Joe Boganny & Family Biographies
Joe Boganny 1874-1943
Joe Boganny, my greatgrandfather, acrobat, comedian, music-hall artiste. Born Joseph TOLEDANO (taking his mothers Hebrew maiden name) on 7th February 1874 at 22, Christian Street, Islington, Liverpool son of Frank Clifton, the acrobat and Sarah Toledano. The family used the surnames Clifton and Raslus professionally and adopted the surname LAZARUS circa.1893. One of the famous Clifton family of Risley acrobats, gymnasts, comedians & sketch artists. He first made an appearance circa.1877 at the age of three when he became a member of his fathers acrobatic troupe, 'The Raslus Troupe' and entered the circus ring. He later performed with his brother Joshua Toledano, stage name Josh Clifton and his step brother Abraham Alvarez, stage name Alf Daniels, for a while calling themselves "The Royal Clifton Trio", also "The Brothers Clifton" & "The Three Cliftons". Later he formed his own troupe of Risley performers, "The Boganny Troupe" circa.1900. Joe's first appearance with them was at The Empire Theatre, Bristol on 6th July 1901, "The Originators of Comedy Risley", with "The Lunatic Bakers", in association with Hamilton and Poole's Myniorama tour which he played for several years and made Joe Boganny's name famous. Later he produced "The Opium Fiends", "Fun in a Bakehouse" & "The Crazy College Boys". These Acts along with other troupes of tumblers and Risley performers of a similar nature he toured and built up a considerable reputation which he enjoyed in this particular sphere all his life. He had played nearly every leading Music Hall & Theatre in the British Isles including The Palladium where he appeared regularly, toured the Continent, America, Australia and most of the larger Empire States. He was commanded by King Edward V11 to appear at Buckingham Palace on 6th July 1907 and was congratulated by his most Gracious Majesty on his success, was on the bill at the first Royal Command Performance before King George V and Queen Mary at The Palace Theatre, Shaftsbury Avenue on 1st July 1912. On 29th July 1913 Joe Boganny and his Lunatic Bakers were again commanded to perform at Buckingham Palace for The King & Queen & their Party at Buckingham Palace. Married Betsy Yellowitz at Birmingham Registry Office, in 1893, by 1914 they had separated his wife refusing to divorce him. Was named in an unheard of case at that time and in legal history, before Mr Justice Coleridge in the King's Bench Division on 6th April 1914, Mr. J. Clifton appeared, of Boganny Ltd, his wife Mrs. Betsy Clifton & son Samuel Clifton were seeking damages and sueing for Libel in which Boganny was ordered to pay damages. Had a long standing relationship with Mrs Esther (Etty) Saunders Myerson, aka Etty Boganny who became his common-law wife. Boganny also had a liaison with my greatgrandmother Miss Harriet PHIPPS in London 1904 resulting in the birth of my grandfather Douglas Boganny PHIPPS 1905 in Chiswick, London and fostered out. Douglas was financially provided for by Boganny until he left full time education. Father of Samuel Clifton LAZARUS acrobat & pantomimeist aka Sam LINFIELD born1894 Birmingham and Hannah Lazarus aka Annie Boganny & Annie Lazarus Clifton, performer born 1897 Birmingham. Constantly travelling throughout his life, a resident of Birmingham for many years, establishing homes in both New York & London. He continued to perform right up to his death. His booking agent for many years being the one-time contortionist H. B. Marinelli. He was taken ill at The Redcliffe Hotel, Kensington, London where he was resident and died a few hours later at St. Mary Abbots Hospital, London on 29th July 1943. He is buried at East Ham Jewish Cemetery, London.
V
The Cast - First Royal Command Performance - The Palace Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London - 1st July 1912
V
Key to Who's Who - Joe Boganny is Number 126
The Clifton Brothers
The original three Clifton brothers being Joshua Toledano (Josh) Clifton, his brother Joseph Toledano ( Joe Clifton aka Joe Boganny) and half brother Abraham Alvarez son of Sarah Toledano and Abraham Alvarez aka Alf Daniels. Known as 'The Three Cliftons', 'The Clifton Bros', 'The Royal Clifton Trio'. They all went into the circus ring as very young boys with their father Frank Raslus and his Raslus Troupe. They formed a trio act in about 1892, playing various hilarious comedy knockabout sketches throughout this country and Ireland. Their first appearance traced was in Scarborough 20th September 1892, clever acts were executed on the magic staircase by the Bros Clifton, and later The Three Clifton Brothers at Cooke's Circus, Edinburgh with their knockabout railway porter act etc., A Smash Hit !!. They each went their separate ways, in competition with other in circa.1900 forming their own acts, Joe produced the 'Boganny Troupe', Josh 'The Ceylons' and Alf 'The X-Rays'.
