Col.Tim McCoy and his Rough Riders
Posted By thecircusblog on May 26, 2009
Another wonderful page in circus history. Col. Tim Mc Coy is in the center of this photo. He presented one of the finest exhibitions of trick riding performers from countries such as Canada, Morocco, Australia, Spain, Mexico, Russia and Argentina. The show would not have been complete without our own American cowboys and Native American Sioux and Lakota people demonstrating their special riding skills. Before Col. Mc Coy was in show business he worked for the department of interior as an Native American agent, then called an Indian agent. He not only assisted the native people but became their friend and learned much of their languages and customs. I remember in many of his shows he would speak in the Sioux language and at the same time do sign language teaching the kids in the circus audience and later on television the Indian ways. Kids loved it and went away knowing that the native American people were not that much different and had a positive attitude toward the American Indian. The rough riders did a special show after the circus performance was over. This was called the “After Show” and would last about 30 to 40 minutes. This photo is of Ringling Bros Barnum and Bailey Circus, Newark, N. J 1935. Let’s not forget Buffalo Bill, William Cody set the stage for all the great western shows that followed.
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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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Looking for information of my circus kin that performed as horsemen. Last name was Killilea. I believe there were also boxing brothers that went by the name of Hines.