Circus Historical Society
P. T. Barnum's Greatest Show on Earth, 1881
(Barnum & London)
Wood's Route Book of P. T. Barnum's Greatest Show on Earth, Consolidated with The Great London Circus, Sanger's Royal British Menagerie and Great International Allied Shows for the Season of 1881. Circus World Museum's Parkinson Library provided the photocopy of this route book. All information should be checked with additional sources. There will be spelling and typographical errors.
Officers of the Barnum & London Consolidation
J. A. Bailey, General Manager.
J. L. Hutchinson, Financier.
Frank Hyatt, Assistant Manager.
L. M. Hedges, Superintendent. M. Crane, Assistant Superintendent.
M. F. Young, Treasurer.
B. Fish, Secretary.
Accountants: H. P. Clark, J. E. Cooper.
James C. Johnston, Ticket Seller (in wagon).
Byron V. Rose, Master of Transportation.
Thomas A. Gallagher, Detective from Pinkerton’s Agency.
R. H. Dockrill, Equestrian Director.
James S. Robinson, Musical Director.
Charles McLean, Master of Canvas. Assistants: Homer Silvey, Wm. L. Wilson.
William Smith, Master of Stud. Washington Smith, Assistant.
James Fuqua, Master of Repairs.
George W. Johnson, Master of Menagerie.
Layers-out and Forage Agents: R. C. King, Homer Davis.
George Arstingstall, Trainer of Elephants. William Newman, Assistant.
Robert Ellingham, Master of Circles.
Mrs. Howes, Mistress of Wardrobe.
Frank Pryne, Chief Property Man.
Charles Welch, Chief Usher.
Front Doorkeepers: Charles B. Warren, James E. Cooper, Eddie Mott, ?. P. Clark.
Rear Doorkeeper, Henry Engelke, Jr.
Performers
Madam Eliza Dockrill, Empress of the Arena, in her Principal and Flying Hurdle Act, also in her Great Four-Horse Bareback Act.
Madame Cordona, Bareback Principal, and Flaming Zone Hurdle Act.
Manege and Leaping Act: Madam Emma Lake, Miss Mattie Jackson.
Mr. Frank Melville, Bareback and Principal Jockey and Four-Horse Act.
Wm. Dutton, Principal Bareback Act.
J. Bell, Hurdle Act.
F. Gardiner, Jockey.
Aerial Trapeze and Acrobat Performers: Mrs. Devene, Miss Lizzie Devene, Miss Lucy Devene.
Hawley and Buislay, Flying Men and Champion Gymnasts.
Miss Maggie Clare, Flying Rings and Descent of Mercury.
Miss May Antonio, Juggling and Slack Wire.
Mrs. Frank Melville, Slack Wire.
Mrs. W. H. Batchellor, High Wire Ascension.
Dorella Brothers, 3 in No., Grotesque Dancers and High Kickers.
Boisset Brothers, 4 in No., Horizontal Bar and Brother Act.
Devene Family, 4 in number.
Geyer and Ashton, Posturing Act.
Awata Katsnoslin, Japanese Juggler.
William Elder, Scottish Sports.
Joseph Leon’s Celebrated Rajode Troupe of High Stilt Performers, 7 in number.
Mons. and Madam Ordey, Hungarian Jugglers.
Clowns:
John Foster, Shakespearian.
Bonnie Runnells, German.
Ricardo Bell, Knockabout.
Fred Runnells, Tumbling.
Billy Burk.
Leapers, Led by the World’s Champions, William H. Batchellor and Frank Gardiner.
| Wm. Dutton | John Batcheller | James Murray | H. Cary |
| Lou Snow | Frank Ashton | Hugo Boisset | Fred. Boisset |
| Jerry Bell | Harry Long | James Donavan | Albert Geyer |
| Wm. Elder | Dave Hawley | Chas. O’Bri?y | Geo. Kline |
| Chas. Bliss |
Frank A. Gardner
The subject of this sketch was born in Oswego, New York, March 30, 1854; entered the show business in the spring of 1869 as a Pad Rider; commenced riding bare back in 1870. Besides being an equestrian from the first, he was considered a wonderful leaper and tumbler, and soon rose to the position he now occupies, being without doubt one of the best leapers the world can boast of. His career is worth noting Mr. G. was the second man that ever attempted a double somersault over 13 square horses, season of 1872 with Dan Rice’s Circus. At Gilmore’s Garden, New York City, in 1878, with the London Circus, he did a double and single somersault over five elephants, one camel and three horses, the center elephant elevated on a high pedestal. In 1881, with the Barnum and London Shows, at the same place, he increased this leap to nine elephants, with three on tubs, following in Brooklyn with a double over ten elephants, five of the on tubs. In the cities of Buffalo, New York and Detroit, Michigan, he accomplished the unprecedented feat of turning a double somersault over twelve elephants, seven on tubs, the center tub ??? feet high. Later in the season, at St. Louis, Mo., he accomplished a double over eighteen elephants.
