As soon as Lew Dockstader was able to talk, someone asked him how he liked Hartford, Conn. Capitol, said the future merry minstrel; this was his first offence. * * * * * THE ORIGINAL AMERICAN FOUR were Joe Pettengill, Peter Gale, Peter F. Dailey and James F. Hoey. Mr. Pettengill is authority for the statement that the team’s initial appearance was made in New York City, in the Fall of 1879. Originally two acts, Pettengill and Gale, and Dailey and Hoey, it was at the suggestion of Jac. Aberle that they combine and do a “four” act; the title, “American Four,” was given by Mr. Pettengill in honor of the theatre where they made their first appearance. About 1884 they split; Pettengill and Gale continued in the “four,” and Hoey played dates. Dailey and Hoey subsequently doubled, and continued as partners until 1888. Pettengill later did an act for several seasons with Nat Haines; of recent years he has been acting in an executive capacity. Pete Dailey was with Weber and Fields’ Company in New York for several seasons. He was a brother of Robert Dailey, the well-known comedian. Jimmy Hoey did a black-face monologue for several years, and later worked in white-face; he was great in black or white. He was the brother of Old Hoss Hoey. Mr. Hoey is now in retirement. Jos. Pettengill (Geiger), was born in New York City, January 13, 1854. Peter H. Gale (Durrigan), died in New York City, July 10, 1891; age 36 years. Peter F. Dailey was born in New York City; he died in Chicago, Ill., May 23, 1908. James F. Hoey was born in New York City, March 10, 1857. JACK SYMONDS (John P. Salmonde) began his career as a black-face performer in his native city in 1879, playing variety engagements until 1885. Formed a partnership with Joe Hughes at Pensacola, Fla., in 1887, later this alliance was known as Symonds, Hughes and Rastus; subsequently Hughes retiring, Symonds and Rastus joined “The South Before the War,” remaining four years, after which Symonds and Rastus dissolved partnership. Mr. Symonds was afterwards identified with William Collier’s and other well-known organizations, and in 1899 a return to the “South Before the War” Company. Season 1900-01 with Gorton’s Minstrels; The Flying Jordans Company in 1901, when he toured China and Japan; returning to America, played vaudeville for several seasons, also at Dumont’s Minstrels in Philadelphia. Mr. Symonds has been working in white-face for the past seven years. “Jack” Symonds was born in Portland, Me., May 3, 1860. THE HIGGINS BROTHERS were well-known song and dance boys, and had been associated with some of the best minstrel companies, notably Primrose and West’s; Primrose and Dockstader’s, Gorton’s, and Lucier’s Minstrels. In 1892 while with the latter company, with La Barre and Mullen, they formed the Four Electrics. Jos. Higgins died in Providence, R. I., March 30, 1903. William Higgins died in Providence, R. I., September 11, 1905.