The Boganny Troupe
The Boganny Troupe were a company of young men, boys, midgets and often a dog who presented a Music Hall acrobatic and slapstick comedy routine most popular during the early 1900's as "The Lunatic Bakers", "Opium Fiends", "Fun in a Bakehouse" and later "The Crazy College Boys". The original Boganny Troupe being formed in about 1901 by Joe Boganny son of The Great Raslus who appeared as a slack-rope performer with both Sanger's and Hengler's Circuses. Boganny first worked as one of the Brothers Clifton doing acrobatics in full evening dress. Last known performance of The Boganny Troupe was was at The Glasgow Empire, December 18th 1933 for three weeks in Pantomime "Little Red Riding Hood" presented by Unity Productions.
The Stage Newspaper, 4th July 1912 - "THE BOGANNY'S - Joe Boganny, the proprietor of the Boganny Troupe, was born in Liverpool on 7th February 1874. His first appearance was at the age of three, when he became a member of his father's risley troupe and entered the circus ring. Mr. Boganny is the son of the late Frank Riley (professionally know as the Great Raslus). who in his time was a well known slack-rope performer. "The Lunatic Bakers" who have made Mr. Boganny's name famous in most countries where there is a music hall, were first introduced with a Hamilton and Poole's Myniorama tour, and his latest troupe. "The Opium Fiends", bid fair to out-rival the success of the earlier company. Mr. Boganny had the honour to appear before the late King Edward and the Royal Family at Buckingham Palace on July 6, 1907."
Josh Clifton 1871-1948
Comedy acrobatic tumbler & Music Hall Artiste and my great uncle. Born Joshua TOLEDANO 14th April 1871 in London from a good stock of entertainers. Son of The Great RASLUS, Frank Clifton the gymnast. Brother of Mary Clifton, acrobat & equestrian performer & Joe BOGANNY, acrobat & comedian. Started his career at the age of two and a half in his fathers Raslus Troupe of comedy tumblers & acrobats, as a clown and considered very smart.The Troupe appeared in all the leading halls and circuses in England and on the Continent. One of the famous Clifton Troupe of acrobats. Later proprietor of The "Five X-Rays", mad athletes who appeared in all the principle halls in UK & Continent with their Acts "Fun in a Gymnasium" and "A Dream in an Opium Den". Formed "The Six Ceylons" who appeared for the first time in London on 20th June 1910 and scored an instant success at The Euston Palace. Josh married Rachel Lyons in Birmingham 1893. Father of Doris May LAZARUS b.1894 aka Dorothy or Dolly Clifton comedienne & actress, who married Paddy Drew ( John W. Drew) comedian and cartoonist & Gladys Elaine Lazarus b.1901, aka Sonya SEAL, stage actress who married Isaac Marks. Died at the V.A.F Home for retired entertainers Brinsworth House, Staines Road, Twickenham aged 77 a retired Music Hall artist on 2nd February 1948 .My great grand uncle.
Miss Polly Lloyd 1872-
Born Mary CLIFTON in 1872 Bristol, UK., daughter of The Great RASLUS, Frank RILEY and Sarah Toledano. Stage name Pauline or Polly Lloyd, acrobat, equestrian performer. Sister to Joe Boganny & Josh Clifton. Married in Birmingham in 1891 to Wilkes LLOYD real name William Molesworth Lloyd, equestrian performer, acrobat, son of Jimmy LLOYD the Circus Proprietor & equestrian. Went to live in USA. Address in 1926 - 306, West 51st Street, 8th Avenue, New York (Ref: Letter from Joe Boganny to his Dear Sister Polly). Children, Nelly, William, Harold & Violet. My great grand aunt.
