He joined Hooley’s Minstrels in the late 60’s, and became a great favorite in the Brooklyn playhouse. In the Summer of 1869 he was with Haverly’s Minstrels, and while with that company did an act which he called the Musical Sensation, playing on a number of instruments, concluding by dancing a jig, accompanying himself by playing a flute at the same time. Mr. Welch next went with Kelly and Leon’s Company, and in August, 1870, joined Buckley’s Serenaders in New York. The following month, commencing the 12th, he became co-proprietor of Welch, Hughes and White’s Minstrels, a permanent company in Brooklyn, N. Y.; they continued there about a year. Mr. Welch subsequently appeared with Simmons and Slocum’s Minstrels in Philadelphia. He was with Haverly’s when that gentleman organized his company in November, 1873, and with Neil Bryant’s Minstrels five years later. During an altercation between Mr. Welch and William Gould, a vaudeville performer, the latter shot and immediately killed Fayette Welch in Boston, Mass., March 6, 1892. Mr. Welch was born in Galway, Ireland, about 1838. JAMES W. LAMONT (Williams) was prominent for many years as a baritone vocalist and interlocutor in minstrelsy. In 1864 he was with Sharpley’s Minstrels, and in 1880 with Kyle’s “Christy’s” in Boston. The major portion of his career was spent in Philadelphia, where he went in the 60’s as a member of Carncross and Dixey’s Minstrels. Mr. Lamont died in Philadelphia, December 24, 1894; age 56 years. * * * * * “Leon,” the dean of minstrel female impersonators, did a stump speech with Kelly and Leon’s Minstrels, January, 1870. * * * * * PETE LEE (Shea) was conceded to be one of the greatest tambourinists in minstrelsy; as a comedian, he was excellent. As early as February, 1858, he was touring with Pete Lee’s Empire Minstrels. He joined Buckley’s Serenaders in the 60’s, and continued with them for several seasons. August 28, 1871, he made his first appearance in Philadelphia, as a member of Simmons and Slocum’s Minstrels. He was also prominently identified with the companies of Morris Brothers, and Sharpley’s. In 1872 he opened Bishop’s Opera House in St. Johns, N. B., renaming it Lee’s Opera House, and conducting it for several years. His last professional appearance was about 1878. A son, Wilbor F. Shea, is manager of the Memorial Opera House, Eastport, Me. Pete Lee was born in Cambridge, Mass., January 6, 1838; he died in Eastport, Me., October 11, 1896. J. R. KEMBLE (Taylor), one of the best interlocutors of minstrelsy, made his debut at Paterson, N. J., February 2, 1863, with Hart and Simmon’s Minstrels, appearing under his own name. Subsequently he joined the Morris’ Minstrels, remaining five years.