Hi Steve, I can't tell you anything about your ancestor, James Mitchell, except to say that it does not appear that he made any gramophone records or cylinders of banjo solos. However, I can give you the name of the man who probably knows more about Music Hall, Nigger Minstrel Shows, etc: than anyone, and if he doesn't know, then I'm sure he'll know a man who does. Dont expect an early reply, he edits "Music Hall"magazine, produced CDs and holds down a job. Please enclose a SAE when you write. Tony Barker, 68, Hawkes Road, MITCHAM, Surrey CR4 3JG. Quite a lot has been written about Negro artists who performed in Europe, but not as much about whites who blacked up. G[eorge] H[enry] Elliott "The Chocolate Coloured Coon" (1884-1962), started recording in 1904 and made his last in late 1960 not long before he died. Had one of the longest careers on the Musicial Hall/Variety stage of any artist - over seventy years. Hope this helps, Best wishes, Bill ----- Original Message ----- From: <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Sunday, May 20, 2001 2:20 PM Subject: [THEATRE-UK] "Nigger Minstrels" of the 1880s > I am writing to see if anyone on the list can offer information about the > popular nigger minstrel troupes (somewhat politically *incorrect* as a term > today!:-) who were performing in the UK during the 1880s through to the turn > of the century. > > My particular interest is in trying to get information on a great > grandfather, James MITCHELL. > > The family oral tradition is that, from a fairly well-to-do family, he ran > away from school (Cheltenham?) to go on the stage. He was a very competent > musician - particularly the banjo, and always described himself as a > *vocalist* on his children's birth certificates, etc. It would seem that he > was in London for the 1881 census and for ten years or so was involved in > performing, but by 1891 was married and in Swindon, Wilts. > > Because of his determination to cut himself off from his family he seems to > have given a different birthplace in the census returns. He may have been > born in London, Bristol or even the Isle of Wight / Portsmouth. > > I have just about given up trying to trace his family, but thought it might > be interesting to discover something about his background on the stage. My > family always told of him being with George Elliott the *original > chocolate-coloured coon*. > > If any one can offer any information or suggested reading I'd be very > grateful. > > Steve, > Swindon, Wilts. > > > ==== THEATRE-UK Mailing List ==== > Please avoid posting Virus warnings, seasonal greetings > and private 'chit-chat' to the list. Some subscribers have > to pay for their Internet connection by the minute. > > ============================== > 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 > >