A VETERAN ACTOR GONE.
Death of Stephen W. Leach, an Old-Time Favorite of the Stage.
EVENTS OF A LONG CAREER.
He Belonged to the Famous Old California Theater Company.
Stephen W. Leach, a time-honored actor and musician, died at the Fabiola Hospital, Oakland, yesterday morning. Mr. Leach was born in England seventy-nine years ago.
Brown's "History of the American Stage" makes this reference to the actor who has just passed away:
LEACH, STEPHEN W., Was the baritone with Mme. Anna Thillon's Opera Troupe". In July, 1858 , he married Georgianna Stuart. First appeared in Philadelphia April 23, 1849. as the Duke in the "Enchantress," at the Walnut-street Theater. (Note: Actual marriage date was Nov 1855)
After leaving Philadelphia Mr. Leach went to England. William Greer Harrison calls to mind that he first saw Mr. Leach in London with the Louisa Pyne Harrison Opera Troupe in 1852.
Some two years later Mr. Leach came to San Francisco with the Anna Bishop Opera Company and had a part in the "Crown Diamonds." Raphael Weill's recollection of the veteran singer and actor dates back to that period.
Subsequently Stephen Leach became connected with the famous dramatic company which for many years imparted renown to the productions of the California Theater. His associates were John McCullough, Henry Edwards, Barton Hill, Tom Keene, William Mestayer, Walter Leman, Bella Pateman, Ellie Wilton, Mrs. Judah, Mrs. Saunders, and many others whose names and faces were familiar to playgoers of San Francisco for many years. In Walter Leman's book, entitled "'Memories of an Old Actor," Mr. Leach is only mentioned as a member of the company. No incidents concerning his career are given.
Mr. Leach was one of the founders or early members of the Bohemian Club, and was an honorary member of that institution when he died. He was also a member of the Athenian Club of Oakland. For quite a while after the disbandment of the old California Theater Company he was employed as librarian of the Bohemian Club, receiving the small compensation of $50 per month. When the position was declared vacant many of the actor's friends in the club contributed to his support and continued the contributions until his life ended.
Much of the music for the orchestra of the old California Theater was arranged by Mr. Leach. He was a musician of more than ordinary attainments. He was educated in the pure style of English composition, and attained a proficiency that challenged the admiration of Alfred Cellier. The latter told Joseph D. Redding that Leach's compositions deserved to rank with the work of Locke, Bishop and Sir Julian Benedict. For the opera of "Maritana" Mr. Leach wrote a basso song which is sung wherever the opera is given. He and Joseph E. Tippett and Benjamin Clark frequently sang "Willie Brewed a Peck o' Malt" at the high jinks of the Bohemian Club. One of the old-time sketches in the club represents a scene wherein a bluff English guest and Stephen W. Leach dispute at low jinks as to the authorship of "Maritana." The subject of the sketch is, "Who Wrote 'Maritana?' " The controversy was wholly unexpected. Neither contestant knew the other, but, as both were British and each obstinately contended that he was right and the other wrong, a pugilistic scene seemed imminent. Leach, in his reminiscences, related that in London in 1836 he heard Malibran sing in "La Sonnambula," and subsequently listened to the voice of Mario. In his long career on the stage he supported many of the most eminent English and American actors of the century. One of his greatest parts was Touchstone in "As You Like It."
[San Francisco Call, 22 August 1895, California Digital Newspaper Collection]
FUNERAL OF STEPHEN W. LEACH.
It Will Take Place at Laurel Hill Cemetery To-Day.
The funeral of Stephen W. Leach, the veteran actor who died Wednesday morning at Oakland, will take place at 2 o'clock to-day. Among the papers belonging to the venerable actor was found a deed to a lot in Laurel Hill Cemetery. W. S. Goodfellow, Dr. Benjamin R. Swan, Mr. Jackson, Benjamin Clark, Stewart Menzies and some others who were steadfast friends of the actor in his greatest needs have decided that simple ceremonies at the grave will be most fitting. There will be some ceremonies at the cemetery, and the friends of the old actor may take the Sutter-street cars to reach the burial plat.
