his native place, opened a small store, sold lottery tickets for Groton Monument Association, took a larger store and failed. Went to New Jersey with a young lady of Bethel, In 1829, and was secretly married, and soon after his return, started a weekly paper, Herald of Freedom, and was imprisoned two months for libel, and failed. He then went to Philadelphia in 1834, and bought, for $1,000, a colored slave, Joyce Heth, reputed to be one hundred and sixty-one years old, and the nurse of General Washington, and exhibited her, his receipts soon averaging $1,500 a week. She died a year later, her longevity being much disputed, and Barnum continued in the exhibition business in various parts of the country, and returned to New York city in 1839, reduced again to poverty. For some time he barely subsisted by petty jobs from day to day, and by occasional articles for newspapers. In 1841 he bought, on credit, Scudder's Museum, added new features and specialties, called it Barnum's Museum, worked untiringly, and paid his indebtedness within a year. In 1842 he bought out Charles S. Stratton, the dwarf ("Gen. Tom Thumb "), whom he exhibited to great crowds, and with much profit, through the chief cities of the United States, Great Britain, and France, and whom he subsequently had married with great eclat to Lavina Warren, also a dwarf, in Trinity Church, New York. In 1849 he engaged Jenny Lind for a concert tour of one hundred and fifty nights in the United States, the gross receipts of the nine months' concert tour made in 1850-1 being over $712,000, and she received $176,000. In 1855 wrote his autobiography (revised 1869), and 1856-7, having indorsed notes for nearly $1,000,000, which went to protest, his property was again swept away save what he had previously settled on his wife, and in the latter year he went to England again with Tom Thumb and gave lectures. His museum in New York was burned in 1865, and also a larger one he had built was burned in 1871. In 1865-69 he was member of his state's legislature, and in 1874-5 mayor of his city. He subsequently established his "Greatest Show on Earth" with Bailey and Hutchinson as partners, and exhibited in United States and England, introducing to the gaping, gullible public, his "woolly horse, what is it?" with many freaks and curiosities, such as Commodore Nutt, Admiral Dott, and a Giant, together with many really excellent zoological exhibitions, and gaudy, glittering panoramas, and specialties and curios, and amassed another and larger fortune, $600,000 of which he gave before his death to the Bridgeport Scientific and Fairfield County Historical Societies, besides many gifts for public improvements to his city, and by his will bequeathed handsome legacies to charitable, religious, and literary bodies.

Lawrence Barrett, born in Paterson, N. J., April 4, 1838, son of a poor Irish mechanic, Thomas Barrett, who removed to Detroit when Lawrence was a young lad. As soon as age would permit, was forced to find employment for himself, and was clerk in a dry goods store; leaving the store, hired as call boy at the Metropolitan Theater. Was at this time unable even to read or write, but soon learned and began to declaim Shakespeare and other dramatists until he was noticed and given a place. First appearance was made as Murad, in the French Spy. Began acting in New York in 1857, at Burton's Theater, contemporaneously with Forrest, Wallack, Cushman, Laura Keene, and Booth. In 1858 played leading parts in Boston, thence went to Philadelphia at the time when the civil war was coming on, making his appearance as Cassius, destined to become his greatest role. Played in New Orleans, Washington, Cincinnati, in Liverpool, Eng., and in San Francisco. Here a new theater was built for Barrett and McCullough, with whom he had formed a partnership, which continued through a brilliant season of twenty months. In 1871, played Cassius, in New York; the play had a run of eighty-three nights. Another important part played by Mr. Barrett was King Lear. In the summer of 1887 began the remarkable Booth-Barrett combination, which continued with almost unvarying good fortune till Mr. Barrett's death, March 20, 1891. He was a most able and versatile actor and an excellent man of business.

Edwin Booth, tragedian, born at Bel Air, near Baltimore, Md., November 13, 1833, son of Junius Brutus Booth the elder. Had few educational opportunities, but the few were improved, with the result that while yet a lad he was very well informed. First appearance on the stage was in 1849, at Boston Museum, playing the minor part of Tressel in Richard III. Was now devoted to the profession and worked hard to succeed in it. For two years continued with his father, making the first appearance in New York, on September 27, 1850, at the National Theater, Chatham street, as Wilford. The elder brother of Edwin, Junius Brutus Booth, Jr., was a manager in San Francisco, and thither went the others; so that the three played together. In 1854, Edwin played in Australia, with Laura Keene. Returned to California and played at Sacramento, presenting Richelieu for the first time. Went to Baltimore in 1857, and played also in Boston and New York, arousing greatest enthusiasm by his splendid impersonations. Played in London in 1861, also in Liverpool and Manchester. In 1863, entered upon a five years' manage ment of the Winter Garden Theater, No

