daughter (of Margerett Salsberg, age 70), age 35, married at age 20, born Missouri, father born Germany (yiddish), mother born Missouri, circus rider. 1920 census Blue Township, Jackson County, Missouri: John B. and Anna Scott household. Margorette Salsbury, mother-in-law, age 77, widow, born Missouri; Jessie Leon, sister-in-law, age 45, widow, born Missouri, father Jewish, mother born Missouri, show actress. All information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Although not listed a being a member of the Adam Forepaugh shows, we have a program from 1893 that shows that Dan Leon was employed by the show in 1893 as a trainer of monkeys and baboons as well as an equestrian. Source: Official Program of the Adam Forepaugh Shows. Indianapolis, May 15, 1893. Leon, Dan (trainer, monkeys, baboons, equestrian). The program is included in our William W. Dunkle Theatre and Circus collection of articles, programs and photographs v. 3, 1892 - 1893. Katherine Ward, Saint Mary's College, College Archives, 114 Cushwa-Leighton Library, Notre Dame IN 46556.
2. Adams County Free Press (Corning, IA), May 13 & 17, 1911.
3. Kansas City Star, September 12, 1909. Reprinted in Circus Scrap Book, No. 5 (Jan), 1930, pp. 16-25.
Fred Leonard was born in Wichita, Kansas, on October 1, 1899. His parents were Frank and Pauline Leonard, and the former was horse trainer for Sells-Floto Circus, 101 Ranch Wild West Show, E. H. Jones' circus enterprises, Russell Bros. Circus, and at the time of his death was employed as a trainer for multimillionaire Lew Wentz, Republican leader and horse fancier of Ponca City, Oklahoma. Fred entered show business as a horse and pony trainer for the Ishmann show of Kansas City, and several seasons, he was with the E. H. Jones two-car circuses bearing various titles, thus following in the footsteps of his father. He spent some time as superintendent of service at the Lessen hotel in his home town. He returned to the circus business in 1930 as an animal trainer for Cole and Rogers Circus.
Bette De Clow was born in Corry, Pa., April 2, 1901, the daughter of Frank and Lenora De Clow. Her father died when she was three weeks old, and she was raised in the home of her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. G. K. Carl. Mr. Carl raised ponies as a hobby, had a few race horses and some hunters. When he died in 1917, Mrs. Carl disposed of the animals, and several went to Cooper Brothers Circus, owned by Jones. It was with this show that Bette made her debut, performing in a posing act with a pure white horse, riding high school horses, and singing in the concert. The following year, she was with the Christy Brothers Circus, owned and operated by George W. Christy of Houston, Texas, and in 1920, she was with Campbell Brothers Circus. She was married to Bobby Zenero in Parker, S. D. that year, and he taught her to be an aerialist. With a double trapeze act, they appeared at fairs and in vaudeville on the Keith-Albee and Pantages circuits for three years. In 1924, Floyd and Howard King signed the Zeneros for their Harris Brothers circus, where they did double trapeze and perch balancing, and Mrs. Zenero was a single trapeze and ladder performer. In 1925, with the Walter L. Main Circus, Mrs. Zenero did her other acts, sang in the opening spectacle and worked elephants. The following season, with Gentry Brothers circus, she added bareback riding to her host of talents. In 1928 they were with Cole and Rogers Circus again, and in 1929 with Gentry Brothers once more.
The following year, their marriage ended, and Mrs. Zenero went to Manchester, N. H., to be employed at the Bedford zoo, which had purchased the Cole and Rogers show equipment. Mr. Leonard also went to the zoo, and the couple were married October 28,1931 at Boston, Mass. They were employed at the zoo training animals for a year and a half until the animals were sold to John T. Benson, owner of Benson Wild Animal Farm at Nashua, N. .H. The Leonards went along and remained at the Benson farm as trainers until 1934. That year, they returned to the circus with Barnett Brothers show owned by the late Ray Rogers, York, S. C. At the end of the season, Mr. Leonard was employed by Phil Isley, Tulsa, Oklahoma, theatre operator and father of motion picture actress, Jennifer Jones. Mr. Isley was preparing to launch Bailey Brothers Circus, and Mr. Leonard trained horses and ponies for the show. It was while at the Bailey Brothers quarters that Mrs. Leonard suffered a severe accident and was badly burned, and it was her injuries that finally led to the couple's retirement some three years later.
When Bailey Brothers Circus went on the road in 1936, Mr. Leonard was equestrian director and presented performing animals. The show was sold to Harley Sadler, Texas tent repertoire showman, and the Leonards moved to Seils-Sterling Circus for the 1937 season. At the close of the season, the Leonards went to Dallas, Texas, where they trained a horse act for Jimmy Hamiter's circus unit, and Mrs. Leonard made her final circus appearance in the spring of 1938 at the St. Louis Police circus, when the couple took the Hamiter animals to perform in that show. Mrs. Leonard worked an elephant act and rode a manege horse in the show. The following year, Mr. Leonard took over the direction of the Black Horse troupe, owned by Mrs. Edna Curtis, playing fairs in California, Texas and other states. They returned to Wichita to spend the winter, and they have been there ever since - 13 years. On arrival in his home town Mr. Leonard entered the employ of Col. A. E. Howse as trainer of his stable of blooded stallions and also trained a liberty horse act for Dr. E. L. Cooper, Wichita horse fancier.
It was while recovering from her accident injuries, that Mrs. Leonard decided to collect mementoes of circuses, and she has, in the years that have passed, built up a large collection of programs, route books, heralds, couriers and other items. Because of her interest in collecting, she joined the Circus Historical Society, and five years ago she was elected president of the group, serving in that capacity ever since. Mrs. Leonard is active, however, in a number of other organizations. She is a member of Ivy Leaf chapter No. 75, Order of Eastern Star in Wichita, and being interested in politics, is committeewoman for the fifth ward. She also writes news items of circus people and activities in the Wichita area for The Billboard, the theatrical magazine.
"I have never lost touch with my friends of the circus," says Mrs. Leonard. "It is a joy to me to entertain them in my home, to have them call me when they are passing through our city, and to visit all of the shows that come anywhere near us." The late John Benson, once said of Mrs. Leonard, "She doesn't know everything, but she does know everybody." Mr. Leonard is also interested in fraternal affairs, as a member of Sunflower lodge No. 86, A. F. & A. M., the Wichita Consistory, and Midian Shrine temple. He is an accredited judge and announcer for horse shows, and has been ringmaster of the annual horse show in Wichita for the past four years.
The Leonards typify the clever people who have performed through the years with the smaller shows, as well as the large ones, because of the great number of acts they have been capable of doing. Mr. Leonard knows the running of a circus performance in addition to working liberty and manege horses, pony drills and other domestic animal acts. Mrs. Leonard has been a clever performer as an aerialist, bareback rider, high school horse trainer, and elephant worker. Because of their wide range of activity in the circus world during their two decades of activity in that field, their acquaintanceship in the circus world is quite extensive. Furthermore, in their present capacities, they meet and renew acquaintances with hundreds or circus people annually in Wichita and over the country where they visit shows. - A. Morton Smith, "Circus Stars of Yesteryears, XI. Fred and Bette Leonard" Hobbies, June 1951, pp. 26-27. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Charles Leondor, of whom the accompanying cut is a very good likeness, and represents him in athletic “make-up,” is the under-stander for the Leondor Brother’s Statue Brother Act, and a performer of rare and skillful acquirements. His expert work, in conjunction with William Leondor, show him as part producer of an act which, for its beauty and gracefulness, can be said to stand without an equal in the field of acrobatic work. Offical Route Book of Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Railroad Shows, Season of 1893, Buffalo, NY: Courier Co., 1893. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
William Leondor is the top-mounter of the Leondor Brothers’ acrobatic act. He is a native of Portland, Ore., and, together with Charles Leondor, has worked a great many engagements with high-class combinations prior to his advent into the circus ring. He is the happy possessor of many pleasing personal characteristics that make him a favorite among his fellow performers. 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).
C. K. Leslie [musician], alto, began his professional career in 1890, since which time he has filled several prominent engagements. His home is at Marshall, Ills. Ringling Bros. 1893. Offical Route Book of Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Railroad Shows, Season of 1893, Buffalo, NY: Courier Co., 1893. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Joseph Lewis occupies a position among contortionists that entitles him to the highest words of praise for his wonderful abilities. He is a native of Montreal, Canada, and commenced his professional life when a mere boy as a ground contortionist. His wonderful inventive powers and remarkable bending were later brought into play in the production of the greatest act of its kind ever done. It consists of an indescribably clever and startling display of bending, hand-walking, and leaping on a very high stairway. One of the most remarkable features of his act on Ringling Bros. is that during his entire performance hardly a minute elapses that does not find him going through his wonderful work while on his hands. 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).
Note: He was head of 20 clown troop for Robinson’s Famous Circus. He travelled across the country with them, as Billy Lightfoot in 194 and 1915, and possible longer. See links below - Jason
Mexico Missouri message, August 05, 1915 chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn89067273/1915-08-05/ed-1/seq-4
Vermont phœnix. (Brattleboro, Vt.), 14 Aug. 1914. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress. chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn98060050/1914-08-14/ed-1/seq-5
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Major Gordon W. Lillie opened his Pawnee Bill Refinery at Yale, Ok., May 18, with flags flying, bands playing and a buffalo barbecue. A cosmopolitan crowd, millionaire oil refiners and oil producers touched elbows with the brokers, driller, ranchmen, farmers, etc. The plant looks like a winner, with a capacity of 2,000 barrels per day. Billboard, June 1, 1918, p. 26. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
There will be no Lind Trio this year. Gus Lind came in the draft, and places in Class 1. Art Lind may be seen under the white tops doing his two singles, ladder and barrel. The brothers are resting at Fairbury, Neb. Billboard, March 16, 1918, p. 30. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Orval F. Lindemann was a member of the Lindemann family, the son of Peter and Louise Lindemann. He joined the family circus at age 15, an acrobat and trapeze performer. Was known for his triple somersault over a horse and elephant from a teeterboard. When the family circus folded in 1938, he left the business. Died June 17, 1978 at Sheboygan, Wisconsin, age 69. Circus Report, July 3, 1978, p. 7. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Verna L. Lindemann (Verna Wallace) was an aerialist with Seils-Sterling Circus until 1938. She married Orval Lindemann in 1928 and performed in the Lindemman family's circus. Born in 1910, died May 18, 1983 at Sheboygan, Wisconsin, age 73. Circus Report, June 13, 1983, p. 11. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Mary Sole Lindsay, trapeze performer, was grand-daughter of the founder of Australia's Sole's Circus. In about 1925 she took over the operation of the circus. She retired when she was 70, turning the circus over to her daughter, Jean. In 1973 she became active in the family's animal farm. Died April 17, 1975 at age 80. Circus Report, September 8, 1975, p. 2. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
H. W. Link, circus agent, looking for position, 1900. Resided New York City. Billboard, June 9, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Jerry Lipko was known for is Lipko Comedy Chimp act that was with a number of circuses and stage shows. He also had ice and roller skating shimp acts. Died May 14, 1988 at New York City. Circus Report, May 30, 1988, p. 8. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Frank Littlefield, book-keeper with Hagenbeck-Wallace in 1919, worked for Miller Bros., Sells-Floto, Sparks, King Bros., Walter L. Main and Christy Bros. circuses. His uncles were George and David Viator, the La Barr Bros., contortionists with the Great Eastern Shows as early as 1894. Died on June 1, 1980 at Gloucester, Massachusetts, age 79. Circus Report, June 23, 1980, p. 2. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Litzen. Herr Litzen's elephants, Great Floto Shows, 1904. Oakland (CA) Tribune, April 30, 1904. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Lloyd. Aerial Lloyds, Flying Lloyds, high trapeze, bar act, four in number; Lloyd children, double trapeze, Frank A. Robbins, 1907. Bessie Lloyd, flying rings, trapeze, Frank A. Robbins, 1907. Aerial Lloyds, casting act, William Lukens was head of the act, Lloyds were six in number, only four in casting act, other two are children, Frank A. Robbins, 1907. Portsmouth (NH) Herald, June 6, 1907; Bandwagon, Nov-Dec, 2001, pp. 33, 34, 42; Bandwagon, Jul-Aug, 2001, p. 37; Bandwagon, Sep-Oct, 2001, pp. 30, 35. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Prof. Locke's trained Arabian stallions, 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).
George Lockhart, ringmaster with British circuses from 1914 to 1945. Died October 8, 1980 in England, age 96. 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).
George C. Lockhart. This well-known elephant trainer was accidently crushed to death by one of his elephants at Walthamstow, a station near Longon, England, on the morning of January 24, 1904, while superintending the unloading of the animals from a train. It is understood that the beast became frightened and pressed against Mr. Lockhard, crushing him to death. George Lockhart was regarded as one of the greatest animal trainers in the world, and his act created quite an impression, both in Europe and America. His family had been in the circus business for many years and he naturally drifted into it, too, making a reputation for himself abroad as a wonderful handler of elephants. With three elephants, Mr. Lockhart made his first appearance in America, at Proctor's Palace on September 2, 1895, remaining in this country about two years, during which time he played leading vaudeville houses. Returning to Europe he retired for a time, but again exhibited his trio of elephants on the Continent in 1902, and remained in active business up to the time of this death. Circus Scrap Book, January 1929, Vol. 1, No. 1, p. 29. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
George R. Lockwood, old time clown, eighty-nine years of age, died last week in St. John's Hospital, Anderson, Ind. He was once a leading clown of the Van Amburg Circus, years ago, when the show traveled by wagon. After retiring from circus life he took up the hotel business and settled in 1881 at Anderson, Ind., where he conducted a hotel until ten years ago. For two years he had been a patient at St. John's Hospital, the above city. His wife died two years ago and was buried at Eaton, O. He is survived by four children. The funeral took place at the home of his son, Grant Lockwood, in Anderson, Nov. 10, with burial at Eaton, O. New York Clipper, November 19, 1910, p. 1004. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
James F. Loftus. St. Paul, Minn., July 27. Funeral services for James F. Loftus, known to circus folk as "Whitie," for many years connected with Hagenbeck-Wallace, Ringling Bros. and other circuses, were held here yesterday. In addition to the widow, Mr. Loftus is survived by his father and two brothers. Billboard, August 3, 1918, p. 54. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
R. L. Lohmer will again be one of the officials in advance on the Ringling interests. Billboard, March 16, 1918, p. 30. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Lola
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.
