New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-04-30

Doubtless more Joseph jefferson stories were
recounted last week than in any month since
the man who was peerless as Rip Van Wrinkle
became veteran actor and won a place that
even death does not vacate in the hearts Of
theatregoing people No one liked good story
letter than he. and few there were who could
sell one better. His sense OF humor most
complete and unlike many with joking vein,
he did not seem mind If the joke
himself. He would tell il just often and
laugh just as heartily.
His first appearance On a public stage was
more or less of joke and it came about in this
way: His father was an actor and manager,
and when Joe" was four years old took in
ferest in a benefit performance. The little boy
was carried on the stage in a bag by T. D.
Rice, known better perhaps. as Jim Crow
Rice. After singing the afterward famous lines:
Ladies and gentlemen. I'd have you for to
I've got little darkey here to jump Jim
Crow"
he proceeded TO empty young jefferson out Of
the bag. The youngster at once joined the
celebrated minstrel in the rest Of the song.
inimicking his every movement with wonderful
i accuracy.
Il fitting that Jefferson's death should
come in the South. and especially in Florida
where he was adored and loved. not so much
Tor his acting. for most Of the people there had
never seen him on the stage. but for his many
good qualities
At the Lambs the other night group
81 older actors were mourning his death and
accounting incidents Of his life. when one who
knew him well said:
There never was a man who had a finer
Family life than dear old Joe Jefferson He
thought everything Of his Sons All OF them are on
the stage or connected with it except his young
est, Frank, who must be about twenty by this
time Frank has been in school, but has spent
the last year with his father. They were great
ohuns and the boy was with him on his last
dshing trip.
Il remember Joke Tom Jefferson played on
his father a number Of years ago. The old actor
opened one night in Philadelphia in Rip Van
Winke.' Thomas with a road company, also
opened IN the same piece in New-Haven. The
papers the next morning chronicled that Joe
haa met with frost for some reason or other
while Thomas the son. played 70 a standing
SOON house. About noon the father received a
telegram which read something like this:
p" Hadn't YOU better come on 10 NeIv-Hayen
Rnd let me take your place in Philadelphia?
" II you're not good. Joe wired back. III
have to come over and spank you"
This IS not the only long distance Joke in the
Jefferson family. The old actor used to tell. for
Instance. of q cable dispatch sent 10 him bv his
son William. who sojourning in London.
The message was a modest request for $500 n
be sent at once. Jefferson knew his son was
well supplied with funds for his immediate ex-
penses and wondered at the unexpected demand.
IN an effort 10 throw some light on the subiect
be cabled 10 William:
What do you want Il for?"
Back came the reply:
For WiIlie."
The money was dispatched immediately
4 ar. Jefferson once declared that he had met
Pnly one negro with humor keen enough N
furn the joke on him
was IN Missouri once" he used 10 begin
line State. that MissouFi-and in a usr4icls Is,
ocal train on a line that never ran expresses
i -o0ho SoT ST Joseph. We were due 10 arrive
airy 10 the evening, but as the hours passa6 7
saw We would never make H. called the por-
q ana asked him 10 make up my berth
This Is the slOWest road ever travelled m
hsaa III bet We don't arrive before brealr
ast ana OF course. there Is not the sligbter,
possible danger Of our getting In before wake
4 put an Interrogation into my voice on III.