WILLIAM A. PORTER, one of the earliest members of E. P. Christy’s Minstrels, made his first theatrical appearance as a supernumerary in the old Chatham Theatre, New York, in the fall of 1841. His debut as a black-face performer occurred in the Spring of 1844 with the Clark Brothers Panorama Show. Mr. Porter made his first appearance with E. P. Christy’s Minstrels at the Eagle Street Theatre, Buffalo, N. Y., April 5, 1845. February 15, 1847, he opened with the company at Mechanic’s Hall, New York, and remained there until 1853, after which, in the Fall of that year, he became a member of George Christy and Henry Wood’s Minstrels. Mr. Porter subsequently went to California and identified himself with Backus’ Minstrels there. Early in 1855 he rejoined E. P. Christy’s Company in San Francisco, acting as business manager. In August, same year, he set sail for Australia with Backus’ Minstrels; he remained in that country until 1859, during which period he engaged in mining and mercantile pursuits, as well as following his profession. Mr. Porter returned to New York about September, 1870, later making his home at Johnsonburg, N. Y., where he died January 18, 1906. William A. Porter was born in Hartford, Conn., May 4, 1822. J. W. RAYNOR (Rea) came to America at the age of ten years. His first professional appearance was as a vocalist in New York City about 1845. In June, 1847, Mr. Raynor was one of the original members that comprised the _first_ Campbell’s Minstrels. Not long after this he joined E. P. Christy’s Minstrels in New York City, and continued with them until the dissolution of the company in that city, July, 1854. Mr. Raynor then organized a “Christy Minstrels” and for three years traveled successfully in the United States and Canada. July 11, 1857, in partnership with Earl Pierce, he sailed with a company for England, where they opened in London, August 3, following. He met with immediate and lasting success, and exactly three years from the date he left America, Mr. Raynor announced his retirement, and returned to the United States, arriving August 15, 1860. Less than four years later the old fever came back to Mr. Raynor, and he organized another “Christy’s” Minstrels, and continued at its head until about January 1, 1866, when he laid aside business cares of that nature for good and all, settling down in Paterson, N. J., where he became one of its most honored citizens. J. W. Raynor was born in Ireland March 31, 1823; he died in North Paterson, N. J., April 5, 1900. GEORGE KUNKEL began his career as a black-face performer in 1844. In 1853 he organized a minstrel company that became famous as the Nightingale Serenaders; they traveled until 1855.