The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-09-20

,EGiyu SeftOy,.
rule of tire

Wallack's theatre has lost another Of its ties with
the past, another Of the links of the present that hold
us to the past times Of the Park theatre-those
Utopian periods that we hear of, but have no means
Of realizing by actual experience. Yesterday Mr.
John Seton, familiar as modest member Of the
Wallack company, suddenly expired at his residence
In this city. Mr.. Seton will be remembered an
excellent low comedy actor performing in Wallack's
what are known to professionals, but never distin
guished by the public as second low comedy parts
Mr. Seton was born in Liverpool In the year 1905.
He began his professional career at the age OF six
teen, when he appeared dancer at the Liverpool
theatre. He practsed extensively in the provinces
and then sought the haven OF all poor actors
America. In the year 1927 he came to this country
and was engaged for two seasons at the Walnut
Street theatre, Philadelphia. In 1928 he elevated
himself from the second business by obtaining an
engagement in New York, where he supported
Celeste playing StrappadO to her Dumb Girl and
similar lines to Offset her peculiar business This
was getting on very well for young actor; but
long interval Of stock performances here and there
through the country now interviewed between this
and that in which Mr. Seton became suddenly
famous.
Mr. Webster, OF the Adelphi theatre, London,
had written a comic drama, called 'The Golden
Farmer" and he presented copy OF 1t to his friend.
Seton This drama c0utans the great part OF
Jenny Twitcher, with its ooh, Mowses" and its
"vel vot hof 1t ?" which Mr.. Seton first acted in
Philadelphia. in 1884, without making any particular
sensation But in short time AFTER Manager Din
nefOrt built the little New Franklin theatre in New
York, and engaged Seton as his low comedian.
The first season at the New Franklin proceeded
Golden Farther was PRODUCED Mr. setoD aid nos
then care much for the part Of Jenny Twitcher.
I Indeed it was .o one Of the only two charac-
first night in New York 1t was a decided
hit. The whole town was crazy about it, At
that time, when play was deemed successful, ran
week. "The Golden Farmer'' was repeated at l02
performances and was followed up with 'Jemmy
Twtcher in France" From the profits OF these per-
formances Dinnefort able to build the old
Bowery theatre. For many ye"rs afterwards Mr..
country when the regular season was over ana il
never failed to draw crowded houses and enthusiasts
tic applause.
Seton happened one evening to sing comic song
at Niblos for a benefit. II made such sensation
that the manager offered him an engagement. lie
accepted, and Dnnef0rt, despairng of ever gaining
success in his BoSery theatre without him, closed
in the depth Of despair. Afterwards he took trip
then returning he essayed the business of Pantaloou
ut Niblo's with the Raves.
When Niblo's was burned down, Seton acted as
stage manager at the AstOr Place opera House dur
ing the performances OF an Italian company and
during the celebrated Macready riot Afterwards he
was stage manager at Richmond; at the walnut,
Philadelphia, under Marshall at Charleston and Co
Nmbia y. c., and at New Orleans, under Pacide.
AZ the conclusion OF his New Orleans engagement in
1859, Mr.. Seton returned to New York, subscribed
considerable money towards the erection Of Wal
lacks theatre, and although neither ne nor his
wife applied for employment they were the first
persons engaged.
The great success OF this actor was the role OF
Jenny Twtcher, being 1t was, indeed, the fore
runner OF the sensation plays which have still
Hooded the stage, having one character only for
their bright point OF admiration. He managed to
secure through these means o comparative cOmpe-
tence, and at his residence at the Navesink High
lands played the host to all corners OF whatever
creed or standing with recklesness and bOnhOmnts
peculiar to actors the world over His last appear
ance was during the latter part OF the month Of
October 1867 the Broadway theatre, for the ben,
eft OF Barton HILL when he appeared In the charactel
which was the greatest success OF his entire life
Jenny Twitcher, In the drama Of 1.-THE GOloeu
Farmer" This was his last ap )earance on any
stage. Let US hope that conscience has enabled
him to
Wrap the drapery OF the couch about him
And lie down pleasant dreams.