Tony Pastor's Theatre, Feb. 26. Lola performed a series of difficult feats on the high trapeze. Jennie Denzer, petite in size, won favor by her singing and dashing style. New York Clipper, March 10, 1877, p. 398.
Lola, trapezist, and Jennie Denzer, serio-comic, are to join J. W. Mack's Olympiad Company in Nashville, Tenn., April 16. New York Clipper, April 14, 1877, p. 23.
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Lone Wolf. Lewiston, Me., Nov. 15. Lone Wolf, Wild West rider and performer, formerly with the 101 Ranch, Buffalo Bill, Young Buffalo, Sparks and other shows, died November 7 from burns when his clothing caught fire while sleeping on a couch at his home from a lighted cigarette which he held in his hand. Mr. Wolf was of a Pawnee tribe of Indians and was educated at Carlisle. He possessed artistic ability and several of his paintings were exhibited at the State Fair. He is survived by a widow, Caroline Lone Wolf, and a four-year old daughter, who will reside at Auburn, Me., Mrs. Wolf's former home. Billboard, November 23, 1918, p. 26. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Fremont Long ("Mont" Long), circus musician, died in March at Columbus, O. Long was connected with circuses for many years and formed and directed bands for the Sells Brothers, Wallace, and Walter L. Main. After leaving circus life, he became city marshal of his home town, Circleville, O. A widower, he is survived by three daughters and three brothers. Billboard, April 13, 1918, p. 66. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Sam Long
To circus managers. Sam Long, the clown and comic singer, is at liberty to engage for the coming season. Address North Eleventh street, Philadelphia. [Advertisement] New York Clipper, January 13, 1877, p. 331.
Sam Long, veteran clown, has opened a restaurant at the corner of Second and Gaskill streets, Philadelphia. New York Clipper, April 21, 1877, p. 31.
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Walter Long worked in the ticket wagon, was an advance agent, purchasing agent and other positions with the Hunt Bros. Circus. He joined the show in 1948 and remained with it until it went off the road in the 1960s. Died in October 1985 at the Hunt farm, buried in the Hunt plot at Florence, New Jersey. Circus Report, October 13, 1986, p. 4. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Frank Longbotham, who has been in the circus business for the past eighteen years, died at New Orleans, La., December 9, 1918, following an operation. He was born at Chester, Pa., and was about 45 years of age. His first venture in the show world was with Tom Hargreaves's Circus, which was organized at Chester. He went with the show as treasurer. He remained with them several years, then he and George Hall organized a show in Chicago and played the lots there for a couple of seasons, then worked South. He then joined the Pubillones Circus and remained with them about ten years, leaving to join Santos & Artigas the past season. The body was shipped to his home at Chester, Pa., for interment. He is survived by a father, Judge Longbotham of Chester, Pa., and one brother. Billboard, December 21, 1918, p. 38. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Loos & Loos, acrobats, last year with the John Robinson Show, will again be with that organization. Billboard, March 30, 1918, p. 31. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
C. Joyce Loraditch was raised in show business. Her step-father was Capt. Eddy Kuhn, wild animal trainer. She was an aerialist and contortionist with Capt. Eddy's Wild Animal Circus, Ben Davenport, Gil Gery, Miller Bros., Kelly-Miller, Hagen Bros., Clyde Bros., Hamid-Morton and Ringling-Barnum. When she was with Ringling-Barnum she did a flying act and was crowned Miss Ringling in 1956. She married Dieter Krakow (Tasso) in 1960 and toured South American and Europe with Ringling and European circuses. Shw was on Aut Swenson's Thrill Shows, Ice Capades and did a single trapeze act with Harlem Globetrotters and grandstand shows. In 1966 she was co-owner of K&K Shows carnival. She was divorced in 1967 and married Gary Loraditch with whom she toured as independent operators on Royal United Shows (John Dorland), K&K Shows (Eddy Kuhn), Bob Hammond Shows, Murphy Bros., Bill Collins, Blue Grass, Century 21, Matt Armstrong, World of Pleasure, Ray Commack, Gene Hammond, Alamo Attractions and Pride of Texas. Joyce and Gary owned American United Shows in 1975, Mid American Midways in 1976-77. They had a joint venture with Davisio Cristiani in 1978, opening the Exotic Animal Circus in 1985. Joyce became ill and Gary finished the 1985 season with Roller Bros. Circus. Joyce died January 17, 1986 at Herdin, Missouri, age 46. Circus Report, February 17, 1986, p. 11. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Loring Troupe, aerialists, 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).
Marie Loter, aerialist, sideshow performer and organist. Was a musician with Globe Bros. Circus in 1944. Retired after 77 years in show business. Circus Report, March 27, 1978, p. 15. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Louvre Troupe, Sells-Floto, 1911. Oakland (Ca) Tribune, May 1, 1911. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Flying Lovetta Twins (Loretta?), Sells-Floto, 1909. Yuma (AZ) Examiner, April 16 & 17, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Abelardo Lowande, the Brazilian somersault rider, can be engaged with horse for the season of 1877. Address Frankford, Pa. [Advertisement] New York Clipper, January 6, 1877, p. 323. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Martinho Lowande, Brazilian champion bareback carrying act rider, also four horse rider can be engaged for the season of 1877, with the horses appropriate for his acts. Address, Frankford, Philadelphia, Pa. [Advertisment] New York Clipper, January 6, 1877, p. 328. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Willie Lowande is out of the circus game and is now in the automobile trucking business in Frankford, Pa., his old home. Billboard, March 30, 1918, p. 31. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Ermide Cristiani Loyal came to Florida in 1939 as a member of the Cristiani Troupe and later with the Loyal-Repensky Riding Troupe. She married Giustino Loyal. Died April 4, 1987 at Sarasota, Florida, age 63. Circus Report, April 27, 1987, p. 15. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Stella Giuseppina Loyal was a member of the Loyal-Repensky riding act. Born in France, she married Julio Loyal in 1904 while with her family's circus in Italy. Their seven children all worked in the act. They came to the United States in 1932 and joined Ringling-Barnum, touring with that show for 14 years. Also with Sells-Floto, Barnes, Wallace Bros., Cole Bros., Hamid, Polack circuses. Formed their own show, Gran Circo Americano, for a tour of South America, folding the show in the United States in 1953 as the Royal Repensky Circus. Died November 19, 1975 at Sarasota, Florida, age 89. Circus Report, December 1, 1975, p. 2. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Antonio Lozano, famous French clown of the Nouveau Cirque, Paris, died of pneumonia in that city recently. Billboard, February 15, 1919, p. 74. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Lucifers have signed for the season with the Barnum & Bailey Circus. They have just returned from a tour of the Phillpines and China. New York Clipper, March 17, 1906, p. 114. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Ethel Luckey was a musician at Circus World Museum at Baraboo, Wisconin for 20 years. She played the steam calliope, air calliope, una-fon and shaker chimes. She also played the organ for the museum's circus performances. Her husband was Paul Luckey, ringmaster at Circus World Museum. Died June 20, 1983 at Baraboo, age 72. Circus Report, July 4, 1983, p. 29. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
E. F. Ludlow. "M. W. Organ, C. H. S. member from Wilmington, Ohio, reports that E. F. Ludlow (Fox) died in Florida and was buried in Urbana, Ohio, June 18, 1957. He was in show business, first with Great Cosmopolitan Shows (carnival), Tuby Snyder, and then to Robinson Famous Shows United Circus, (Little Danny Robinson) for two years. He then went to Barnum and Bailey and stayed until the First World War. He worked in the Press Dept. for Tex Richard. Mr. Organ and Ludlow were boys together in Urbana, Ohio . . ." Bandwagon, Vol. 1, No. 3 (Aug), 1957, p. 4. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Fairfax Ludlow ("Fax"), last season clown with Barnum & Bailey Circus, and Mildred Illingworth, sister to Captain and Mrs. Lewis Frederick Wheatley, were married at Meriden, Conn., May 16. "Fax" is off the road this season, working in an ammunition plant in New England. Billboard, June 8, 1918, pp. 24, 44. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Joseph A. Lugar. In 1908 Lugar's was a sixty car circus: "Mr. Joseph A. Lugar, of Eaton, O., representing the Lugar Brothers' Sixty Car circus, has been in Nelsonville several days on business. This circus will show here some time in July. Messenger and Herald (Athens, OH), March 5, 1908. His show was bankrupt by July 1909: "Joseph A. Lugar, a showman of Eaton, Ohio, yesterday filed in the District Court a voluntary petition in bankruptcy. He owes circus performers and other employees, $447.55. His total indeptedness is given at $4,574.15. His assets, consisting mainly of horses and mules, are given at $3,000. . . . bond fixed at $7,000. The property is at present in charge of a Constable of Milford, Ohio, on attachment proceedings. Hamilton (OH) Telegraph, July 8, 1909. Despite this failure, Lugar was still planning to take out a show: "Lugar to Try Again. Not Discouraged by Failure of His Many Shows. Cincinnati, Nov. 26 [6?] Jos. A. Lugar, of Eaton, who three times launched into the circus business, announces that in 1911, he will again take the road with an amusement enterprise. Lugar's three experiences on the road were not very successful. Two seasons he was compelled to quit and the last time made an assignment, paying about twenty cents on the dollar. Hamilton (OH) Telegraph, December 2, 1909.
Joseph Alexander Lugar stated he was born on February 4, 1873 in his 1919 passport application and WWI draft record. He was described as a commercial traveler, living in Eaton, Ohio from 1900 to 1920 in censuses. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
William Lukens, see Lloyd.
Charles Lumkin, leaper, Howe's Great London, 1911. Daily Independent (Monessen, PA) April 26, 1911; Charleroi (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).
George Luproil (D. A. Forbes) ". . . of the aerial team of George and Pauline Luproil (his wife), while doing his act July 7 [1888], with Dore & Reddick's Circus, accidentally fell and broke his neck. The show was stopped, and the unlucky performer was carried out of the ring dead. His body was interred, July 11, in Oakwoods Cemetery, Chicago, Ill. He was born in New Orleans, La., Feb. 4, 1849. About five years ago he began his professional life at San Francisco, Cal., and during his brief career he had traveled all over the country. . . ." New York Clipper, July 21, 1888. "Badger's Central Park, Oakland - Variety Entertainment, August 20th, 1876. Master Charles Luproil, in his aerial flights; Lulu, The Little Pet, in her Selection of Gems; George Luproil, Excelsior Gymnast and Trick Clown." Daily Evening Times (Oakland, CA), August 17, 1876. In 1887 George and Paulina Luprloil, star bareback riders of Lockwood & Flynn's circus, got out an attachment, saying that the management was in arrears for their salaries. The attachment was for the circus paraphernalia, owned in part by a man named Mayo. Chicago Inter Ocean, May 23, 1887.
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Luproill Brothers, James, Byard, Edward and Albert, in their club swinging, trapeze, gymnastic and acrobatic specialties, can be secured for the season of 1877 by addressing care of the Clipper office. New York Clipper, January 6, 1877, p. 327.
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Ben Lusbie, the well-known circus treasurer, known to fame as "The Lightning Ticket-seller," died at Columbus, O., July 8, at the residence of his brother-in-law, James Simpson . Mr. Lusbie was born in New York Oct. 16, 1839. His original vocation was that of a telegrapher, and he was for a time in that capacity in the service of the Erie R. R. He first sold tickets, we are informed on good authority, at the old Burton's Theatre, in this city. In 1861 he was employed at Barnum's old Museum, and for many years the was the ticket-seller there. It was there that he acquired his maravelous rapidity as a ticket-seller, which secured him a reputation in and out of the profession as the quickest dispenser of show tickets in the world. In 1870 he joined the circus and menagerie of Dan Gardner and John Forepaugh, where he attracted the attention of Adam Forepaugh, by whom he was employed the succeeding season. In 1872-73 he traveled with the Barnum Shows under the W. C. Coup regime, and was one of the leading attractions of the show. In 1874 he rejoined Adam Forepaugh, and remained continuously in his employ until 1882, when he entered the service of Myers & Shorb. The season of 1883 he returned again to Forepaugh. The end of the season of 1883 found Mr. Lusbie in feeble health, and he passed the Winter in Philadelphia, strong in the hope that in the coming Spring he might again be able to "follow the red wagons." His pluck in withstanding the ravages of disease that were sapping his vitality failed to overcome the dread messenger that was beckoning him away. When the Forepaugh Show opened in Philadelphia last Spring he made a heroic effort to rally - attempted to make himself useful about the show, until he was kindly told to "take a rest for a while and then come on later in the season." When the show moved on its Summer tour poor Ben failed rapidly, and he sought the attention of loving relatives and ended his days surrounded by those near and dear. It was very easy for him to sell more tickets than two men could take. His capacity for work was prodigious. For years he was the treasurer and book keeper of the Forepaugh Show, and he "laid out the people" and performed manifold duties that usually require the services of several people. Diminutive in stature and light in figure, Ben "weighed a ton" in nerve and courage. His vocabulary was copious, and his temper irascible. His charity extended to his last cent. During his fatal illness he was not forgotten by his associates of the Peek-a-Boo Club, a social organization of the Forepaugh Show. His wife [Harriet, from census] and a son who bears his name survive him. The remains were forwarded to Newark, O., for interment. New York Clipper, July 19, 1884. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Whitie Lykins signed as boss hostler with the Sparks Circus. He was with the La Tena Circus last year. 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).
D. F. Lynch, advance, Sells-Floto. Portsmouth (OH) Times, August 14, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Dan Lynch (also Denny Lynch), contracting agent, Wallace Bros. Big Shows, 1900. May be D. F. Lynch above. Billboard, May 1, 1900; Billboard, August 25, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Dennis F. Lynch, veteran showman, for years connected with the larger circuses as agent and contractor, died January 30 at his home in Cincinnati. For the past several years he had been with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Shows, and previously with the Barnum & Bailey and John Robinson circuses. A number of years ago he was business manager of the Cincinnati Zoological Gardens. His widow and a sister survive. Billboard, February 8, 1919, p. 28. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Tom Lynch
Tom Lynch will again be boss hostler with the Barnum & Bailey Show, his forty-second year with this circus. He has practically been in the same capacity since 1885. Billboard, April 6, 1918, p. 30.
