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Booth (EDWIN THOMAS an American actor)

EDWIN THOMAS, an American actor, born near Belair, Md., Nov. 13, 1833; the fourth son of JUNIUS BRU- TUS BOOTH (q. v.). When 16 years of age, he made his first appearance on the stage, in the part of Tressel, his father acting as Richard III. Two years later he himself successfully assumed the part of Richard in place of his father, who unexpectedly refused to fulfill an evening's engagement. The following year the two went to California, where the son remained for several years, visiting Australia meanwhile. Meeting with little pecuniary success, in 1856, he returned to the Atlantic States, and from that time forward was recognized as a leading member of his profession. He visited England (1861-1862), and in 1864 produced "Hamlet" at New York for 100 nights consecutively. In 1869 he opened a splendid theater in New York, whose building cost over $1,000,- 000, but which involved him in pecuniary ruin. He revisited California in 1876, and in the spring of 1877 was able to settle with his creditors, having earned during the season over $600,000. Booth visited Great Britain and Germany in 1880-1882, and was everywhere received with enthusiasm. He died in New York, June 7, 1893.