Friday, October 25, 2019

William W. Chambers - Circus Trainer - 1863-1935






CHAMBERS—William W.. known as "The Star Kid.” at Columbus, O.. February 9, as briefly mentioned in the past issue. He was born at Frankford. Pa., June 11, 1863. and joined out in 1880 on the Batchelor & Doris Show, which that season used the greater part of the equipment of the old Pogie O’Brien Show, which had wintered in Frankford with the Forepaugh Show for many years.

He started as an apprentice on ponies. He was so skillful in handling long strings of them. as well as horses, that he was dubbed the "Star Kid Driver,” which name, cut to ’’Star Kid,” remained with him. 

From 1882 to 1885 he drove for the Adam Forepaugh Show; Frank A Robbins in 1886; back with Forepaugh, 1887 to 1890 as one of the best ”8” drivers in the business. As a horseman he had always been interested in the animals of the menagerie.  

In 1891 he was on Sells Bros’ Circus as elephant trainer, later as superintendent of animals to the season of 1906 for Forepaugh-Sells.  He later was with Ringling Bros and other circuses until 1918. He was a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Eagles, Columbus. 

Surviving are his widow and two daughters.  Burial in Union Cemetery, Columbus, February 12.


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