davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1898-12-04

the same name and is The third Joseph
Jefferson known to our stage. He was
born at Philadelphia, Feb. 20. 1929"
In 1888, a few years after his New
York debut" little Joe, with his
father and his mother who was like
wise disciple of Thespis, started out
from Albany for a theatrical tour of
the west. The family was in straiten-
ed circumstances, and in those days a
journey from the east to Chicago was
no Insignificant venture. During their
adventurous trip to the west they led
the life of the old fashioned English
strolling players, giving performances
in the different towns as they went
through the country, sometimes with
success and sometimes with dismal
failure. At Buffalo the party embark
ed for Chicago, passage being paid in
part by dramatic performances given
in the cabin of the little steamer.
After scor.ng a dubious success in
the then small town of Chicago, the
light-hearted little band of players
turned southwark, giving popular per-
formances in Dubuque, Galena, Menu
phis and other towns along the way.
These performances were indeed the
veriest "barnstormings," the plays be-
ing presented in the eating rooms of
hotels, in barns, in outhouses, in fact,
in any convenient building that Of
'fered and in which a stage could be
put up. Sometimes the "house" was a
losing one and sometimes not. For a
time, though, the elder Jefferson was
forced to bring out his paint brushes
and turn few dollars painting signs
and decorating ceilings. But before
long a shadow fell on that happy-go-
lucky, handwriting family. In tie
city of Mobile the genial, loving and
philosophic actor and painter fell VIC
tim to the yellow fever, then raging in
the South. and died in a few days.
Little Joe's courageous mother, moth
ing daunted. opened boarding house
in Mobile for time to tide them over
temporary embarrassment and then
her way down the Mississippi and
thence into Texas and Mexico.
All this time the young actor had
been earning by hard work and rough
knocks that dramatic and theatrical ex-
perience which he was to turn to such
good account in later years. He had
already come in contact with Macready,
the elder Booth and James Wallack.
From that time the rise of the
young comedian was rapid In a. few
years he appeared in Philadelphia IN
der the management of Burton and
afterward conducted the dramatic per-
formances of the Peale museum in the
Quaker City. After a season in this
work he started out on his first star
engagement. In New York he met and
married in 1S49 Miss Lockyer. an act
ress, and for the next decade was bus
Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1898-12-04

ferson of the genial heart and the mer-
ry voice-nas given some charminSly
ingenious glimpses OF that early the
atrical life, with its mingled Vlclssi-
tudes, disasters and pleasures.
Speaking of his childhood memories,
Mr.. Jefferson in his autobiography
whimsically says of the theatre under
whose shadow he passed his first years:
ut was rickety, old, frame building,
with a broad gable, facing on a wide
avenue and situated in the city of
Washington. The door from our back
entry opened upon the stage, and as a
toddling little chap in short frock |
/. was allowed full run Of the place. So
behind the scenes was my first play
house. And what playhouse it was,
filed with all sorts of material for the
exercise of my youthful Imagination!
The great actor thus humorously re-
yeals those early influences which de-
cided what should be his future life
work. In that rickety, old Washing
ton theatre the youthful Jefferson play
ed his childish games among gaudily
painted scenes of the bay of Naples,
and Roman palace, and the dismal
tomb of the Capulets, and the robbers
cave into which old Ali Bahia used to
lug the bags of gold he had stolen from
the Forty Thieves. Here. too, he re-
members seeing Fanny Kemble and
Tyrone and Power, the Irish comedian,
and many other great actors OF the
time.
These" says Mr.. Jefferson, speak
ing of the stage properties amid which
he played, were the kind of objects
my childish eyes were wont to look
upon, and in this huge and dusty toy
shop, made for children of a larger
growth, got my first experience.
Il had seen many rehearsals and
sometimes got peep at the play, hav-
Ing bsen taken on in arms as prop
erty child in groups of happy peas
antry. Naturally, therefore, I was
etageStruck at an early age, and as
had a theatre stocked with scenery and
properties I could indulge my passion
ct small expense, especially as my
stock company were volunteers, con-
sisting of two little boys and their Sis
ter, who used to play with me on Sat
urdays. OF course was stage
manager by the right of possession and
Aau W COlApAtC GIL VI NAC piay hO
plots were very simple and made to
conform with what set pieces we could
get at, or what properties we could
secure and hide during the absence OF
the property man"
In such manner we're spent the early
days of Joseph Jefferson. Whenever a
child was wanted tsl the stage little
Joe naturally was appropriately dress
ed and decorated and brought forth.
His first active appearance on the
boards, however. was with that once
ulustrious knight Of the burnt cork, T.
Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1898-12-04
Copyright, 1891