Sam Linfield 1894-1961
Acrobat & comedian born Samuel Lazarus on 18th Apr 1894 in Birmingham son of the music hall artiste Joe Boganny & Betsy Yellowitz and brother of Sonia Seal the actress, vocalist & comedienne. Went by the names Sam Boganny & Sam Clifton and from 1923 went by Sam Linfield. Began his career with his fathers famous Boganny Troupe of Lunatic Bakers, making his first appearance at The Paragon Music Hall, Mile End, London in 1906. Later he worked with his Uncle Josh Clifton who toured "The Five X-Rays" & "The Six Ceylons". Turning solo as a knockabout comedian he toured the UK & USA in Variety with his fast acrobatic nonscence acts "No Mans Land", "Odds and Ends", "Boot Villa", "HMS.Lively" and later with Linfield Troupe his "Crazy Scouts & Sailors". In the 1950's toured the country with his knockabout act "The Space Ship Show". Three times married he died on 16th Sep 1961 in London leaving his wife Eileen, sons Eric & Jeffrey and daughter Ann.
Sonia Seal 1897-
Comedic actress & vocalist born Hannah Lazarus in 1897, Birmingham daughter of the music hall artiste Joe Boganny & Betsy Yellowitz and sister of the acrobat Sam Linfield. Toured in provincial productions, revues, musical comedies and pantomime through into the 1930's. Married as Annie Lazarus Clifton in Birmingham 1921 to Wolf Barnett, they had a son David Eric Barnett.
Douglas Boganny Phipps 1905-1978
My grandfather. Farmer & Dog Breeder. Born 25th July 1905 at 5, Quick Road, Chiswick, Brentford, London, son of Joe Boganny and Harriet Phipps. Raised by foster parents Elijah (known as David) Balenger and his wife Charlotte (Lottie) nee Simmons who had been in the employ of the Phipps family in Wood Green, and unable to have children. Childhood and schooling years which were financially taken care of by Boganny had been spent in Enfield, later Edmonton till leaving full time education at 14. In 1919 after seeing one of Joe's performances at The Holborn Empire Theatre he met his father for the first and only time to discuss his future career. My grandfather was not willing to join him in the entertainment world choosing to sign up into The 3rd Battalion, Grenadier Guards and served to a Corporal until the outbreak of WW2 when he joined an Army airforce division working with barrage balloons & later posted to the Azores till the end of hostilities. In 1951 he unexpectedly received an inheritance from his mother Harriet Phipps whom he never met, she having had no other offspring whereupon Douglas went into pig farming and breeding boxer dogs for show, winning many a cup. Emigrated to South Africa in the early 1970's living in Johannesburg, returning to UK in 1976. Married Lilian Eastwood 1931 in Romford, Essex, father of Averil Claire deBohun and Lt.Col. David Douglas Phipps.,MBE.,Rtd. Died Taunton, Somerset 12 June 1978, buried Minehead Cemetery.
Douglas Boganny Phipps 1926 Wellington Barracks
*
Dolly Clifton 1894-
Born Doris May Lazarus in 1894
Etty Boganny 1874-1948
Music-hall artiste. Born Esther Meider in Birmingham 1877, married Samuel Saunders Myerson. Became common-law wife of Joe Boganny circa.1903, they never married. Mother of Cyril Saunders Myerson aka Cyril Boganny.
Cyril Boganny 1899-1954
"Master Cyril Boganny who is following in fathers footsteps, is an Acrobat and Comedian, not an Amateur (some kid) 16/7/1913 Era"
Acrobat, comedian, screen writer, theatrical producer. Born Cyril Saunders MYERSON 1899 King's Norton, Birmingham, UK son of Samuel Myerson and Esther MEIDER (Etty Boganny), stepson of Joe Boganny. Became a member of and toured with Joe Boganny's Troupe of comedy acrobatic tumblers. In October 1912 he was a shareholder in 'The Boganny's Ltd', address 300, Kennington Road, Fulham London. An article in The Era of 16 July 1913 mentions him having just concluded a 9 month successful tour in the USA, and appearing that week at The Palladium & Holborn Empire, London with his father Joe Boganny 'Monarch of all Comedy Acrobats' the laughing hit of London. In August 1922 Boganny's Ltd address was 102, Tulse Hill, SW1, Cyril then Secretary of the firm.,which was disolved in 1927. Below is an illustration signed by Cyril circa. 1930's from an autograph book belonging to a cocktail barman of The Ritz in Paris & London. Co-writer of the film Bless 'Em All produced in 1949 and starring Max Bygraves & Hal Monty. Is recorded travelling to Cape Town, SA from Southampton in 1953., married Noel Mary Cardew in London 1934 and had a son, Anthony M. Boganny born 1938 Fulham, London. Died 21/2/1954, Johannesburg, SA.,aged 56.
