McIntyre and Heath’s Minstrels followed the separation of Lewis and Stone, and in January, 1886, he transferred his allegiance to Wilson and Rankin’s Minstrels; at the end of the season he joined Thatcher, Primrose and West’s Company, and continued with them two seasons. Subsequently he was associated with Geo. Thatcher’s various companies for a period of four years. After this Mr. Lewis entered vaudeville and continued in it for several seasons, but returned to his old love in 1897, when he went with Primrose and West’s Minstrels. The associations were so pleasant that the following year he joined Jack Haverly in his last minstrel venture. In the Spring of 1900 Mr. Lewis was with Primrose and Dockstader’s big minstrel show under canvas; here he produced the various dances and marches. Subsequently he was with “Simple Simon Simple” playing a “Rube” character; and with other well-known companies where cork was not used--except after the show. Mr. Lewis was with the Cohan and Harris Minstrels at their inception in July, 1908. He is now in vaudeville, and may go to Pottsville. George W. Lewis was born in Easton, Pa., August 28, 1863. THE ORIGIN OF “DIXIE.” At various times the authorship of this immortal melody has been attributed to various authors, but many years have passed since it was conceded that Daniel Decatur Emmett, one of the members of the original minstrel organization, was its legitimate sponsor. Conflicting dates have been given as to when it was first produced. Here is the only true version that was ever published: “At the request of either Dan or Jerry Bryant, on the tenth day of September, 1859, Dan Emmett was asked to write a ‘Walk Around’ for Bryant’s Minstrels, then located in New York City, at Mechanic’s Hall, 472 Broadway. The next day (Sunday) it was put together, and the following night, September 12, 1859, ‘I Wish I Was in Dixie,’ was sung for the first time on any stage. A reproduction of the programme is shown elsewhere. This is absolutely the first time the proper date has been furnished.