t(9QyPAA6AA4 sASvS-S
When boy is all but born in thea
Ter, when for generations back his for
bears had led the alluring life of the
play actor and when the very play
ground OF his childhood is in dusty
uooks among these strange piles Of
theatrical properties which occupy
the back Of almost every stage, it is
little wonder that he himself should
take kindly to the buskin and the
mask.
Such indeed was the childhood life
Of Joseph jefferson, the uncrowned
king of the new world comedians, or,
to use the more familiar phrase, 1.-THE
venerable dean of the American stage"
For four generations back his fore
fathers had been actors. His great
grandfather was an eminent English
f1layer and manager His grandfather,
who was born In Plymouth in 1774,
came to the new world and when but
22 years old made his appearance In
New York on the stage of the old John
Street Theatre.
In the same way the father Of this
man who has immortalized RIP Van
Wrinkle" was born IN Philadelphia in
1904 and in his time also was esteemed
q very excellent actor, especially IN
..old man" parts In addition to his
histronio ability Joseph Jefferson, ST.,
possessed great deal OF artistic talent,
being a skillful scene painter. Often
In the early days when business was
bad the actor would WELD the brush
as a painter of signs and thereby re-
plenish the exhausted family Golfers.
This artistic ability was inherited by
his son, who has found time to pro-
duce a number Of paintings far above
mediocrity.
The younger Jefferson-our own JET
Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1898-12-04
THE VENERABLE DEAN
OF THE
AMERICAN STAGE.

D. Rice, who delighted our grand
fathers with his then famous Jim Crow
sketches and dances. The little Joe
had beheld these wonderful dances and
learned to initiate them. One day the
comedian himself caught the child at
his mimetic performance and straight
way. insisted on his appearance in
public The child was put in big bag
and carried on the stage by Jim Crow,
where, during one of the comedian's
jigs, he was dumped out head first be-
fore the eyes of the astonished house,
Then the little child of years, dress
ed and disguised exactly as the big
comedian, danced and sang in turn
with his large confrere. The expert
ment was a great success. Pennies,
sixpences and shillings showered down
on the stage, and little Joe secured
some $24
A short time afterward the tiny actor
was taken to New York, where he APP
peared in a most wonderful combat
scene. This scene represented an AM
erican sailor as vanquishing and plant
ing his victorious foot on Greek
pirate. at the same time exultinsly
waving a star spangled banner above
his own head.
Ireland's Records of the New York
Stage" contains the following notice OF
this dramatic performance, which no
tice, by the way, must have been the
first press criticism lavished upon the
asniring young comedian:
Master Titus, whose songs and
dances were much applauded, took a
benefit on the Seth, when he appeared
with Master Joseph Jefferson in cele-
brated combat. it being this lads first
appearance out of the Juvenile super
numerarv ranks. This little fellow was
the grandson of the great comedian OF
Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1898-12-04

Wheeling girls are like the dear
creatures everywhere, and it is a fail
ing of femininity to admire hand
some actor. 1t is not necessary to go
beyond the point of silent admiration.
but occasionally the girls 4 IL so
bad that they lust cant hold it,
A case in point was furnished last
week when M-. Morley, OF the Agnes
Herndon company, received a mash"
note which "toikes the bloomin' bis
cult" TO use his own expression. The
writer thinks he is just the best actor
in the business, or words to that effect.
and after telling all about her own
timidity, concludes by saying that she
and her lady friend would walk I'D
Market street and he would know them
by-but consideration for the youn z
ladies prevents an exposure which
might establish their identity. Sur-
fee it to say that Mr.. Morley simply
pocketed the note, to be preserved as a
curiosity, and declined to be mashed
by his sentimental admirer Mr.. Hal
Reid received q similar note recently.
Go to Lash's when you want to buy
a Christmas Present. The prices are
always right West corner Main and
Eleventh streets
Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1898-12-04
THEATRICAL ADJUSTMENTS.

