The Part Taken by Women in American History/Actresses
Actresses.
CHARLOTTE CUSHMAN.
It may be said of Charlotte Cushman that she was one of those strenuous, noble souls who would have dignified and vitalized, as with the vitality of a man, any calling into which it might have pleased Fate to place her, and that she would have left the world better for her presence. For this mental pertinacity, as we might call it, we can credit the sturdy Puritan stock from which she was descended. The best blood of New England, the blood which has made both martyrs and honest, hopeless bigots ran through her veins. Her father was a respected merchant of Boston, and it was in that city that Charlotte Saunders Cushman was born, July 23, 1816. Her strongest characteristics were her imitative power and her wonderful voice. It was this voice that was soon to aid her in the struggle for existence. Her father was unfortunate in business, and Charlotte began the study of music, and subsequently sang in a Boston church choir, and she was urged to continue the cultivation of her voice and not to waste time in the mere drudgery of teaching. And thus it came about that Miss Cushman became the pupil of James G. Maeder (afterwards the husband of Clara Fisher), and made her appearance under his instruction in April, 1835, as the Countess Almaviva, in the "Marriage of Figaro," the performance taking place at the Tremont Theatre, and was considered a triumph for Miss Cushman. Visions of future operatic achievements filled her mind, when suddenly her voice failed, from overtraining, and through this apparent misfortune Miss Cushman was led to the stage, and through Caldwell, the theatrical manager, of New Orleans, she was given a part to appear on the stage. Her first appearance was as Lady Macbeth, in a benefit performance in that city. Of herself at that time Miss Cushman says: "I was a tall, thin, lanky girl, about five feet, six inches in height." Her rendition of the part was satisfactory, both to the audience and manager. For three years, from September, 1837, to September, 1840, she was at the Park Theatre, New York, playing various parts. This, no doubt, was a fine experience for her just at this time, and she came out of this ordeal a true actress, who was not afraid to play Romeo, Portia, Lady Macbeth, Joan of Arc, Belvidera, in "Venice Preserved," Roxana, in "The Rival Queens," and many other characters. Her greatest achievement has always been believed to be Meg Merrilies. It was said of her first appearance in this part, "There was an uncanny charm, a wealth of picturesqueness and, at the same time, a depth of senile feeling in her portraiture that stamped it at once with the mark of inspiration." No one who ever saw Meg Merrilies will ever forget its terrible effective ness. After leaving Park Theatre, she played male characters for some time. It was her professional association with Macready during the seasons of 1843 and 1844 that provided the stepping-stone for which Miss Cushman had been groping. After he witnessed her performance of Lady Macbeth he showed a sympathy for this aspiring woman which was of inestimable value to her.
Owing to the encouragement given her by Macready Miss Cushman determined to go to England, and although at the time it seemed rash the end justified the risk. One writer says of her debut in England: "Since the memorable first appearance of Edmund Kean, in 18 14, never has there been such a debut on the boards of an English theatre." Miss Cushman returned to America in 1870, and on November 7, 1874, took her farewell of the New York stage in Lady Macbeth, at Booth's Theatre. Her last appearance of all as an actress, although not as a reader, was made in Boston, May 15, 1875, as Lady Macbeth. In the autumn of this year she made her residence in Boston, where she passed away on February 18, 1876.
MAUDE ADAMS.
