He was the author of several musical sketches, and was an intellectual performer. Johnny Rice played variety and minstrel engagements after separating from Welch. Billy Welch was born at sea, December 20, 1849; he died in New York City, May 7, 1887. John Cornelius Rice was born in Harrisburg, Pa., November 6, 1852; he died in Chicago, November 23, 1887. MASTER TOMMY (Thomas Henry Ryan) gave promise of attaining a high position in his chosen profession. As a dancer and comedian he had already achieved prominence. He died in New York, June 22, 1869; age 20 years. GEORGE W. WOODS, famous as a great bone player with Haverly, also the San Francisco Minstrels, and who in 1892 did an act with J. H. Mack with the Muldoon Specialty Company, died in New York City, June 19, 1898; age 50 years; he was born in England. * * * * * BILLY WEST, BILLY EMERSON and BILLY RICE, minstrelsy’s three great “Billy’s,” died within fourteen days--exactly one week apart in 1902. * * * * * CHARLES F. LORRAINE made his first appearance on the stage in pantomime at the Brittania Theatre, London, England, in 1855, as a child, and while still a child gave a season of popular concerts at the Music Hall, Leeds, England. His minstrel career began in 1867 as a member of Charles Christie’s Minstrels; next season he piloted his own troupe; other organizations were the Livermore Bros. Minstrels, where he remained some time; subsequent minstrel engagements were with Matthews Bros., and Sam Hague’s, all in England. In 1882, Thatcher, Primrose and West; then Carpenter and Lorraine’s Minstrels; Barlow and Wilson; Barlow, Wilson and Rankin’s; Emerson’s; Cleveland, and Haverly’s. Mr. Lorraine, in addition to being a vocalist, was an interlocutor of merit. He married Miss St. George Hussey, who died in Detroit, Mich., October 9, 1910. Charles F. Lorraine was born December 11, 1849. GEORGE T. CLAPHAM, brother of Harry J. Clapham, joined Haverly’s Minstrels in 1875 as advance agent, remaining about one year; subsequently going to Haverly’s Adelphi Theatre in Chicago as advertising agent, where another year was spent. In the early 80’s he assumed management of Thatcher, Primrose and West’s Minstrels, remaining in that capacity five years. Later he was with Hoyt & Thomas, one season, and part of another was with H. R. Jacobs in Albany. After this he was agent for Lew Dockstader’s (road) Minstrels about three seasons; then with Archie Boyd. Mr. Clapham was with J. H. Haverly’s Minstrels on their last tour, about 12 years ago. George T. Clapham was born in Albany, N. Y., April, 1849. JOSEPH H. MACK was well known as a prominent minstrel agent and manager of such organizations as Kelly and Leon’s, Emerson’s California Minstrels and Hart, Ryman and Barney’s Minstrels, also manager of the Cleveland Baseball Club in 1880.