Tom Lynch, superintendent of baggage stock, was born in Canada, March 4, 1856. In 1873 he joined out on horses with the Dan Rice Circus. The next year he worked under "Delavan" Alexander on the Barnum's World's Fair Show. In 1875 he had a team with Geo. Rushenbugh of the Melville, Maginley & Cooke. He was with Howes' Grat London, 1876-78, then 1879-80 with Cooper & Bailey. Next next year he was with the Barnum, Bailey & Hutchinson, remaining four years, when he was promoted to first assistant in 1885, holding this position until 1900. He was then made superintendent while the Barnum & Bailey show was in Europe. When the consolidation acme in 1919, he held the same position for Ringling Bros.-Barnum & Bailey until he was placed on a pension and retired following the season of 1934. He lived at his home in Bridgeport, Connecticut until his death May 5, 1938. White Tops, Aug-Sep, 1944, p. 6. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
M
Mack MacDonald was an elephant trainer who joined the Ringling show and later worked on other circuses. In 1947 he and his wife Peggy trained and worked an elephant act for the Big Bob Stevens Circus. In 1949 they worked the Tom Packs elephants and were with that circus for several seasons. They then went to Thousand Oaks, California to train the new "Besi-Lou" elephants for Polack Bros. Circus. They opened with Polack in 1953. In semi-retirement they had one or two elephants in training at their ring barn in San Antonio and continued to work an occasional date. Mack was born in 1900 and died September 22, 1983 at Boulder, Colorado. Circus Report, October 10, 1983, p. 14. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
T. F. Mack, a performer and manager, died Dec. 12, [1901] at Hot Springs, Ark. The deceased was a well known member of the profession, beginning his managerial career as a circus side show proprietor, in which branch he remained for many years. In 1884 he became a partner of Henry and Giles Pullman, in the Pullman & Mack Circus and Menagerie. When the dime museums were popular throughout the country Mr. Mack won recognition as Mack, the magician and fire king, and played all the leading museums from Atlantic to the Pacific. For the past five years he had been appearing in foreign countries. New York Clipper, December 28, 1901, p. 950. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.
Neil MacKenzie, formerly connected with the executive staff of Ringling Bros.' Circus, is in the Medical Corps, and sailed for France with a detachment from Fort Riley, Kan. Billboard, June 29, 1918, p. 25. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.
Ed Macletchy, formerly with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Show band, has retired from trouping, and has started an electric garage business in Cleveland, while his wife has a large room house. Billboard, March 16, 1918, p. 29. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.
Joe MacMillan, veteran assistant boss canvasman, who was associated with the late "Whitie" Oldknow for many years, and last season the latter's assistant with the John Robinson Circus, has been engaged by the Robinson Show for next season as boss canvasman. Mr. MacMillan is known in the circus world as Joe Ringling. See Joe Ringling. Billboard, December 7, 1918, p. 26.
Joe MacMillian, known in the show world as "Ringling," died at Cincinnati, O., January 28, of stomach trouble. he was born in Scotland about 56 years ago, coming to this country in his early youth. He has been connected with almost every circus organization in the country in the construction department. Last season he was with the John Robinson Circus as assistant boss canvasman. He was buried in Rashig Cemetery. Billboard, February 8, 1919, p. 66.
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C. J. Madison, "Slivers," elephant trainer, started at an early age with the Barnes show. Later he traveled with Ringling-Barnum, Polack Bros., Clyde Beatty. He worked for MGM Studios, Jungleland, Benson's Animal Farm and the Nugget Casino in Nevada. Died January 20, 1975 at Sacramento, California, age 67. Circus Report, February 3, 1975, p. 6. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Pink W. Madison, elephant trainer, handled elephants on almost every big show. With his wife, June, he had the MGM elephants for several years and worked them in several Tarzan films. He was with Polack Bros. for seven years and handled the elephants at Benson's Animal Farm for a number of years. He retired in 1973 and was employed by E. K. Fernandez Shows in charge of canvas repair. His twin brother, Slivers, was also an elephant trainer. Died February 1, 1978 at Honolulu, Hawaii in a car accident, age 65. Circus Report, February 20, 1978, p. 6. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Fred Madison, is one of the oldest in length of service of the people with the show. He began his first season’s engagement with Ringling Bros, in 1885, and with the exception of 1890 has been with the show ever since. Mr. Madison is, in addition to being a very funny Irish comedian in the after entertainment, one of the specially able corps of people who act in a business capacity around the show. He is equally competent to perform any of the numerous duties. Offical Route Book of Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Railroad Shows, Season of 1893, Buffalo, NY: Courier Co., 1893.
Ringling Bros.' Shows, Algona, Ia. . . . The concert is run by the Ringling brothers and managed by Fred Madison, who has been with the Ringlings for years, and the concert, under his direction, is one of the best. . . . New York Dramatic Mirror, August 8, 1896, p. 7.
Ringling Bros.' Shows, Perry, Ia., Aug. 2. . . . the concert got most of the big show audience, Fred Madison catching the audience with his Irish singing and dancing turn. . . . New York Dramatic Mirror, August 15, 1896, p. 7.
A dispatch from Kenosha says: This afternoon in the Kenosha county court, Fred Madison, well-known circus man, was adjudged insane and ordered committed to the state hospital at Winnebago. For the last ten years he has been connected with the Ringling Bros.' circus in the capacity of ticket seller. Janesville Daily Gazette (Janesville, WI), April 24, 1901, p. 5.
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Antonio Migasi family, See Antonio Family.
James Mahaney was a machinist and worked on Hunt Bros., Clyde Beatty, Herman's Royal Lipizzan Show and Royal Ranch Wild West. Died March 30, 1988 at Valdosta, Georgia, age 57. Circus Report, April 25, 1988, p. 20. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Charles J. Mahon started with the Atterbury Circus in the 1930s, joined the Butters tightwire act and toured with Downie, Beatty and Cole Bros. Died January 8, 1976 at Phoenix, Arizona, age 62. Circus Report, April 5, 1976, p. 2. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Walter L. Main, the well known showman, was born July 13, 1862, at Chatham, O., but shortly afterwards his parents took him to Trumbull, O., where his early life was spent. At the age of seventeen he began his professional career as property boy with the Quadruple Tented Combination. He worked in this capacity only a short while, when the management sent him ahead of the show as assistant to the general agent, to post bills, etc. Before the season was over he was acting in place of the general agent, who was taken ill. The following season young Main became advance agent for the Burdick & Allen Show under canvas. In 1881 Walter Main's father, William, and W. F. Sargent launched a wagon show on the road, with young Main as general agent. The show had a very successful season, and in the Fall the older Main purchased Sargent's interest, and the Spring of 1882 found Walter Main manager of his father's forty horse circus. The following Spring the show consolidated with M. M. Hilliard's Circus and Menagerie, which made it one of the largest shows of the kind on the road at that time. Young Main was contracting agent, under Geo. Costello. The latter resigned in the middle of the season, and young Main, then twenty-one years of age, became general agent. The show traveled by wagon, and had one hundred and twenty horses and mules, ten cages, and one large elephant. The show went West as far as Kansas. It was then known as Main & Co.'s Circus. He continued with the show until the closing of the season of 1884, when he returned home. In the Fall of 1885 Walter L. Main had a seven horse circus, using at 50ft. round top, and playing fairs. The following Summer he had a twenty-five horse wagon variety show, which he continued with success for two seasons. In 1888 he leased his first elephant from Adam Forepaugh and bought four cages at the Sells Barrett sale, the latter being filled with animals also leased from Mr. Forepaugh. He continued to increase his wagon show. In the Spring of 1891, when he sold his outfit and started the Walter L. Main New Railroad Shows, using twelve cars for transportation. In 1892 he carried two elephants, had two rings and a concert stage for the first time, and required eighteen cars for transportation. For 1893 one car was added, the size of the tents increased, and the quality of the show improved. On Decoration Day of that year the show was wrecked while en route to Tyrone, Pa., and with the exception of the advance cars, sleeping cars and three or four horses, everything was lost. It was probably the biggest loss ever sustained in a railroad wreck by any kind of a show. There were seven people and over one hundred horses killed, and the animals which escaped to the woods were either shot or captured. Through this Mr. Main actually lost over $30,000. In spite of this disaster, Mr. Main again launched his show on the road at the end of eight days, but owing to the panic of '93, the season was disasterour, and the show closed at Conneaut, O., in October. The following year the show opened in the East, but finally went South and made money. The show wintered in Louisville,and W. E. Franklin and brother invested $15,000 in the show and also became general agents. They opened April 15, 1895, in Louisville, and two months later Mr. Main paid back to Mr. Franklin the money he had invested, but later on the show went into Texas and lost money. The season of 1896 was successful. For '97 the show was enlarged, and was again successful. He continued to increase the show until 1900. On Jan. 23-26 of that year he sold his circus out at auction and went to Europe. The Summer of 1902 again found the Walter L. Main Show on the road, and for the coming Summer Mr. Main promises to put out the largest and best show he has ever had. New York Clipper, May 10, 1902, p. 238. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Jerry Mainville, bareback rider and bar performer, Gollmar's, 1905. Has been with this show for several seasons. Home is at Escanaba, Michigan, lightweight boxer. Daily Northwestern (Oshkosh, WI), March 30, 1905. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Henry M. Majilton, the once well-known gymnast and impersonator of a monkey, and who lost the use of his limbs by an accident in Liverpool, England, some years ago, is still living in Philadelphia, and has met with an additional affliction in the death of his wife, Kate on March 27. She was buried March 30 in Ronaldson Cemetery, in that city. Mr. Majilton is fortunately in comfortable circumstances. New York Clipper, April 6, 1878, p. 15. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Major Atom. One of the brightest, if not the brightest, of little midgets is Major Atom, who is also one of the exhibitional features of the museum. The Major is a very entertaining little man, whose rare fund of anecdotes and stories furnish him with no end of material with which to keep the crowds of spectators who gather around his stage interested. He is related to a number of midgets and comes from a family several generations of which have produced remarkably small people. Among his many accomplishments he possesses remarkable abilities as a pinuckle player, and never fails to give his opponent plenty of opportunity for keeping busy. 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).
Arnold Maley was a partner of Floyd King with the King Bros. Circus. In later years he worked in the Beatty-Cole office. Died September 15, 1978 at Memphis, age 80. Circus Report, October 9, 1978, p. 9. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
W. E. Maloney, 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).
John Manko was a circus rigger who worked for Ringling-Barnum and the Wallenda act. He also worked as a prop man with Tom Packs, Al Dobritch and the Paul Kaye circus. Died August 29, 1973 at East St. Louis, Illinois. Circus Report, October 15, 1973, p. 7. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
J. T. Manley, press agent, Gollmar Bros., 1913. Oelwein (IA) Register, May 21, 1913. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
H. A. Mann, agent, John H. Spark's Shows, 1908; advance, John Robinson Shows, 1910. Titusville (PA) Morning Herald, July 4, 1908; Lima (OH) Daily News, April 25, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Bert Mansfield, owner of Mansfield's Dog and Pony Show, died suddenly May 17 at his home, Everett, Wash., as a result of leakage of the heart. He was born in Decorah, Ia., December 6, 1877, and began training dogs when a boy, joining hands with Robert C Fontinell. April 1, 1898, he married Jennie S. Busch, since which he has been running his own show in the Middle West and West. The body was buried in Everett, Wash. Besides a widow, he leaves two daughters, a father, a sister and two brothers. Billboard, June 1, 1918, p. 62. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Madam Marantette, equestrienne, is at her farm in Mendon, Mich. Although she is 73 years young, she is ready to compete against any horsewoman in high jumping and menage riding. She will be with Tex and Emily Stickney in one of the big parks the coming summer. Billboard, February 16, 1918, p. 39. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Chester Marcelous (Marceious?), balancer, 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).
Le Mareks, comedy flying act produced and trained by Ray Marek, made its debut on the Hamid-Morton Circus in 1979. David Pittenger was catcher, with Mitchell Weintraub, Scott Plunkett and Cheryl Toca Reed, flyers. Southern Sawdust, No. 99, May, 1979, p. 19.
• Also see Lar-Rays, above
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Edna Maretta, rider, Norris & Rowe, 1906-1908. Woodland (CA) Daily Democrat, April 5, 1906; Woodland (CA) Daily Democrat, April 5, 1907; Reno (NV) Evening Gazette, April 9, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Mlle. Marguerite, lion trainer, John Robinson's Ten Big Shows, 1911. Portsmouth (OH) Daily Times, May 2, 1911. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Marienella, gymnast, Howard Damon Australian Shows, 1909. Charleroi (PA) Mail, May 25, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Maritz Sisters, contortion, Wallace Shows, 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).
Jack S. Mark, known as "Benzine the Clown," was with Sells-Floto and other shows. Died August 11, 1983 at Burbank, California, age 83. Circus Report, September 5, 1983, p. 22. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Marks Family. Circus managers and proprietors. The undersigned, having just closed a season with the John Robinson's Great Show, now offers the services of the Marks Family for the season of 1877. The family is composed of the following artists: Miss Minnie, bareback equestrienne; Miss Sallie, principal pad rider; Master Willie, principal bareback, two or four ponies; Mr. Hirma Marks, clown or ringmaster. Address Hiram Marks, Vine street, Cincinnati, O. [Advertisement] New York Clipper, January 13, 1877, p. 331. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Frank Marlo, the well known bar performer, died Feb. 12, in the Campbell Hospital, Calcutta, India, from smallpox. The deceased, who was about thirty-two years of age, was born in the United States, and as a young man became an expert on the horizontal bar. He first came into prominence as a member of the team of Marlo and Dunham, who first appeared in this city [New York] season of 1893-94, at Koster & Bial's Music Hall. Their success was immediate and they soon became the leading team in their line in America. They played in the leading vaudeville houses throughout the country and also appeared abroad with like success. In 1896(?), the team separated, Mr. Marlo going abroad with Harry Van Auken as a partner. Later Marlo and Dunham were renuited, and with a third partner formed the Marlo-Dunham Trio, doing an aerial bar act. They again separated, and with another partner Mr. Marlo formed the team of Marlo and Marlo. Hen then took out a troupe, known as Marlo's Circus, playing South Africa, India and the Orient. About a year ago, with Richard ___, Mr. Marlo organized the American Globe Trotters, with the intention of touring the world. They went to South Africa, where they met with great success until the outbreak of the ___-Boer trouble, when they left for India. At one time Mr. Marlo was considered one of the most proficient and graceful bar performers before the public, in the Spring of ___, he married Virginia Aragon, a noted high wire performer. 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/these person(s).