Born at Salt Lake City, Utah, November 11, 1872. Daughter of Annie Adams, a celebrated actress in the United States. She made her first appearance on the stage when but an infant of nine months, in "The Lost Child." As a little girl she made a great success as Little Schneider in "Fritz," with the late J. K. Emmett. She made her first appearance on the New York stage in 1888, in "The Paymaster." On February 4, 1889, she played Louisa, in "The Highest Bidder," and was next engaged for the Bijou Theatre, where she appeared March 5, 1889, as the minister's sister, in "A Midnight Bell." In 1890 she played Evangeline at Proctor's Twenty-third Street Theatre, and on October 21, 1890, appeared as Dora, in "Men and Women." November 16, 1891, she played Nell, in "The Lost Paradise." Her next appearance was at Palmer's Theatre as leading lady with John Drew, in 1892, making a great success in the part of Suzanne, in "The Masked Ball." She continued to play with Mr. Drew until 1897. She was promoted to the rank of "star" by Charles Frohman in 1897, and made her first appearance in New York in that capacity at the Empire Theatre on September 27, when she appeared as Babbie, in "The Little Minister." She has played this part many hundred times since. This was followed by Mrs. Hilary, in "Mrs. Hilary Regrets," which she played with John Drew. At the Empire Theatre, on May 8, 1899, she appeared for the first time as Juliet, in "Romeo and Juliet," with great success. In 1900 she appeared as the Duke of Reichstadt, in "L'Aiglon," and in 1901 as Phoebe Throssell, in "Quality Street," one of her greatest successes. This was followed by Pepita, in "The Pretty Sister of Jose," and on November 6, 1905, she appeared at the Empire Theatre, New York, in what has been one of her greatest successes, as Peter Pan, in Barrie's play of that name. She played in this for two years, relieved by performances of "Quality Street," "L'Aiglon" and "The Little Minister." In September, 1907, she commenced another tour with "Peter Pan." In 1908 she appeared in "The Jesters." Miss Adams is probably the most popular actress on the American stage today. "The fountain head of her personality is nun-like and virginal. Like an instrument of fine silver, she sounds her pure, rare notes in the key of the ideal and celestial, and is content with the response which they waken."
ETHEL BARRYMORE.
Daughter of the late Maurice Barrymore and Georgie Drew-Barrymore, and niece of the well-known actor, John Drew. She was born in Philadelphia, August 15, 1879, and made her first appearance on the stage on January 25, 1894. At the Empire Theatre, New York, during the autumn of 1894 she played the part of Kate Fennell, in "The Bauble Shop," with her uncle, John Drew, in the leading part. She has appeared in "The Imprudent Young Couple," "The Squire of Dames," Priscilla, in "Rosemary," and on May 15, 1897, made her debut in England as Miss Kittridge, in "Secret Service," with W. H. Gillette. She was then engaged by the late Sir Henry Irving for the Lyceum Company, going on a tour with this company, playing the part of Annette, in "The Bells." On her return to London she appeared at the Lyceum, January 1, 1896, as Euphrosine, in "Peter the Great." She then returned to America, and her next appearance was at the Garrick Theatre, October 24, 1898, as Madeleine, in "Catherine," with Annie Russell. She appeared later in "His Excellency, the Governor," and was promoted to the rank of "star" by Charles Frohman, making her first appearance as such in "Captain Jinks of the Horse Marines." Since then she has appeared as Angela Muir, in "A Country Mouse"; Kate Curtis, in "Cousin Kate"; Sunday, in the play of that name; Gwendolyn Cobb, in "The Painful Predicament of Sherlock Holes"; Nora Helmer, in "A Doll's House"; Mrs. Grey, in "Alice Sit-by-the-Fire," and in 1894 returned to London, and appeared as Cynthia, in a play by that name, by H. H. Davies. This was followed by another season of "Alice Sit-by-the-Fire," "Captain Jinks of the Horse Marines," Mrs. Jones, in "The Silver Box," and in September, 1907, she started on a tour with a new play entitled "Her Sister," written by Clyde Fitch. She is the wife of R. Griswold Colt.
MINNIE MADDERN FISKE.