York city, and during this period, the three brothers appeared together, in Julius Cæsar, Edwin playing Brutus, Junius Brutus playing Brutus, and John Wilkes, Mark Antony. Booth's Theater, New York city, was opened February 3, 1869, and ran thirteen years, presenting in the most superb manner ever known, all the great plays in his repertoire; closed his last season June 14, 1873. The panic of September forced him into bankruptcy, and after the panic subsided, it was necessary to retrieve the shattered fortunes. Beginning in 1876, in fifty-six weeks, Mr. Booth earned nearly $200,000. Made a second trip to Europe in 1880, being received with greatest favor. Died June 7, 1893; and by his death the world lost one of the greatest actors of modern times.

Ole Bornemann Bull, violinist, was born at Bergen, Norway, February 5, 1810. Played the violin without instruction, at five years of age. At twelve, took lessons of a Swedish musician. His father, an actor, intended to make a Protestant minister of the boy, so sent him at eighteen to the University of Christiania, to study theology; was expelled soon afterward for taking temporary charge of the orchestra at one of theaters. Next the young genius went to Cassel, in Germany, to take lessons of the celebrated violinist, Ludwig Spohr, but being coldly received, went to Gottingen, undertaking there the study of law. Returning to Christiania after a short time, pursued musical studies, giving occasional concerts, until, after a year or more, he acquired sufficient funds to go to Paris; was there robbed of everything, even the violin, and attempted suicide, but rescued and through royal patronage was once more in comfortable circumstances. Made a tour of the principal cities of Italy, then returned to Paris, appearing in grand opera. Then followed a tour in Great Britain, Ireland, Belgium, Holland, Russia, and Germany, received everywhere with utmost enthusiasm. In 1843 visited the United States and Canada, and the West Indies. Amassed a considerable fortune. From 1869 until his death, the winters were passed in America, and the summers in Europe. He died at Bergen, Norway, August 18, 1880. Not only was he remarkable as a musician, but was also a man of rare cultivation, broad intellect, and great social charm.

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Charlotte Saunders Cushman, actress, was born in Boston, Mass., July 23, 1816, daughter of Elkanah Cushman, a West India merchant. As a child the future actress displayed great imitative faculty. In school was remarkable for elocutionary talent. Was a promising singer and made her debut

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as such, but soon lost voice, and by the advice of a friend decided to become an actress. Made her first appearance in New Orleans as Lady Macbeth, meeting with success. Appeared in New York and Albany, Buffalo and Philadelphia. Made her appearance in Liverpool, February 14, 1845, with immediate success, receiving offers from Birmingham, Edinburgh, Manchester, and Dublin. Made the acquaintance of many noted people, among them Thomas Carlyle and wife, the Brownings, and members of royalty. Spent the winter of 1856-7 in Rome. Often appeared in America for the benefit of the sanitary commission, and the net proceeds of these benefits were $8,267.29. Made her final appearances in New York, at Booth's Theater, October 19 to November 7, 1874. playing Queen Katharine, Lady Macbeth, and Meg Merrilies. Received a splendid ovation, and was crowned with laurel.. Miss Cushman died February 18, 1876.

Edwin Forrest, actor, born in Philadelphia, March 9, 1806, of Scottish ancestry. Was educated at the common schools in Philadelphia, and early evinced a taste for the theater, quite against the wishes of his parents. In 1820 first appeared on the stage as Douglas, in Home's tragedy of that name, with immediate success. In November, 1826, made the first metropolitan experiment as Othello, in the old Bowery theater. The success met in New York was repeated in every city visited, and after a few years of profitable labor, he visited Europe, being received with courtesy d honor by actors and scholars. In 186, he repeated the tour professionally, making the first foreign appearance as Spartacus in the tragedy of The Gladiator at Drury Lane Theater, London, and afterward playing King Lear, Othello, and Macbeth. turned to Philadelphia in 1837. In 1853 played Macbeth at the Broadway Theater for four weeks, with great success, and then retired from the stage for several years, became interested in politics, and did not return to professional life until 1860, when he appeared at Niblo's Garden, as Hamlet, and played the most successful engagement of his life. Played the last New York engagement in February, 1871. Soon after, retired from the stage, and died at Philadelphia from a stroke of paralysis, December 12, 1872.

