The morning call., 1891-02-14
JOHN II. MeCABE.
A Veteran Histrion Passes Away
mt an Advanced Age.
Brief References to Passages in the Life Of
Good Man, Who Was of Some I'M
portance in His Time.

The fact was telegraphed from Sausalitt
yesterday that John Il. McCabe. well know
in local theatrical circles as one of tas
Oldest professionals on the Pacific Coast
haa passed away from life at the advanced
age OF So years. He died at the residence of
relative III the Marin County town. Mr.
McCabe had been failing in health for some
Time past, but recently seemed to rally. His
death is, therefore, more sudden than was
expected.
The biography of the deceased gentleman,
II written, would form an essential portion
OF the dramatic history of this Coast. especi.
any Oh California. The first theatrical per.
formance in San Francisco was representa-.
ton OF The Wife" ana "Charles III -
by small company under the control of
MessrS. Atwater and Madison, who had
been some time organizing theater. in Jan.
uary, 1850 and the subject of this notice
may have been member of the comnanv.
certainly he came here very early after the
Dreaklng out of the gold excitement, ard al
most immediately identified himself with the
drama. then nascent interest In San Fran
cisco.
HIS EARLY LIFE.
DIT. McCabe was English by birth and
came 10 this Coast from New Zealand. In
y
under the British Government, and was so
wen liked by. and had such influence with,
lhe maori tribes that he was very valu-
able olhcer, and important commissions
were gwen him to execute. He selected his
VIE from the Maori race, marrying the
daughter of one Of the principal chiefs. She
was hne specimen of womankind and pos
SeSSeu OF great discrimination. She accom-
panied her husband to this Coast, and al
though differing in race from himself he was
penehted by her strength of mind and clear
Judgment, for she readily took in the situa-
ton as she found it in the country of her
adoption; Mrs. McCabe bore her husband
10nr chlldren-two girls and two boys. The
girls were on the stage for a number Of
years, put retired after marriage. The sons
are stalwart specimens of manhood. The
eldest printer by trade, has taken
great Interest in the politico social
movements of the day, particularly
IN the labor question, and was a
sturdy adherent OF Henry George during
MS political battles in New York. The
otner boy Is tirst-elass cooper and is, or
was, employed In one of our sugar refueries.
WITH THE DRAMA.
Mr.. McCabe's active connection with the
drama may be said to lave lasted up to the
end OF the history of the old California.
Advancing years and natural changes in
the methods of the profession led gradually
to his retirement, until he confined himself
the west side of Kearny street. near the
corner of California, which was the resort
oil every old professional on the Coast. He
imposed upon himself the task of compiling
record of every dramatic event in Calf
fornla from the earliest period, which, al
though incomplete, is, so far as he carried
1t. OF value TO those who have liking for
stage statistics He was man OF sterling
integrity, and many large managers, par
ucularly /. Henry French always selected
him to look after their interests in any
theatrical enterprise they sent to this Coast.
The Old gentleman was full OF dramatic
"reminiscences, and when the throes of
asthma gave him breathing spell was fond
OF lndulging his hearers with them.
Edwin Booth was among his favorites
and Charles +. Thorne Sr. and Dave Ander-
son, and Alexlna Fisher Baker and Mrs.
Julia Dean Hayne, Mrs. Judah. Mrs.
Elizabeth Saunders, Mrs. Sophie Edwin and
many more belonging to that innumerabIe
caravan Of histrionic confreres, most of
whom have moved 10 the pale realms of
shade, where now he has also gone to take
his chamber in the silent halls OF DEATH"