Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1882-12-18


A FAMOUS STAR OF THE ARENA DIES IN THE EPIs-
COPAL HOSPITAL.
From the Philad lphia Times
H. A. kingcade. circus rider. who for fifty
one years was associated with the glamour and
cash OIL the ring, and whose merry voice has
scores OF times rung out from the foremost van
OF travelling show, died a few days ago in one
OF the wards of the Episcopal hospital The
cause OF MS death was gangrene brought on by
al accidental blow on the foot from an iron bar
Inc mon0tonous Wilderness of the room where
he lay for seven weeks and finally expired con-
trasts strangely with life devoted to the gaudy
ami spanglcd unrealities of the circus His
slXty-three years are tinted with romance. Al
though he lett the city Of his birth, Madrid
SPAIN at an early age. he took away with him
love OF horses which he had acquired i'm his
fathers circus, warm, impuisiye disposition
and Spanish traits which We're afterwards more
fully developed in Mexico. Very little is
known of his career prior to the Mexican war;
ut which time kDgcade was installed i'm q neat
little circus at the capital city. Mexico. He was
doing thriving business when the war broke
out. but the excitement it OccasiOned put a
stop to all such entertainment. There being
need of soldiers and equipments the Mexican
authorities seized the circus horses and the en-
tire outfit. closed the concern, stripped the
entire company of their trappings and coats of
many cOlors and dressed them in uncOngenial
military uniforms. When they were sent on to
the front to fight kingcade. with several Others
escaped to the American lines
The party fell into the hands of General Tay-
LOT brigade. and as they had never had much
practice in the art of war and did not express
any great desire to fight were parOled and sent
TO New York. kingcade managed to get an en-
gageinent at "Dick" Sands BOwery Amphi-
theater, where he made his debut before an
American audience. This was thirty -five years
ago. Ever since that time he has played ex-
clusively in this country. He was given bare
back act and ground-acrobatic part technically
known as the ''Risley business" The war ex-
element was very high just then and some
jealous members Of the company started
rulnOr that the clever equestrian was Mexican
greaser. few nights alter his first performance
kingcade had an audience which was affected
by the sight of him as furious bull is by that
OF a red rag AZ soon as he appeared the cry
of "Greaser'' was started. Presently it re-
echoed throughout the whole building and
furious crowd swOoped down on the Spaniard
and hurled him from the ring. Somewhat re-
lieved by bis absence, the audience reseated it.
self and clamOred for the next act Mr. Sands
made his way into the arena and explained the
whole matter going over the trials and losses of
the man who had just been ANONYMOUSLY ex-
PEELED Everything seemed satisfactory, and
when kingcade reappeared on a trained mus
tang, dressed in Indian costume, he had rous-
ing reception. The following days papers gave
glowing accounts of the affair and the hero be-
came famous.
kingcade travelled with every show in the
country, and was much sought after by eques-
trlan caterers. He was uneNcelled in every
oraEch OF the business. and was especially good
as professional trainer. During his life he in
structed and placed In the circus ring about
forty children. some of whom have risen to dis
tinction as riders and acrobats
The deceased rider leaves a wife and five chill
dren. three of whom he adopted. The family
live at 2543 Huntingdon street, where Mrs.
kingcade. who was formerly in the ring keeps
small trimming store