[San Francisco Call, 23 August 1895, California Digital Newspaper Collection]
Death of Stephen W. Leach, an Old-Time Favorite of the Stage.
EVENTS OF A LONG CAREER.
He Belonged to the Famous Old California Theater Company.
Stephen W. Leach, a time-honored actor and musician, died at the Fabiola Hospital, Oakland, yesterday morning. Mr. Leach was born in England seventy-nine years ago.
Brown's "History of the American Stage" makes this reference to the actor who has just passed away:
LEACH, STEPHEN W., Was the baritone with Mme. Anna Thillon's Opera Troupe". In July, 1858 , he married Georgianna Stuart. First appeared in Philadelphia April 23, 1849. as the Duke in the "Enchantress," at the Walnut-street Theater. (Note: Actual marriage date was Nov 1855)
After leaving Philadelphia Mr. Leach went to England. William Greer Harrison calls to mind that he first saw Mr. Leach in London with the Louisa Pyne Harrison Opera Troupe in 1852.
Some two years later Mr. Leach came to San Francisco with the Anna Bishop Opera Company and had a part in the "Crown Diamonds." Raphael Weill's recollection of the veteran singer and actor dates back to that period.
Subsequently Stephen Leach became connected with the famous dramatic company which for many years imparted renown to the productions of the California Theater. His associates were John McCullough, Henry Edwards, Barton Hill, Tom Keene, William Mestayer, Walter Leman, Bella Pateman, Ellie Wilton, Mrs. Judah, Mrs. Saunders, and many others whose names and faces were familiar to playgoers of San Francisco for many years. In Walter Leman's book, entitled "'Memories of an Old Actor," Mr. Leach is only mentioned as a member of the company. No incidents concerning his career are given.
Mr. Leach was one of the founders or early members of the Bohemian Club, and was an honorary member of that institution when he died. He was also a member of the Athenian Club of Oakland. For quite a while after the disbandment of the old California Theater Company he was employed as librarian of the Bohemian Club, receiving the small compensation of $50 per month. When the position was declared vacant many of the actor's friends in the club contributed to his support and continued the contributions until his life ended.
Much of the music for the orchestra of the old California Theater was arranged by Mr. Leach. He was a musician of more than ordinary attainments. He was educated in the pure style of English composition, and attained a proficiency that challenged the admiration of Alfred Cellier. The latter told Joseph D. Redding that Leach's compositions deserved to rank with the work of Locke, Bishop and Sir Julian Benedict. For the opera of "Maritana" Mr. Leach wrote a basso song which is sung wherever the opera is given. He and Joseph E. Tippett and Benjamin Clark frequently sang "Willie Brewed a Peck o' Malt" at the high jinks of the Bohemian Club. One of the old-time sketches in the club represents a scene wherein a bluff English guest and Stephen W. Leach dispute at low jinks as to the authorship of "Maritana." The subject of the sketch is, "Who Wrote 'Maritana?' " The controversy was wholly unexpected. Neither contestant knew the other, but, as both were British and each obstinately contended that he was right and the other wrong, a pugilistic scene seemed imminent. Leach, in his reminiscences, related that in London in 1836 he heard Malibran sing in "La Sonnambula," and subsequently listened to the voice of Mario. In his long career on the stage he supported many of the most eminent English and American actors of the century. One of his greatest parts was Touchstone in "As You Like It."
[San Francisco Call, 22 August 1895, California Digital Newspaper Collection]
FUNERAL OF STEPHEN W. LEACH.
It Will Take Place at Laurel Hill Cemetery To-Day.
The funeral of Stephen W. Leach, the veteran actor who died Wednesday morning at Oakland, will take place at 2 o'clock to-day. Among the papers belonging to the venerable actor was found a deed to a lot in Laurel Hill Cemetery. W. S. Goodfellow, Dr. Benjamin R. Swan, Mr. Jackson, Benjamin Clark, Stewart Menzies and some others who were steadfast friends of the actor in his greatest needs have decided that simple ceremonies at the grave will be most fitting. There will be some ceremonies at the cemetery, and the friends of the old actor may take the Sutter-street cars to reach the burial plat.
[San Francisco Call, 23 August 1895, California Digital Newspaper Collection]
A VETERAN ACTOR GONE.
