Hi. Does anyone remember Cleo Cecil Rogers. Traveled with the circus since the late 30's. Not sure what he did, but have lost track of him. If you have any information please e-mail at: amorgan@twcny.rr.com Thank You

Gustav BRAYER was reported to be a circus performer of Polish extraction. He left Astrakhan in Russia in 1917 and some years later was in south east Asia (Malaya and Singapore). But then he disappeared and I have no idea where he might have gone. Does anybody know anything of him or can you suggest any possible sources that I could check? Very grateful for any help you can give. Lindsay Graham Canberra, Australia

My uncle Little George Harmon was 36" tall. He was a Clown for Wallenbach, Barnum & Bailey. Most of my grandmothers children ran away and joined the circus in the late 20's and 30's. The circus had winter quarters at West Baden or French Lick, Indiana. My grandmother lived close by in Prospect. My father was an electrician for the circus. Uncle Kelly put up tents, Uncle Ray, Aunt Murial and Aunt Phyllis had some kind of jobs. Someone walked a tightrope, I don't know who. I was very young when my mother and grandmother died. Mother had divorced my father when I was a baby, so I never got to know him. Phyllis phyllisrwood@aol.com

Judy, There is a Sonney Holley that lives in Hohenwald , TN , not far from Lawrenceburg,TN that could be related? His home phone is 931-796-4533. He also has a furniture store in Centerville,TN phone 931-729-5218. Sonney Holley once played in a band called the Starlighter.Hope that helps. Happy Hunting, Mike ________________________________________________________________ GET INTERNET ACCESS FROM JUNO! Juno offers FREE or PREMIUM Internet access for less! Join Juno today! For your FREE software, visit: http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj.

Fred Foster (b. 1872) and wife Amelia Lloyd Foster (b. 1884) moved from Oregon to Oklahoma in the early 1900s. Their son, Fred, Jr. had at least two children, Billy (b. abt 1929) and Fairy (b. abt 1926) and in the 1930s they were all living in Asher, Pottawatomie Co., OK. This family was said to work for a circus and I would like to know if there is any way that I can substantiate this. Thanks, Carole in Portland, Oregon

Hi My name is Ken Jacobi. I am searching for information on my great uncle Enos (Enous) Jacobi. According to family legend he left home about 1860 and ran off with a circus where he became a Lion Tamer. Again per family legend he went into the cage to train the lions and because he was running late failed to put on his uniform. The lions apparently did not recognize him and killed him. I believe the story to be true but have no idea where it was supposed to have happened or exactly when. Is there any source of Circus history where I might get some clues? Thanks for any help Ken

Hi, Am hoping that somebody will be able to help me unravel my circus connection. My Grandmother, Marie SCHULTZE, b. 1888 in Germany, came to USA in 1891 and the family settled in Mt. Olive, Macoupin Co., IL. Marie, she, herself said, left an abusive situation (step-father) and joined the circus as a bare back rider. Marie was an accomplished horse woman. I believe she left the Mt. Olive area about 1905. This area is close to Springfield, IL or St. Louis, MO. Marie next surfaces as Marie RABAT in Bowman, Bowman Co., ND where she m. 8 Aug 1908 William Degan. I have been able to find no information about Marie in the years 1905 - 1908. After her marriage, she remained in Bowman, ND until 1912. Then divorced, she was working in Fargo, Cass Co., ND and married Charles ROSE. They remained in Fargo the rest of their lives. I am looking for any information about a circus (or maybe a wild west show) which might have been in that Southern IL area in 1905; or an advertisement for a bare back rider during those years(I have photo's of Marie that would probably allow me to identify her); or anything else that may help. One other thing, Marie had very long hair at that time, and it is possible that her hair may have loose, falling over the back of the horse. Marie said that RABAT was her birth father's name in Germany, I wonder if it was, perhaps a "stage name". Thanks for reading and I am hopeful somebody will have some information. Sharon Buethner It is not winning and losing but it's the loyalty and integrity that make a person.

