National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1875-03-13
Deaths Of Noted Professionals,
JAMES UNswoRTH,

JAMES UNSwORTH.
James Unsworth, the popular Ethiopian come
dian, died in Liverpool, England, on February p,
after comparatively brief illness, Of q complics-
tion Of diseases, prominent among which were
jaundice, dropsy and enlargement Of the liver.
Eugene, with whom he had been associated for
so many years in business, was his constant at
tendant during his last illness, and was with him
at his demise. They had been fulfilling an en-
gagement with Sam Hague's Minstrels In LIVER
pool; and were upon the eve Of returning to Amer
lea, to join Dan Bryant's MInstrels. Mr.. Uns-
worth was born in Liverpool July 2, 1885, and was
nearly 40 years OF age at the time Of his death.
When quite young he emigrlted to Canada, and
when about II years Of age be commenced his cI-
reer as an Ethiopian performer at Montreal, with
an amateur troupe, which was under the patron
age of Lord KIlmarnock, who furnished ali Of the
necessary outfits for its members. The following
year he entered the profession as a regular per-
former, first appearing at philadelphia, Pa, with
Sam S. Sanford's company. He first appeared in
connected with the Bryant, Christy, Campbell
and HoOley trOupes at various times, and during
his professional career he had performed in every
portion OF the United States Including two visits
to California; and Canada, and in the principal
cities Of England, Ireland, France and Germany.
In company with Eugene he went to London in
1851 and remained there Tor seven years, and was
only induced to return to America by very large
offers from Dan Bryant to reloin his troupe. He
made his last appearance In America with Dan
Bryant's Minstrels, New York, az the close Of the
regular season OF 1891. More than twenty years
ago he conceived the idea Of an - Irish negro"
The eoneeit took immensely, and proved 70 be
one of the most enjoyable creations Of the min
strel stage and so continued up to his last per-
formances Mr.. Unsworth was not only a thor.
oughly original performer, but versatile one.
were Drumming with wit and humor, made all the
more punRent by his irresistible delivery. He
was the author OF most OF the songs sung by MIN,
invaluable acquisition TO any company, being
superior end-maD, an excellent banjoist, good
comic singer SeiGH o!t am %
broad burlesque ever seen upon the minstrel
stage. He was received with signal favor wher-
life, His many friends and and acquaintances in
the various cities of this country will be deeply
panied to hear Of his death.
JULIUS EDISON PERKINS.
Julius Edison Perkins, the young American
batso, whose death on Thursday, February Is, is
announced from England, was born in Tattsville,
Vermont, March 10, lS45. From an early age he
had exhibited q strong musical talent, and in his
younger years was under the tuition Of his
brother W. q. Perkins, one OF q family who are
well-knOWn for their musical attachments. Lat
terly he travelled abroad to receive instruction
for the operate stage, and after passing under
the tuition Of some OF the most eminent teachers
abroad, made his debut in opera early in 1859,
filled engagements in the principal cities Of
Europe and in the fall OF 1873 accepted an offer
from Mr.. MapIesOn, OF London, engaging him.
self for the tenn OF six years. He made his Lon
don debut in September, 1878, and was given a
most fattering reception, appearing at first in
oratorio and concert, and in the regular season,
in the spring Of 1874, making his hrst appear
ance in italian opera at Drury-lane, since which
time he has appeared with Mr.. Mapleson's COM
pany in the different cities Of Great Britain. His
reputation having been made abroad, and he not
having appeared in public at home, he was but
little known outside of musical circles, except by
reports Of mis- brilliant career.-CIiPPer, March