Eric and Victor Boganny.
Eric Boganny, perhaps no relative. One reference - appearing in pantomime at The Lyceum, London in Sleeping Beauty 24/12/1926 - 26/2/1927, Joey and Eric Boganny as The Kings Hounds.
Victor Boganny, perhaps no relative. One reference - appearing as a clown in a Children's Comic Harlequinade at The Lyceum Theatre, Strand Christmas & New Year 1926/7.
Alf Daniels 1864-1928
Born Abraham Alvarez 25th March 1864 in London, son of Aaron Alvarez & Sarah Toledano and step-brother to Joe Boganny by his mothers second marriage to the Great Raslus in 1869. Musical Clown, acrobat, vocalist, and at one time known as "Englands Premier banjo player & Entertainer" and the "Famous French Comedian". One of the originals in the "Boganny Troupe" For many years with Circus Busch, was a member of Josh Clifton's Great Vauderville Star Company and "The Five X-Rays". Married Amalia Marguerita Mozley of "The Orford Sisters" on 16th August 1889 in London. Father of Abraham Alvarez (Alf Alva), Bella & Nita Alvarez, acrobatic comedians and an illiegitimate son by Ivy Clothier, music hall artiste, Lawrence David Clothier born 1917 in Preston. Alf died in Berlin, Germany on 8th November 1928 and is buried there.
Alf Daniels - Comedian 1864-1928 .
Alf Alva 1894-1960
An acrobatic comedian, theatrical producer & theatre club manager. Born Abraham Alvarez in Austria, circa.1894 son of Alf Daniels & Amalia Mozley. Toured in the "Alva Brothers" & "Alegria" in many mad acrobatic comedy revues & productions, including "Racing Mad", "Carry On", and "The Chicargo Gangsters". In the 1950's he managed the "Vauderville (1952) Club in London, later managed Dalton Murray's "Stage Social Club" in Litchfield Street, WC2. He died 28th September 1960 in London, leaving his wife Ida and daughter Dolores Alvarez.
Mac Daniels 1831-1890
Professional clown & musician, later a publican. Most probably the son of Joshua de Moses Toledano and Sarah Egerton named Moses Toledano born circa.1831 St. George-in-the-East, London. Brother of Alec Daniels, musical clown, Joe Daniels the banjo player & Sarah Toledano who married the Great Raslus. Toured with his brother Alec in their duo musical clown act in UK and across Europe mainly in theatre also Cirque Pinder & Cirque Strassberger circa.1850's/60', which were the best at that time. Mentioned never as Daniels but as Toledano, sometimes Toledo or Italianised to Toledani in European lit., such as "Plume de Piste" & "Piste en plus", both by Paul Demenon, and the German "Manegezauber" with various first names, 'Mac, Marco, Mario and possibly Beppo'. Along with brother Alec was the inventor of one of the most famous of musical clown numbers ever, and still omnipresent "You can't play here" in which the speaker does his best to evict two clowns off the stage or out of the ring, who continue to play, (generally the trumpet) in triumphant turns, (one is 'attacked, the other takes over playing). By 1871 he was the publican of The Middleston Alms, 38 High Str, Aldgate, London employing four men, in 1881 he was the publican at.....Little Square, Braintree, Essex, by 1891 his widow and family were living in Ipswich, Suffolk where he had died the previous year. Married possibly three times having fathered ten children.
