The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1882-02-23
A TAMER OF LIONS.
THE EYENTFUL CAREER OF DANIEL NEY-
LAND, A WISCONSIN BoY.-SToRY OF
his LIFE IN MENAGERIE.


of interest 20 entertain the numerou
readers of this journal, his attention wa
directed to fine looking gentleman c
firm, erect bearing, Muscular build an
striking general appearance, and it wa
vaguely limited that he was "man wit
a history" Determined to rolve tn
enigma, the news gatherer watched fo
a favorable opportunity, and was reward
ed by observing the stranger nod to
passing acquaintance, who courteousl,
informed the scribe that the gentleman
was no less parsonage than DAME
| Neylan, the celebrated lion tanner, for
merly with Adam Forepaugh, but a
present an instructor of gymnastics il
the establishment of Dr. Brooks, in But
Ter exchange. Thither repaired the note
taker. bent upon procuring an interview,
| if possible, and found the object of bis
search busy in studying a medical work
Mr.. Neylan greeted the reporter with
ECAh1Cihobif but was It
luctant to narrate the incidents in bis
early life, both from sense of modesty
and realizing that while eventful it was
passed among scenes and surroundings
which might be considered degrading
aud pernicious. However, he was in
duced to give an interesting sketch of
his experiences, and his story may be
said to possess elements of the most thrill
ling and romantic character, and was
quietly aud unaffectedly told, leaving not
the slightest doubt in the mind of the
listener as to its entire credibleness and
reality.
"When 9 years of age," began Mr..
NeylaD. 81 resided with my sister, with
farmer in Delevan. Wis, who had
adopted us after the death of our parents.
L attended school when fancy inspired
me, but l preferred to go to the circus,
and played truant frequently. Jerry
Mayberry, who it will be remembered
was the leading circus manager in the
country at that time, in 1862, was estab-
lIshed III the town, and [ was fred with
an ambition to be circus performer. !
ran away from home aud joined the
troup, and remained with the circus
three seasons, performing feats of con-
tortions and tumbling for which I was
paid 4 small salary. The cirors travelled
nanny oifsousiss vLIu' SOrss.l ana west, H,ct
remained with it until L was IA years
of age, receiving at that time SIS week.
Then I went to California with Mr..
Rundlett, who was engaged IN importing
horses, and subsequently joined min
strel troupe in Chicago, managed by
Prof. Greene, which travelled principally
through the west. Then l effected an
engagement with St3we & Orton's cir
Gus, aud remained with them two seasons
as a contortionist and general performer.
While in Philadelphia doctor made an
examination of the boys in the circus,
and informed me that I must give up
the business as my joints had been seri-
ously affected and would prevent my
walking if continued in that line. Then
I became an acrobat and joined the Geo.
w. De Haven troupe, and later VIM.
Lakes show, which travelled through
the south and Texas. / wss afterward
with the "Antonio brothers" in combin-
alton acts. When 15 years of age | join
ed Adam Forepaugh's circus as general
performer, then went to Cuba with Stone
& Orton, and subsequently became iden-
tilted with John w Robinson's Excelsior
circus, James Mckenzie, proprietor,
then states attorney for Illinois.
"Wbile with Robinson's circus" con-
tipued Mr.. Neylan 81 became acquainted
with Bill Reynold the well known lion
performer, and became a fast favorite
with him. He was growing old and was
taken i'll quite frequently, thereby nec-
essitating the withdrawal of that feature
in the entertainment. / was in the habit
Of PLAYING with the lions outside the
cage, and one day I asked Archie McCar-
ty, the boss canvassman, who had charge
of tie cage if he would let me go inside.
He laughed at me, and insinuated that |
would go back out mighty quick. look
ed about for cowhide, and being un-
able to find cne, substituted q broom
handle and started in. There were two
lions in the cage and tiger, the famous
lion, "Old Prince" the pet lioness,
Jennie, and beautiful tiger of magnif.
icent proportions. "Old Prince" was q
stubborn, bull headed creature, and
meaut mischief every time. l was about
sixteen years of age at this time, and was
in good physical condition. The moment
| / entered the animals regarded me as al
intruder, and Old Prince commenced tc
assume war like department. I belab
ored him vigorously with the broom
handle, maintaining my self possession
and nerve, and ere left the cage he wal
humbly submissive, and with the othel
animals would promptly do my bidding
/ informed the manager that 1 had founi
substitute for Reynolds, aud would
produce him that night. The cage wa
drawn into the ring, and at the appointed
| time [ appeared, greatly to the surpris'
and aiIderment of the manager. As
started toward the cage be shouted
"Come away, you fool, you'll get eateI
up," bat / went on with The perfo,
nance, and the animals behaved beantl
fully. At another time Robinson had
young lion. three years of age, OF grea
strength and ferocious disposition.
determined to break him, and selecte
an empty cage with two partitions.
had it drawn into the woods one Sunday