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Joseph Jefferson, actor, born in Philadelphia, February 20, 1829; was the third of his name coming of a race of actors. Was brought up in the precincts of a theater from earliest infancy. As an infant, was sometimes employed in child parts, appearing first as the child in Rolla at about three years of age. Went to Mobile

in 1842, and here the head of the family died of yellow fever. Mrs. Jefferson opened a boarding house and the son acted with Macready and the elder Booth. After a tour through Mississippi, Texas, and Mexico, Mr. Jefferson took up residence in Philadelphia, appearing at the Arch Street Theater. During the next six or seven years, was engaged a part of the time as actor, and part as stage manager, in different cities. In June, 1856, went to London, thence to Paris, and from the latter city returned to America. Was engaged for leading parts at the opening of Laura Keene's Theater in Broadway, New York, in September, 1857. During the season of 1858-59, played Asa Trenchard, in Our American Cousin, which ran more than 150 nights. It is doubtful if any American actor has played any one of Jefferson's great characters with his careful excellence, while, with the exception of one or two, no English comedian has ever excelled him in either of them. Played with great success in Australia. In 1859, the idea of dramatizing and playing Rip Van Winkle first occurred to him, and Boucicault wrote the drama as it is at present. It was first performed at the Adelphi Theater, September 5, 1865, and had a run of 170 nights. First produced in America at the Olympic Theater, New York, September 3, 1866, and became the most taking card in Mr. Jefferson's collection. In later years, Mr. Jefferson has spent his winters on a Louisiana plantation near the Bayou Teche, and the summers in New Jersey. Aside from stage reputation, has gained recognition as an artist of decided ability in the impressionist school. In acting, an absolute truth to nature, coupled with rare originality, marks his work.

Ignace Jan Paderewski, pianist, born in Podola, Russian Poland, 1860. Father a farmer of no musical tastes, the lad's inheritance coming from his mother, who was a good performer on the piano. From his infancy he had an ear for tones" and at three would steal to the piano to ring the keys and listen. He knew the pitch of all sounds he heard. At six he began to study, taking lessons of a performer on the fiddle. Two years later he had another teacher, no better, who gave him and his little sister lessons. They could play better than the teacher and they were then left alone. At twelve he went to the Conservatory of Music at Warsaw and studied under Roguski and Janotha, where he wrote musical compositions of his own, and studied those of the masters, and when sixteen made a tour through Russia and used mainly his own compositions; then he returned to Warsaw, at his father's request, and studied six months more and took his diploma.

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eighteen he became professor of music in the conservatory at Warsaw and studied general literature at night after the day's work was over. When nineteen he married, and his wife dying the following year, he gave himself to music to drown his grief, and went to Berlin and studied composition under Kiel and Heinrich Urban. When twenty-three he became professor of music in the conservatory of Strasburg. Resolving to become a virtuoso, he in 1886 studied under Leschetitzky for seven months and made his debut at Vienna, Austria, in 1887, and has since traveled in concert in various parts of the world, and is popularly known as the "piano king," his performances being confined to that instrument. It is his custom before giving a concert to practice many hours, and often the entire night previous. In 1893 he made an American tour, that brought him $160,000. He began writing music when but seven years of age, and in 1882 published his first volume of compositions in Berlin.

Adele Juana Maria Patti, soprano opera singer, born in Madrid, Spain, February 19, 1843. Her father was an Italian singer, her mother a Spanish singer of note, Adeline, as she is known in the United States, being their youngest daughter. When a child, her parents removed to the United States, residing in New York, where she was carefully trained by Maurice Strakosch, who had married her sister, Amelia. When but a girl she sang with great acceptance at entertainments, but made her first entry on her life work as Lucia, in New York, November 24, 1859, and was very successful. Her first appearance in London was as Amina at the Covent Garden, May 14, 1861, repeating the part eight times, and, though unknown, became at once famous. She has since appeared there every year as well as in America. In 1870 she went to Russia, and was given Order of Merit by Emperor Alexander, and appointed first singer at Imperial Court. In 1888 sang in Argentine Republic in twenty-four entertainments, the receipts being over $350,000, she having one-half. Was married in May, 1868, to Marquis de Caux, equerry to Napoleon III., but divorced from him, and in 1866 married Signor Nicolini. Her voice is of moderate power, but great compass, reaching Fin alt, with finished and brilliant execution. She appears in more than 30 casts, chiefly of Italian, and is charming in person and manners. Her earnings have amounted to millions. Has fine estate in Swansea valley, Wales, Eng., having a private theater costing $30,000, and lives in regal state. Is small in person with dark hair and eyes. Has a rare ear for music and is said never to have sung a false note.

