PAUL DRESSER, whose many songs were widely sung with many minstrel companies, was a member of Billy Rice’s Minstrels about 1885. He was born in Terre Haute, Ind.; he died in New York, January 30, 1906. [Illustration: THE “MERRY OLD GALS” IN ENGLAND, 1871. H. Livermore, G. Livermore, C. Livermore, C. F. Lorraine, L. Livermore.] [Illustration: CALLAN, HALEY AND CALLAN’S ELECTRIC 3 MINSTRELS. November 3, 1886.] AL. G. FIELD (Alfred Griffith Hatfield) has been a name to conjure by in various parts of the Union for a period of nearly a quarter of a century; merely to announce that the famous minstrel and his company were to appear at a given place was practically saying that the minstrel loving population would turn out _en masse_ to greet them. Nearly everyone knows all about Mr. Field’s career from the inception of the Fields’ Minstrels to date; but how many are aware of the famous comedian’s early struggles he went through before he reached the goal of success? It is a pleasure for the author to recount them. Al. G. Field first appeared professionally at Jeffries Hall, Brownsville, Pa., about 1871; he performed in the old nigger act of “Handy Andy”; he attracted the attention of that famous minstrel Sam Sharpley, and became a member of his company, officially known as Sharpley, Sheridan, Mack and Day’s Minstrels; this was in the Winter of 1871. The following season he joined Bidwell and McDonough’s “Black Crook” Company; subsequently he appeared with the California Minstrels, and Tony Denier’s “Humpty Dumpty.” In November, 1876, he became a member of Haverly’s “Blackbirds of a Nation,” one of the many minstrel companies controlled at one time by that astute manager. Mr. Field’s other minstrel engagements were with Simmons and Slocum’s in 1877, and Duprez and Benedict’s, in 1883. In May, 1875, he paid a visit to Peter Sells’ and his circus, and in conjunction with McIntyre and Heath put on a minstrel first part, also did a monologue. Mr. Field’s success was so pronounced on this occasion that he not only continued during the balance of the season, but for ten consecutive years was associated with the famous Sells organization during the tenting seasons, in the capacity of performer, also filling responsible executive positions. In the Spring of 1884 Mr. Field organized what is now the Hagenbeck-Wallace Show, opening at Peru, Ind., April 27; he remained with them as manager until September 9, 1886. On the sixth day of October, 1886, the Al. G. Field’s Minstrels were organized; the company numbered 27 persons, and gave their initial performance at Marion, Ohio. The rest we all know. Mr. Field claims that his minstrel company was the first to carry their entire stage setting and scenery, and the first to build and operate a special train of cars. May 10, 1910, the company was incorporated. Al. G. Field was born near Morgantown, W. Va. (but at the time Virginia), November 7, 1850.