Hugo Marquardt was a juggler and clown, touring with a number of circuses. Died March 5, 1983 at Palatka, Florida. Circus Report, March 15, 1983, p. 23A. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Gennaro Marranzini (Marraurini, Marranrini?), band leader, Frank A. Robbins, 1906-1907. Bandwagon, Sep-Oct, 2001, p. 30; Portsmouth (NH) Herald, June 6, 1907; Bandwagon, Nov-Dec, 2001, p. 34. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Marreta Sisters, performers, 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).
George Marsh, clown, see George Moats.
The Marsh-Melvin Trio, consisting of Roy Marsh, Rube Walters and Frank Levine, are in vaudeville. They will again be with the Sparks Circus. Billboard, February 16, 1918, p. 32. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Fred Marshall, bill poster, Sun Bros., 1894. New York Clipper, April 7, 1894, p. 71. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
John Marshall who, during seasons of 1887 to 1889, inclusive, was musical director with Ringling Bros. Concert Band, after which time he left to take charge of a noted Western concert band, finally rejoining this show in 1893. When not engaged his winters are spent in Portage, Wis. Offical Route Book of Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Railroad Shows, Season of 1893, Buffalo, NY: Courier Co., 1893. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Thomas Marshall, a slide trombonist of considerable note, entered upon his musical career in 1884 with the Alder & Crane circus. In connection with trombone he is a violinist of no little ability, and he has conducted several well-known orchestras. His home is Portsge, Wis. Ringling Bros. 1893. Offical Route Book of Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Railroad Shows, Season of 1893, Buffalo, NY: Courier Co., 1893. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Marsala, is the novel producer of the clever head-balancing act that has created such a furore among the Ringling Brothers’ patrons during the past season. Mr. Marsala is a very pleasant gentleman personally, and his pleasant and smiling countenance is always greeted with the good-natured fellowship of his many friends in the dressing-room. 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).
Martell Family. ". . . Martell family of bicycle riders. The family consists of father and mother Martell and the two little Martells. . . . ", Sells & Downs, 1903-1904; Sells & Downs, 1905: "The Martell family did the great bicycle-riding stunt. The Martells, three of them . . . bicycle riding . . . Martell family comprise five people, from the father down to the little five-year-old curly headed lass . . ."(1) Sells-Floto 1906: ". . . the Martell family is the best ever in the use of bicycles, and it is not altogether certain whether the father of the family is better on wheels than the six year old. . . ."(2) Ringling, 1908; Vaudeville, 1910; Sells-Floto, 1911.(3) May be the Harry Martell & family in 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. Ottumwa (IA) Daily Courier, May 26, 1903; Democratic Standard (Coshocton, OH), June 17, 1904; Newark (OH) Advocate, Augut 8, 1905.
2. San Antonio (TX) Daily Light, September 24 & 25, 1906; Advocate (Victoria, TX), September 29, 1906.
3. Evening Tribune (Marysville, OH), April 23, 1908; Indianapolis (IN) Star, November 27, 1910; Oakland (CA) Tribune, April 28 & 30, 1911.
Charlie Martin is now at Camp Upton, waiting to be called into the army. He was the "man with the iron voice," who sang with Barnum & Bailey Band for the past five years. Billboard, August 24, 1918, p. 62. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Homer Martin, circuit clerk of Pike County, Mo., an ex-circus trouper, died Friday, February 1, at his home in Bowling Green of heart failure. Mr. Martin was born in Pike County, Mo., about 59 years ago. He was a peanut boy on the first train that ran out of Louisiana, Mo. He afterwards accepted a position with the John Robinson Shows, and spent a great part of his life under the white tops as a ticket seller. His wife survives him. 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).
Mike Martin, dining tent, Ringling Bros., 1908 Decatur (IL) Daily Review, August 17, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Mike Martin, worked on Sells & Gray, King Bros., Clyde Beatty-Cole Bros., Hoxie Bros. and Clark & Walters. In 1979 he toured his own magic and variety revue. During his circus years Mike worked worked as sideshow manager, performance director, announcer, and illusionist. Southern Sawdust, No. 99, May, 1979, p. 30. Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
W. H. Martin and his little dog, Nibs, left the John Robinson Show at Keene, N.H., June 17, to report at his home at Zanesville, O., for army service. 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).
The Martinis, aerialists, announce their retirement from the big tops. They will make their home in Canton, Ohio, where they have spent the off season for many years. They were formerly with the Hagenbeck-Wallace and John Robinson circuses. Billboard, June 21, 1919, p. 82. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Archie Marvell, real name Marchione DiFatta, trapeze, member of the Three Marvells. 1941 Resided Plarstow, New Hampshire at age 80. Started in 1879, next with Stella Belle burlesque company. 1883 to 1891 with Adam Forepaugh circus. Later with Barnum & Bailey, Sells-Floto, Ringling brothers, Hagenbeck-Wallace, Buffalo. Left show business in 1910. Wife, Stell Bruckner, native of Austria. "Memories of Oldtime Circus Man," White Tops, Vol. 15, Nos. 1-2 (Dec-Jan), 1941, p. 11. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
My maiden name is Barbara Rose Bruckner and was the great niece of Stella Bruckner DiFatta, wife of Marchione DiFatta. They lived in New Hampshire and raised dogs during the off season. Stella's nephew, Edwin T Bruckner, lived with them for several years but claims that Marchione was using him like a slave, so he kept running away to Buffalo where another brother lived. Stella's real name was (Giussila, Gisela or Gisella). She had a beautiful opera voice and studied in WienWien.
On her marriage certificate to Marchione DiFatta, (alias Archie Marvelle of the three Marvelles) the signature of 'Joseph Bruckner" matches that of my grandfather, Stella's brother. Barbara Bruckner Voelkel, Suffolk, VA
Ludwig Maschino came to the United States in 1935 to join Ringling-Barnum with the Maschino Acrobat troupe. He remained with the show for many years, and also traveled throughout the world with circuses and shows. Born in France, died February 4, 1987 at Sarasota, Florida, age 81. Circus Report, April 6, 1987, p. 10. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Charles Mason worked promotions and advance publicity for Jack Moore's Carson & Barnes, D. R. Miller's shows and the Big John Strong Circus. At one time he had his own show. Died February 14, 1989 at Milpitas, California, age 82. Circus Report, February 27, 1989, p. 22. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Mr. Massie, advance, Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1910. Indiana County Gazette (Indiana, PA), April 20, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Franz Matausch and family, Flying Otaris, aerialists, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, 1940s. Father Franz, mother Louise, daughters Antoinette and Elsa, sons Franz, Georg, William, and Alfred. Family came to the US in 1934 from Hungary. "Circus Mother Wants to Be Good American Like Sons," White Tops, Vol. 15, Nos. 5-6 (Apr-May), 1942, p. 2. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
James Materson, former billposter and lithographer on the old Hall Shows, has a bakery in Crandon, Wisconsin. [1919] Billboard, August 9, 1919, p. 45. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Bob Mathews and wife, exhibited their wire walking lion, "King Tuffy," 1941. White Tops, Vol. 15, Nos. 1-2 (Dec-Jan), 1941, p. 10. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
C. C. Mathews, possibly one of the oldest and best known aerialists, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Rushton, in Davenport, Iowa, September 11, age 82. Mr. Mathews, or "C. C.," as he was known, was a pioneer in aerial performances, and claimed to be the originator of the cloud swing, as well as flying trapeze acts. He also trained his wife (Millie Dare) for the feats she later performed. He was one of the first to volunteer when the Civil War broke out. He began his circus career at age 12, and followed the white tops until he was forced to retire from the effects of age. He was a refreshment man at the American Theater at Davenport for a number of years. Interment was in Philadelphia, Pa. Billboard, September 21, 1918, p. 55. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Walt Matthie, 24 hour man with Circus Vargas 1975-1980. Earlier jobs included clowning, press agent, contracting agent and builder. With Al G. Barnes, Clyde Beatty, Beatty-Russell, Russell Bros. and Pan Pacific circuses. A charter member of Circus Model Builders and an active historian. Died August 12, 1980 at Colorado Springs or Pueblo, Colorado. Circus Report, August 25, 1980, p. 11; September 1, 1980, p. 6. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Charlotte Rose Maxwell was an aerialist with Ringling-Barnum. After she retired, she worked for a realty company. Died December 8, 1978 at St. Petersburg, Florida, age 81. Circus Report, January 1, 1979, p. 26. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Edward Maynard, "Red," joined the Gollmar Bros. at age 15. He worked with various shows, including Ringling-Barnum until it became an indoor show. His last show jobs were with Beatty-Cole and Sells & Gray circuses. Died May 14, 1975 at Gainesville, Florida. Circus Report, June 23, 1975, p. 10. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Colonel Mayo, trained horses and mules, Yankee Robinson, 1911. Cedar Rapids (IA) Republican, May 9, 1911. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Mayos, riders, John H. Sparks, 1910. 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).
Irene McAfee, dog 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).
Alice McAlister, swinging ladder, menage, 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).
Ray A. McAndrews was a circus owner and head of the Holland Furnace Co. Died in June 1975 at Miami, Florida, age 75. Circus Report, July 14, 1975, p. 6. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Note: The name is Roy McAndrews – not Ray – and he was my uncle and godfather. He later founded the Dania Fronton and was the President of the North American Jai Alai Foundation. Kit Lavell
Billy McCabe, clown, toured with Cristiani Bros., Bailey-Cristiani, Clyde Bros., Circus Vargas and other shows. Born in 1934, died April 24, 1989 at Sarasota, Florida. Circus Report, May 8, 1989, p. 34. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
J. E. McCarthy, veteran billposter, writes: "I have been in the billposting business since 1865. In 1876-77 was on the advance with Burr Robbins' Wagon Shows and later with Adame Forepaugh, Sells Bros., Barnum and Buffalo Bill shows. I am still in the harness, last September I was 67 years 'young.'" Mr. McCarthy is with the Bush Poster Advertising Co., Kalamazoo, Mich. Billboard, November 2, 1918, p. 27. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Charles McCarty. John Wilson four horse rider and Charles McCarty, clown, leaper and tumbler, can be engaged for the coming tenting season. Address either at Aug's Club House, Vine street, Cincinnati, O. [Advertisement] New York Clipper, February 10, 1877, p. 367. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Leo LeVere McCaughey
A telegram conveying sad news was received in this city last week - announcing the death of Leo Le Vere, at the hospital in Montreal, Canada, on the night of the 28th ult. He left this city early in April to take the road with Pulman Bros. show, and messages received from him since had conveyed the impression that he was in poor health. With that indomitable will which he always possessed he had borne up under disease until a few weeks ago when he was compelled to lay up at Detroit. Rejoining his company, at Hamiltion, he was again compelled to relinquish business, and lay for some time in a private hospital at Toronto until he was pronounced cured. On the route thence to Montreal he was taken with a severe cold, forcing him to go into the hospital at that place. Suddenly he was seized with a severe attack of pneumonia and died within three or four hours.
Leo McCaughey, or Le Vere, as he was better known, was a nephew of A. T. Wells, and was born in this city in 1854. Shortly after his birth his parents removed to Baton Rouge, La., where they both died of the yellow fever a few months later, leaving their babe an orphan at the age of nine months. He was brought to this city shortly afterward by his uncle and made his home with him until 1868, when a mere boy, he left home, joined a circus company, and has been connected with that profession ever since. His first season was spent with a company under the management of John W. McKenzie, of Galesburg, Ill., that gentleman always maintaining a kindly interest in his protege. He afterward traveled with the Great Eastern and Old John Robinson. He was with Cooper, Bailey & Co., one or two seasons, but in 1876, after suffering considerably from a severe attack of asthma, severed his connection with the company, and spent a summer in the mountains of Colorado. In making a stand in Denver he rejoined them and played with them in their Pacific tour, but was prevented by ill health from going to Australia with them. In California he became connected with Montgomery Queen's circus, traveled a season with it, and joined the Barnum show. Next he went to Cuba with the Orrin Bros. After his return from the island he made a tour of the Canadian provinces with John W. Murray. The hardships of his profession began to tell upon him, however, and his last season in the ring was with the London Show in 1879. In 1880 he was with the Coup Hippodrome, and this season owned the privilges of Pullman Bros. show, which was playing in Canada.
. . . Among his fellow professionals no one stood in greater favor that did Le Vere. He was quiet in his demeanor, an artist of great merit, generous to a fault - ever popular with everybody with whom he came in contact. . . . Learning of his serious illness, S.C. Farmer (sic. see Samuel Carter Farmer, who is also buried in Evergreen cemetery), of this city, who had always been his bosom friend, was in constant communication with his attendants, and upon notification of his death had the remains forwarded to this city for interment. On the day of his death there was universal mourning among his comrades, flags on the tents waved at half mast, the entire company escorted the remains to the depot at Montreal, and a party of his comrades brought the body to Chicago, where it was received by Mr. Farmer and brought to this city Saturday night. The funeral occurred in this city Sunday afternon and was largely attended, Rev. W. M. Sparr conducting the exercises and delivering a beautiful funeral discourse. Fairfield Ledger (Fairfield, IA), July 6, 1881, p. 3.
. . . Being obliged to leave the company on account of ill health, resulting from a severe cold contracted in Texas, he spent the winter of 1875-6 in Fairfield, and in the spring sought relief in the mountains of Colorado. The climate greatly benefited his health, he sought and obtained employment as clerk in one of the hotels in Denver, where he remained until Cooper, Bailey & Co. passed through en route to the Pacific Coast, Australia, and South America. He accompanied them to California, but was prevented from completing the tour by his health again failing. He spent the winter of 1876 in California, the climate completely restoring him. Joining Montomery Queen's circus in the spring he came East, leaving the company in the fall at Louisville, Ky., to enter the Barnum Show in New York City for a brief engagement. He sailed for Cuba during the winter with Orrin Bros' circus and remained upon the island two months playing at the Circo Metropoltano. Returing early in the season he made a tour of the British Provinces with John W. Murray's Ocean Circus, speding the winter of 1878 in New York. He joined the Great London Show in Philadelphia in 1879, making his last professional visit to Fairfield with this organization during the summer. This was his last season in the ring. He spent the winter of 1879 in Fairfield, leaving here in April, 1880, to join Coup's cirsus, with which he was connected as a manager of privileges. The winter of 1880 he spent here, and left early this season to join Shelby, Pullman & Hamilton's cirsus in Canada, being an owner of the privileges of that establishment. He continued with this organization up till the time of his death. . . . Fairfield Tribune (Fairfield, IA), July 7, 1881, p. 3.