Alec Daniels 1834-1901
Professional clown & musician, banjoist, later publican. Most probably the son of Joshua de Moses Toledano and Sarah Egerton, named Abraham Toledano born circa. 1834 Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, other family details as above.Toured with his brother in a musical clown double act through the Uk & Europe during the mid 19thc, mainly in theatre but also circus venues. Known on the Continent variously as Alec, Alex, Alexei and possibly Danno and always Toledano, or varients, which was considered more fitting with European variety or circus, never Daniels, the name the family collectively had used in Anglicanising their surname therefore making that more acceptable in British society, being of Portuguese/Spanish Jewish blood.By 1871 he was a licensed victualler at The Compass, Freeschool Str, Southwark, Surrey. In 1891 he was living at 651,Old Kent Road, Camberwell and an artist by profession. He died on 16th January 1901 as Abraham Daniels Toledano, musician & banjoist in Newcastle.
Joe Daniels 1842-1915
Celebrated Minstrel, banjoist, entertainer & composer, professor of music. Joe Daniels was born Joseph Toledano, son of Joshua de Moses Toledano and Sarah Egerton, brother of Sarah Toledano who married Raslus. Established a studio at 28, Bishopsgate Street, London in 1870, after a few years moved to Minstrel House, 112, Leadenhall Street where he started to advertise himself as a Musical Instrument Maker and Teacher of the banjo, mandolin & guitar. "He taught and prepared Ladies, Gentlemen and Juveniles the stage in all its branches, singing, dancing, acting, instrumental &c. His simple methods ensured rapid progress. Terms moderate". Presented with a Merchant Pipe by King Leopold 1 of the Belgians, pre.1865. Performed at Windsor Castle in 1873 for Queen Victoria. In 1887 he patented the "Defiance" banjo. The Prince of Wales, later King Edward V1 presented Daniels with a silver medallion inscribed with the Fleur de Lys which was fixed to the peg-head of the banjo Joe Daniels always played in his public performances. He married Clara Martin in London in 1861 fathering 16 children, one of whom was David Alfred Daniels, otherwise known as "Clown Dano". Joseph Toledano otherwise Daniels of 13, Disraeli Road, Forest Gate, died of heart failure aged 73 in a taxi-cab proceeding to 22, Buckingham Road, Brighton on 12th March 1915.
Clown Dano
Born David Alfred Toledano in 1884 the youngest son of Joseph Toledano the banjoist and Clara Martin. Married firstly to Miriam Cohen in 1907, secondly to Rose Taylor in 1916. Minstrel and clown, known as 'Clown Dano'.
David Alfred Toledano - Clown Dano
_________________________________________________________________
Through my association with the Jewish Genealogical Society of Great Britain I have traced my connection with the following individuals :-
Aaron Mendoza 1710-
Aurthor, born circa.1710 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. In 1732 he published one of the first books produced by a Jew in England, a manuel of the law governing ritual slaughter, with illustrations in his own hand. Married Benvenida Tubi, who was born circa.1730 Liverno, Italy. Grandfather of Daniel Mendoza the pugilist. My 6th great grandfather.
Daniel Mendoza 1764-1836
Champion Boxer. Born Aaron Henrique Mendoza 5 July 1764 in Aldgate, London, son of Daniel de Aaron Mendoza & Esther Mendoza his cousin. Bareknuckle boxer, pugilist, 16th in succession of English Heavyweight champions and the first Jewish Champion. The first important fighter to combine scientific boxing with rapid, rather than hard punching a great change from the mauling style used until his time Only 5ft 7 inches tall and weighed 180 pounds he relied on his courage, strong arms, and excellent physical condition as well as on his revolutionary boxing skill. Won many victories and at one time considered the champion heavywieght of all England. Received the patronage of Royalty in the name of the Prince of Wales, later King George lV and was the first Jew ever to speak to King George lll. When he retired became a publican of houses in Whitechapel, London. He opened a highly successful school of boxing amongst others teaching the sons of nobility. His book The Art of Boxing was published in 1798. My 1st cousin x 6 removed.
Daniel Mendoza 1764 - 1836
.
