The sun., 1893-03-14

BY the death OF Harry Kernell the American
variety stage loses pical and original en-
tertainer whose name was known all over the
country and whose songs and stories were i'm.
itnted by comedians on almost every stage.
His career as an actor may properly he said
to have ended when lie was taken to Bloom
ingdale Aeylum on Oct. u last. but even there
no amused the other inmates on several oc-
casions with ji:s and songs at entertainments
given in the institution.
kernell was born In PHILADELPHIA In 1853
and at the age OF II he went to the front as O
drummer boy with the old Eleventh Pennsyl-
vonia Volunteers. Perhaps his first appear
ance rs n comedian was before his com pany st
n concert given in the barracks. whom he told
stories and san: songs for his fellow soldiers.
but what his success was on that occasion has
not been handed down. For some years after
the war he drove u hack in Philadelphia. but
he soon found he could make more money at
telling stories and he Joined O'Brien's circus
in the capacity OF clown.
Harry st IN Y this ess by
made a hit from the first In 1874 he came
here again. and then went to Boston with a
tons and was the first to ndort long trousers
with his ma ko-up instead OF the ronventional
also the first to use the north Of ireland dia.
lect. which was peculiarly suited to ,he soit
minstrel business Kernei went on the variety
stage with his brother John. and the two
played together for nine years. They had
some disagreement. and after that hernell
ments ut the best variety theatres as ire
Gucntly as he cared to work ,,
He WAS married twice-ilrst TO Kitty rNcil q
jig dancer. from whom he was divorced. and
the second tim. to pueenie Vassar an English
concert hall singer, now playing in 4 Trip to
Chinatown.'' by ter he had two children
Willie and Harry. 9 and years old respective;
". For yha past three years the comeut III and
his family have lived at Asbury Park When he
was not Iulniling an engagement.
1t was there thai his mental falling was first
began selling .varuhl. horses and personal
property for ridcuous!y small sums kernell
attempted t" do II iurn at Tony Pastors in
Sep'"mher. against tho advice Of his frien'.s.
but af er a week or so he was forced to civ up.
| His exhibitions w"ie almost Ininfut to the
audience. so great was the chung. He failed
| from the Harry Kernel OF former dars rapidly
after that and was finally pronounced insnne
| l,y !. comm sion in iunacy. and placed in
B,oomiE.,.dale Asylum.
Harry kernell,s success ms comedian was
due TO his versatile wit and to his grent ability
and others learning to dance. and he could in
t"rsp.rse This mimicry with clever stories that
never failed to win IN" appreciation OF his lis:
teners. or the stage he loysd 1e horses s, and
| rover failed to look M his old companions. the
hackmen; He wa. also very fond OF children.
ard liked 3D. to get , cr"wd T OF lo. y"nnf ones ISs
| hour. In all his career rs II comedian
| he was eccentric to y degree. and many OF his
| hits were made by the very unexpected turns
was to !euve the stage in the middle of y dance
or Of story. apparently for no reason whatever.
! His wit WAS OF the keen American or'er. and
| English managers hnya frequently said they
| never cngn god Harry Keruell for a season at
| the London concert halls because his wit was
| too fine and too qu.ck for u British audience.