Information provided by Richard K Thompson. More information at findagrave.com.
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Charles W. McClintock, agent, Tuttle's Olympic Shows, 1900. Billboard, July 7, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Dan McClure has the sideshow privilege with the great Burr Robbins Allied Shows. Curiosities wanted. Dan McClure, Nunda, Ill. [Advertisement] New York Clipper, May 5, 1877, p. 47. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Prof. McConkey, trained horses, Howard Damon Australian Shows, 1909. Charleroi (PA) Mail, May 25, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
William McConkey, trainer of dogs and horses for and with circuses and other attractions, died at his home, Lansing, Michigan, August 2. Mr. McConkey was 64 years of age and had been a resident of Lansing for the past 36 years. Interment was in Gunnisonville Cemetery. From his training barns in his home city, Mr. McConkey supplied material for many circuses. He had also been associated with circuses, among them the Paulman & Hamilton Show, his first experience, and afterward with Walter L. Main, Paulman-Dingis, Perine, Kelly Bros., and other organizations. He will also be remembered as driving the Mexican horse, Chief, the the head of parades without lines. He is survived by the widow, two sons, William and Howard, and five grand-children. Billboard, August 17, 1918, p. 27. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Rosa McConnell, acrobat, came to the United States with her family to join Ringling-Barnum in 1947. She was in the movie "Greatest Show on Earth. Later she operated Rosie's Circus Diner at fairs. Died January 17, 1985 at Sarasota, Florida, age 62. 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).
Amos McCoy, acrobat, lion tamer, died at Colorado Springs, 1909. Was a zoo caretaker at Colorado Springs. No circus named. New York Times, March 17, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Samuel McCracken
1908: Sam McCracken, advance, Barnum & Bailey, 1908. San Antonio (TX) Gazette, September 8, 1908.
1918: Sam McCracken is said to have accepted the general management of the United States Circus that Frank P. Spellman is launching on auto trucks and trailers from Toledo, O. Billboard, February 9, 1918, p. 39.
1918: Mrs. Samuel H. McCracken, wife of the former general manager of the Barnum & Bailey Circus, was granted a divorce in the Supreme Court of Brooklyn, N.Y., January 10, 1918. She asked for no alimony. Billboard, January 26, 1918, p. 31.
1918: New York, March 16, 1918. Samuel McCracken, formerly general manager of the Barnum & Bailey Circus, is ill at Prince George Hotel. Billboard, March 23, 1918, p. 65.
1919: Samuel McCracken, circus man, has been appointed general director of the Cartier Fair and Carnival, Montreal, Canada, August 9 to 17, 1919. Mr. McCracken has been busy considering propositions from ten carnivals of America. Billboard, June 21, 1919, p. 82.
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Simon McCreary, Irish comedian, E.(B.?) Smith Circus, 1908. Bedford (PA) Gazette, May 8, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
McCree. Toledo, Feb. 5. Hattie McCree, circus rider, received a verdict of $100,000 damages in the Federal Court here last week in her suit against Walker D. Hines, former Director of Railroads for a broken back suffered in the Michigan Central wreck on June 22, 1918. She was permanently incapacitated. . . . New York Clipper, February 7, 1923, p. 22. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Larue McCroskey and her husband, Mack, were known as the roller skating team, Mack and Larue. Later they formed the Four Skating Macks and were with Ringling-Barnum in 1944. They appeared at Radio City Music Hall, London Paladium, Folies Bergere, New York's Palace Theatre and circus dates for Orrin Davenport. They originated a double swivel spin. Died November 29, 1985, age 89. Circus Report, February 3, 1986, p. 27. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
C. W. McCurren, formerly boss animal man with the Hagenbeck-Wallace Shows, is located at Olympia, Wash. 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).
McDonald Brothers (McDonald Family), bicycles, unicycles, high wagon wheels, from Scotland, Norris & Rowe, 1904 three in number, 1905, 1908, 1909 three in number. Woodland (CA) Daily Democrat, April 21, 1904; Daily Nevada State Journal (Reno, NV), April 14, 1905; Janesville (WI) Daily Gazette, September 8, 1905; Woodland (CA) Daily Democrat, April 13, 1908; Anaconda (MT) Standard, July 2, 1908; Lethbridge (Alberta, Canada) Herald, June 2, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Roy McDonald, 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).
James Franklin McElroy, 24-hour man with Sells-Floto Show for a number of years, died of Bright's disease and heart leakage at the residence of his sister in Topeka, Kan., May 17. He was 44 years old. Billboard, June 1, 1918, pp. 27, 66. James Franklin McElroy, whose death was announced in the last issue, was 44 years old, and had been in the circus business since he was 15 years of age. He learned bareback riding under the direction of Billie Sells, the once famous rider. McElroy's first circus experience was with the Sells & Rentfro Show. His last riding was with the Walter L. Main Show in 1909, when he met with an accident. He then took up a position as 24-hour agent. A mother and five sisters, all living in Topeka, Kan., survive. Billboard, June 8, 1918, p. 44. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Samuel McFlynn, "Burlington, May 27. - Samuel McFlynn, a former native of Burlington and veteran clown of the Dan Rice regime and later circus owner is dead in Chicago. . . ." Waterloo (IA) newspaper, May 27, 1911. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Clarence McGarth, "Hap," was a circus drummer for 55 years, working with Russ Darr, Hubert Castle Circus, Circus Vargas and other shows. Circus Report, January 29, 1979, p. 6. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Lonni McGee, former concessionaire with Circus Vargas. Was shot and killed June 4, 1980 at Palm Springs, California, when he surprised a burglar. Circus Report, June 16, 1980, p. 27. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
William McGill (Willie off the Yacht), an oldtime boss canvasman, who trouped with King & Franklin, Cook & Whitby, Van Amburg, Adam Forepaugh, Gov. John Robinson and others, claims he has now settled down and is now working in a sail loft at Fort Wayne, Ind. His address is South Bend, Indiana. Billboard, December 14, 1918, p. 56. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
William Henderson McGuffin died last evening from paralysis. He was born in Fayette county, Va., 57 years ago Sept. 16. At the age of 19 he joined Dan Rice's show as a canvasman. He was trong, energetic and willing to work and soon became a boss canvasman. As such he traveled with Spaulding & Rogers' ocean circus a number of years, went with it to South America where it exhibited to the court of the emperor of Brazil and it was on the return of the circus in October, 1864, that the whole aggregation was shipwrecked off the Jersey coast not far from Sandy Hook. Twenty-six years ago he married Madame Worland, an equestrienne who traveled with the same combination. During the summer of 1880 Mrs. McGuffin was taken ill in this city and was sick for several months. Mr. McGuffin was sent for and he never returned to the circus life. The sickness of his wife and no employment for himself soon stranded him. Dan Nable, who had been a rope walker, was the only Mansfield man he knew and to him McGuffin appealed for assistance. Nagle was then working on the water works pipe line and through his influence McGuffin was given employment. In a few months he was given a position at the water works station as fireman where he worked steadily until in November, 1889, when his health gave way and he was never able to work since that time. . . . Weekly News (Mansfield, OH), August 13, 1891. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Basil McHenry, advance, contracting, Gollmar Bros., 1900, at liberty by June, replaced by Dick Hunter; 1908 John H. Sparks Shows, formerly of Haverly's Minstrels. Billboard, May 1, 1900; Titusville (PA) Morning Herald, June 30, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Harry McHugh, lithographer, 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).
Florence McIntosh, "Flo," was a circus performer with a number of shows including Barnett Bros., Clyde Beatty, King Bros. and Kelly-Miller. Died February 17, 1988 at Hugo, Oklahoma, age 81. Circus Report, April 11, 1988, p. 17. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Glenn McIntosh, clown, Robinson Circus, 1909. Marshall (MI) News, April 30, 1909 Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Grace McIntosh was the owner and producer of the M & M Circus. She was raised by bareback rider Elizabeth Romig, a family friend. Her mother had died when she was young and her father, a circus baggage stock handler was on the road with Sells-Floto. She became a trapeze artist at age 12. She married David McIntosh, circus superintendent. After his death she purchased a circus with Charles Marine and after his death she ran the circus alone. Circus Report, July 11, 1983, pp. 17-18. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
C. T. McIntyre, advance, Gollmar Bros., 1910. Daily Review (Decatur, IL), April 17, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Mary Margaret McKay and her husband, Ross McKay, had the concessions on Herb Walters' Cole & Walters Circus. Died January 5, 1988 at Hugo, Oklahoma, age 89. Circus Report, January 25, No. 4, 1988, p. 16. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Private Robert McKeone, acrobat with the Five Maxellos for the past six years, 1937-42. Previously a member of the Six English Macks, 1921-36. Started at age 19 months with his father at at the Park Opera House, Erie, Pennsylvania. Has been with Al G. Barnes, John Robinson, Sells-Floto, Cole Bros. Resided Philadelphia. White Tops, Vol. 15, Nos. 11-12 (Oct-Nov), 1942, p. 2. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Charles McKinney (Zella, the Frog), performer and late of the Ringling Show, has deserted the circus arena for the present and is now with the Elier Roofing Company a Canton, O., his home town. 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).
Charles McLean, who for the past nineteen years has superintended the erection of the mammoth canvas of Barnum & Bailey's Greatest Show on Earth. Mr. McLean's first start in the amusement world was in 1851, when he took charge of the properties for Sands, Nathan and Co., at the Old Bowery Amphitheatre, where he remained for seven years. In the spring of 1858 he went to Purdy's Station, N.Y., and took charge of the white tents for the same concern, remaining with them until the consolidation with Howe's Great European show in Detroit, Mich., in 1860. In 1871 the show was sold to Wildner Stow and Hall in Middleton, Ct., but Mr. McLean did not leave it until the fall of 1872, when he went to New Orleans and took charage of the canvas of George Bunnell's sideshow with P. T. Barnum's Circus. In January, 1873, he was engaged by W. C. Coup and P. T. Barnum as boss canvas-man, which position he has held up to the present time. Mr. McLean is as popular as he is capable, has the confidence of his employers and the good will of the hundreds under his immediate charge. He was the first man to erect a 150 foot round-top with three middle pieces, and he daily superintends the erection of the largest canvas ever known. 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).
Wm. H. McLean, an old time circus man, died at his late home in Crawfordsville, Ind., Sept. 25(?) [1904], aged sixty-two years, after having been ill for a year. He retired from the show business fifteen years ago, after having accumulated a fortune in wagon shows. New York Clipper, October 29, 1904, pp. 836, 837. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Polly McLeod and her husband James were rodeo performers with Hagenbeck-Wallace, Sells-Floto, Al G. Barnes, Christy Bros. Died September 26, 1985 at Peru, Indiana, age 80. Circus Report, October 21, 1985, p. 14. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
John S. McMahon, hurdle and Indian rider, can be engaged, with horse, for season of 1877. Address, Manchester, Mich. [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).
F. C. McMann, manager advertising car, Sells-Floto, 1908. Reno (NV) Evening Gazette, May 4, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Marie McPhail, rider, Howe's Great London, 1911-1912. Daily Independent (Monessen, PA) April 26, 1911; Chareroi (PA) Mail, April 24 & 26, 1911; Fort Wayne (IN) Sentinel, May 8, 1912. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Bob McPherson, train and perform wild animals, 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).
Myron McPherson has been with the Ringling Bros. for the past three seasons, on slide trombone, which position he has ably filled. His home is Baraboo, Wis. Offical Route Book of Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Railroad Shows, Season of 1893, Buffalo, NY: Courier Co., 1893. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Geo. Medley, Forepaugh-Sells, 1908. Coshocton, Ohio man, leaves town to go with circus, will sail in about 3 weeks for 3 year tour of Europe. Coshocton (OH) Daily Age, September 21, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Robert Meek. The accompanying cut of Mr. Meek was taken on a busy day when Bob had little time for “sprucing up,” and shows him in trim for business. To his abilities as an assistant in the horse department Mr. Meek combines the rare acquirement of an accomplished 8, 10 and 12-horse driver, and to see him swing his handsome string of grays around some difficult corner elicits the admiration of beholders, whether they are employees of the Ringling Bros. show or bystanders. Bob may properly be termed an “old timer.” 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).
Marie Meers. Marie and Ouika Meers, from English Meers family, riders, Barnum & Bailey, 1907; Marie, Barnum & Bailey, 1908.(1) Marie, rider, Sells-Floto, 1909.(2) ". . . For 300 [sic?] years the name of Meers has been familiar to circus goers . . . Marie Meers, an equestrienne, is the wife of George Brown, a clown, and her sister is with her in her performing. The Browns have two boys and one girl . . . "(3) NY Times, April 7, 1907. Marie, equestrienne, Forepaugh-Sells, 1910; Howe's Great London, 1911-1914; Shipp & Feltus, 1920.(4) [married George Brown, clown] Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
1. Daily Review (Decatur, IL), May 24, 1907; Fort Wayne (IN) Journal-Gazette, May 29, 1907; Trenton (NJ) Evening Times, May 11, 1908.
2. Yuma (AZ) Examiner, April 16 & 17, 1909; Anaconda (MT) Standard, June 24, 1909.
3. New York Times, April 7, 1907.
4. Portsmouth (NH) Herald, July 1, 1910; Charleroi (PA) Mail, April 25, 1911; Portsmouth (NH) Herald, August 9, 1912; Robesonian (Lumberton, NC), October 6, 1913; Star Publications (Chicago, IL), August 20, 1914 (Chicago Heights Star); Gleaner (Kingston, Jamaica), February 25, 1920.
Mack Meguin, formerly boss canvasman of Sparks' Circus, is now in the service of Uncle Sam, stationed at Camp Dodge, Ia. Billboard, October 12, 1918, p. 53. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Melnotte. See La Nole.
Melrose Troupe, See Walter Potter.
James Melrose was formerly a member of the Ringling Bros.’ corps of artists and for several years filled engagements with the show in conjunction with James Coyle, the team being then known as the Coyle Bros. Mr. Melrose does a very clever dancing-rope specialty, besides being a general performer of acknowledged ability. He is still a young man under twenty-one. He hails from Boston, and is a general favorite among the younger contingent of the Ringling Bros. dressing-room. 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).