Could anybody give me any information about Merrit S. Bigger who worked for the Circus in the early 40's. He was a musician or a printer or a circus helper. He was born in 1905. ANYTHING would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Beverly Bigger McCalla Bevmc34@aol.com

Hi Suki, Try writing to the Knightsville Indiana Historical Soc. regarding the Sailors and Soldiers Home. I am sorry that I do not have that address, but this would be a good start. Sue sukikfalls@aol.com wrote: > Hello, > My father was brought up in the Sailors and Soldiers Home in Knightsville, > Indiana. I was told before my g-mother & dad died that he had to be placed > there because his mother had to travel a lot in her job. Later I was told by > a distant, and very old, relative that my g-mother "traveled with a circus." > If there a list or database somewhere that has the surnames of people who > worked in the circus? > > Thank you in advance for any insight you might be able to offer me. > > Suki > > ============================== > Search over 900 million names at Ancestry.com! > http://www.ancestry.com/rd/rwlist1.asp > > > To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: > Circus-Folk-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com > > > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ---------------------~-~> Get great low international calling rates from Net2Phone! Click Here! http://us.click.yahoo.com/fBRVBB/kJXCAA/4ihDAA/0vnXlB/TM ---------------------------------------------------------------------_-> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: Circus-Folk-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

Hello Everyone, Another source on Circus Performers can be located at the CIRCUS HALL OF FAME,. They have so much information on CIRCUS PERFORMERS. the address for them is: CIRCUS HALL OF FAME P O Box 700 Peru Indiana 46970 > But please be patient, at the time I wrote to them back in 1998 they were very helpful, but was short handed at the time. Hope this will help Sue > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ---------------------~-~> Get great low international calling rates from Net2Phone! Click Here! http://us.click.yahoo.com/fBRVBB/kJXCAA/4ihDAA/0vnXlB/TM ---------------------------------------------------------------------_-> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: Circus-Folk-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

In my files for researching for JOHN MATEER I came across this information, maybe someday this will be of use to someone else. Happy Hunting Sue FRED GARSON wife Mary _____ actress was listed with the following Circus' 1826 was with PRICE & SIMPSON 1833 Palmer ( Man monkey) 1834 Palmer & Harrington 1835 Palmer with Mrs 1836 Palmer; Frost & Co ( October) 1837 Frost and Co 1838 Frost & Co; Eagle 1840 Raymond, Waring Circus 1841 Bartlett & Delavan; Welch & Mann & TV Turner 1844- 1847 Stickney 1849 Stickney ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ---------------------~-~> Get great low international calling rates from Net2Phone! Click Here! http://us.click.yahoo.com/fBRVBB/kJXCAA/4ihDAA/0vnXlB/TM ---------------------------------------------------------------------_-> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: Circus-Folk-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

Hello Everyone, Another source on Circus Performers can be located at the CIRCUS HALL OF FAME,. They have so much information on CIRCUS PERFORMERS. the address for them is: CIRCUS HALL OF FAME P O Box 700 Peru Indiana 46970 > But please be patient, at the time I wrote to them back in 1998 they were very helpful, but was short handed at the time. Hope this will help Sue > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ---------------------~-~> Get great low international calling rates from Net2Phone! Click Here! http://us.click.yahoo.com/fBRVBB/kJXCAA/4ihDAA/0vnXlB/TM ---------------------------------------------------------------------_-> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: Circus-Folk-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

----- Original Message ----- From: <CIRCUS-FOLK-D-request@rootsweb.com> To: <CIRCUS-FOLK-D@rootsweb.com> Sent: Friday, March 23, 2001 6:16 AM Subject: CIRCUS-FOLK-D Digest V01 #8 unsuscribe