George Armstrong Custer, soldier, born at New Rumley, Ohio, December 5, 1839, son of a blacksmith who became a farmer in later years. George was a bright lad and a quick student, but disliked study. Received a fair district school and academy education, and then, receiving from John A. Bingham, congressman from that district, an appointment to the United States military academy, entered West Point in 1857. Was graduated in 1861 and sent at once to Washington, D. C. (July, '61), and intrusted with dispatches to Generals Scott and McDowell, which he delivered and then entered the battle which was the first at Bull Run. Served in various capacities during the war, sometimes as assistant to the chief of engineers, again as scout, when for bravery he was made aid-de-camp to General McClellan, with the rank of captain. Took the first color captured by the army of the Potomac. When McClellan was relieved of the command, Custer was made first lieutenant in the Fifth United States Cavalry (July, 1862). At Aldie, Va., won a star as brigadier-general, and this promotion took him to Maryland, to command the Michigan cavalry brigade. Was in action at Gettysburg, and during all the remainder of the war more than sustained the high reputation already won. Had first experience in Indian fighting under General Hancock against the Cheyenne Indians. In July, 1874, it was found that a large portion of the Sioux tribe had confederated against the United States government, and Custer's regiment was a part of the force sent against them, under command of General Terry of the United States regular army. Was directed to take the regiment up the Rosebud river (tributary to the Yellowstone), to the headwaters of the Little Big Horn, and down the latter stream to join the column of Captain Gibbon, who was en route for the mouth of the Big Horn. At 8 A. M., June 25, 1876, Custer determined upon an attack, and, dividing the forces into three commands, proceeded. Receiving no support from the two divisions under Captain Reno and Captain Barber, was overwhelmed by a large force of the Sioux, and every man of the command was killed. The character of General Custer was marked by truth, honor, sympathy, piety, and temperance, and a desperate bravery.

the Essex, under Com. David Porter. Was the engagement resulting in the capture of the British ship Alert, and in the engagement in the bay of Valparaiso, March 28, 1814, when the Essex surrendered to the Phoebe and Cherut. At close of the war with England, made a cruise to the Mediterreanean on the Independence. In 1825 received a commission as lieutenant. In the mean time, was cruising for pirates, under Commander Porter; from 1834 to 1851, was employed on the West India station, at Norfolk navy yard, or with the home squadron, 1851 to 1853 was assistant inspector of ordnance. In 1855 received a commission as captain in the United States navy, and three years later took command of the steam sloop Brooklyn. Was residing at Norfolk, Va., at the time the state seceded, and immediately went North with his family. First active service was the capture of New Orleans, and opening of the Mississipp river. This was in 1862. Sailed up the river under a terrible fire, delivering broadsides of grape shot as he passed. Met and destroyed a fleet of twenty armed steamers, four ironclad rams, and many fire rafts. Thence proceeded to Vicksburg. In autumn his squadron captured Corpus Christi, Sabine Pass, and Galveston. Until July 9, when the garrison surrendered, aided the army in its investment of Vicksburg. The following summer, took Mobile, winning a victory almost as important as that of New Orleans; and was created vice-admiral, December 21, 1864. July 25, 1866, was created admiral. In 1868, went to Europe, and commanded the European squadron for a year. Died at Portsmouth, N. H., August 14, 1870.

John Charles Fremont, soldier and explorer, was born at Savannah, Georgia, January 21, 1813, of French descent. Had the best educational advantages circumstances could permit, and in 1828, entered the junior class of Charleston College; there acquired more than an ordinary knowledge of the classics, and showed special aptitude for mathematics. Was restless and high-spirited, however, so that he frequently broke away from studies, and this, with a disregard of college regulations, finally led to expulsion by the faculty. Gained a livelihood, thereafter, by teaching mathematics, in Charleston; was given a degree by Charleston College. Became assistant engineer under Capt. W. G. Williams of the United States topographical corps, and engaged in exploring mountainpasses in North Carolina and Tennessee, and making military reconnoissance of the Cherokee country. Early in 1838 was made assistant of the celebrated Nicollet, who was engaged by the United States war department, to make a map of the wild country, from the upper waters of the Missouri,