Animal Performers
Geo. Arstingstall, Wm. Newman, Elephants.
Wm. Winner, Tigers and Leopards.
C. Lanahan, Hyena Den.
T. Ferris, Lion Den.
Wm. Owens, Panthers.
Oliver Cole, Snakes.
Adam P. McKinstry, Trained Oxen.
Prof. James S. Robinson’s Celebrated Reed Band
James S. Robinson, Conductor.
| John Binns, Solo Bb Cornet | Emil Schmidt, Solo Bb Cornet | Wm. Woolley, 1st Bb Cornet |
| Geo. Lee, 1st Bb Cornet | Geo. Woolley, 2nd Bb Cornet | Walter W. Bennett, Piccalo |
| Chas. Ross, Eb Clarionette | Fritz Schimdt, Eb Clarionette | Joseph Nolte, Solo Bb Clarionette |
| Ira Edson, 1st Bb Clarionette | John Gorman, 2nd Bb Clarionette | W. Higgins, 1st Eb Clarionette |
| Newman Gould, 2nd Eb Cornet | Albert Hauptmann, Solo Alto | Leon Legan, 1st Alto |
| Chas. Schonthol, 2nd Alto | Wm. Little, Solo Euphoniam | Abel Stott, Solo Trombone |
| Sam Gaskel, 1st Trombone | Wm. Brock, Bb Bass | Wm. Norris, Tuba |
| Peter Krackehl, Tuba | J. S. Randolph, Snare Drum | Geo. F. Oakley, Bass Drum and Cymbals |
The Grand Combination Program
Subject to Change in Rotation.
Circle No. 1 is contiguous to the Madison Avenue entrance, No. 2 being next, and No. 3 nearest to the Menagerie. On account of the extraordinary character of Acts 11 and 15, they are presented as special performances, but one circle being required. The Equestrianism will be seen in the two outer rings, the center space being intended, more especially, for what are technically known as “ground” acts and aerial pictures.
Specially arranged Overture by the combined Barnum and Great London Brass and Reed Bands, under the leadership of Prof. J. S. Robinson.
Display No. 2: Grand, Original, Spectacular Pageant, introducing numerous striking features, and unique and picturesque effects.
Display No. 3: General introduction of the most notable curiosities, including General Tom Thumb and Lady, Chang, the Chinese Giant, the Bearded Woman, the world-famous American Baby Elephant, Giant Horse, Giant Ox, Pair of Giraffes broken to harness, and other remarkable features.
Display No. 4, Circle No. 1: The noted Ukrane and Trakene Stallions, introduced by R. H. Dockrill.
Display No. 4, Circle No. 3: Six Trained Common Plow Oxen, introduced by Charles White.
Display No. 5: Unparalleled Ground and Lofty Tumbling by the Principal Gymnasts of the Combined Shows.
Display No. 6, Circle No. 1: Miss Louise Boshell, the Absolute Queen of the Elevated Wire.
Display No. 6, Circle No. 2: Edward Baldwin, Performing Dextrous feats of balancing on a Pyramid of Chairs.
Display No. 6, Circle No. 3: Miss May Antonio, the leading Female Wire Juggler.
Display No. 7, Circle No. 1: Principal Somersault and Pirouette Bareback Riding by the distinguished Equestrian William Dutton.
Display No. 7, Circle No. 2: John Foster, the famous Jester.
Display No. 7, Circle No. 3: Grand principal act of Picturesque Equestrianism by Mme. Adelaid Cordona, her first appearance in this city.
Display No. 8, Circle No. 1: Messrs. Geyer and Ashton, the Champion Parlor Gymnasts, in their wonderful contortion and Pedal Posturing act.
