The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-03-03
STAGE AND POORHOUSE.
George W. Harley, Once Famous Singer
Now a Pauper.

Among the many inmates OF the almshouse
on Blackweil's Island. N. T.. is one whose
fame as ballad singer on the minstrel stage
is still remembered by those who in bygone
days have been moved to tears by his sweet
and pathetic voice.
George W. Harley is best known to patrons
of minstrelsy through his connection with
"Jack" Havorly' 8 famous Mastodon Minstrels,
at a time when minstrelsy had reached the
zenith of its glory.
Harley was born in the Seventh Ward Of
New York % years ago. He made his first
appearance as professional BALLAD singer in
1870 in San Francisco. at the Bush Street
Opera House, which, at that time. was run as
a variety theater, under the management OF
"Ed' Buckley. When the theater passed into
the hands OF Thomas Mcguire, Harley's popu-
larity had become so well established that
Mr.. Mcguire retained him in his stock com
pany until Harley concluded to try his for
tune on the road, associating himself with
Cotton and Arlington's organization. Finally
tiring of the road, he again sought met
ropolitsn favor, going 20 philadelphia and
joining the forces OF Simmons and Slo-
cum, with whom be remained until he
engaged with j. u. Haverly's aggregation OF
burnt cork artists, known as Ihe "Mnsto-
ons."
For two years he toured this country with
that famous company OF Ethiopian stars, re-
ceiving the tidy sum Of 800 per week for his
services.
At the close OF the American tour he went
to England with the company. making the
shit" of his life in London, and at once be-
coming prime favorite both on and of the
stage During tho Londoi engagement he
sang by special request of the Prince and
Princess Of Wales at private entertainment
and was highly complimented upon his vocal
ability.
After "playing" Leeds, Manchester, Live
pool and other places of note. the company
returned to London for second engagement,
and IL was ut this time that Harley was offered
a lucrative position by Moore and Burgess,
which was to be permanent, but much
against his inclinations no refused. owing TO
personal obligations to Mr.. Charles Frohman
who was In charge Of the company-to
whom no felt bound.
Asked as to how he finally landed in his
present quarters. with suspicious quiver
about the corners of his mouth and O tremor
in the marvellous voice he said: 81 lived not
wisely, but too much and one day il all came
to an end. was picked up in the street in
an unconscious condition, victim TO a stroke
OF paralysis. and two days afterward, upon
regaining consciousness, i found myself on "a
cot in Bellevue Hospital That was in the fall
OF 1885.
CATER remaining in Bellevue for two years
was removed to the homeopathic Hospital
on Wards Island, and from there was trans.
ferred to the almshouse, where have been
since the early part Of 1891.
~ still have hope and ambition and believe
that with fair opportunity could be self.
supporting. NJ health has greatly improved .
and from being an almost hopeless paralytic
can now with the aid of cane handle myself
pretty well, and / feel able to do turn
yet"
Harley has inclined toward the spiritual life
since his atfiiction and Is now devout Epis-
copalian, having been confirmed i'm that faith
nearly four years ago by Bishop Potter. He
contributes greatly to the services held in
the chapel on Blackwcll's Island by his vocal
talent.
He was great favorite Of tho late Rev.
Mr. French, chaplain OF tho island, and IL
held 10 high esteem by the present chaplain,
Mr. Proudft.
Upon peing asked " his spiritual lifo had ia
any way lightened his burden his face as.
sumod radiant aspect no feeliugly re-
plied II am at peace with God and man, and
my burden Is no longer grievous one. am
patiently and contentedly awaiting tho Mas
ter's call and shall joyfully minRle my voico
with the heavenly chorus in singing praises to
the One who gave il me while I'm climbing
up the golden stairs"