The Billboard 1922-02-18: Vol 34 Iss 7 (1922-02-18)

e Billboard FEBRUARY 18, 1922 DEATHS In the Profession ACH—Sam, widely known in the carnival world as an agent and promoter, was burned to death the night of February 6 when the Lexington Hotel, Kichmond, Va., was destroyed by fire. His remains were not recovered until February 10. Many years azo Mr. Ach was connected with the old Buckingham Theater, Louisville, Ky., after which he spent several years with the publicity departments of circuses. He continued publicity work with traveling carniTals when that form of outdoor entertainment came into existence. In the days when contests were more popular he was rated as one of the best contest promoters in the business, but in the past few years, during his connection with the Greater Sheesley Shows, the Famous Broadway Shows, Smith's Greater United Shows and quite recently with tbe National Bazaar and Exposition Co., his efforts were entirely devoted to publicity. He was a member of the Elks and Moose lodges. At the time of his death be was one of the principal concessioners with the indoor circus at the Howitzers’ Armory (February 6-11) given for the benefit of the Striking street car men. His remains were taken to Bailey's Undertaking Rooms, Richmond. One son, who is a member of the United States Marine Corps, stationed at Quantico, Va., and who was in Richmond when his fatber's body was found, survives. ARMAS—Dr. E. D., who until bis retirement four years ago was widely known in the outdoor show world as ‘‘Spanish Frank,"’* died at West Columbia, Tex., February 3, of heart trouble. A widow, known profession@lly as “Senorita Cecelia, the aerial queen,"’ survives. AVEY—wWest, 32, of the vaudeville team of Avey and O'Neil, died of pneumonia at the Epworth Hospital, South Bend, Ind., February 6, after an illness of but three days. The team was billed at the Orpheum Theater, South Bend, the Jast half of the week of January 320 and Avey plared two shows the first day at the Orpbeum, following which he had a sinking spell and bad to be removed to the hospital, The team had been together for the past ten years and Avey had not missed a performance since the formation of the combination. They had been booked solid until some time in June, when they planned to play an eight weeks’ engagement in England. Their act was known as ‘The Young Uns,’’ in which both appeared in blackface. Mrs. Avey arrived in South Bend February 4 and was with her husband to the end. His home was in Houston, Tex. BAGLEY—Edwin E., famous musician and composer, whose ‘National Emblem March” has become known thruout the_ country, passed away at the Elliot Hospital, Keene, N. H., January 29. Mr. Bagley was 64 years old, The deceased began his musical career at the age of 9, when he started on the road as a singer and comedian for Leavitt's Bellringers, under the care of his cousin, Mrs. C. C. Beedle, who was a member of the company. At the age of 14 he began to play the cornet and later took up the trombone. He played with the Swiss Bellringere six years, wes with the Blaisdeli Orchestra and the Germania Band, He traveled nine years with the “Bostonians, @ wusical company, which toured the United States. He was also a member of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. In 1905 Mr. Bagley composed the ‘‘National Embiem March. Another of his works was ‘‘America Victorious, written at the conclusion of the World War. Edwin E. Bagley was born in Craftsbury, Vt., in 1857, the youngest of ten children. His father and five brothers served in the Civil War. In 1877 he married Jannette Scott Hoyt, of Craftsbury. He was a member of the Musicians’ Union of Fitchburg, Mass. Surviving are a widow, one daughter, one brother and one sister. Funeral services were held at bis late home, 223 Roxbury street, Keene, February ¥ BROCK—Fred BE., 48, formerly of Gillette and Brock, died on a Rock Island train at Douglas, Ariz., while en route to Los Angeles. Oldtimers will remember him as being a recognized top mounter and all-round acrobat. He formerly was featured with Kiralfy’s ‘Black Crook” and Hanlon’s “‘Fantasma.’’ With Gillette he did that standard act known in the old days as ‘“‘Silence and Fun.” A widow, Josephine Brock, was Josephine Bohne, whose family operated the well-known Bohne Theatrical Hotel, New York. Since retiring from the profession a few years ago he had been in the newspaper game with The Globe-Democrat, St. Lonis. He is survived by a widow and three sons, Norman, Leo and Robert Brock, and his daughter, Marion, who is one of the LaVone Sisters, an acrobatic dancing team; also by three eisters, Mrs. I. S. Hurst, Mrs. W. N. Merritt and Mrs. H. 8S. Hall. His body was taken to Los Angeles for cremation, : BULKLEY—Robert W., prominent Washington (D. C.) business man and with his brother interested in the Crandall! theaters in that city, died February 6, of heart disease, at his winter home in Palm Beach, Fla., following a ten days’ iliness. Surviving are his widow, a 6on, daughter and a brother, Barry Bulkley. BURKE—Mrs. Blanche, widow of William E. Burke, once well known as 2 clown and comedian, and mother of Mrs. Florenz Ziegfeld (Billie Burke), died February 7 on the estate of her daughter, Burkley Crest, at Hastingson-the-Hudson. Mrs. Burke on learning of her mother's death immediately closed her engagement at a theater in Baltimore, where she was Playing in ‘‘The Intimate Stranger,’’ and hastened to New York, CARLTON—HFarry G., 62, character actor on the legitimate stage and in pictures, died at his home, 435 Shawmut avenue, Boston, Mass.. Janvary 31. Mr. Carlton entered upon the stage at the age of eighteen and during~ his long career as a professional appeared with many of the greatest stars of the drama, including Mrs, Leslie Carter, David Warfield and Guy Bates Post. His last appearance on the speaking stage was es “The Mad Mullah" with Guy Bates Post in “‘Omar,'the Tentmaker.’’ Until a few months prior to his death he had been appearing in pictures. Wis widow Mrs. Effie Cariton, survives. Funeral services were held February 2 in Boston and the remains Were interred in Waltham. COTTERMAN—Mrs. Pav!, 21, died in Indianapolis February 9 of pneumonia. Mr. Cotterman is a professional photographer in the Hoosier Capitol. The deceased was a sister of Larry Conover, who is a member of the Shannon Stock Company, which is playing in the South. A husband and son survive. CURTIS—Dorothy M., 13-year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs, Walter H. Curtis, died at Wrentham, Mass., recently, from infantile paralysis, Mr. Curtis is identified with the Lyceum Comedy Company. DAVID—Wilford E., four-and-one-half-yearold son of Mr, and Mrs. W. E. David, IJr., who were recently members of the North Bros.’ Stock Company, died at bis parents’ home in Beaver Crossing, Neb., January 27, of diphbtheria. EVANS—Dr. Owen Hugh, 75, famous mu sician and father of Mrs. John Braun, former accompanist to Madame Schumann-Heink, died at Marysville, ©0., February 8, ef bronchial pneumonia. He had been a musical instructor 50 years. Surviving are a widow, daughter, Mrs. Braun, and a son, Earl Evans, of North Bend, Ore. FABEBRI—Alessandro, pioneer in the use of motion pictures in scientific research, died of pneumonia in New York City February 7. FI ‘ol, Frank E., brief notice of whose demise was published in the January 28 issue of The Billboard, was one of the biggest showmen who ever toured South Africa. From the Twins’ and other musical comedies, died in San Antonio, Tex., January 25, of tuberculosis, With his wife, Mr. Frost played in vaudeville, under the team name of Foster and Clark. His last professional appearance was with “The Gumps."’ : HALL—Frank T., well known thruout the mid-West as a blackface comedian, died February 6 at Florida, Mo., of pneumonia. He was 47 years old, and is survived by a mother, widow, one daughter and one brother. Funeral services were conducted in Edina, Mo., where he made his home. HASTINGS—Robert E., senior partner of Hastings & Co., Philadelphia, goldleaf manufacturers, died in that city January 31 at the age of 79. He became associated with the above firm in 1863 and had been the active head since the death of his father in 1865. The firm of Hastings & Co, is 102 years old, and is one of the sixty firms in the United States that have been in existence over a century. The deceased contributed much to its great success and unsullied reputation. Mr. Hastings is survived by three nephews, Joho V. Hastings, Jr.; G. Brinton Thomas, Jr.; Correlius E. Ebrey and a brother, Jobn V. Hastings. The last named has been a partner of the deceased for 56 years and will, with theaid of his son, John V, Hastings, Jr., conduct