Display No. 8, Circle No. 2: The Boisset Brothers, the reigning Monarchs of the Double Horizontal bars, in an unrivaled performance.
Display No. 8, Circle No. 3: The celebrated Hungarian Jugglers, Karoley and Augusta Ordey.
Display No. 9, Circle No. 1: Miss Emma Lake, the Supreme Side Saddle Queen, in her beautiful Manege act.
Display No. 9, Circle No. 3: Miss Mattie Benedict, the accomplished Manege rider, with her superb Jumping horse.
Display No. 10, Circle No. 1: Feats of Amazing strength and pure grit, by Miss Lottie.
Display No. 10, Circle No. 2: A classic illustration of Graeco-Roman Wrestling, by the champion, Edwin Bibby and Prof. Wm. Hoefler.
Display No. 10, Circle No. 3: Clever Caledonian Sports and Pastimes by Wm. Elder.
Display No. 11: Grand Special Picture No. 1. Frank Melville. The unchallenged Champion Bareback Rider of the world. Mr. Melville will conclude his marvelously graceful and skilled Bareback Riding, by introducing his beautiful thorough-bred Arabian Mare, “Bonnie Bessie,” and performing his celebrated and difficult Trotting Act. The popular German dialect Clown, Bonnie Runnels, will make himself heard during the breathing spells, and extract a tear from the most stoic.
Display No. 12, Circle No. 1: The Four Boisset Brothers in Parlor Acrobatic performances.
Display No. 12, Circle No. 2: The French Troupe Davene, grandly displaying their Gymnastic accomplishments.
Display No. 12, Circle No. 3: The Three Ricardo Brothers, the most noted Gymnasts of the world.
Display No. 13, Circle No. 1: Mme. Cordona in her terrific act, entitled “The Flaming Zone,” riding through hoops of living fire.
Display No. 13, Circle No. 3: Senior Don Geronimo Bell, The Wild Brazilian Hurricane Hurdle Rider, fearless and grand.
Display No. 14, Circle No. 1: Jacitchy’s Troupe of wonder-moving Japanese Artists.
Display No. 14, Circle No. 2: Prince Awata Katsnoshin, the unequaled Japanese Juggler.
Display No. 14, Circle No. 3: Jacitchy’s astonishing troupe of Japanese Artists.
Display No. 15: Grand Special Picture No. 2. Mme. Elise Dockrill, The world’s Wonder, and the greatest, most graceful and intrepid of living Equestriennes, now appears. This lady is the acknowledge Empress of the Arena, and her performances on the Back of a Naked Horse have earned for her the enthusiastic admiration of millions of the most cultured people of the New and Old Worlds. Ricardo Bell, the Grotesque Clown, amuses the audience in this act, who are expected by the Management to laugh themselves hoarse.
Display No. 16: The $100,000 Challenge Double Herd fo Twenty Trained Elephants, performing the most incredible feats, such as the Military Drill, Formation of Pyramids and other unbelievable acts, at word of command.
Display No. 16, Circle 1: The Barnum Elephants, performed by Prof. Wm. Newman.
Display No. 16, Circle 2: The London Elephants, performed by Prof. Geo. Arstingstall.
Display No. 17, Circle 1: Josep Leons’ Celebrated Rajode Troupe, High Stilt Performers, 7 in number.
Display No. 17, Circle 2: Lorella Brothers, 3 in number, Grotesque Dancers and High Kickers.
Display No. 17, Circle 3: Graeco-Roman Wrestling by Charles Middleton and Charles Bernard.
Display No. 18, Circle 1: The French Troupe Davene, Magera and Lotto,Olga and Guilliume, the greatest living Male and Female Aerial Gymnasts.
Display No. 18, Circle 2: Miss Lottie Baldwin, in her marvelous act on a single trapeze, introducing her terrific leap for life.
Display No. 18, Circle 3: Hawley and Baisley, surnamed “The Flying Men,” the undisputed champions of the world.
Display No. 19, Circle 1: Mme. Elise Dockrill, the only Female Six-Horse Rider in the world, Riding, Driving and controlling the six spirited and wildly running horses.
Display No. 19, Circle 3: Frank Melville as the Roman Gladiator and Courier of Rome, Riding and Driving six Flying horses at the same time.