Death of Stephen W. Leach, an Old-Time Favorite of the Stage.
EVENTS OF A LONG CAREER.
He Belonged to the Famous Old California Theater Company.
Stephen W. Leach, a time-honored actor and musician, died at the Fabiola Hospital, Oakland, yesterday morning. Mr. Leach was born in England seventy-nine years ago.
Brown's "History of the American Stage" makes this reference to the actor who has just passed away:
LEACH, STEPHEN W., Was the baritone with Mme. Anna Thillon's Opera Troupe". In July, 1858 , he married Georgianna Stuart. First appeared in Philadelphia April 23, 1849. as the Duke in the "Enchantress," at the Walnut-street Theater. (Note: Actual marriage date was Nov 1855)
After leaving Philadelphia Mr. Leach went to England. William Greer Harrison calls to mind that he first saw Mr. Leach in London with the Louisa Pyne Harrison Opera Troupe in 1852.
Some two years later Mr. Leach came to San Francisco with the Anna Bishop Opera Company and had a part in the "Crown Diamonds." Raphael Weill's recollection of the veteran singer and actor dates back to that period.
Subsequently Stephen Leach became connected with the famous dramatic company which for many years imparted renown to the productions of the California Theater. His associates were John McCullough, Henry Edwards, Barton Hill, Tom Keene, William Mestayer, Walter Leman, Bella Pateman, Ellie Wilton, Mrs. Judah, Mrs. Saunders, and many others whose names and faces were familiar to playgoers of San Francisco for many years. In Walter Leman's book, entitled "'Memories of an Old Actor," Mr. Leach is only mentioned as a member of the company. No incidents concerning his career are given.
Mr. Leach was one of the founders or early members of the Bohemian Club, and was an honorary member of that institution when he died. He was also a member of the Athenian Club of Oakland. For quite a while after the disbandment of the old California Theater Company he was employed as librarian of the Bohemian Club, receiving the small compensation of $50 per month. When the position was declared vacant many of the actor's friends in the club contributed to his support and continued the contributions until his life ended.
Much of the music for the orchestra of the old California Theater was arranged by Mr. Leach. He was a musician of more than ordinary attainments. He was educated in the pure style of English composition, and attained a proficiency that challenged the admiration of Alfred Cellier. The latter told Joseph D. Redding that Leach's compositions deserved to rank with the work of Locke, Bishop and Sir Julian Benedict. For the opera of "Maritana" Mr. Leach wrote a basso song which is sung wherever the opera is given. He and Joseph E. Tippett and Benjamin Clark frequently sang "Willie Brewed a Peck o' Malt" at the high jinks of the Bohemian Club. One of the old-time sketches in the club represents a scene wherein a bluff English guest and Stephen W. Leach dispute at low jinks as to the authorship of "Maritana." The subject of the sketch is, "Who Wrote 'Maritana?' " The controversy was wholly unexpected. Neither contestant knew the other, but, as both were British and each obstinately contended that he was right and the other wrong, a pugilistic scene seemed imminent. Leach, in his reminiscences, related that in London in 1836 he heard Malibran sing in "La Sonnambula," and subsequently listened to the voice of Mario. In his long career on the stage he supported many of the most eminent English and American actors of the century. One of his greatest parts was Touchstone in "As You Like It."
[San Francisco Call, 22 August 1895, California Digital Newspaper Collection]
FUNERAL OF STEPHEN W. LEACH.
It Will Take Place at Laurel Hill Cemetery To-Day.
The funeral of Stephen W. Leach, the veteran actor who died Wednesday morning at Oakland, will take place at 2 o'clock to-day. Among the papers belonging to the venerable actor was found a deed to a lot in Laurel Hill Cemetery. W. S. Goodfellow, Dr. Benjamin R. Swan, Mr. Jackson, Benjamin Clark, Stewart Menzies and some others who were steadfast friends of the actor in his greatest needs have decided that simple ceremonies at the grave will be most fitting. There will be some ceremonies at the cemetery, and the friends of the old actor may take the Sutter-street cars to reach the burial plat.