"Gayest Manhattan" and Kellar are
in Utah.
Geraldine Ulmer will shortly return
to the boards.
Della Fox is to become the wife OF
Hugh Chiluers.
Maurice Barrymore will star in a
new play next season.
Julian Story designs his wife's EN-
ma Eams) gowns.
Clara Morris will be seen in Mutton,
at New York this week.
Emma Nevada has enjoyed a tri-
umphal tour through Italy.
Francis Wilson and DeWolf Hopper
were in Newark last week.
DeWolf Hopper will be the principal
soloist at the concert of Sousa in New
York tonight.
Lillian Russell will not appear in
America this season, but is to sing In
London in April.
Madge May. the daughter of Freder-
lex Ward, has been engaged for "A
Bachelors Romance"
Mark Smith has been engaged to
support Mrs. Leslie Carter in the forth
coming production Of '.zaEa."
Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1898-12-04

ily engaged Ii managing and acting; al
the while increasingly carrying on ass
dramatic studies.
At the age Of % Joseph Jefferson had
mastered the important role Of M0rrell
in "a New Way to Pay Debts and as
a young manager had produced with
great success 'sThe Sea Of Ice" and
"The Naiad Queen" Those early days
of struggle and perjury became a mem
DRY only. In 1856 he visited London
and Paris. On his return he was en-
gagged for the leading comedy parts in
Laura Keene's theatre in New York,
making his first appearance as Dr.. Pan
gloss in Coleman's comedy CT the
Heir at Law" This was followed the
next season by the remarkably sue
cessful play, "Our American Cousin,
on the triumph Of which pivoted the
career of Jefferson, Laura Keene ald
Sothern. Mr.. Jefferson's delineation
of the keen shrewd Yankee. Asa
Trenchard, was an entirely original
conception on the American stage and
was a presage of the admirable charac-
ter acting which this student OF human
nature was to give to the new world.
Our American Cousin" had a phenom-
email run, and its success established
Mr.. Jefferson at Laura Keene's theatre.
Here he played such parts as Newman
Noggs in Nicholas Nickleby," Caleb
Pqummer in "The Cricket on the
Hearth Bob Acres in Sheridan's "Ri-
vals," and DR.. Ollapod in 1.-THE Poor
Gentleman" The continued careful
excellence with which Mr. Jefferson
!, in difror0nt M c
not only gave him his well earned rep
utation, but nodded the very character
of his dramatic work.
In 1860 he visited California, and the
following year sailed from San Fran
cisco to Australia At Sydney, Mel
bourne, Ballarat, Adelaide and Hobart
Town his success was unconditional. 1t
was not until May, 1865, that Mr.. JEFF
ferson sailed from Melbourne for Eng
land. after an Australian tour that
brought him both gold and glory.
It was while in London that he met
Dion Boucicault, to whom he suggested
his pet idea for some adequate drama
tization Of the story of Rip Van Win
kIe. This story it is true, lad already
been dramatized several times, and Mr..
Jefferson had produced a composite
production by piecing together portions
of these different dramatiZations. This
production took place in Washington
and was attended by but Indifferent
success. Years before this the actor
had come upon the Life and Letters
Of Washington Irving in an old Dutch
farm house in Pennsylvania, and the
pregnant hint for Rip Van Wrinkle
drama was the result. Boucicalt took
I'D this hint and did the work. The
play was put on in London and ran 10
nights at the Adelphia, after which it
Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1898-12-04
PECULIAR POIS0NS.
GENERATED IN THE HuriAN BODY
The Result o. Imperfect Digestion Of
Food.