Finale Display No. 20. The most remarkable and the greatest act of leaping every presented to an audience in any country under the sun. Every distinguished leaper of the entire profession will participate in a grand trial of skill and swift aerial sailing. Special prizes of a magnificnet Silver Vase (value $3,000), a Silver Champion’s Belt (value $2,500) and a “Victor’s Goblet,” of Silver, gold lined (value $1,200) the emblems of superiority to be presented to the first, second and third best leapers respectively, at the end of the season.
Advance Corps of the Barnum and London Consolidation
Chas. W. Fuller, General Railroad Director.
Excursion Agents: J. E. Warner, Matt. Leland.
W. H. Gardiner, Manager Advertising.
Press Agents: W. W. Durand, G. J. Guilford and D. S. Thomas.
J. W. Hamilton, Special Agent.
R. G. Ball, Contracting Agent.
Walter O’Connell, Assistant Agent.
Car No. 1, Three Weeks Ahead
Henry Hedges, Manager.
Mart. Ready, Chief Bill-poster.
Charles Betts, Calliope Player.
Assistant Bill-Posters:
| Robert McGrath | Joseph Priestly | Wm. Fleming | Dave Holbrook |
| David Carroll | Chas. Post | George Goodheart | Chas. Venable |
| D. Heills |
Car No. 2, Three Weeks Ahead
Crete Pulver, Manager.
Abe West, Chief Bill-poster.
Chas. Lakier, Calliope Player.
Assistant Bill-Posters:
| Crawford Hodge | Joseph Curry | John Robinson | George Patton |
| Louis Curry | James Houton | Ed. Leon | George Baldwin |
| Henry Edgar |
Car No. 3, Twelve Days Ahead
F. A. Keeler, Manager.
Geo. Simmons, Chief Bill-poster.
Organ Manipulators: Oscar Fresh, Chas. Cotton.
Assistant Bill-Posters:
| Fred. Burt | D. Fitzpatrick | John Augevine | Wm. Silverthorn |
| Fred. Seybolt | Charles Taylor | S. Maloney | George Lewis |
Excursion Brigade, Ten Days Ahead
Matt Leland, Manager.
D. Crawford, Chief Bill-poster.
Assistant Bill-Posters: George Reynolds, Chas. White, Albert Ludington, D. O’Connor, George Kettler.
Stereoscoptican & Horseback Brigade, 1 Week Ahead
Gus A. Bernard, Director.
Assistants: Ed. Doyle, Charles Devere, O. Savage, Fred. Bert.
The Last Brigade, Three Days Ahead
G. J. Guilford, Director.
Assistants: George Way, Kit Lewis.
Skirmishing Brigade, From Four Weeks to Three Months Ahead
J. W. Hamilton, Director.
Assistant: James Decker, and five Bill-posters.
Side Show
C. E. Kohl, Manager.
Dr. A. W. Cole, Lecturer.
J. E. Sacket, Orator.
J. Tutt, Ticket Seller.
L. L. Jarboe, Doorkeeper.
Isaac Sprague, Living Skelton.
Annie Jones, Bearded Lady.
Geo. Payne, Armless Wonder.
Edwin Smith, Long-Bearded Man.
Woolamalu, Maorie Giant Chier.
George Elsworth, Lightning Drill.
Sig. Gonzales, Performing Monkeys.
Albinos, Mary Martin, Mary McTiernan.
Idawarra, Quadroon.
Amelia Hill, Fat Girl.
Franklin and Johnson, Musical Mokes.
Prof. C. J. Singleton, Punch and Judy.
Sig. Giovanni, Performing Birds.
Mrs. W. H. Batchellor, Open Air Ascensions.
P. T. Barnum’s Original Fiji Mermaid.
Saigon, or Scaly Goat.
Models of Instruments of Torture used in the Spanish Inquisition.
Band, composed of Seneca Indians.
A. W. Moses, Leader.
| T. A. Cusick, First Bb and Solo | Frank Parker, Second Bb and Solo | H. L. Bennett, First Alto |
| Deerfoot, Second Alto | Thos. Bishop, Tenor | Geo. Nash, Tuba |
| John Aveline, Bass Drum | S. S. Purse, Snare Drum |
Side Show Canvas
W. Horner, Foreman.
Assistants: J. L. Hampton, John Vincent, J. Lavender, F. Pardy, H. C. Moore.