Percy C. Melrose, 54, former circus performer, was found dead with Mrs.Eva Tootle, 27, in an automobile at Lockbourne, near Columbus, May 16. The side curtains of the machine were drawn and newspapers covered the windshield and crevices above. Their faces were covered with blood, and a revolver lay between them. Although the suicide pact, said to be the result of a tangled love affair, has been contradicted by the police. Three shots were fired through Mrs. Tootle's head and one through Melrose's head. Mr. Melrose and wife for a number of years traveled with circuses, doing a tight wire bicycle act. After retiring from the show business, Melrose started in the manufacture of native herbs, a drug preparation. Besides a widow, he is survived by a son and daughter. Billboard, May 25, 1918, p. 82. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
William Melrose, bareback riding, Wallace Shows, 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).
Melvelle Brothers, see Albert Strout.
James Melville. A card from James Melville. A report has been circulated that myself and family were engaged for the ensuing season. This is not true. The only member of the Melvilles at present under contract is Frank, who will travel with the Great London Circus. My son George is now on his way from Europe after a year's successful tour. He will arrive in New York in a few weeks, and can be engaged separately or in conjunction with me, for the season of 1877, with our horses. Address, James Melville, West Thirty-fourth street, New York. [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).
Sam Melville. ___ Theatre, Reading, Pa. Sam Melville, late of Forepaugh's Aggregation, has been added to the company, and has charge of the stage. New York Clipper, March 17, 1877, p. 407. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
John Mercer, rider, Ringling Bros., 1908. Decatur (IL) Daily Review, August 18, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Meredith Troupe, Howe's Great London, 1911-1912. Daily Independent (Monessen, PA) April 26, 1911; Charleroi (PA) Mail, April 24 & 26, 1911; Portsmouth (NH) Herald, August 13, 1912. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Merodias, bicyclists, seven in number, Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1910, 1916. Evening Telegram (Elyria, OH), May 24, 1910; Coshocton (OH) Daily Tribune, May 2, 1916. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
W. N. Merrick, band leader, Shipp's Indoor Circus, 1905; also band leader Sells Brothers, 1905; Merrick's concert band, Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1908; Mr. Merrick, band leader, Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1910. Daily Review (Decatur, IL), January 3, 1905; Indiana (PA) Weekly Messenger, May 13, 1908; Fort Wayne (IN) Journal-Gazette, August 28, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Jas. Messenger, cannon ball performer and leaper, having returned from his South American tour with John H. Murray's circus, can be engaged for the coming season. Address 116 Third avenue, N.Y. [Advertisement] New York Clipper, April 7, 1877, p. 11. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Charlie Metius, ticket wagon, Pawnee Bill's Wild West, 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).
Rosa Meyers, professionally known as Rosa Rosiland, and several seasons with Hagenbeck-Wallace and Sells-Floto circuses, with her husband has purchased a home in Canton, O. Billboard, November 22, 1919, p. 53. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Miacos.
The Miacos - Thomas, Alfred, James, Charles and William - Jennie Engle, Carroll and Barry, Sallie Adams, Ed and Alice Murray, Lew and Pauline Parker, and Sam Devere are the new arrivals at the Olympic Theatre this week. [New York] New York Clipper, January 13, 1877, p. 334.
The Olympic Theatre was closed for the season Jan. 19. Business had been bad for some weeks past. The company the past week included the Miaco Combination - Thomas, Albert, Charles and William - Sam Devere, Ed and Alice Murray, Jennie Miaco . . . New York Clipper, January 20, 1877, p. 342.
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Miaco Sisters, Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1908; Queens of the Air, Sangers Greater European Shows, 1913. Newark (OH) Advocate, May 7, 1908; Farrell, F. M., "Sangers Greater European Shows, Season 1913," Bandwagon, Vol. 4, No. 2 (Apr), 1945, p. 3. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Al Miaco
Al Miaco, clown, seventy-four years old, will again make his appearance in the sawdust arena with Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Billboard, February 15, 1919, p. 61.
Al Miaco celebrated his eightieth birthday soon after starting out with Ringling Bros. - Barnum & Bailey this spring. He was practically born in a circus, his parents being circus people, and he took up the game when fifteen years old, beginning as a singing clown with a one-ring circus in 1854. He is a great grandfather and several members of his family are in the circus business. One son is a clown at the New York Hippodrome. Billboard, August 9, 1919, p. 38.
Al Miaco (real name Alfred Frisbie), age 72, clown, Ringling Bros., 1909. Died July 21, 1923. Al Miaco had a stroke in 1922 and could no longer perform, age 77. He and his brother Tom both originally did an iron jaw act. Miaco's real name was Frisbie. Miaco had a son Steve, who was at the Hippodrome and used the name Steve Miaco. New York Times, March 22, 1909; New York Times, April 3, 1922. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Steve Miaco
Steve Miaco, the well known circus clown, has signed to open at the Hippodrome, New York, for the coming season. New York Clipper, June 15, 1912, p. 11.
Steve Micao, the famous clown, died November 14, after three weeks illness at the hospital on Ward's Island, New York City. He is survived by his father, Fred Frisbie Miaco, his wife and two sons, Stephen, age 8, and Gordon, age 4. The Miacos originally came from New Orleans. Billboard, November 22, 1919, p. 80.
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Miaco Pantomime Co. have closed a successful Winter season, and Alfred F. Miaco, Mrs. Laura Miaco, Stephen Miaco and John Taylor, contortionist, are re-engaged with the John Robinson Show for the coming season, this being their third season with that show. Stephen Miaco and John Taylor will introduce their new aerial act, and Mrs. Laura Miaco will do a balancing trapeze act. 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).
George Middleton’s first investment in the show business was the purchase in 1870 of a half-interest in John Fulton’s sideshow with Hemmings, Cooper & Whitby’s Circus and Menagerie. In the Winter of 1870-71 he owned the concert with Madam Lake’s Circus, and during the season of ‘71 ran both the concert and candy-stand with it. In 1872 he was a partner with James A. Bailey in the privileges of the J. E. Cooper Circus and Menagerie, and in 1873 owned the privileges with Cooper & Bailey. In the Winter of ‘73 he had the candy-stands with the Great Eastern, and in 1874 managed the Great Southern for the Haight Brothers. the two following seasons he was with Wm. H. Gardner as partner, and owned the privileges with Cooper & Bailey. In the Fall of ‘76 he visited Australia with the last-named firm, owning the privileges. During Mr. Bailey’s absence in America he managed the show, and made a tour of Java and India. Upon Mr. Bailey’s return the show visited Van Dieman’s Land and New Zealand, and made a tour of South America. Mr. Middleton’s sideshow on the American plan was the first to visit those far-oo climes. In 1879 he owned the sideshow and candy-stand with Adam Forepaugh’s Aggregation. In 1881 he was manager of the Coney Island Aquarium. Mr. Middleton was the successful proprietor and manager of Middleton’s Museum, . . . New York, and later had an interest in W. C. Coup’s Circus and Menagerie. [Died 1926] New York Clipper, December 3, 1881. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
J. C. Miles (colored), bandmaster and minstrel with Cole Bros.' World Toured Shows, died at Shreveport, Oa., recently from influenza. He was 35 years old. Interment was at Indianapolis, October 26, where he made his home. Billboard, November 9, 1918, p. 58. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Raymond C. Miles was an electrician with Ringling-Barnum for over 25 years. Died September 18, 1986 at Venice, Florida, age 65. Circus Report, October 20, 1986, p. 4. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Miller Family, bicyclists and aerialists, Lemen 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).
A. H. Miller, master of transportation, Pawnee Bill's Wild West, 1900. Absconded with the $125 given him to pay the transportation. Was with La Pearl Shows, 1899. Billboard, August 25, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Alvin F. Miller and his wife Helen performed as the Aerial Millers, joining Lindeman Bros. Circus in 1921. They operated the Miller-Ayers Shows in 1924 and in 1925 they merged with the DeKreko Bros. Shows of Chicago. The toured with the LaMont Shows in 1926. Alvin was known for his upside down loop walking act. Died circa 1986 at Kohler, Wisconsin, age 87. Circus Report, March 31, 1986, p. 23. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Art W. Miller, advance, Cole Bros., 1941. Had been general agent Seils Sterling Circus. White Tops, Vol. 14, No. 12 (Oct-Nov), 1941, p. 4. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Betty McCarty Miller (Elizabeth Devlin), a featured rider, began her circus career with the Al G. Barnes Circus in the early 1900s. Was with Sells-Floto, Tom Mix, Ringling-Barnum. In later years was a ticket seller at Jungleland. Died in December 1981 at San Fernando, California. Circus Report, February 1, 1982, p. 16. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Charles Miller, of Oneida, N.Y., has enlisted in the Canadian army. When he enlisted he stipulated that he be permitted to take his pony, "Rowdy," with him and the Canadian officials took both the man and the horse. Miller for years was with the Buffalo Bill Wild West Show, after which he went into vaudeville with his bucking broncho. Billboard, June 8, 1918, p. 28. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Charles O. Miller’s department covers a field of work which, for its difficulty of execution, at times might try the patience of an ox, but simultaneously requires the rapidity of a crack trotter. It makes no difference how late the show arrives, when the time comes and the equestrian director’s whistle blows, all properties must be in position and ready for the different acts. The difficulty of this is best appreciated when it is considered that this work can only commence after many of the details of almost all of the other departments are either completed or well under way, and that there are a great multiplicity of apparatuses requiring the most delicate adjustment. Mr. Miller has filled this position with the Ringling Brothers uninterruptedly, with the exception of 1889, for nine years. Among the actors, who depend upon him for the accurate erection of their various properties, Mr. Miller’s courtesy and impartiality have won him many 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).
Chris Miller was a member of one of America's earliest flying return acts. Was on Barnum & Bailey, Ringling Bros. and Santos & Artigas Circus in Cuba. In his early years his family had a high wheel bicycle act. His last touring days were with a carnival as a flyer in the Flying Millers act. Died in April 1984 at Oneonta, New York, age 91. Circus Report, April 23, 1984, p. 25. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Doc. Miller, who was to go with W. L. Main's Circus this season, met with a serious accident with a runaway horse, and is at his brother's home, New Haven, Ct., 1894. New York Clipper, April 21, 1894, p. 102. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Dolly Miller (Dottie?), rider, Norris & Rowe, 1905-1906, 1908. Frank Miller and Dolly Miller, siblings, were equestrians with Norris & Rowe, 1906. Daily Nevada State Journal (Reno, NV), April 18, 1905; Woodland (CA) Daily Democrat, April 7, 1906; 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).
Emma C. Miller has made a good record as press agent for the Al G. Barnes Circus. She joined the organization September 16, 1916, and is with it yet. Billboard, November 16, 1918, p. 25. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
F. O. Miller, 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).
Frank Miller, rider, Norris & Rowe, 1905, 1908. Daily Nevada State Journal (Reno, NV), April 18, 1905; Anaconda (MT) Standard, June 30, 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).
Frank Miller, 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).
Frank Miller, and his daughter, gymnasts, Howard Damon Australian Shows, 1909. Charleroi (PA) Mail, May 25, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Fred J. Miller, a musician, died at his home in Pana, Ill., Oct. 24 [1905], from consumption. He was born in Feb. 1876, and traveled with companies since his fourteenth year. He was with the Forepaugh Circus, Ringling Brothers, and La Pearl's Shows, and later played in the band at Calument, Mich. During recent years he was at the head of the Miller Orchestra, in Pana. His wife, who was at one time known as Gracie Washburn; his father, four sisters and three brothers survive him. New York Clipper, November 18, 1905, p. 1001. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Harold Miller, circus horseman, was with Ringling-Barnum 1932-1973. Died February 3, 1976 at Venice, Florida, age 78. Circus Report, March 15, 1976, p. 4A. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Helen Miller, 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).
Jack E. Miller was a member of the Miller Troupe - Bill, Mac, Myrtle and Jack. They toured with Carl Bros., Haag Bros., Bell Bros., Monroe Bros., Walker Bros., Buck Owens, M. L. Clarke, Ketrow Bros., Rose Killian, Al G. Kelly-Miller Bros., Dailey Bros. and other shows. They owned Miller Bros. Circus in the 1930s. When he retired, Jack produced props for circus people and hand carved scale model circus wagons. Died December 25, 1985 at Buffalo, Missouri, age 78. Circus Report, January 20, 1986, p. 19. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
"Jim" Miller, billposter, Sells Bros., 1910. Indianapolis (IN) Star, April 3, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Kelly Hans Miller, 46, former co-owner of the Al G. Kelly & Miller Bros. Circus, died in Hugo, Oklahoma, February 20. Funeral services in Hugo on February 23. He is survived by his widow Dale; a daughter Mrs. Robert (Karen Kay) Murray; his father Obert O.; and a brother Dores R. Miller. Kelly Miller, who was little known by the public, choosing to remain almost anonymous on the show, had joined his father and brother in founding the present Kelly-Miller show in 1937. Prior to that he had been with his father's dog and pony show out of Smith Center, Kansas. It was Kelly Miller who designed and built most of the specialized motorized circus equipment for which the show has been famous. Among his inventions are the Miller-Sanguin canvas spool truck; a semi-trailer for transporting the giraffe; and a mobile maintenance unit that made possible re-building a truck on the lot. Kelly had retired from active participation in the circus in 1958, having sold his interest to his brother Dores. He was an active Mason, being a member of the Consistory and the Shrine. It was my pleasure to have known Kelly Miller. He was always glad to see me, and to exchange a few words with me. I will miss him. R. C. K. Bandwagon, Vol. 4, No. 2 (Mar-Apr), 1960, p. 3. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Mel Miller was connected with the circus from his early teens, eventually handling public relations and publicity for various circuses. Was a clown with Ringling-Barnum in 1945-46, with the Dailey Bros. press department and worked with the Wallenda Circus, Bartok Circus and the Continental Circus. Was a curator of the Ringling Museum of the Circus, and Ringling-Barnum's director of Special Exhibitions and first director of the Clown College. He was also one of the early Circus Model Builders. Died March 5, 1981 in the Washington, DC area, age 54. Circus Report, July 13, 1981, p. 31. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Phil Milligan, glass-blowner, and E. W. Wiggins, circus privileges, are in Detroit, Mich., preparing for the tenting season. New York Clipper, February 16, 1878, p. 375. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Jack Mills joined at circus at age 11 and worked his way up to the advance. At one time Jack and his brother Jake were concessionaires on the Lewis Bros. Circus. Circa 1940 he founded the Mills Bros. Circus with his brother Jake. It was a small truck show, later one of the country's largest traveling shows, generally playing the midwest. In 1941 he had his newly acquired elephants at the Cleveland, Ohio arena bearing advertising banners, but not on the program of the Winter Thrill Circus (George Hamid, Bob Morton show). Died July 20, 1974 at Cleveland, Ohio, age 68. White Tops, Vol. 14, Nos. 4-5 (Feb-Mar), 1941, p. 7; Circus Report, July 29, 1974, p. 1; October 7, 1974, p. 7. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Three Millette Bros., acrobats, have closed the season with Harris' Circus, and opened at the Olympic Theatre, Chicago, Oct. 31, 1892. New York Clipper, November 5, 1892, p. 557. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Millette Family, acrobats, John H. Spark's Shows, 1908. Titusville (PA) Morning Herald, July 4, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Researcher note: I have a photo of the three brothers it is dated 1883 Mansfield ohio. I can send a copy if interested. Thank you, Bill
Researcher note: Dear Bill, I am in the process of compiling information relating to my great-great grandparents aerial equilibrist William (Bill) Iwin and iron jaw specialist Sarah Agnes (Millie) Irwin, and their daughter/my great-grandmother contortionist Kitty Irwin. I have a note written to William/Bill Irwin from Albert (Al) Millette, and out of curiosity began doing some research on him. I found this entry on the Circus History website, and was wondering if you might share with me the 1883 photo of the Millettes, as I do not know what they look like. The note that I have from Al Millette to my great-great grandfather is dated 1897, and from what I can tell they seemed to be good friends. Many, many thanks! - Kitty
Flying Millettes. An article with biographical information on this famous performing family, including Ira Millette and his family in White Tops, June-July-August, 1943, Vol. 16, Nos. 7, 8, 9, p. 13. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Willie Millette (real name Wm. E. Schlee), of the Millette Troupe of acrobats, died Nov. 23, at his home in Newark, N.J., from typhoid fever. The troupe had recently closed its season with the Forepaugh-Sells Bros.' Show. New York Clipper, December 1, 1900, p. 889. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.