[San Francisco Call, 23 August 1895, California Digital Newspaper Collection]
Death of Stephen W. Leach, an Old-Time Favorite of the Stage.
EVENTS OF A LONG CAREER.
He Belonged to the Famous Old California Theater Company.
Stephen W. Leach, a time-honored actor and musician, died at the Fabiola Hospital, Oakland, yesterday morning. Mr. Leach was born in England seventy-nine years ago.
Brown's "History of the American Stage" makes this reference to the actor who has just passed away:
LEACH, STEPHEN W., Was the baritone with Mme. Anna Thillon's Opera Troupe". In July, 1858 , he married Georgianna Stuart. First appeared in Philadelphia April 23, 1849. as the Duke in the "Enchantress," at the Walnut-street Theater. (Note: Actual marriage date was Nov 1855)
After leaving Philadelphia Mr. Leach went to England. William Greer Harrison calls to mind that he first saw Mr. Leach in London with the Louisa Pyne Harrison Opera Troupe in 1852.
Some two years later Mr. Leach came to San Francisco with the Anna Bishop Opera Company and had a part in the "Crown Diamonds." Raphael Weill's recollection of the veteran singer and actor dates back to that period.
Subsequently Stephen Leach became connected with the famous dramatic company which for many years imparted renown to the productions of the California Theater. His associates were John McCullough, Henry Edwards, Barton Hill, Tom Keene, William Mestayer, Walter Leman, Bella Pateman, Ellie Wilton, Mrs. Judah, Mrs. Saunders, and many others whose names and faces were familiar to playgoers of San Francisco for many years. In Walter Leman's book, entitled "'Memories of an Old Actor," Mr. Leach is only mentioned as a member of the company. No incidents concerning his career are given.
Mr. Leach was one of the founders or early members of the Bohemian Club, and was an honorary member of that institution when he died. He was also a member of the Athenian Club of Oakland. For quite a while after the disbandment of the old California Theater Company he was employed as librarian of the Bohemian Club, receiving the small compensation of $50 per month. When the position was declared vacant many of the actor's friends in the club contributed to his support and continued the contributions until his life ended.
Much of the music for the orchestra of the old California Theater was arranged by Mr. Leach. He was a musician of more than ordinary attainments. He was educated in the pure style of English composition, and attained a proficiency that challenged the admiration of Alfred Cellier. The latter told Joseph D. Redding that Leach's compositions deserved to rank with the work of Locke, Bishop and Sir Julian Benedict. For the opera of "Maritana" Mr. Leach wrote a basso song which is sung wherever the opera is given. He and Joseph E. Tippett and Benjamin Clark frequently sang "Willie Brewed a Peck o' Malt" at the high jinks of the Bohemian Club. One of the old-time sketches in the club represents a scene wherein a bluff English guest and Stephen W. Leach dispute at low jinks as to the authorship of "Maritana." The subject of the sketch is, "Who Wrote 'Maritana?' " The controversy was wholly unexpected. Neither contestant knew the other, but, as both were British and each obstinately contended that he was right and the other wrong, a pugilistic scene seemed imminent. Leach, in his reminiscences, related that in London in 1836 he heard Malibran sing in "La Sonnambula," and subsequently listened to the voice of Mario. In his long career on the stage he supported many of the most eminent English and American actors of the century. One of his greatest parts was Touchstone in "As You Like It."
[San Francisco Call, 22 August 1895, California Digital Newspaper Collection]
FUNERAL OF STEPHEN W. LEACH.
It Will Take Place at Laurel Hill Cemetery To-Day.
The funeral of Stephen W. Leach, the veteran actor who died Wednesday morning at Oakland, will take place at 2 o'clock to-day. Among the papers belonging to the venerable actor was found a deed to a lot in Laurel Hill Cemetery. W. S. Goodfellow, Dr. Benjamin R. Swan, Mr. Jackson, Benjamin Clark, Stewart Menzies and some others who were steadfast friends of the actor in his greatest needs have decided that simple ceremonies at the grave will be most fitting. There will be some ceremonies at the cemetery, and the friends of the old actor may take the Sutter-street cars to reach the burial plat.
[San Francisco Call, 23 August 1895, California Digital Newspaper Collection]
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