Chas. Welch, Chief Usher. Ushers: W. Fairchild, L. Embrey.
Sylvester Bleeker, Manager, General Tom Thumb and wife.
C. Niand, Manager, Chang Yu Sing, the Chinese Giant.
Sawyer’s Original Georgia Cabin Shouters
A. D. Sawyer, Leader and Director.
| Alice Deaton, Leading Soprano | Mary Sykes, Shouting Soprano | Emma Benders, Contralto Alto |
| Mary Sawyer, Contralto Alto | Wm. Smith, Tenor | Frank Jackson, Shouting Tenor |
| Wm. Mackey, Basso Profundo | Wm. Deaton, Alto and Old-Man Impers’nat’r |
Barnum’s Hotel and Caravansary
L. S. Edgerly, Proprietor.
William Herbert, Manager.
Stewards: Fred Sutherland, Wm. Edgerly.
Assistants: John Mulholland, Chas. Schumaker.
H. Saunders, Head Cook.
Fred. Somers, Vegetable Cook.
Wm. Johnson, Coffee and Tea Cook.
Waiters:
| James Westbrook | Henry McDonald | ??? Darrrell | ??? Michall |
| Harvey McDowell | Peter Quinn | Wm. Houghton | Geo. Gumperts |
| Geo. Stewart | John Van Paine | Andrew Songer | Phillip Dougherty |
| Wm. McMahon | Frank Devall | Joh Helrig | Two unreadable names |
Electric Light
?. E. Sherman, Chief Engineer and Electrician.
J. R. Sherman, Asst. Electrician.
J. K. Slack, Asst. Engineer.
Firemen: Frank Hollywood, O. Y. Sters, George Fireman.
James Higbee, Organist.
Thomas King, Calliope Player.
Charles Bernard, Chime Bell Ringer.
Chandelier Men
Jerry Douglass, Tom Priest.
Andy Brehm, Reserved Seat Doorkeeper.
Theodore Ferris, Salesman of Barnum’s Life.
Canvasmen
Charles McLean, Master.
William Wilson, First Assistant.
| James Kingery | D. O’Heran | Tom Ward | Pat Collins |
| Dan Gray | Jerry Tompkins | J. McKegg | Wm. Ragert |
| James Tenor | Wm. Cronin | Mat. Dance | Robert Atwell |
| John Platt | Chas. Christian | John Jacoby | Andrew Auld |
| Wm. Gibson |
Circus Canvas
Homer Silvey, First Assistant.
Blue Seats – Seat Levelers: Tom Slocum, Frank Wilshire, Arthur Delaney.
Stringer Men: Frank McCarthy, Chas. Nichols, Frank Hall.
Jack Men: Steve Nolan, G. F. Albia, Ed. Frothingham, Z. T. Wood.
Toe-Pin Gang:
| Harvey Ware | James Hughes | Peter Phalon | James Murray |
| J. C. Allan | John Mathews |
| John Curran | Edgar W. Hall | Geo. Allan | Thos. Walters |
| Geo. Johnson | Albert Hutchinson | Alonzo Cleverland |
Red Jack Man, Albert E. Albia.
Red Toe-Pin Gang: Frank Avline, John Houlihan, John O’Brien, Philo Dean, H. Corby, John Mathews.
Ring Men: Charles McGuire, R. Bryan, Foremen.
Assistants:
| John W. Hath | Henry Myer | Wm. Kennedy | Phillip Brenne |
| Pat. Crosby | Thos. Kelly | Henry St. Gordard | John Spears |
| John Sheehan | John Rafita |
Assistants: Henry Denis, Joseph H. Pudgett, Ed. Steele., Chas. P. Forgrave, John C. Allen.
Stake and Chain Wagon, William Cooper.
Carpenter, Cromwell Vermilyea.
Flag Man, Charles E. Sims.
Dressing-Room, Canvas and Property Men
Frank Pryne, Master.
Assistants:
| Geo Files | J. M. Smith | Geo. Cambell | Henry Beacher |
| Ed. Dugan | John Snellen | Martin Murphy | Chas. Lawrence |
| Chas. Bachman | W. H. Peters | Wm. Davis | Wm. Gauld |
Horse Tent Canvas: Robert Schultz, Foreman.
