study for the stage. In 1874 she played in "Thoroughbred" in New York, hardly winning notice. She then played in support of Edwin Booth, Adelaide Neilson, John McCullough, Mrs. D. P. Powers, John T. Raymond and Lawrence Barrett, playing Ophelia, Desdemona, Celia, Olivia and other Shakespearean roles. In 1878 while she was playing in "Katherine and Petruchio," in the city of Albany, New York, Augustin Daly met her and asked her to join his company, and in 1879 she made her first appearance in Daly's Theatre as Nellie Beers in "Love's Young Dream" and Lou Ten Eyck in "Divorce." She immediately took the position of leading lady, which she held until Daly's death. In 1888 the Daly Company went to England, where she achieved the most remarkable success on record, it is stated, in London. She ranks as one of the most intelligent and talented comedians of the age. Her best work has been in the female Shakespearian roles.
ALICE NIELSEN.
Was born in Nashville, Tennessee. Daughter of Erasmus I. and Sarah A. Nielsen. Received her musical education in San Francisco where she sang later in one of the local theatres, her first appearance being at Oakland, California, as Yum Yum in "The Mikado." In 1896 she attracted the attention of the "Bostonians" then playing in San Francisco, and was engaged by them, taking the role of Annabel in "Robin Hood." Has sung nearly all the principal parts which this opera company gave: "Maid Marion," "The Serenade," "The Fortune Teller," and starred in "The Fortune Teller." Later she studied for grand opera in Rome, and has sung in several grand operas both in Europe, and this country, touring the United States in 1906- 1907 with the Boston Opera Company.
ROSE MELVILLE SMOCK.
Was born in Terre Haute, Indiana, January 7, 1873. Daughter of Rev. Jacob and Caroline Puett Smock. Created the role of Sis Hopkins in 1893, and has starred in this character in her own company since 1899.
AGNES BOOTH.
Was born in Sydney, Australia, October 4, 1846. Daughter of Captain Land and Sara Rookes. Commenced her stage career as a dancer when but a small child. Her first husband was Harry Perry, an American actor who died in 1863. Her second was Junius Booth who died in 1883, and later she married John B. Shoeffel. She made her first appearance in New York in 1865, and soon thereafter became the leading lady in the company of Edwin Forrest.
GENEVIEVE WARD.
Was born March 27, 1833, in New York. She is the granddaughter of Gideon Lee. Genevieve Ward was her stage name. Her maiden name was Lucia Geneviva Teresa. Her fine voice attracted the attention of Rossini who trained
