At the conclusion of the circus season in 1886, Mr. Decker finally decided to cast his lot with minstrelsy. Accordingly on December 20, 1886, he joined McNish, Johnson and Slavin’s Minstrels as general agent; he continued with this company until the end of the following season, when he joined Thatcher, Primrose and West’s Minstrels; subsequently he was with Primrose and West’s Company, severing his connection with them December 21, 1889. His next engagement was with George Thatcher’s Company, and in 1892, in conjunction with Al. Primrose, formed Decker Brothers Minstrels. Since then he has been identified in a managerial capacity successively with Primrose and West’s; Primrose and Dockstader’s; Primrose’s, and lastly Dockstader’s Minstrels. At the present time he is General Manager of the booking department of the Shubert theatrical forces. Mr. Decker, who is an indefatigable worker, can see nothing in minstrelsy except that which he is identified with at that precise moment, and like most successful men, has enemies galore. James H. Decker was born in Albany, N. Y. See records for exact date. CHARLES M. ERNEST (McClenehan) was an extraordinary brilliant black-face performer, and as a straight man in acts was especially clever. He was prominently identified with William H. West’s Minstrels in the late 90’s, and at one time was a partner of Tom Lewis. Shortly previous to his death, in conjunction with George Thatcher, he gave a mythical minstrel first part scene in vaudeville with pronounced success. He was once the husband of Cora Beckwith, the well-known swimmer. Charles M. Ernest was born in Jackson, Tenn.; he died in Harrison, N. Y., May 21, 1907. FRED FREAR joined Moore and Burgess’ Minstrels in London, England, at the age of seven years as a ballad singer; later he developed into a fine song and dance performer and female impersonator. He was with that company for fourteen years. He died in London, England, August 12, 1889; age 25 years. SHARPLEY AND WEST, the well known black-face musical act, made their appearance as a team in Hoboken, N. J., about 1878, and continued until the death of the former; during which period they played the best variety houses and organizations. Previous to forming a partnership with Fred. Sharpley, Mr. West had been associated with Charley Hanson, whom he joined in 1872. Later he did an act with Sam Dearin, the latter was then known as Billy Bryant. Mr. West subsequently joined Fred Bryant, and as Bryant and West were associated about three years; then came Sharpley and West. Fred Sharpley was born in Montreal, Canada, January 17, 1856; he died in Chicago, Ill., March 23, 1888. Charley West was born in New York City, June 18, 1850. ARCHIE BALDWIN (Stockmar), famous as one of the team of Baldwin and Daly, whose “Happy Hottentots” was one of the best black-face acts on the variety stage, died in Havana, Cuba, January 7, 1900; age 47 years.