Gladys King
Posted By thecircusblog on April 14, 2011
Gladys King the wife of Howard King, Floyd Kings brother, of the famed King Bros Circus. Photo 1927.
Read comment made by grandson Bill Twist.
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thecircusblog
My name is Ivan M. Henry and I am the 4th generation of a circus/show business dynasty. I hope you enjoy the blog.Comments
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These originals were passed down to me by my grandmother, Phyllis Taulbee..her husband, my grandfather, was Howard King Taulbee, nephew of the lady you see above. She I suppose would be my great aunt. According to many detailed stories my grandmother told me about our time as circus folk, Gladys was a refined woman, but had a fiery personality. My grandfather, named after Gladys’ husband, spent alot of time traveling with the show. One of his favorite memories of his time with the circus was seeing an elephant pull a truck free from the mud. He was Gladys’ favorite nephew.
My grandmother had very few stories of Floyd King, the “advance man” as she called him; she had a few about Howard King, but mostly she talked about her time spent on with Gladys. The story went that they first met on the road with the circus; Gladys had a few “strong guys” help my grandmother up to Gladys’ lush trailer, as my grandmother had been stricken with polio and wheelchair bound since age 14.
I never really got a chance to talk with my grandfather about his time with the circus, as he passed before I ever knew this was part of our family history. Once I found out, I was overjoyed and my grandmother was happy to regale me with all the stories she could. It is a unique part of ones family history, one I am very proud of…and it sure makes for good conversation!
Hi Billy,
I am the granddaughter of Mary Taulbee Rogers, Uncle Howard’s sister. I have heard a lot of the circus stories from my mother, Pat Evans. I spent time with your grandparents when I was little, but I have lost touch with most of my other PA family. I had lunch with Lois in VA Beach about 5 years ago and my mother went to visit Uncle Howard right before he passed. I would love to hear from you.
Hi Shelley,
Thank you for responding; it is always nice to hear from family, no matter how near or far! Sorry it took me awhile to respond; I wasn’t aware that another comment had been posted on here. Yes, the circus history is something I loved hearing about from Phyllis, my grandmother, wife of Howard. I often wonder what other stories have circulated through the family. Feel free to contact me directly at clownking@ymail.com if you want keep in touch! Thank you, and have a wonderful day!