Was born in New Orleans December 19, 1865. She was educated in the convents of Cincinnati and St. Louis. Has been on the stage practically all her life, playing under her maiden name of Minnie Maddern, achieving great success all over the United States. She first appeared at the early age of three as the Duke of York, in "Richard III"; at the age of fifteen was a "star." She made her first appearance on the New York stage at Wallack's Theatre, July II, 1870, in the part of Little Fritz, in "Fritz, Our German Cousin," with the late J. K. Emmett. In 1871 she appeared in "Hunted Down," at Niblo's Garden. Since then she has played in "Chicago Before the Fire," "King John," "Fogg's Ferry," "Caprice," "In Spite of All" and "Featherbrain." In 1890 she left the stage on the occasion of her marriage with Harrison Grey Fiske, but after an absence of four years she appeared in 1894 as the heroine, in "Hester Crewe," a play written by her husband. She has played the part of Nora Helmer, in "A Doll's House," with great success; has appeared in "Frou-Frou," "The Queen of Liars" and her own play, "A Light From St. Agnes." One of her greatest successes was as Tess, in "Tess of the D'Urbervilles." Since 1898 she has appeared in "A Bit of Old Chelsea," "Love Finds the Way," "Little Italy" and "Becky Sharp." At the Manhattan Theatre, of which her husband became the lessee and manager, she appeared in 1901 in "Miranda of the Balcony" and "The Unwelcome Mrs. Hatch." Her performance of Mary, in "Mary of Magdala," created a profound impression. In 1906 she appeared in a new play, "The New York Idea," which was one of Mrs. Fiske's greatest successes. In 1907 she appeared as Rebecca West, in Ibsen's "Rosmersholm." Mrs. Fiske is a remarkably gifted woman. Not only is she a fine actress, but she is, as well, a stage manager, and has directed the production of most of the plays produced at the Manhattan Theatre during her husband's tenancy. She is also the author of the following plays : "The Rose," "A Light From St. Agnes," "The Eyes of the Heart," and "Not Guilty." She has also collaborated with her husband in "Fontenelle."
MAXINE ELLIOTT.
Was born at Rockland, Maine, February 5, 1871. She was educated at the Notre Dame Academy, Roxbury, Mass., and made her first appearance on the stage at Palmer's Theatre, New York, November 10, 1S90, as Felicia Umfraville, in "The Middleman," with E. S. Willard, when Mr. Willard made his debut on the American stage. She also played with him in "John Needham's Double," taking the part of Virginia Fleetwood." She has appeared in "A Fool's Paradise," "Judah," "The Professor's Love Story," "The Prodigal Daughter," "The Voyage of Suzette," "Sister Mary," "London Assurance," "Diplomacy," "A Woman of No Importance," and "Forget-Me-Not," and in January, 1895, sne was a member of the late Augustin Daly's Company, at the Daly Theatre, in New York, in "The Heart of Ruby," "The Two Gentlemen of Verona," "Nancy and Company," "The Honeymoon," "A Midsummer Night's Dream," and "The Two Escutcheons." Her first appearance in London was made at the Daly Theatre, July 2, 1895, as Sylvia in "The Two Gentlemen of Verona"; and she also played during this engagement in "A Midsummer Night's Dream". In 1896, she appeared at the Fifth Avenue Theatre as Eleanor Cuthbert in "A House of Cards." In 1896 she was married to Nat Goodwin, and accompanied him on a tour to Australia. She appeared in "A Gilded Fool," "An American Citizen," "In Mizzoura," "Nathan Hale," and "The Cowboy and the Lady." She appeared at the Duke of York's Theatre, London, June 5, 1899, in the last mentioned part. At the Knickerbocker Theatre, New York, in 1900, she appeared in "When We Were Twenty-one," and in 1901, as Portia in "The Merchant of Venice." At the Comedv Theatre, London, September, 1901, she played in "When We Were Twenty-one." In 1902, she toured the United States in "The Altar of Friendship." In 1903, she appeared as a "star" for the first time under the management of Charles B. Dillingham, in "Her Own Way," which after touring several cities in the United States was produced at the Lyric Theatre, London, in 1905. In August, 1905, she played "Jo" Sheldon in "Her Great Match," and was seen at the Criterion in this part later. In 1907, she again appeared in London at the Lyric Theatre as Mary Hamilton in "Under the Greenwood Tree," returning to the United States and appearing at the Garrick Theatre, December 25, 1907.
GERTRUDE ELLIOTT.
Is the sister of Maxine Elliott, and the wife of Johnston Forbes-Robertson, the great English actor. She made her first appearance in 1894 with Rose Coghlan's company, in "A Woman of No Importance." She played with her sister for some time and made her first appearance on the London stage in "The Cowboy and the Lady" at the Duke of York's Theatre, June 5, 1899. In 1900 she was engaged by Forbes-Robertson, and played Ophelia in "Hamlet," Carrot in the play of that name, and Judith Anderson in "The Devil's Disciple." On December 22, 1900, she married Forbes-Robertson, and since then has played in London with the exception of a brief tour in the United States in 1906. Since that time she has played with her husband at the Savoy Theatre, London.
