Evening star., 1932-01-24

including the three Booth brothers-Edwin as
Brutus. Junius Cassius and John wilkes as
Marc Antony"
An interesting statement appearing in a New
York paper at the time spoke very highly of
Edwin Booth, saying:
"Of course, just-minded or thoughtful
person would let the foul act of j. Wilkes Booth
reflect upon the eminent tragedian, Edwin
Booth, his brother but for the information of
those who do not know Mr. Edwin Booths
opinions, and who may imagine that senti-
ments are inherited with family names, we
will say that he has been a thorough. Union
man, he had on different occasions, here and
elsewhere for the benefit of the Sanitary Com
missioner and in many other ways, shown his
sympathy with the Union cause. We are in
formed that political differences had caused q
serious quarrel between Mr.. Booth and his
brother some time ago.
A SISTER of Edwin Booth married John s.
Clark, well known actor of his day.
Joseph perhaps the youngest of the family,
tried acting but not successful and drifted
into other pursuits. Junius Brutus Booth spent
a short while in the old Carroll Prison follow
ing the assassination, as did Mrs. Surratt,
coincidence being that Abraham Lincoln when
serving in Congress, and when the six build
In Mrs. Spriggs' boarding house
These buildings were taken down in De
cember, 1886, and the site is now occupied by
the Library of Congress.
In the story of the Elks of January 10, the
writer expressed his regret at not being able
to give more information about Aaron Shaneor,
a founder of the organization, and he received
q quick response from Mr.. Shaneors daughter,
Mrs. Charles T. Newman. Many an early
Washingtonian will doubt appreciate her
interesting letter, since she connects her family
with that versatile actor, Jake Budd, SO pop
ular with the boys in days gone by at the old
Comique Theater Here is what Mrs. Newman
writes:
"Mr John Clagett Proctor.
Dear Sir: I am writing you in regard to
your article on the golden anniversary OF the
Elks. I am sorry did not know 1t In time. for
I could have given you some data on the name
of the fifth founder, Aaron Shaneor. am his
daughter, and niece of Jacob Budd Zebley
My fathers sister, Mary Shaneor, was married
to Jake Budd. Aaron Shaneors name did not
appear in the city directory because he was on
the stage and was travelling all the time. His
stage name was Harry Melville. He performed
on the trapeze and horizontal bar and was of
Melrose and Melrose. His partner, Frank Mel
rose was Americas only one-legged gymnast.
Aaron Shaneor was born In Altoona. Pa,
August 25, 1855. The family moved TO Harris
burg Pa. where he lived until he was young
man. He then came to washington TO 1--we
with the Budds. 1t was while he was working
at the Theatre Con,ieue for his brother-n-law
that he learned to perform on the trapeze and
horizontal bar and started ON his stage career.
"If I remember correctly, at the time the
Washington Lodge of Elks was founded my
father was q member Of the Denver, Colo,
Lodge of Elks, and also one of the founders Of
that lodge.
He travelled the country from coast to coast
for six years, and booked for London,
England. They were packed and on the dock
ready to sail when his partner backed out or,
as one would say in slang, got cold feet Soon
after this they dissolved partnership, and my
father returned to Washington to live with the
Budds again.
December a. 1886, Aaron Shaneor married
Roberta Jane Bickerton, and he had his men,
bership transferred from the Denver Lodge Of
Elks to the Washington Lodge.
"I have intended to write the Denver Lodge
for particulars, but far never have.
"Mr Shaneor spent the rest of his life in
Washington. He gave up the stage, and was
employed at the naval gun factory until the
time of his death, May II, 1907
There was one daughter, Mary Virginia
Shaneor
Sincerely,
"(NIrS) CHAS. T. NEWMAN
"(nee Mary v. Shaneor)"
Catalba Unitarian Tree