David Glasgow Farragut, Admiral of the United States Navy, was born at Kimball Station, near Knoxville, Tenn., July 5, 1801, father was in cavalry service of the United States, and a friend of General Jackson. The boy's early life was passed on the frontier, not without a considerable experience with Indians. At the age of nine, became a midshipman, his first service being on board

to the British line. Was appointed second lieutenant of the topographical corps. In this capacity, Fremont did efficient service, and it was largely through the efforts of these expeditions under his leadership, that the great West was opened to settlement and cultivation. In 1846 took possession of California for the United States, holding it against the rule of Mexico, and from the English, who also were endeavoring to gain possession; was elected governor by the American settlers in California, in 1846. Was senator from that state in 1850. Visited Europe in 1852 and received many honors. In 1855 took up residence in New York city. Was nominated by the Republican party for president, in 1856, but defeated by Buchanan. Was made major-general in the United States army at the beginning of the civil war, but, owing to some dissatisfaction with his command, was relieved. Was governor of Arizona in 1878-81. In 1890 Congress authorized an appointment to be major-general, and a place on the retired list, with a salary of $5,625 per annum. Mr. Fremont was a unique character, possessed of high moral and physical courage; but eccentric to a degree. He died in New York city, July 13, 1890.

for him the sobriquet of "Unconditional Surrender." For this exploit, was made major-general of volunteers. In July, 1862, Grant was made commander of the depart ment of the Tennessee. May 3, 1863, surprised Pemberton at Vicksburg and July 3, received the latter's surrender. Afterward took a leader's part in the battles of Chattanooga, Lookout Mount, Orchard Knob, and Missionary Ridge. After appointment as commander-in-chief, fought the battles of the Wilderness and captured Richmond and Petersburg. April 9, Lee surrendered at Appomattox and the war was at an end. In the election of November, 1868, the nation manifested its gratitude and esteem to Grant by electing him president, the inauguration taking place March 4, 1869; was re-elected in 1872. In 1884 was attacked by the disease which ended in death July 25, 1885.

Winfield Scott Hancock, born at Montgomery Square, Pa., February 14, 1824, of English ancestry. Was sent to Norristown Academy while a small boy, and here organized a military company, of which he was captain. In 1840, at the age of sixteen, entered West Point, was graduated June 30, 1844, and brevetted second lieutenant of the sixth infantry, July 1. Was on duty in the Indian country, on the border of Texas, until 1846. Joined the army under Scott, and was brevetted first lieutenant for gallant conduct in the battles of Cherubusco and Contreras. Served in the Seminole war of 1855, then in the Kansas troubles. Was on duty in California at the time of the secession of the Southern states; reached New York city, September 4, 1861, and reported for service, at Washington. Was placed in charge of a brigade. First met the enemy at Lee's Mills, April 16. Was engaged in the fighting at Williamsburg and Frazier's Farm, and in the Maryland campaign. Commanded the first division of the second army corps, at the battle of Antietam. In the battle of Fredericksburg, commanded the first division, second army corps, in the attempt to storm Marye's Heights. Fought at Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, fixing the locality for the latter conflict, in the consultation that preceded it. July 3, commanded the left center, the main point assailed by the Confederates. Fought at the Wilderness and at Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, and Petersburg. August 12, 1864, was appointed brigadier-general in the regular army. November 26, 1864, was called to Washington to organize a veteran corps of 50,000 men. February 26, 1865, was assigned to command of the military division, ordered to Winchester, Va. After the death of Lincoln, was stationed at Washington, having charge of the defense of the capital. July 26, 1866, was appointed

Ulysses S. Grant, soldier, and eighteenth president of the United States, was born at Point Pleasant, Ohio, April 27, 1822, eldest of six children of Jesse Grant. As a lad, worked about the farm; showed no special intellectual promise, but displayed courage and resolution. Attended school during the winter. At seventeen was appointed to a cadetship at West Point; was proficient in mathematics and the best horseman in his class. Was graduated in 1843, and assigned to the infantry as brevet second lieutenant, and sent to Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, Mo. May, 1844, was sent to Louisiana, and in September, 1845, commissioned second lieutenant. Joined the army under Zachary Taylor, the same month, and was in all the battles of the Mexican war in which any one man could be. In 1847 was made quartermaster of his regiment. For conduct in the battle of Monterey, was brevetted first lieutenant, at Chapultepec, captain; and at the occupation of the city of Mexico, was promoted to full first lieutenancy. In 1852, went to California, where the gold excitement rendered troops necessary. After the commencement of the civil war, he became at first brigadier-general of volunteers, then commander of the twenty-first Illinois volunteer infantry. After his troops were augmented by General McClernand's brigade, took possession of Paducah, Ky. In 1802 aided by Commodore Foote with a gunboat fleet, captured Forts Henry and Donelson. It was at this time that Grant's terms with the enemy gained