Ed Millette, see Tilden Wolf.
Bird Millman, acknowledged everywhere as the foremost female wirewalker that the world has ever known, was born in Canon City, Colorado, October 21, 1890. The Engleman's were show people who toured the western mud shows and carnivals. Jennadean Engleman (Bird Millman), an only child, joined the family act at the age of six and toured with them on the Melbourn Dog and Pony Show. In 1900 the Engleman's were doing a "family circus act" with carnivals in a tent of their own on the midway. A tightwire act brought Bird Millman into her own and on to Keith's Orpheum circuit. Billed as "The Millman Trio" this act played leading vaudeville houses and music halls here and abroad. It was during this period (1904-1912) that Bird Millman performed before the crowned heads of Europe. She sold her act to the public on personality as well as great skill, and was the first artist to perform without an umbrella or other devise. She did a waltz, a one step, a cakewalk, and a Hawaiian dance at the conclusion of which she raced to the end of the wire and jumped through a paper hoop. This routine has been imitated but never equaled in the vivacious charm that was Millman. She performed on a 36 foot wire rather than the usual 18 foot wire, consequently her runs were breathtaking in speed and debonaire insouciance. Bird Millman returned to the sawdust world on Barnum & Bailey Circus where she occupied the center ring until 1920, billed as the dainty daring queen of the tightwire, the world's greatest lady wire artist, except the season of 1916 when she was in the Zeigfeld Follies doing her tightwire specialty. In 1921 she was in John Murray Anderson's Greenwich Village Follies. After her marriage to John O'Day in 1924 she quit the circus and show business for good. She retired to Canon City, Colorado in 1930 and there she died on August 5, 1940 from cancer. "Elected to Circus Hall of Fame," Bandwagon, Vol. 5, No. 2 (Mar-Apr), 1961, p. 23. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Harry Mindress, formerly with the Hagenbeck-Wallace and Johnny J. Jones Shows, is a cook with the 116th American Ex. Forces. 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).
Charles Miner, "Flat Barnum." is one of the most unique characters in circus business and few who follow the "white tents" are better known. He enjoys the distinction of having been the first and only colored principal bareback rider in the world. "Flat" was born in Chicago, April 10, 1847, when that busy mart of commerce was but a village, and first saw the light of day at the place now known as Grand Crossing. His mother was a full-blooded Cherokee Indian, while his father was a true son of Ham, who formerly resided in the vicinity of Raleigh, N. C. At the age of 6 years "Flat" was adopted by Travini, the then famous proprietor of Travini's Arabian Circus, a boat show. During the succeeding thirteen years he visited, with Travini, nearly every portion of the globe, including in his travels Australia, South America, New Zealand, China, and the West Indies, and it was during this time that he learned to be a bare-back and hurdle rider. "Flat" left the Travini Circus after his long apprenticeship and joined the Barnum Show, where he remained for a number of years. With that show he acted as "trapper" in the pad-room and assistant to several of the world-famed riders. A horse under his charge was sure to enter the ring in fine fettle and the trappings spotless. Time came when "Flat" joined the Sells Bros.' Circus and with them he remained twenty-two years, during which time he was engaged principally in " breaking" horses. For two seasons he handled the trick horses with Al. G. Field's Minstrels, and in the spring of 1900 joined the William Sells and James H. Gray Show, and the excellent condition of the ring-stock, under his care, created no end of favorable comment wherever the show visited. "Flat Barnum" has witnessed the introduction of all of the innovations of modern circus business, and his fund of reminiscent tales is seemingly exhaustless. It is a rich treat indeed to hear him recount, in his own inimitable way, his many and varied experiences in this and foreign lands. Hour after hour has the writer sat and listened to his stories, with an indescribable relish. Although well advanced in years, "Flat" still retains a vigorous physique, he has lived close to nature and has shunned the vices that raise such havoc with a man's constitution. His eyes are as bright as a boy's and his spirits are ever cheerful. He is strong in his attachments and faithful to his friends. Beneath his black skin beats a noble heart. May he live to a ripe old age, his future pathway be strewn with naught but pleasant memories and his declining hours filled with sunshine and gladness. - From "Art Souvenir of the Tour of 1900." The Great William Sells & James H. Gray's United Shows. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
F. F. Miner, solo cornet, began his musical career in the 49th Bat. Band of Kingston, Canada, in 1878. His first instruction on the cornet was received from Charles Petit, the famous cornet soloist of the Marine Band. That he was an apt scholar is readily seen by his work, as he has filled engagements with many high class musical organizations. Mr. Miner’s home is at Chicago, Ill. Ringling Bros. 1893. Offical Route Book of Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Railroad Shows, Season of 1893, Buffalo, NY: Courier Co., 1893. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Minerva Sisters, 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).
Theodore Mink, elephant trainer, Hagenbeck Amusement company, 1905. Injured by elephant in winterquarters at Carthage, Ohio. Had been an elephant trainer for nearly twenty years, with all the big shows. Marion (OH) Daily Star, December 28, 1905. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Barry Mitchell began his career with the Flying Hilarys in 1963 and later had his own flying act with the Cavarettas, the Flying Medallions. He was a flyer with Hamid-Morton, Polack Bros., Ringling-Barnum and was at Circus Circus at Las Vegas for nine years. Died December 17, 1985 in California, age 40. Circus Report, February 24, 1986, p. 8. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
G. F. Mitchell, euphonium and clarionet, made his debut in the musical profession in 1886 with the Forepaugh Circus, since which time he has made his home under the white tent. His home is in Pittsburgh, Penn. Ringling Bros. 1893. Offical Route Book of Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Railroad Shows, Season of 1893, Buffalo, NY: Courier Co., 1893. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Vernice Mitchell, a menage and Roman rider with the Al G. Barnes Circus for many years. Her husband was a trombone player with this show. She died at a convelescent hospital near her home at Pinion Hills, California in February 1980. Circus Report, March 24, 1980, p. 10. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
W. Mitchell, band, 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).
Will Mitchell, press agent, Cole Bros., 1908; William Mitchell, press agent, home is in Ottawa Canada, has had 11 years experience in the business, Howe's Great London, 1911. Fort Wayne (IN) Journal-Gazette, May 19, 1908; 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).
Art Mix, candy butcher, Ringling-Barnum, 1941. Resided Springfield, Illinois. Was candy butcher for six years, first with Barney Bros., 1934. After this was with Russell Bros., Barnes, Downie & Lewis Bros. With Ringling-Barnum 18 months. 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).
George Moats (real name George Marsh), clown, Robinson's Circus, 1904. Piqua (OH) Daily Call, March 3, 1904. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Henry C. Moeller, age 89, and a member of the Circus Historical Society, died on May 22, in Baraboo, Wisconsin, after a ten day illness. He operated with his father for many years a wagon shop which constructed many of the Ringling Brothers circus wagons, including the famous Bell Wagon which was first used in 1893. He had possessed a fund of circus lore which made him much sought after by circus fans whenever they visited Baraboo. He is survived by a niece, Mrs. Arthur Waite of Baraboo, and a step-son, Verne McFarland, New Rochelle, New Jersey. Bandwagon, Vol. 1, No. 2 (Jul), 1957, p. 3. Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Henry C. Moeller. "Baraboo lost a wonderful booster and a man who had high regard for his fellow man and his community when Henry Moeller passed away. Henry had lived in this city to see it grow from pioneer days to the atomic age. He and his brother, Corwin, were closely identified with Ringling Bros. Circus. They built some of the most famous circus wagons ever in existence. Perhaps the most famous of these was the Bell wagon which is now in Sarasota, Fla. When the motion picture producer, Cecil B. DeMille, was in Wisconsin a few years ago touring with the circus for material for his picture "The Greatest Show On Earth" Henry and Bud North had their picture taken with DeMille before this famous wagon.
Henry often told about the final days of hustle and bustle before the circus went on its way in early spring. He recalled one time in particular when he had to ride a flat car from Baraboo to Lodi to finish the last wagon. There was a twinkle in his eye and a chuckle in his voice when he told that story.
A look at Wednesday's paper will show how well Henry provided for the many civic, religous and fraternal organizations of this city. His own wants were meager, and he left most of his worldly goods to benefit his fellow human beings in this community as best he knew how. That is the type of monument that is likely to best stand the test of time."
Editor's note, We have had the opportunity to read of the bequests in the will of Henry Moeller. From an estate estimated at $152,000, Henry provided money for EVERY Church in the city of Baraboo, as well as for many charitable organizations in the State of Wisconsin; left money for the education of the youth of Baraboo; and we can truly be in accord with the above article in saying that Henry left a monument that many a man may study and do likewise. - Baraboo, Wisc. Republic., Friday, May 31, 1957. "The Editor Reviews the News" column (appearing once a week) by Curt Page. Bandwagon, Vol. 1, No. 3 (Aug), 1957, p. 7. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Prof. Harry Mohn, a dog trainer, died Nov. 23 [1900], in Philadelphia. He had been for ten years connected with Bob Hunting's and the Welsh Brothers' Circuses. New York Clipper, December 1, 1900, p. 889. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this person.
John Moncayo is one of the cleverest and closest bending contortionist in the business, and has been with the show since 1891. His experience in the amusement profession embraces engagements both with circuses and with combinations of various natures. Mr. Moncayo invariably carries off his share of the honors among the features of the Ringling Bros. programme. 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).
"Mono", greatest "Skid Diver." Frank A. Robbins, 1910. From newspaper illustration appears that he dives from a tower, lands on an inclined ramp, slides down and comes off the upraised end of the ramp to land. Agitator (Wellsboro, PA), July 27, 1910; Bandwagon, May-Jun, 2002, p. 24. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Mark Monroe. “How many pounds of meat does an elephant eat in a day?” Mr. Mark Monroe, as Ringling Bros. superintendent of the big pachyderms, is daily confronted with such startling and difficult questions, and the affable and courteous manner in which the most absurd queries are answered by him and his score of assistants, elicit volumes of appreciative remarks from the thousands of visitors to the show. To handle the big herds of elephants and camels, and numerous other led animals, requires no inconsiderable degree of ability. Mr. Monroe possesses the necessary qualifications of a first-class boss elephant man. He is prompt to act in cases of emergency and careful and painstaking in moving the big beasts from the cars to the grounds and back again. 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).
Monroe & Grant, trampoline, Grotto Circus, 1941. "Conn. Fans Buck Snow to Attend Indoor Circus," White Tops, Vol. 14, Nos. 4-5 (Feb-Mar), 1941, p. 8. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Cecil Robert Montgomery, operated his own show, the C. R. Montgomery Wild Animal Circus. He was also with Ringling-Barnum and the Tampa Zoo. Died February 16, 1977 at Tampa, Florida, age 74. Circus Report, March 7, 1977, p. 6. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Earnest Gordon Mooney , a second generation flyer. His father formed the Earnest De Esta six person flying act on Forepaugh-Sells, Ring and Sells-Floto. Earnest junior performed on Cole and the corporation shows. In later years was a teacher at the University of Florida. Died July 18, 1980 at Gainesville, Florida, age 65. Circus Report, August 11, 1980, p. 15. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Maurice Mooney, known as Maurice De Espa, has enlisted in the aviation corps, and is with the 25th Company, stationed at Ft. Slocum, N.Y. Not yet 20 years of age, Maurice has been with circuses and in vaudeville since 1904. Billboard, January 26, 1918, p. 30. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Moore & Gilmoore Family, Ed. F. Davis Shows, 1900. Billboard, June 9, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Benjamin L. Moore, "Dinky," was a clown with John Robinson, Hagenbeck-Wallace, Sells-Floto, Robbins Bros. and King Bros. circuses. Retired circa 1938. Died November 6, 1980 at Poplar Bluff, Missouri, age 72. Circus Report, December 15, 1980, p. 19. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Bert Moore, advertising department, Sun Bros., 1905. Van Wert (OH) Daily Bulletin, December 29, 1905. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Dwight C. Moore toured for 35 years with major shows, presenting his Dwight Moore's Mongrel Revue act. His son, Bob, carried on the family tradition with his Bob Moore's Mongrels. Dwight died March 26, 1988 at Modesto, California, age 73. Circus Report, April 25, 1988, p. 13. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Hazel Hickey Moore was a horsewoman, working with high jumpers and dressage horses. She was with Howes Great London, Walter L. Main, John Robinson, Hagenbeck-Wallace, Yankee Robinson, Sells-Floto, Ringling-Barnum, Joe Greer and Jim Eskew Wilid West and Tim McCoy Wild West. Married Percy Moore, saddle bronc rider. She died July 24, 1977 at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, age 75. Circus Report, August 8, 1977, p. 6. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Jack B. Moore, owner. See Jack Moore.