Henry Aaron Isaacs 1830-1909
Former Lord Mayor of London - Aaron Henry Isaacs was born in the City on 15th August 1830 son of Michael Joseph Isaacs and Sarah Mendoza. For a quarter of a century he laboured in the best interests of the City of London. He agitated for improving the dwellings of the poor, and was mainly instrumental in bringing about much needed reforms in the finance committee of the corporation. In 1859 he was appointed to the chairmanship of the city lands committee. Some years later, as head of the markets committee, he gave valuable evidence before the House of Commons; and the Tower Bridge owed its existance, in a great measure, to his persistence. Upon the oral system of teaching deaf-mutes, his brochure 'Sounds Versus Signs' is a recognised authority. In 1887 Isaacs became Sheriff of London and Middlesex, and was knighted in the same year. In 1889 he was elected Lord Mayor of London. He published 'Memoirs of My Mayority'. "Bibliography: Jewish Cronicle, Sept.,1889. A caricature of him is in the "New Lord Mayor" by Spy, it appeared in 'Vanity Fair' in Nov 1889. He had two portraits painted by Bassano. Died Steyning, Sussex 1909. My 3rd Cousin x 4 removed.
Rufus Daniel Isaacs 1860-1935
British jurist & diplomat. Born in London 1860.A leading member of the English bar, served (1904-13) in the House of Commons as Liberal MP for Reading, during which time he became Attorney General (1910) being named in the Cabinet of Prime Minister Asquith (1912). In 1913 made Lord Chief Justice, a post he held until 1921, later being raised to the peerage. Special Envoy to the USA (1917), Special Ambassador to the USA (1918). Enthroned Viceroy of India (1921-25). Created Marquess of Reading in 1926, having already been created in succession Baron, Viscount and Earl. Briefly in 1931 served in the National government of Ramsey MacDonald as Foreign Secretary. Died 30 Dec 1935 in London. My 4th Cousin x 3 removed.
His Excellency The Earl Reading, Viceroy of India 1921-26, in his robes as Grand Master of the Most Exalted Order of the Star of India.
.
Vic Lewis 1919-2009
Jazz Band leader and Impressario. Born Victor Joseph Lewis on 29th July 1919 in Hendon, Middlesex, (son of Bertie Lewis & Mary Daniels Toledano, dau. of Joshua Daniels the banjo player, who married in London 1914). Jazz pioneer who nurtured almost every major British Jazz personality under his band leader's baton or as agent/manager including such personalities as Elton John, Shirley Bassey and The Beatles. Vic married Jill Alcock and had a daughter Danielle. Died 9th February 2009 at Garden House, Hendon, Middlesex aged 89 years. My 3rd Cousin x 1 removed.
MR VIC LEWIS MBE
Peter Sellers 1925-1980
Actor, comedian. Born Richard Henry Seller, (no's') on 8th Sept 1925 in Southsea, Hants, (son of William (Bill) Seller, an actor & pianist and Agnes D. Marks, character actress & singer, daughter of Solomon Marks & Benvenida de Israel Mendoza and great granddaughter of Daniel Mendoza the pugilist, who married St.Giles, London in 1923) His trade mark was his ability to play multiple characters and to change his voice and appearance. Credited as being the greatest comedian of all time. Was honoured with a CBE in .Need I write any more. Four times married, 1st Anne Howe 1951-61, 2nd Britt Ekland 1964-68, 3rd Miranda Quarry 1970-1974 & 4th Lynne Frederick 1977-1980. Died 24 July 1980 in London. My 5th Cousin x 2 removed.
Inspector Clouseau !
Kenny Cantor
Born Kenneth Albert Robert Levis McNaghten in Leicester 1939, comedy entertainer, writer, producer, director. Only son of the comedian, entertainer & King Rat, Terry Cantor (born Kenneth Edward McNaghten) and Adele Cantor (born Ada Hayes), great grandson of Sarah Toledano. He is the 5th generation in his family to be in show-business. His debut aged 4 was with his grandfather Jeff Mandel, an acrobat & clown who taught him the laws of the circus and to be a clown & acrobat. Later he learned how to sing, dance and play instruments by his father. Has played almost every theatre in the UK, nearly all of the clubs in Yorkshire, and toured the world with many big stars. Married three times, his present wife Caron Patricia nee Heggie, daughter of Ronald Heggie, aka the famous Ronnie Scott. Father of Lisa, Jason,Tommy & Shani Cantor a sixth generation performer.Today Kenny Cantor proprietor & principle is now of 'That's Entertainment Associates' incorporating The Cantor's Theatre Schools and Centres of Performing Arts in Lowestoft, Suffolk, and Beccles,UK. Kenny Cantor is my 3rd Cousin once removed
Kenny Cantor and daughter Shani Cantor, singer A.L.C.M. - 2009
_______________________________________