New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-04-15

stage was as super with Chariotte
Cushman at the Howard Atheneum, In
Boston. He played his first speaking part
I'm THE French Spy in Lowell in 1852. He
then became an itinerant actor. playing
low comedy parts. He was so successful
that he received an offer OF position In
the stock company of the veteran John
Nickinson. manager of the ROYAL Lyceum'
of Toronto For fifteen years Mr.. Thomp-
son was leading comedian at that theatre.
playing round of characters which IN
Guided Irishmeu, negroes and Yankees. lie
supported the leading stars of the day
Some Of his favorite parts during TINS
period Of his career were Myles Ma Coppa-
leen in Colleen Bawn," Uncle Tom In
Uncle Toms Cabin" and Salem Scudder In
The Octoroon.'
Visited London in 1862.
During the season of 1855 Mr.. Thompson
was a member Of the stock company or the
Chicago Theatre. In 1862 he visited Lon
don. where he acted low comedy parts al
the CITY Of London Theatre, with a fair
degree OF success. In 1863 he returned to
Toronto. where he was always great
favorite. 1t was there that he married
Marie Balou, and there his three children
Franklin. Verie and Annie, were born.
From 1868 to 1871 Mr.. Thompson engaged
in a commercial business. lie tired OF
this however and returned 10 the stage.
annearing with success in the principal
variety theatres of this country and Can
ada In 1874 he visited the West Indies
with a comedy company. In 1875 he wrote
y W
was founded THE Old Homestead" the
MAY in which Mr.. Thompson won his chlet
title TO fame. He wrote Josh Whltcomb
in two days while lying sick at the Red
Lion Inn in Pittsburg. He first acted IN
Il AT Harry Martins Varieties in Pittsburg.
where Il attracted the attention OF John IS.
Stetson, OF Boston, who invited Mr..
THOMPSON TO play in 1t at the Howard
btheneum where Mr.. Thompson remained
for an extended engagement. After tour
Of the principal cities of New England IN
tbo homely sketch he returned to Boston
for q successful season at the Gaiety The
atre.
Joshua Whitcomb" Rewritten.
In ,s7s James NJ. Hill, of Chicago. became
Mr. Thompson manager and Josh WHIT
comb" was done into longer play, in
which Mr.. Thompson acted with success
in all PARTS Of the country for eleven years.
In 1885 Mr.. Thompson and George w.
pvder wrote 1.-THE Old Homestead. IN
uhicb Uncle Josh" the plain. warm
hearted and simple New England farmer,
was the leading character. Mr.. Thompson
first appeared I'm IT at the Boston Theatre
IN Anril. 1886 He travelled with 1t for two
wars and then came to this city. where
be acted in the piece AT the Academy or
Music for four continuous seasons. in 1881,
1850 1890 and 1891. This established record
which has never been surpassed. Except
Cor brief retirements I'm 1895 and 1908. Mr..
Thomson continued TO play In THE Old
Homestead" almost until the end OF his
davs In response to suggestions that he
undertake n new role. Mr.. Thompson. In
tho later years If his life, always said that
be would leave the new plays to younger
mon. lie last acted in New York at the
CIV Theatre, in October. 1910.
HIS son and two daughters survive him.
His wife died on October 2, 1904, in the old
homestead at West Swanzey.