The Result Of Imperfect Digestion d
Food
Every living thing, plant or animal
contains within itself the germs OF GER
tain decay and death.
In the human body these germs oil
disease and death Called by scientists
Ptomaines), are usually the result Of
imperfect digestion of food; the result
of indigestion or dyspepsia
The stomach, from abuse, weakness
does not promptly and thoroughly di-
gest the food. The result is heavy
sodden mass which ferments (the first
process of decay poisoning the blood
making it thin, weak and lacking in
red corpuscles; poisoning the brain
causing headaches and pain in the eyes
Bad digestion irritates the heart
causing palpitation and finally BRING
ing on disease of this very important
organ.
Poor digestion poisons the kidneys
causing Bright's disease and diabetes
And this is so because every organ
every nerve depends upon the stomach
alone for nourishment and renewal
and weak digestion shows itself not
only in loss of appetite and flesh, but
In weak nerves and muddy complexion
The great English scientist, Huxley
said the best start in life is q sound
stomach. Weak stomachs fail to di-
gest food properly, because they lack
the proper quantity of digestive acids
Qaotic and hydrochloric) and pepto-
genie products; the most sensible rem
edy in all cases of indigestion is to take
after each meal, one or two OF Stuart's
Dyspepsia Tablets, because they supply
in a pleasant, harmless form all the
elements that weak stomachs lack.
The regular use of Stuart's Dyspep
STA Tablets will cure every form OF
stomach trouble except cancer Of the
stomach.
They increase flesh, insure pure
blood, strong nerves, 2 bright eye ant
clear complexion, because all these re
suit only from wholesome food wei
6igested.
Nearly all druggists sell quarts
Dyspepsia Tablets at so cents full sizet
package or by mail by enclosing price
to Stuart Co., Marshall, Mich, but ash
your druggist first.
A little book on stomach diseases
mailed free. Address F. A. Stuart Co.
Marshall, Mich.
Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1898-12-04

his own adaptation of popular novel.
Italian walnut, it appears, is the
wood that makes the best volins. II
gives a sound that no other wood can
equal, and Belgian is now employing
it in the manufacture of violins intend
ed to equal if not surpass the best ever
made in Cremona.
'Cyrano de Bergerac" has been act
ed 270 times at the Porte st. Martin in
Paris. More than $500. 900 has been
taken in. The two greatest successes
financially before this were Michael
Strogoff" and Around the World in
Eighty Days"
Sergeant "Bill' Anthony. who dis
tinguished himself when the battleship
Maine was sinking by saluting Captain
Sigsbee and coolly saying: Il have to
inform you, sir, that the ship has been
blown up" appeared in the Red,
White and Blue" in New York last
week.
The famous painting "An Affair Of
Honor" is graphically reproduced at
the New York Casino in "A Dangerous
Maid" In the duel scene Madge Les
sing and Laura Burt sent a thrill
through the audience by their sensa-
tional undressing scene. Both young
women stripped TO the waist, the up
per part OF their bodies being covered
with silken feshings.
The Pope has written poem, to be
set to music by Dubois, Of Paris, and
to be performed in Rheims during the
festivities in celebration CT King Clo-
Wis conversion to Christianity. The
poem is called s'Vivat Christus uui di-
light Frances" The musical part OF
the poem is canteta for the orchestra
chorus, tenor and baritone 1t is di-
Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1898-12-04

A very creditable home talent enter
tainment engrossed the attention of
patrons of the Opera House during the
past week, and aside from this the six
days were dull at that theatre. At
the Grand the Agnes Herndon COM
pany was on the boards in repertoire
at popular prices, and did fair bust
ness throughout the week. Manager
Feinler has booked two military dra-
mas for the next six days, each for a
half weeks engagement. Both are en-
dorseG by the press as productions TAX
ing front rank in their class. Patrons
of the Opera House viii greet the ever
Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1898-12-04