Hi Dauwn, I'm new to this list and quite frankly didn't think there was any hope of ever finding information on my grandfather while he was in the circus. He wasn't a performer as far as I know but a Harness Maker. I know he traveled alot with his wife and later with some of his children till it became too difficult to do same. Do you know where I might inquire about his employment with the circus? His name was William J. Hanebury/Henneberry born in Newfoundland and lived in MA, NY, CT so far that I found. Gail L. Smith Researching: Forsythe-Sharkey-Smith-Shirley-Orr-Sprague-Guzzwell-Hanebury-Stoneman-Latham -Salisbury http://www.familytreemaker.com/users/s/m/i/Gail-L-Smith/index.html P.O.Box 84 Boylston, MA 01505 -----Original Message----- From: George Wheat [mailto:geodawn@soli.inav.net] Sent: Thursday, March 22, 2001 10:30 PM To: CIRCUS-FOLK-L@rootsweb.com Subject: [CIRCUS-FOLK] "Show Biz" and Circus Folk We all seem to have lots of questions and no answers. Here is my contribution today: There were lots of ways a person was in show business in the 1800s and early 1900s. I have an ancestor that was a contortionist and he traveled with a Thespian group and did the half time entertaining while scenes were being changed. I also have an ancestor that had a Stock company and traveled around doing plays. I have his wonderful old album with lots of information. He not only had his own play group, but also was in a lot of other stock companies at times. His name was Frank McCord and he had a brother, Fred McCord, who also was an actor and was in many groups. I have a bunch of playbills that show the McCord brothers had been with many groups and they even provided half time entertainment for other stock companies. When we are looking for our talented ancestors, we should look everywhere because it sure looks to me like they didn't stay with one group long. They may be with a circus for awhile and then they may be a half time show with some thespians. They also may have worked on their own or joined the carnival. I would like to know if the theater crowd should also be included with Circus Folk. Also, where could we list all the companies that had some form of entertainment? by accident I found a discussion on Sells Floto Show which is a Circus of sorts. I even have a picture of some of their animals when they were in Thomas Co., Kansas. Here is the address: http://genforum.genealogy.com/tn/messages/360.html If anyone is interested in the theater groups, just let me know and I will type up the list that I know about. I like the way people keep telling what little they know. If we have names of some of the groups, it gives us someplace to search and it looks like some of us really could use the help. Dawn ============================== Visit Ancestry.com for a FREE 14-Day Trial and enjoy access to the #1 Source for Family History Online. Go to: http://www.ancestry.com/subscribe/subscribetrial1y.asp?sourcecode=F11HB

I don't know if it is the same Sells Circus, but Annie Oakley & Frank Butler started their careeres as sharp shooters with a Sells Circus. ----- Original Message ----- From: jbernth <jbernth@home.com> To: <CIRCUS-FOLK-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Thursday, March 22, 2001 11:20 PM Subject: Re: [CIRCUS-FOLK] Campbell Brothers Circus > My adoptive father, LeRoy B Arringdale, born Independence Mo, 1911, raised > in Omaha, Ne, left home to join the circus in the late 30's. He passed away > in Aug 1999. I wish he were here to share with you. He had a sister who > lived in Ashland, NE, which is near Lincoln, Married my mother in 1940 and > left the "sawdust" behind, but it was in his blood. I had a wonderful > childhood hearing and learning about the circus life. He mentioned > Sells-Floto, Al G Barnes, and maybe Campbell too. I would have to check more > info. He was an artist, painted circus wagons, was a clown, and continued > clowning until the end. My mother's family was appalled that she would marry > a "circus roustabout" but they married in 1940, and celebrated just shy of > 59 years. My birthfather, Ray L. Morgan, was a 2nd man, in motion pictures, > whatever that is, If anyone has any info about either of these men, I would > really appreciate sharing and exchanging ideas. Sincerely, Jean Bernth > ----- Original Message ----- > From: <ScrubJay42@aol.com> > To: <CIRCUS-FOLK-L@rootsweb.com> > Sent: Thursday, March 22, 2001 4:07 PM > Subject: [CIRCUS-FOLK] Campbell Brothers Circus > > > > What we know: > > 1) My husband's grandfather, Charles Raymond LAME (b. ca 1874), was a > > "carnie" or traveled with a circus early in the century. For a time, his > > wife also worked with the circus. > > > > 2) Charles was raised "near Lincoln, NE", or more specifically, it > appears > > that he was an orphan who was passed around among relatives who had > migrated > > from Montgomery & Boone Co., IN to the areas in and around Saline Co., NE. > > While searching the area last summer, we went to Fairbury, the county seat > of > > Jefferson Co., NE, just south of Saline Co., and saw a wonderful mural on > one > > of the brick buildings there that depicted a circus scene. We ate dinner > > that night in Fairbury, and I picked up a brochure at the front desk in > the > > restaurant which described the Campbell Brothers Circus, which was the > > subject of the mural, and told how Fairbury was it's winter quarters. > (Not > > sure why anyone would "winter" in NE, but I digress...) We had been > > speculating how Charles ended up in Audrain Co., MO, and later in Pike > Co., > > MO, where he raised his family. It suddenly hit us that perhaps he left > the > > difficult farm life in his late teens to "join the circus". It would have > > been a way out of a life that he never would talk much about, and possibly > > the circus contingent traveled by riverboat to its different venues, which > > could easily put him in the locations in which we could place him. > > > > My question: Does anyone know anything about this particular circus, or > how > > one could find out about the people who worked with it a century ago? > Where > > could one find records? Did the censuses count itinerant circus people? > > Would they be recorded in the winter quarters, or just where they happened > to > > be during a particular census? Any information would be appreciated. > > > > TIA > > Ruth Lame > > > > > > ============================== > > 9 Health Tips for Computer Genealogists > > http://www.thirdage.com/features/tech/ouch/ > > > > > > > ============================== > Visit Ancestry.com for a FREE 14-Day Trial and enjoy access to the #1 > Source for Family History Online. Go to: > http://www.ancestry.com/subscribe/subscribetrial1y.asp?sourcecode=F11HB >