MARGARET MATHER.
Was born in Tilbury, near Montreal, Canada, in 1862, but is an American by adoption. She is of Scotch descent. In 1868 her family left Canada and settled in Detroit, Michigan. Later Margaret was sent to New York to live with one of her brothers, who assumed charge of her education. In 1880, this brother died, and she was left dependent upon her own efforts. This opened up an opportunity for her to satisfy her desire to go upon the stage and she made her debut as Cordelia in "King Lear" with such marked success that she attracted the attention of Manager J. M. Hill, who made a contract with her for six years' engagement, opening as Juliet, August, 1882, in a theatre in Chicago, scoring an immediate success. She then played in all the principal cities of the United States appearing in the Union Square Theatre in New York City in her famous role of Juliet. Her repertoire includes, Rosalind, Imogene, Lady Macbeth, Leah, Julia, Peg Woffington, Mary Stuart, Gilbert's Gretchen, Pauline, Julianna, Barbie's Joan of Arc, Nance Oldfield, Medea, and many other leading parts. In 1887 she became the wife of Emil Harberkorn, leader of the Union Square Theatre orchestra.
JULIA MARLOWE.
Was born in the Village of Caldbeck, England, in 1865. She was christened Sarah Frances Frost. Though her family name was Brough, on entering the theatrical profession she took the name of Julia Marlowe. In 1872 her family came to the United States and settled in Kansas, finally removing to Cincinnati, where Miss Marlowe received her early education in the public schools. Her first appearance on the stage was in 1874, when but nine years of age in "Pinafore." This was followed by children's parts in "Rip Van Winkle," and in 1879 she made a tour with a company headed by a Miss Dowe. Owing to the illness of a member of this company, she was called upon unexpectedly to take the part of a page in "Romeo and Juliet," which she did with such marked indications of talent that for the next four years she was placed under Miss Dowe for study. In October, 1887, she made her debut in New York City as Parthenia in "Ingomar" winning a triumph at once. She afterwards appeared as Viola in "Twelfth Night" and her success soon led her to enter the ranks as a star and she made a tour, appearing in "Ingomar," "Romeo and Juliet," "Twelfth Night," "As You Like It," "The Lady of Lyons," and the "Hunchback," taking the leading female roles in these plays. Ill health compelled her retirement for several years, but since her recovery she has continued her successes. Her art is of a high standard. She appears in her various roles true to life and without visible effort. In 1894 she married Robert Taber, her leading man, and for a number of years they managed together their own company. Julia Marlowe's greatest work has been her "Juliet," being recognized as the best "Juliet" on the stage to-day.
MRS. D. P. BOWERS.
Mrs. Bowers, whose maiden name was Crocker, was born in Stamford, Connecticut, March 12, 1830. She was the daughter of William A. Crocker, an eminent Episcopal clergyman, who died when Mrs. Bowers was six years of age. Her first appearance took place at the Park Theatre in July, 1846, as Amanthis, and while playing this engagement she married David P. Bowers, March 4. 1847. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Bowers went to Baltimore, where they remained for nearly four years. March 11, 1847, Mrs. Bowers appeared in Philadelphia as Donna Victoria in "A Bold Stroke for a Husband," at the Walnut Street Theatre. In 1848 she made her first appearance as Pauline in "The Lady of Lyons," in the Arch Street Theatre, remaining here for many years, a great popular favorite. In 1857 her husband died. Mrs. Bowers retired from the stage for some time but appeared again in Philadelphia, December 19, 1857, at the old Walnut Street Theatre. March 4, 1859, she leased the Academy of Music, in Philadelphia, and played a short season. Soon after this she married Dr. Brown, of Baltimore, who died in 1867. Mrs. Bowers made her debut in England, September, 1861, as Julia in "The Hunchback," in Sadler's Wells Theatre, and made a wonderful impression. She soon succeeded Mrs. Charles Young at the Lyceum and was pronounced a decided acquisition to the London stage. She returned to this country August 17, 1863, and played at the Winter Garden, New York.