Lon Moore, clown, in the business 15 years. Lives at Defiance, Ohio. Goes with Wallace show the coming 1903 season. Was with the John Robinson show for five years. Debuted his clown work in West India Islands several years ago. With Shipp's Indoor Circus, 1903; clown with Sells-Floto, 1909. Cedar Rapids (IA) Sunday Republican, February 1, 1903; 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).
Madelyn Moore, daughter of circus owner Jack Moore, founder of Carson & Barnes Circus. She performed with that show for a number of years. Died on March 4, 1980 in Texas, age 24. 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).
Morales Troupe, bar performers, Campbell Bros., 1910; Morales troupe of Spanish gymnasts - Gollmar Bros. Circus, 1914; County Fair, 1920: ". . . each day of the fair will be a circus feature by . . . also the Marvelous Marales six in number . . . a four people bar casting act by The Morales . . . another feature act of this troupe is presented by Felix Morales with the Ringling Brothers' circus last year . . ." Brownsville (TX) Daily Herald, November 29, 1910; Stevens Point (WI) Daily Journal, August 3, 1914; Van Wert (OH) Daily Bulletin, September 2, 1920. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Felix M. Morales was a wire and trampoline performer, best known for his head slide act. Appeared with most of the major circuses. Died July 29, 1975 at Homossa, Florida, age 74. 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).
Chas. R. Morellas, bill poster, Sells. Bros., 1894. New York Clipper, April 7, 1894, p. 71. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Charles Morosco, clown, at liberty, 1900. Resides Guilford, Connecticut. Billboard, June 2, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Frank W. Morris, concession manager for more than 60 years with circuses, including Ringling-Barnum and the Buffalo Bill Show. died June 19, 1980, age 84. Circus Report, July 14, 1980, p. 19. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
George Wm. Morris. Lola Mitchell (Topsy) writes that the death of her husband, George Wm. Morris, who passed away December 3, 1893, as a result of spinal afflictions, has never been published in any theatrical paper. Mr. Morris, better known at Major Morris, was an oldtimer, traveling with P. T. Barnum and Adam Forepaugh shows back in the '70s. He was married to "Topsy" Mitchell (nee Louise D'Nard) in 1888. There were no children. The widow, owing to bad health, has been away from the sawdust arena for the past two season, and will not troup again this year. 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).
J. Raymond Morris began as a billposter on Barnum & Bailey in 1918, remaining with the circus for more than 60 years. He was an usher with Ringling-Barnum for several years and was an usher on the day of the Hartford circus fire. Died circa 1987 at East Ridge, Tennessee, age 88. Circus Report, April 6, 1987, p. 6. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
P. J. Morris has resigned his position as business manager of the Grand Museum, this city [New York], to join the Barnum & Bailey Show. New York Clipper, April 2, 1892, p. 50. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Will Morris, programer, 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).
John Morrissey, a circus rider, dropped dead today in the sawdust ring, just prior to the morning parade of d'Alma's pony show, which is exhibiting in the Bronx. Morrissey approached John d'Alma, proprietor of the circus, last night, and asked for something to eat and for work to earn his meal. D'Alma asked him what he could do. Morrissey replied that he was an old-time circus rider. Morrissey was sent to the cook tent and given a bunk for the night, with the promise of work today. While the show was preparing for the morning parade, Morrissey was given a black pony. He started about the ring, exhibiting the animal's points and his own skill as a rider, to the satisfaction of the circus men who recognized on of their craft. In the course of his maneuvers, Morrissey suddenly gasped, threw up one hand, grew pale, and slid from the back of the horse to the sawdust. A minute later he was dead. Morrissey was apparently about fifty years old. New York, May 9. Washington Post (Washington, DC), May 10, 1907. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Jas. A. Morrow, side show manager and orator for the past ten years, and connected in that capacity with the following shows: William Sells, Sells & Gray, Buckskill [sic?] Bill's Wild West, Sig. Sautelle's & Welsh Bros., and Sig. Sautelle's Consolidated Shows, writes that he has tendered his resignation to the Cummins' Wild West and Indian Congress, which organization he was contracted with to handle the side shows and concerts. He left for his home at Homer, N. Y., March 12. Mr. Morrow says that he was extended every courtesy by Walter L. Main, president of the Cummins' Wild West, and Col. Frederick Cummins, director general, and that he leaves by his own desire and with the most friendly feelings on all sides. New York Clipper, March 17, 1906, p. 114. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
"Jim" Morrow has been associated with Scribner & Smith, Howe's Great London, Price & James, Buckskin Bill, Sig Sautelle, Welsh Bros., Morrow's Overland, Sells & Gray, Sells-Floto, Barnum & Bailey and Al G. Barnes circuses, also L. Oppenheimer's, Con T. Kennedy and Lew Nichols and Cole Younger carnivals, filling positions as general manager, sideshow manager, chief announcer and press agent. His address is Morrow's Pet Animal Farm, Montague, Mich. Billboard, October 12, 1918, p. 27. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Charles Mosher, age 44, an employee in the ticket department of the Ringling Bros. Circus for the past twenty years, was struck by lightning at Ft. Wayne, Ind., recently, and killed instantly. His body was cremated at Baraboo, Wis., and the ashes sent to his home at Oakland, Cal. Billboard, August 16, 1919, p. 86. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Capt. Ben Mouton was a stunt man in early days of films. He was a rope spinner and trick shooter on Al G. Barnes in 1920s. He also worked as a sway pole performer and worked on top of the Royal Gorge Bridge in Colorado. He was also known as the Human Torch, diving off a water tower while on fire, into a tank of water surrounded by swords. After he was injured in 1940 he worked on carnivals. Born in 1894, died April 25, 1985 at Lafayette, Louisiana, age 91. Circus Report, June 10, 1985, p. 14. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Charles Moyer, musician, joined the Cristiani-Wallace Circus in the early 1960s, then becoming bandmaster for the show. He played trumpet with Clyde Beatty-Cole Bros. and King Bros. circuses. He was bandmaster with Dailey Bros., Ray Beaudet & Cristiani Indoor, Circus Bartok, Royal Ranch Wild West, Hoxie Bros., Great American, Famous Cole Indoor, Vidbel's Olde Tyme circuses, as well at Circus Hall of Fame in Sarasota, Circus World Museum in Baraboo, Showfolks Circus at Sarasota, International Independent Showman's Association Circus and the Sarasota Circus Festival. He was a booking agent for Nordmark & Hood Productions, Famous Cole Indoor Circus, Circus Bartok and Vidbel's Olde Tyme Circus. At one time he operated his own circus, Charles Bros. Continental Circus. Died June 15, 1989 at Ocala, Florida. Circus Report, September 11, 1989, p. 15. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
G. C. Moyer, contracting agent, Cole Bros., 1908. Wellsboro (PA) Agitator, July 29, 1908; Daily Kennebec (ME) Journal, July 14, 1908. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
John Moylan, master of proprties with John O'Brien's Circus, was run over by a heavily loaded six-horse wagon in Vergennes, Vt., July 8, and died from his injuries. He was buried the next day in Burlington. New York Clipper, July 21, 1877, p. 134. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Charles W. J. Mugivan, brother of "Jerry" Mugivan, and also a well-known circus man, has cast his lot with the Knights of Columbus for overseas duty and will likely soon be sent to the front. Billboard, November 9, 1918, p. 52. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Jeremiah Mugivan was born at Terre Haute in 1874, and died in a Detroit hospital in 1930. He is buried beside his wife, Mary Edith Bledsoe Mugivan, in a Peru cemetery. He took over the Wallace circus kingdom and built it into an empire. At the peak of his circus life he controlled more circuses than any man in history.
His first job was as a newsboy on the railroad between Indianapolis and Terre Haute. His first circus job was with the J. W. Smith Circus of St. Louis, Mo. In a little more than a year he become manager, although he was only 21 years old. Three years later he became owner. Two years later he sold the show to Ed. Howe of Howe's Great London Shows, and become the manager of the combined shows. This was then one of the larger circuses. Later he and John Talbot, of Denver, Colorado, bought the Howe shows. In 1908 he sold his interests to Talbot and in 1909 became manager of the Hagenback-Wallace Circus in Peru.
He stayed with Wallace one year and then bought the famous Robinson Shows of Cincinnati on the death of John Robinson the founder. The following year he bought back the Howe's Great London Shows and started his partnership with Bert Bowers, who became manager of the Howe Shows. Meanwhile, Ed. Ballard had acquired an interest in the Hagenback-Wallace Circus and moved it to West Baden. In 1915, Wallace leased his winter quarters to Mugivan who occupied it until The end of his circus career. In 1918, Ballard joined Mugivan and Bowers and the merged circuses included Robinson's, Howe's and Hagenback-Wallace. The following year they acquired the Sells Floto Circus. The Howe name was dropped and the Robinson, Wallace, and Floto circuses toured the country. About this time the managers were Sam Dill, Dan Odom, and Zack Terrel. In 1925, Tom Mix joined the group and traveled with the Sells Floto Circus, which become the largest money maker of all American circuses at that time.
The Ringling Shows had always showed exclusively in the Garden and they tried in every way to upset Mugivan. Unable to do this, John Ringling asked Mugivan to come to New York. Mugivan declined so Ringling come to Peru. A deal was worked out to buy or sell. On the toss of a coin the Mugivan properties were acquired by Ringling for $2,000,000.
Mugivan's care for his workers was unceasing. During the "Flu" epidemic of 1918, every worker was given medical care and hospitalization. In event of death he was given a decent burial. A local physician said that he had waited on scores of poor people and Mugivan had paid the bill. He mentioned one particular case where an old colored man was near death and wanted to die in his home in North Carolina. It was dangerous to move him, so Mugivan engaged this physician to accompany the colored man to his Carolina home. He got there safely and shortly afterward died happily.
Mugivan bought control of the Wabash Valley Trust Co. Later he combined it with the Citizen's National Bank. He built one of Peru's finest homes on East Main Street. He donated $40,000 to build the Catholic school at the corner of 5th and Cass Streets.
The newsboy had come a long way in 35 years of circus life. Even the mighty Ringling had to come to Peru to learn Mugivan's terms by which he could again show in Madison Square Garden. Yet through it all he remained a man's man. His sudden death interrupted his services to Peru. The circus city acquired greater glory and fame while Mugivan was king. With him died an era. The circus city remains in name only. Peru, Indiana Daily Tribune, December 28, 1949. Bandwagon, Vol. 8, February, 1957, pp. 3-4. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
James A. Muldoon, veteran circus man, now city billposter at Westport, Me., has a rare collection of circus and theatrical programs, heralds and bills, dating back to 1836. . . . Mr. Muldoon began his show experience as a property and basket-carrying boy in 1875, receiving two dollars a week from the owner of the basket containing the necessary wardrobe, and an extra fifty cents from the manager. Later he acted in the capacity of agent, also manager, and tried running his own circus for several seasons, but not with success. Billboard, September 6, 1919, p. 45. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Prof. Munro, band leader, Howard Damon Big Show, 1909. Charleroi (PA) Mail, May 18, 1909. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
William Munroe
William Munroe, four-horse and hurdle rider, and equestrian director, for the past five years with Forepaugh show. Can be engaged. Address, Broadway, New York City. [Advertisement] New York Clipper, March 3, 1877, p. 387.
Wm. Munroe has been engaged by the Forepaugh show as equestrian director. New York Clipper, March 24, 1877, p. 415.
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Edward C. Murphy, who for twenty-five years was a circus clown and vaudeville performer, . . . died Monday evening in Quincy. . . ." Began his career when his family lived in Paris, Missouri. His daughter, Mrs. Hogan, of Kansas City, is preparing a sketch of his life to appear in the New York Clipper." Moberly (MO) Evening Democrat, March 30, 1905. Ed. C. Murphy, a comedian and old time clown, died at his home in Quincy, Ill., March 17 [1905], from Bright's disease. He was born in Cohoes, N.Y., Sept. 25(?), 1856(?), and had been a comedian, vaudeville performer and clown. He had been in the profession for the past thirty-seven years, having been with some of the largest theatrical companies and circuses. His last engagement was with Haag's Shows. His mother and father, two sisters, three brothers and one daughter, a soubrette known as Madge Moss (Mrs. Roy E. Hogan), survive him. New York Clipper, April 15, 1905, p. 202. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Circus people now in the carnival business: Frank J. Murphy and wife with the Victoria Shows, used to be with Jerry Mugivan. 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).
P. E. Murphy, 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).
W. T. Murphy, advance, John Robinson circus, 1905. Coshocton (OH) Daily Age, April 6, 1905. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
William Murphy, an old steamboat mate, and one of the most powerfully strong men of his day, died suddenly on Friday night at his boarding-house, near the corner of Fifth and Elm streets, St. Louis. He was formerly in the circus business, aud used to exhibit his strength in a performance of pulling against a horse. The jury returned a verdict of died from apoplexy. Dubuque (Iowa) Democratic Herald, March 9, 1866. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Horace D. Murray, "Cy," was a cook and cookhouse operator on a number of shows, including Russell Bros. Later became a night watchman at Mountain Park, Massachusetts. Died September 25, 1986 at Holyoke, Massachusetts, age 84. Circus Report, July 27, 1987, p. 16. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
J. E. Murray, advance, Lemon Bros., 1905. Daily Review (Decatur, IL), April 10, 1905. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Mutchkoff Troupe, Russian dancers, Howe's Great London, 1911. 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).
Elmer C. Myers, formerly business manager of the Colorado Grant Show, and the past season sideshow ticket seller with Sells-Floto, is now located at Hopewell, Va., doing police guard duty for the Dupont Powder Co. Billboard, November 9, 1918, p. 27. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
Frank Myers, 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).
Joseph A. Myers was a clown known as "Jo-Mar, King of Hearts." He clowned for 55 years and was with Circus Kirk, Von Bros., Roberts Bros. and the Royal Ranch Wild West. Died November 9, 1989 at Auburn, New York, age 86. Circus Report, December 4, 1989, p. 2. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
W. B. Myler, "Bill," was a carnival and circus talker and show operator. Toured with Russell Bros., Yankee Robinson, Robbins Bros. and other shows. Also toured his own girl show. Died March 10, 1978 at Aransas Pass, Texas, age 86. Circus Report, April 31, 1978, p. 18. Information should be checked with additional sources Can you add information? Email your documented information for this/these person(s).
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