Hello, all. I'm new to this list, was thrilled to learn of its existence. My grandfather ran away to join the circus (apparently more than once). He would have been in his early-late teens at the time. His name was William Erwin Jackson, born in 1889, in Brooklyn, NY. He also performed as an actor and musician under several stage names--Billy Earl, Billy Erwin, William Earl, Earl Jackson--and more, all variations on this. His second (?) wife was supposedly a tightrope walker, and was killed in a fall. He died in 1947 in St. Louis, MO. If any of this sounds familiar to anyone, I'd greatly appreciate any information you may have. We really know next to nothing about this man, other than what he told his family. And since he was a show biz person, we have no idea how much is truth and how much a product of his fertile imagination! Thank you in advance, Beth

My adoptive father, LeRoy B Arringdale, born Independence Mo, 1911, raised in Omaha, Ne, left home to join the circus in the late 30's. He passed away in Aug 1999. I wish he were here to share with you. He had a sister who lived in Ashland, NE, which is near Lincoln, Married my mother in 1940 and left the "sawdust" behind, but it was in his blood. I had a wonderful childhood hearing and learning about the circus life. He mentioned Sells-Floto, Al G Barnes, and maybe Campbell too. I would have to check more info. He was an artist, painted circus wagons, was a clown, and continued clowning until the end. My mother's family was appalled that she would marry a "circus roustabout" but they married in 1940, and celebrated just shy of 59 years. My birthfather, Ray L. Morgan, was a 2nd man, in motion pictures, whatever that is, If anyone has any info about either of these men, I would really appreciate sharing and exchanging ideas. Sincerely, Jean Bernth ----- Original Message ----- From: <ScrubJay42@aol.com> To: <CIRCUS-FOLK-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Thursday, March 22, 2001 4:07 PM Subject: [CIRCUS-FOLK] Campbell Brothers Circus > What we know: > 1) My husband's grandfather, Charles Raymond LAME (b. ca 1874), was a > "carnie" or traveled with a circus early in the century. For a time, his > wife also worked with the circus. > > 2) Charles was raised "near Lincoln, NE", or more specifically, it appears > that he was an orphan who was passed around among relatives who had migrated > from Montgomery & Boone Co., IN to the areas in and around Saline Co., NE. > While searching the area last summer, we went to Fairbury, the county seat of > Jefferson Co., NE, just south of Saline Co., and saw a wonderful mural on one > of the brick buildings there that depicted a circus scene. We ate dinner > that night in Fairbury, and I picked up a brochure at the front desk in the > restaurant which described the Campbell Brothers Circus, which was the > subject of the mural, and told how Fairbury was it's winter quarters. (Not > sure why anyone would "winter" in NE, but I digress...) We had been > speculating how Charles ended up in Audrain Co., MO, and later in Pike Co., > MO, where he raised his family. It suddenly hit us that perhaps he left the > difficult farm life in his late teens to "join the circus". It would have > been a way out of a life that he never would talk much about, and possibly > the circus contingent traveled by riverboat to its different venues, which > could easily put him in the locations in which we could place him. > > My question: Does anyone know anything about this particular circus, or how > one could find out about the people who worked with it a century ago? Where > could one find records? Did the censuses count itinerant circus people? > Would they be recorded in the winter quarters, or just where they happened to > be during a particular census? Any information would be appreciated. > > TIA > Ruth Lame > > > ============================== > 9 Health Tips for Computer Genealogists > http://www.thirdage.com/features/tech/ouch/ > >