MARY GARDEN.
Was reared in Chicago, Illinois. Completed her musical education in Paris, making her debut there in 1891. Is now one of the great operatic stars of the present day. She is recognized by critics, universally, as second to no one on the operatic stage in the dramatic rendition of the parts she has taken.
CLARA MORRIS.
Was born March 17, 1850, in Cleveland, Ohio. Her mother was a native of Ohio, and her father, of Canada. Her father died when she was quite an infant, leaving the mother to support a family of young children. Clara undertook to support herself by caring for young children in families. Mr. Ellsler, the theatrical manager, engaged her to do miscellaneous child work about his theatre when but eleven years old. She soon attracted attention by her intensity in her work and gradually climbed the ladder from her first occupation to the rank of leading lady. In 1868-1869 she played a successful season in Cincinnati, and at its close went to New York City and accepted an offer of forty dollars a week from Augustin Daly, making her debut in that city as Anne Sylvester in "Man and Wife." She has appeared in many other of the more exacting emotional characters and in each and all she is a finished, powerful, perfect and impassioned actress. Her own sufferings, from an incurable spinal malady, have made her success all the more remarkable. In 1874 she became the wife of Frederick C. Harriott, but always retained her maiden name, "Clara Morris," on the stage. Among her most distinct successes were "Camille," "Miss Multon," "The New Magdalen," "L'Article 47" and "Renee."
MARGARET MARY ANGLIN.
Was born April 3, 1876, in Ottawa, Canada, and is the daughter of Honorable T. W. Anglin, formerly speaker of the Canadian House of Commons. She was educated at convents in Toronto and Montreal, and received her dramatic training from the Empire School of Dramatic Acting, in New York City, and in 1894 made her debut on the stage in "Shenandoah." She has played leading parts in the Shakespearean dramas, has acted with Sothern, Richard Mansfield, in "Cyrano de Bergerac," her latest effort was in "The Awakening of Helena Richie."
ELEANOR ELSIE ROBSON BELMONT.
Came to America when a child from England. She entered upon her professional career when but eighteen years of age, appearing as Marjory Knox in "Men and Women." Her greatest success has been Zangwill's plays, "Merely Mary Ann," and later she added to this by her performance in "The Dawn of a To-morrow." On February 12, 1910, she married August Belmont.
MAUDE FEALEY (MRS. LOUIS E. SHERWIN.)
Was born in Memphis, Tennessee, March 4, 1886. Her mother was on the stage for many years, and now conducts the Tabor School of Acting in Denver, Colorado. Augustin Daly discovered Miss Fealey. He made a five years' engagement with her. She played as leading lady with William Gillette for many years. While in England with this company, E. S. Willard made an engagement with her and she played in his company for some time. She has played with R. N. Johnson, but the most important engagement of her career was as leading lady with Sir Henry Irving, playing the roles formerly taken by Ellen Terry. In 1907 Miss Fealey married Louis E. Sherwin, dramatic critic of the Denver Republican.
GRACE KIMBALL (MRS. M. D. McGUIRE.)
Was born in Detroit, February 18, 1870. Has played in one of Frohman's companies in the Lyceum Theatre, the Garden Theatre, Madison Square, and several of the leading New York companies. In 1897 she married M. D. McGuire, a prominent New Yorker and retired from the stage temporarily.
MABEL TALIAFERRO (MRS. FREDERICK W. THOMPSON.)
Was born in May, 1887, in New York City. Entered upon her stage career when a mere child. Has played in various well-known companies, and created the role of Lovey Mary in "Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch." Miss Taliaferro married F. W. Thompson, a theatrical manager, in October, 1906, and has since starred in her own company.
CORINNE KIMBALL.