the business. HOW. oseph Jackson, sixteen months old son of Mr. and Mrs. F. Buck Howard, died February 1, of double pneumonia. The parents are well known dramatists. Mr. Howard is a director and producer of local telent entertainments, ISAACS—Mrs. W.. wife of the chief of the song writing department of Union Theaters, Ltd., Syduey, Australia, died December 19 in Sydney. Besides a busband she is survived by early "90s Fillis’ Circus enjoyed great popularseveral young children. JOHNNIE WILSON Jobnnie Wilson, noted horseback rider years ago, and considered the foremost fourhorse rider of the world, died suddenly at the Savoy Hotel, Cincinnati, 0., where he had been making his home, early Tuesday morning, February 7. He was 78 years of age. He is believed to be survived by two cousins, Wilson had been feeble in late years, and was recently in a jocal hospital. Ilis eyesight and especially hie hearing had become impaired in late years, Mr. Wilson, whose real name was Jolin F. McDonough, was born in Cincinnati, on Second street, and resided in the Queen City all his life when not on the road. Twenty years ago he was one of the best known men in Cincinnati, being one of the most picturesque figures on the Vine street rialto of that day, He was good-hearted and generous to a favit. The name of Wilson was given to him by John Robinson, founder of the circus which still bears his name. It was with the Old John Robinson (Uncle John) Show that he had his first engagement as pony boy, time that he taught himself to ride. show life with this circus. and it was during this He spent most of his He used to ride menage and also broke horses for the late “‘Gov."* John F. Robinson, as he was considered a great horse trainer. He was also equestrian director with the show. It is believed that Wilson married three times. His first wife was Alice Lake, adopted daughter of Wm. Lake, whom he married while with Lake's Circus, She is dead and buried in a cemetery in Cincinnati. Wilson appeared at various times in Cincinnati under the “big top’? on the sites of what now are the Emery and Palace hotels; also in he Woods and National theaters with the Robinson Indoor Ciréus, JOHNNIE WILS What estate Wilson had has not been learned as yet, but it is believed that he had stock in the U. 8. Printing Co. Robert Stickney, in speaking of Mr. Wilson’s achievements on the tanbark, said: “Mr, Wilson began his circus career nearly 70 years ago, when be became pony boy with Robinson's Circus, became equestrian manager of the circus, He developed into the most wonderful four-horse rider of his day, and He would drive four horses, ride on two of them, and put the four thru various maneuvers while traveling at top speed around the ring.”’ Funeral services were held at St. Xavier's Church Thursday morning, Febroary 9, and the body interred in St, Joseph’s Cemetery. world, were: Robert Stickney, John Robinson and Jeff Posey. Among the pallbearers, known to the show Among those who sent floral tributes were: Mrs, Charlie Hodges, Mrs. Byrne and Frank, Mr. and Mrs. Mose Goldblatt, Wm. B. Burk and wife, James and Mrs. McSweeney, Robt. J. O’Brien, James J. Dolan, Thos. J. Emmett, and The Billboard, Mulvihill, Scott Parmerton, Louis and Mrs. Brizolari, Smitty and Among the frieads of the dead showman who by their presence paid a silent tribute to his memory were: Harry Overton, J. Milton Traber (of Hamilton, 0.), Charles Mack, Steve Henry, Harry Lake, Jack Warren, Harry (Rube) Dalroy, Lorraine “Williams, Mr. and Mrs. George Fisher, Mrs, Jack Pfeiffenberger, Benny Cook, Chriss Deal, William Keinat and Ed Roebuck. ity among the natives. A far Eastern newspaper says that never before nor since has the art of the circus been given better interpretation than by the talented companions which Mr. Fillis gathered beneath his banner. Mr. Fillis was not only the proprietor of the circus but also one of its stellar performers, his borsemanship being the admiration of all who beheld it. As a trainer of animals, especially horses, he excelled. In 1912 Mr. Fillis went to India, where he remained until bis death, carrying on his vocation. His association with the amusement business in the United States will be recailed by his production of the ‘‘Boer War" Spectacle at the St. Loufs World's Fair, and the season following at the Brighton Beach (N. Y.) Arena. He leaves two sous and a daughter; Frank, late manager of the Orpheum Theater, Johannesburg; Cecil, who is known in racing circles, and Adele, a film actress in the Orient. FORSYTH—Robert, 76, well-known actor of the legitimate stage, died February 9 in Bellevue Hospital, New York,, following a general breakdown. Mr. Forsyth was born in Belfast, Ireland, and made ..f8 first stage appearance at Woods’ Opera House, Cincinnati, in “‘Acrosa the Continent."’ Tle appéared with numerous stars, including Edwin Booth, Lawrence Barrett, Davenport and Charlotte Cushman. Iie went to England in J882 and returned to this country “in 1903. Since then he appeared in ‘Come Out of the Kitchen,” “Hindle Walks,” “Peg o’ My Heart,”’ “Opportunity” and finally with Madge Kennedy in “Cornered.” FOWLER—Aibert Bela, 35, a picture director, died February 6 from injuries received when an elevator in which he was a passenger dropped five floors to the bottom of the shaft. The deceased was directing for the X-L picture corporation at the time of bis death. FROST—Kussell B., 29, formerly with “The Time, the Place and the Girl,” “The Three KINGSTON—Miss Mayo, of Boston, Mass., connected with an act entitled ‘“‘Hanky Panky,’ on the bill at the Aldine Theater, Wilmiugton, Del., the latter part of last week, died of pneumonia at a Wilmington Hotel February 11, KRONBERG—Samuel, vocal teacher and musical manager, died February 3 at his home, 1742 Commonwealth avenue, Brighton, Boston, Masa, His first wife, Mrs, Nannie Kronberg, wes a well-known concert and opera singer. They had appeared together in concerts in Boston and elsewhere. McVEY—Mrs. Catherine Fllen, 79, mother of Tony McVey, manager of the Hippodrome, New York, died February 11 at her home in that city following a long illness. MATHIAS—Touis, organizer of the first orchestra in Toledo, 0., to give concerts, died at his home in Point Place, that city, February 5, at the age of 95. He came to this country from Germany in 1836, when he was but ten years old. He settled in Toledo in 1852 and soon became a leading spirit in the musical activities of that city. In 1854 he organized the Toledo Musik-Verein, which was probably the first Toledo orchestra to be heard in econcert. Among the outstanding triumphs of this old musician was his directorship of the Centennial concerts in 1876. Besides being a director and organizer of musical societies he was a teacher of more then ordinary ability. The old musie master is credited with having taught 3,000 pupils. Yachting was one of his favorite pastimes, and at one time he was Commodore of the Toledo Yacht Club. Fis yacht, Oberon, was famous in its day. Mr. Mathias is survived by a sister, Mrs. J. J. Keller, and his bephews and nieces, Rudolph, Louis, Fred, Henry and Carl Mathias, Mrs, B. A. Krueger eo F. W. Kibbe, Julius, Angust and Ca elle, NEWTON—Samuel, Jr., 27, icture theater manager, died at Northampton, 1 ass,, February operated thee toga Springs, and Schuylerville. t, a, widow, parents and a sister survive. Int ment was at North Adams, Mags, ; NOBLE—Mrs. Catherine, mother of Miss Le nie Cosgrove, of the team of Cosgrove oan O’Brien, died at her home at Elwood, Ind Febrnary 9 of dropsy. She was 68 years old’ OBER—Mrs. Adelaide D., widow of the ono. time well-known comedian, George Ober died February 8 at her home, Hastings-on-Wudson New York, where she had resided for many years. Mrs. Ober was 80 years old, and went on the stage as & young woman, playing prom. inent parts with many famous stars of the jast generation. She also wrote several plays and — picture ee Her only son. Fred tic Power, an actor and st ! i come years R d stage director, dieq O—Cecile, who had appeared in m Productions of Offenbach’ — en aris January 2 eo Clarence, colored, member John H, Mason “Dixieland Girls,"" was aan to death at the stage entrance of the Grand Theater, Chicago, January 81, ; ROSS—Anne Matilda, mother of Alison and Lilian Ross, whe conduct a theatrical ®chool in Sydney, Australia, died in Brisbane last De. cember, She had resided in Australia 73 years SAND Mrs. Bessie, wife of George E. Sanders, and both well known in repertoire cir. cles in the West, especially in Texas and Oklghoma, died Janua 13 in Oak Grove, Ore., at the home of ber sister, Mrs. J. T. Van Horne Mr. and Mrs. Sanders bad conducted their ows show in the above territory for years. Besides