New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1872-04-21
Harry A. Ellis.

Among our previous biographical sketches
our readers will agree with us in the state
mert that none will be found more interest
ing than that of Harry A. Ellis, now play
ing at the Academy. Born at Thibodaux
Lafourche parish, Louisiana, in 1913, he was
ssnt to Europe in 1850 with view of being
educated for the law or medicine, and there
remained until 1859, when his family re-
moved to New York, he accompanying them,
and accepting situation in one Of the
largest drug houses. The sale of drugs,
however, not suiting his constitution, he de-
termined to adopt the stage.
In 1860 he made his first appearance as
the Second Actor in t"Hamlet," at Niblo's
Garden, then under the management of
James N. Nixon. Here he remained for
eight months, during which he played many
important parts.
Upon the breaking out of the war; his ad-
vancement in the profession not being as
rapid as he desired, he deserted the mimic
stage, and thought to seek "the bubble
reputation" even at the "cannon's mouth"
With the exception of few wounds his sue
cess in the army was very poor, and he re-
manned but few months when he returned
to New York. ..f
Being offered an engagement at the Gaiety
Theatre, Albany, then under the manage
ment of James A. Leonard, he accepted,
opening as Sharpe in Money At the ex-
piratiOn of the first week, the manager alb
seconded. j. T. Raymond then took the COM
pany to Troy, New York, where, after play
ing several months, the season closed
abruptly, leaving the company minus funds.
So left in the cold, Mr.. Ellis returned to
New York, and not having any prospect of
an engagement, he resolved once more to
seek his fortune on the ''tented feld;"
where, after serving two years, during
which time he received several promotions,
as well as a wound in the right eye, which
rendered him unfit for further service, he
resigned, at the time bearing the rank of
captain and brevet major.
His next appearance before the footights
was at the Front Street Theatre, Baltimore,
as walking gentleman" where he re-
manned but few months, when he went to
Richmond, Virginia. After playing five
months, the theatre closed abruptly. Re
turning to New York, he accepted an en-
gagement at Buffalo, New York, remaining
there two seasons, after which he was en-
gagged by Messrs. McVicker & Myers to
play Rudolph in the BLACK Crook" at
Chicago.
At the expiration of the run of the Crook
he went to Cleveland with John A. Ellser
as Juvenile and light comedian. Here he
remained two seasons, during which time,
owing to the leading man being ILL., he was
called upon to play all the opposite parts
to Booth, Adams, Mrs. Gladstane and !
others, and during the season making a
great hit as Sampson, Brass with Lolita in
"Little Nell.''
In 1869 he was engaged by Messrs. Spald-
ing, Bidwell & McDonough for their South
ern and Western circuit, with whom he
has remained ever since, playing at St.
Louis, Memphis. Mobile and New Orleans.
While under their management he has
been called upon to play great many
parts out Of his line, which he has accom-
plished with great success. Among others,
Hotspur, Sir Peter Teazle, lake Marks and
Matthew Cringy. We have every confidence
Mr.. Harry A. Ellis will reach the topmost
round of the ladder of fame in his pro-
fession, thereby adding another name to the |
List of LOuisiana's artistes.