Unfortunately, my adoptive father, LeRoy B Arringdale, passed away in Alug 1999. I wish he were around to connect with all of you. He was with the circus in the late 30's. Born in Independence Mo, 1911, but raised in Omaha, Ne. My mother's family was appalled in 1940, that she would marry a "circus roustabout". However, they married in 1940, and celebrated just shy of 59 years. He mentioned Sells-Floto, and Al G. Barnes, and probably some othrs, I would have to look up some info. Left the "sawdust" to marry my mom, but it was in his blood. Needless to say, I had a very exciting and wonderful childhood, hearing and learning all about the circus life. Anyone with any more info, I would be happy to exchange and share. Jean Bernth, ----- Original Message ----- From: "George Wheat" <geodawn@soli.inav.net> To: <CIRCUS-FOLK-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Thursday, March 22, 2001 9:30 PM Subject: [CIRCUS-FOLK] "Show Biz" and Circus Folk > We all seem to have lots of questions and no answers. Here is my > contribution today: There were lots of ways a person was in show business > in the 1800s and early 1900s. I have an ancestor that was a contortionist > and he traveled with a Thespian group and did the half time entertaining > while scenes were being changed. I also have an ancestor that had a Stock > company and traveled around doing plays. I have his wonderful old album > with lots of information. He not only had his own play group, but also was > in a lot of other stock companies at times. His name was Frank McCord and > he had a brother, Fred McCord, who also was an actor and was in many groups. > I have a bunch of playbills that show the McCord brothers had been with many > groups and they even provided half time entertainment for other stock > companies. When we are looking for our talented ancestors, we should look > everywhere because it sure looks to me like they didn't stay with one group > long. They may be with a circus for awhile and then they may be a half > time show with some thespians. They also may have worked on their own or > joined the carnival. I would like to know if the theater crowd should also > be included with Circus Folk. Also, where could we list all the companies > that had some form of entertainment? by accident I found a discussion on > Sells Floto Show which is a Circus of sorts. I even have a picture of some > of their animals when they were in Thomas Co., Kansas. Here is the address: > http://genforum.genealogy.com/tn/messages/360.html > If anyone is interested in the theater groups, just let me know and I will > type up the list that I know about. I like the way people keep telling what > little they know. If we have names of some of the groups, it gives us > someplace to search and it looks like some of us really could use the help. > Dawn > > > ============================== > Visit Ancestry.com for a FREE 14-Day Trial and enjoy access to the #1 > Source for Family History Online. Go to: > http://www.ancestry.com/subscribe/subscribetrial1y.asp?sourcecode=F11HB > >

I am new to this list, and know little about what I am doing..... but my great Uncle Zack worked side shows, Circus, and carnivals playing a wild man. (Zachariah Thomas Mackey Hargis) My mother said she saw him at PT Barnum's Circus one time playing the Wild man of Borneo, but he is not the one most remembered for that part.. though to look at him you would think no one would have forgotten him as a wild man. I have a post card I am looking for, he was writing from Mexico, was in a Carnival or side show there. Also know he did carnivals at Venice Beach in California. Zack was born in 1884 so these shows were early 1900s (maybe into the late 30's, but I am not sure if he was still performing later than that). After that he bought a piece of Property in Perris, California and set up his own kind of side show. Snake Island. I am wondering if any one out there may know how I might find information on him through side shows, carnivals, circus..? I do have some photos of him to share. He really does look like a wild man, very much covered with REAL hair all over his body. when my mother saw his performance she said that they brought him in a cage, partially fake bars and knee deep hay like bedding.. he had a can and rosin string attached to it buried in the hay.. he would pull it making a roaring noise that he would pretend he was making and then jump up and bend the fake bars, run out into the audience and literally SCARE them to death.. it was lots of fun. If you would like to see a photo of him, and are able to receive them via e-mail, I can send one, let me know. kelleen2@icehouse.net Thank you for any assistance. Kelly

William (Bill) Pope was a catcher w/ the Jordans around 1910 we think. Looking for some info to verify when and where they might have appeared. He spent 1 season w/ 2 of his children in 1932 , w/ the Barnett Brothers Circus.He did an iron jaw act w/ them on each end of a bar. I have a copy of a poster from Johnson City TN. any connections would be appreciated. Les Lyons.