Assistants:
| Tompkins Hubble | Munroe Strever | A. Tafford | Fred. Dibble |
| Wm. Perry | Fred. Nead | J. W. Johnson |
Railroad Men
Byron V. Rose, Master of Transportation.
Curley Hunsinger, Assistant.
George Shoulders, Poler and Watchman on Baggage Train.
Harry Hooker, Torchman
| Ed. Horn | Wm. Hill | John Overfield | Joseph Racine |
| Ed. Lodes | ?. B. Lyman | Arthur Beed | Jacob Rover |
| John Young | Sam Sutten | Albert Rounds | S. A. Case |
| Jas. C. Ring | Ben. Slatten | Ben. Given | Frank Conners |
| John Plauf | Chas. Beard | Fred. Smith | Thomas Scott |
Sleeping Car Porters
Percy Mander, Head Porter.
James McArthur, Joseph Conley, Wm. Dixon, Pres. K. Houghton, Dan Loder, Alfred Huff.
Grooms and Drivers
William Smith, Master of Stud.
Washington Smith, Assistant.
Drivers:
| Tom Lynch | Edward Gordonier | George Haines | George DeBoice |
| D. B. Woods | David Denis | Albert White | Delos Gilbert |
| Hamilton Spencer | Wm. Churchill | Herbert Willcox | James O’Donal |
| Ephriam Murdock | John McGuire | Jacob Bowman | Edward Buckley |
| Robert Meek | William Moore | C. C. Clark | Charles Benner |
| Samuel Sawyer | George Evans | Wm. Sherburn | Anson Johnson |
| J. M. Wilkins | Albert Lougee | Charles Osborne | P. J. McCormack |
| Hollis Rogers | Oscar H. Jones | William Hamilton | John Daly |
| Wallace Sawyer | Darwin Brysie | Clark Galbrath |
Ring Stock Grooms:
| Geo. McFall | James Harrison | Wm. Laughlin | Iggnatz Abstrter |
| A. Adolph | Niles Peterson | Wm. Hardy | Fred. Newman |
| Charles W. Odell |
Pony Grooms: Martin Feeney, John Harley, Howard Aultz.
Caleb Snell, Gen. Tom Thumb’s Coachman.
Animal Men
Prof. George W. Johnson, Master of Menagerie.
| William H. Winner | Sam. Hodge | Charles Williams | John Meyers |
| Chas. F. Lanahan | James McCabe | Chas. Barber | Oliver Cole |
| Wm. Owens | Theo. Ferris | John Glen | Iochim Dehn |
| Herman Gierds | Sylvester S. Koch | Chas. S. Doty | Chas. H. Starling |
| Chas. Krieger | John Daughton |
Elephant Men
George Arstingstall, Trainer of Elephants.
William Newman, First Assistant.
George Holton, Second Assistant.
H. H. Copeland, Charge of Baby Elephant and Mother.
Assistants: Wm. H. Burkholder, Chas. Smith, Otto Mabos.
Blacksmiths: George Price, John Hogan.
Harness Maker, A. J. Craven.
For the 1881 route, click here. Opens in new window or tab.
Barnum & London Combination
March
Opened the season of 1881 in Madison Square Garden, New York City, March 28, 1881. Monday night, March 28th, Grand Torch-Light Procession. James Higbee, Tom King, Chas. Bernard, Oliver Cole, Wash. Smith, Eugene Fleming and Ed Gordonier take the Steam Organ, Calliope and Bell Wagon and go to Washington City to buck against the Forepaugh Show. While in Washington two of the horses took sick on the street and died; there was something very mysterious about it.
April
18th and 19th, Cold, rainy and disagreeable. 20th, Rain.
May
1st, Albert Albia struck by a low bridge near Wilkesbarre; seriously hurt. 3rd, Miss Devene received injuries from being thrown from the Catapult, the effects of which caused her death a week later in Brooklyn. 14th, Rain; pack wet canvas. 16th, Rain. 18th, Heavy rain; no night show; pack wet canvas. 19th, Rain, pack wet canvas; get off the lot 5:00 a.m. 20th, Pole wagon tips over injuring Wash Smith; rain this afternoon. 23rd, Three shows, $13,000.