her husband Mrs. Sanders leaves otber near relatives whose whereabonts are unknown. SOMERS—Mrs. Harry Burson, founder of the Somers School of Physical Culture and organizer of numerous original and beautify! pageants for the Canadian National Exhibition died at the General Hospital, Toronto. Can. February 6. High tribute is paid to the outStanding social work of Mrs, Somers in Toronto and nearby towns, by Robert Fleming, president of the Canadian National Exhibition. EVENS—Kathryn Allen, 17, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kirk Allen and wife of Jack Stevens, Jr., a newspaper man of El Paso, Tex., died February 1, at the home of her parents, Wayne Hotel, El Paso, following a brief illness. Mr. Allen wag, until last fal owner of the All-American Shows. Mrs. Stocvens traveled with her father’s shows during the seasons of 1918, ‘19 and ‘21, acting as secretary to her father. Interment was in Evergreen Cemetery, El Paso. TRIPP—Mrs. Mary S., mother of several prominent professionals, died at the Palmer Memorial Hospital, Roxbury, Mass., following a prolonged illness, February 6. The deceased is survived by_two daughters and two sons: 2. The deceased Mre. George B. Pauncefort (Marion Ballou Tripp), who is known in the theatrical fession; Mre. Gertrude Tripp Conner, a 8 ton violinist; Harold 8, Tripp, tenor solosit of Koston, and Newell R. Tripp, manager of an automobile By es VAN VALKENBURG—Father of A. C. Van Valkenburg, the latter known in the outdoor show world, dropped dead at Warren, 0., February 4. Interment was in Oakwood Cemetery, Warren. WEST—William, comedian, who will be remembered for his part in ‘“‘The Dollar Princess,"’ @ Frobman production, is reported to bave died in London, Eng., February 3. The deceased had gone to London for a rest, following @ season in ‘‘The Love Letter," at the Globe Theater, New York City. He had played for A. L. Erlanger, Roger Brothers and Ward and Vokes. He leaves a widow, Virginia West. WOODS—Joseph J., formerly a musical comedy actor and brother of Frank X. Woods, of the S. J. Webb Studio, Cleveland, 0., died at Lakeside Hospital, Detroit, Mich. The deceased had appeared in several of Boyle Woolfolk's musical comedies and also in musical stock at the National Theater, Detroit. Later he became a member of the Detroit police de partment and during the World War served io the Merchant Marine. Besides Frank X., two other brothers, Norman A. and Jobn J. Walker Woods, survive. MARRIAGES In the Profession ABELMAN-LEOPOLD—Marty Abelman, nsonprofessional, and Helen Leopold, connected with the Broadway Music Corporation, were married secretly over a year ago, it became know» last week. DIERO-LANG—Guido Diero, accordionist and former member of the Will K Company of San Francisco, and Ruby Lang, known in private life as Ruby S. Mead, prima donna with the King Company, were married at Newark, N. J., February 1. GOLDSTEIN-SHAW—Jake Goldstein, of San Francisco, and Lillian Shaw, widely known vaudeville actress, at present appearing on Orpheum Circuit, were married at Sacramento February 6. The bride announced that she would leave the stage when her present contract expires. McDOUGAL-FARNADAY—Frank J. MeDougal. prominent San Francisco attorney, and Marjorie Farnaday, who has been a member of the Maitland Theater Stock Company, were married in Oakland two weeks ago. McBOYLE-MASTIN -—— Carl McBoyle, song writer, and Ann Mastin, nonprofessional, were married in New York City February 2. MALONEY-LLOYD—Billy Maloney, producer at the Cremorne (Gardens, Brisbane, Australia. and Claire Lioyd (Brady), soubret, were recently married at St. Stephen's Cathedral, Brisbane. MANION-WALDEN—Silas Manion, nonprofessional, and Babe Walden, carnival dancer, who has been with the K, G. Barkoot Shows ond, others, were married at Marietta, 0., recently. PATTERSON-GIBSON—H, E. Patterson, for the past nine years heavy man with the Bryant showboat, and Catherine Gibson, nonprofessional, of Point Pleasant, W. Va., were married December 25, 1921. The wedding had been kept secret until last week. ROSE-ODETTE—Jack Rose, songer writer and Vandeviile actor, and Meanette Lawson Odette, who has appeared jn several of Ziegfeld's **Follies”’ JP pctiene, Were married ot ValParaiso, Ind., February 2. , RUSSELAL.-COATES—Dan_ Russell, years owner and producer of for many the famous Za3eVPa eS . Die