Chattanooga" which will be pre-
Sented at the Grand Opera House dur
ing the half week, beginning Monday
night. One Of the greatest things in
the play of Chattanooga which will
be produced by Lincoln ]. Carter S
company, is the use made of the mo-
ton pictures, of which we have seen so
much Of late. Major Corneli's forcible
abduction Of the heroine after the fail
ure of an attempt to kill his cousin,
Lieut. Cornell, leads to the great scene.
Driven before the Confederates, he
reaches with Rose Jeffries, now I'M
conscious, a point on Lookout noun
tain, where a Confederate engineer has
abandoned his locomotive to the I'm
ion army. With the heroine in his
arms he leaps on the tender and pulls
the throttle wide open. Close behind
him, and Just in time to catch the
tender as the locomotive starts, comes
Lieutenant Cornell. He climbs on the
end of the tender as the locomotive
dashes into the darkness of a tunnel
Scarcely half a minute later the en-
CINE, which heads away from the au-
dience, emerges into the light and the
Chicamauga country begins to fash by
it's sides at it's sixty miles an hour
gait, sending it spinning towards
Hooker. Lookout mountain can be
seen on the left and the cinemetograph
employed to furnish the panorama
gives the illusion of fast going perfect
ly. A little more fast running brings
the engine into Hooker's camp. where.
in the midst Of the cheering soldiery,
Lieut.. Cornell delivers to General
Hooker a set Of dispatches from the
commander of the other wing of the
army.
Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1898-12-04
toured the provinces.

toured the provinces.
It's unqualified success in America is
well known. Equally well known is
Mr.. Jeffersons career since that sue
cess. To-day he is reported to be a
millionaire, has estates in Louisiana
and in New Jersey, and is the most
venerable and deeply loved figure on
the American stage.
ARTHUR J. STRINGER.
Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1898-12-04

1t takes a week to produce single
play at the New York Chinese thea
ire, and the nightly installments last
from D. m. to midnight
In New York, early in February
James A. Herne will be seen in REV.
Grif. h Davenport, Circuit Preacher"
Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1898-12-04

Lillian Bayer Is beautiful and ac-
complished woman. She is an earnest
worker and so vivacious withal that
she never fails to create favorable
impression. But Miss Bayer works
too hard, and the expenditure OF en-
Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1898-12-04

GRAND OPERA HOUSE-F'irst half of
week, Chattanooga last half of week,
'>Cuba'S Vow"
OPERA HOUSE-Monday night, James
O'Neill, in Monte Cristo.'
Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1898-12-04
GOSSIP Of IKE STAGE.
Matters Of General Interest to Local
Patrons Of The Play.

THE ATTRACTIONS IN LOCAL THE
AIRES DURING THE PAST SIX
DAYS, AND BOOKINGS FOR THE
COMING WEEK THEATRICAL
ADJUSTMENTS - GOSSIP OF THE
FOOTLIGHTS.
Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1898-12-04

late Charles Fechter, but competent
critics insist upon saying that in per-
sonal magnetism and artistic finesse,
Mr.. O'Neill is even superior to the la
mented actor. AS for Monte Cristo."
generally recognized to be the master
piece of Dumas, the play is so full OF
human interest, exciting and dramatic
episodes, that 1t can never fail TO cap
ture a house. Mr.. O'Neill, in Monte
Cristo," will appear at the Opera House
next Monday
A case OF sulks on the part OF the
star interfered with the harmony of
matters behind the footlights at the
Grand, and incidentally affected the re-
ceipts at the box Office. AS n result
Agnes Herndon and Mittenthal Bros.
dissolve their relations, and the former
leaves the company. The management
appears to be entirely justified In the
course which 1t takes. There can be no
question as to the magnetic powers OF
Agnes Herndon's name, nor can there
be any question that her leading lady
is equally clever, and a more versatile
actress. Theatrical visitors who Wit
ness future performances by the COM
pany will see Miss Lillian Bayer In the
stellar roles, and will see an artistic
performance. Agnes Herndon's hus-
band and leading man. Mr.. Andruss.
also leaves the company, but II VIII be
an easy matter to replace him.
A fine selection OF Xmas Music An
thems, Cantatas, etc, at c. A. Houses.
Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1898-12-04

welcome visitor, James O'Neill, to-
morrow night, in his presentation of
Dumas's romantic drama, Monte
Cristo."
Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1898-12-04

A fine selection Of Xmas Music An
thems, Cantatas, etc, ct c. A. Houses.