June
4th, Rain a.m. 8th, Three shows; fire in Park Square Hotel; Peter Krackehl drops out of a window into a blanket, then goes in and takes another drop. 20th, Frank Gardiner dislocates his arm during afternoon show. 28th, Terrible heavy rain; pack wet canvas; plenty of mud and of good quality. 29th, Stringer wagon collided with a tree; narrow escape of the driver Jim Woods. 30th, Rain; pack wet canvas.
July
4th, Three shows. 9th, Three shows. 11th, Three shows. 12th, Heavy wind and rain storm; pack wet canvas. 15th, John Schenk drowned while bathing. 16th, Pole wagon breaks through a bridge. 21st, Man run over and killed by the cars; belonged on the horse tents.
August
9th, Three shows; Coles’ people visit us. 29th, James Higbee, Tom King, Chas. Bernard, Geo Shoulders, Oscar H. Jones, Jim Woods and Dyer Woods take the calliope, Steam Organ and Bell Wagon and go to St. Louis to buck against the Forepaugh Show; average time going down was one mile a minute; run over a child just after leaving Chicago; returned the 3rd of September.
September
4th, Rain this morning. 5th, Windy. 6th, Giant Ox croaked this morning. 7th, Man killed by the cars near the show grounds. 9th, Baggage train runs into the rear of the cage train, smashing four sleepers up considerably; caboose burnt; delayed till 4:20 p.m., losing the day’s stand Springfield. 10th, Rain and wind storm; tearing big top slightly. 14th, Heavy rain this evening; show out at 8:10 p.m.; no concert. 15th, Rain this morning. 16th, Chas. Shoemaker shot this afternoon by a tough of the town; the tough got handled pretty hard. 17th, Put up everything as this is J. L. Hutchinson’s town. 19th to 24th, St. Louis, Mo. 20th, Down in the cooler; only (15) bills to get out; no cards, no names, but all the boys know who it was. St. Louis, Mo., Sept. 21st, Highest and greatest double-somersaults ever done in the world; over eighteen (18) elephants, five (5) of them on pedestals four feet high, and the fifth one on a five (5) foot pedestal clearing the eighteen elephants by five feet, good. Done by Wm. H. Batchellor and Frank Gardiner; on the 23rd John Batchellor accomplished the same extraordinary feat. 22nd, The railroad boys presented Byron V. Rose with a fine gold-headed cane, costing $23.50. 26th, Terrible heavy rain catches us while packing up. 27th, Changed lots on account of mud and water.
October
1st. Fearful smash-up this morning at daylight, five miles east of Jama City, and about twenty-four miles east of Marshalltown; baggage train, when about half way in on a switch, was run into by the cage train, which was being pulled by two engines and running at a rate of speed sufficient to smash things up in general; two cars of horses were thrown from the track on their sides, standing the horses on their heads, as they were all tied on the under side of the cars; eight of them were killed, and the balance badly bruised and scratched up. The Snake Den, Rino and Hyena cages were thrown from the train and pretty badly bent, also one of the baggage wagons; several of the chariots were badly demoralized; the Globe and Elephant Chariots, retained their places on their respective flats, but the flats were forced off of their trucks, and shoved one end on top of the other, and both of them on top of the fifty-foot flats, from where the cages were forced off the train; the two engines were pretty badly bent up, especially the first one; and, judging from appearances, they were making pretty good time when they struck the baggage train. We did not get away from the wreck until 5:00 p.m., losing the day’s stand at Marshalltown; damage estimated at $17,000. 4th, Raining this morning; very muddy; remain here to-day. 7th, Raining this morning; terrible muddy. 11th, Give the show a rush on account of a threatening storm; no concert; rained this morning; very windy all day. 12th, Cold, cloudy and disagreeable. 13th, Three cars of the cage train off the track in the yard this morning; lion cage knocked off one of the cars; cold, disagreeable and raining all day; pack a wet canvas to-night. Kansas City, October 14th, During the afternoon performance, the performers and friends of Richard H. Dockrill presented him with a solid silver French Coffee Set, costing ($400) four hundred dollars. Oh! The beautiful mud, nice black mud. Well, this is about my last entry, as I put my book to print to-morrow, so I’ll bid you all good day, hoping we will have a prosperous and lucky trip through the Lone Star State. Zach T. Wood.
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Last modified March 2010.