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Francis Wilson ActorAutograph 1890 Baltimore John T Ford Family
Francis Wilson(1854–1935) was a prominent American comedic actor, singer, and playwright whorose from minstrel shows to become a major Broadway star in the late 19thcentury. Famous for his role in the operetta Erminie, he was a prolificperformer, author, and the founder and first president of Actors Equity. EarlyLife & Career: Born in Philadelphia on February 7, 1854, Wilson beganperforming at age 10 in minstrel shows before transitioning to the legitimatestage, making his debut at Philadelphia\'s Chestnut Street Theatre in 1878–79.With certificate ofprovenance from Rare Nest Gallery, Chicago. Catalog number PMK0006FW
Biography: Martha Ford Gresham (John T. Forddaughter)
1872, Baltimore – 1923, Baltimore
Growing up in her father’s theaters gave Martha Forda rare vantage point and opportunity to rub elbows with the prominenttheatrical figures of the 19th and early 20th century. Evidence of thisproximity is present throughout her sub-collection. Martha’s autograph book,dedicated photographs and a poem composed by Edwin Booth about her as a toddlerdemonstrate convivial relationships with the stars. From her teen years,Martha’s father worked assiduously to develop and promote her career and fromat least 1894 Martha developed a repertory with renowned Shakespearian actorCreston Clarke (nephew of the Booth brothers). Martha received positive reviewsas Ophelia in Hamlet and as Juliet. From 1890, Martha became known for herrecitation of Francis Scott Key’s “Star Spangled Banner”. The national anthemenjoyed an almost fanatical revival during this period, and she was asked torecite at fairs and festivals across the country, including the 1893 World’sColumbian Exposition in Chicago. Also in the 1890’s, possibly at Daly’s Theatrein New York, Martha met Herbert Gresham, a London-born stage manager and actor.After her marriage to Herbert, Martha seems to have retired from the stage toraise her three children.
We are selling several hundred pieces related to JohnT. Ford, Ford’s Theater and Ford’s descendants who were figures in Americantheater from 1840 – 1970. See my store, subscribe and visit category“American Theater History” for much more.