Miss Corinne Kimball was born in 1873 in Boston, Massachusetts. She was well known by her stage name of "Corinne." She was the daughter of Mrs. Jennie Kimball, who was herself an actress and theatrical manager. Her first appearance on the stage was at a baby show held in Horticultural Hall, in Boston. She met with success, and exhibiting marked talent she obtained an engagement in light opera, singing in the "Mascot," "Olivet," "The Chimes of Normandy" and "The Mikado.
JENNIE KIMBALL.
Mrs. Jennie Kimball was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on the 23rd of June, 1851. She appeared first at the Boston Theatre in 1865. After the success made by her daughter Corinne in "Pinafore," Mrs. Kimball retired from the stage herself and became her manager. She was interested in several theatres. She was a woman of remarkable business ability. She personally superintended all of the work connected with the theatre and the companies in which she was interested; wrote her own advertising matter and superintended the work of the scenic artists, occupying a unique position among women.
SIBYL SANDERSON.
Was born in 1865 in Sacramento. She was the daughter of the late Judge S. W. Sanderson, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of California. In 1884 she went to Europe to study and at different times renewed her musical studies under several of the great teachers. Massenet predicted a brilliant career for her. She made her debut February 6, 1888, in Amsterdam. She was selected by Massenet to create the role of Esclairmonde and sang that opera one hundred times the first year. In November, 1890, she made her debut in Massenet's "Mignon" in Brussels, appearing in London, England, in 1891. She ranked with the greatest singers, and was always a great favorite with the American public. She died in 1903.
MARY ANDERSON NAVARRO.
Madame Navarro is one of the most accomplished actresses and gifted women America has ever produced. She was born in Sacramento, California, July 28, 1859. Her maiden name was Mary Antoinette Anderson. Her parents were of foreign descent. She soon decided to make the stage her profession, and neither the discouragements of her parents or friends deterred her from her purpose. On witnessing the performance of Edwin Booth as "Richard the Third," she gave a repetition of this in her own home, which so impressed her parents that a private performance was given before her friends, and here she achieved her first success. She was a student at the Ursuline Convent, in Louisville, and was given private lessons in music, dancing and literature with a view of training her for her dramatic career. Charlotte Cushman advised her to study under Vanderhoff, in New York, and ten lessons from this dramatic teacher were her only real training; the rest she accomplished for herself, which makes her the more notable. On the 27th of November, 1875, she made her first appearance as Juliet, in the Macaulay Theatre, Louisville, Kentucky. She won a most pronounced success.
After this she had no more difficulties to overcome. She was welcomed everywhere, and everyone was now willing to acknowledge her great talent and natural genius as an actress. Her dignity and high standard as a woman, gave her a most enviable social position, which she has held all through her life. In 1879 she made her first trip to Europe. In 1880 she received an offer to play at the Drury Lane Theatre, London, but declined it fearing she was not quite equal, as yet, to such heights of fame, also refusing an engagement at the London Lyceum, but in 1885 she accepted an offer at the Lyceum in "Parthenia." Her triumph was instantaneous. From this time on during her entire stage career she knew nothing but success until her name was placed at the head of American actresses of her day. In 1889 she was obliged to retire from the stage owing to a severe illness, and in 1890 withdrew permanently to the sincere regret of every American citizen. Soon afterward she married M. Antonio Navarro, a citizen of New York. They have lived, ever since their marriage, in England, where her social position is second to none.
ADA C. REHAN.
Miss Rehan is one of the most noted artists of her adopted country. All of her honors having been earned in the United States, Americans rank her among the distinguished artists of this country. Miss Rehan was born in Limerick, Ireland, April 22, 1859. Her name is Crehan and was accidentally misspelled in a telegram, when she adopted it as her stage name, and by it she will ever be known. Her parents came to the United States in 1864, and settled in Brooklyn, where Ada was a pupil of the common schools of that city until fourteen years of age. At this time a company was playing Byron's "Across the Continent" in Newark, New Jersey, and Ada was asked to take the place of one of the members of the company who was ill. This was the beginning of her professional career, as her family decided after this performance to have her 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 her in music. She had a most successful career as a singer, and having lost her voice through diphtheria she won equal success as an actress. In 1882 she started in a tour of the world. Later became manager of the Lyceum Theatre, London, and in 1888 she retired from the stage.