This is more of an inquiry about the musical Black performing groups that my mother's nurse maid was associated with in the 19th century. Her name was Ella Robinson Madison.

Ella was born in 1854 in Saratoga Springs, New York, the youngest of 10 children. At the age of 15 she moved to New York City and marched in the last 14th Amendment Day parade. Her first acting role was as "Topsy" in "Uncle Tom's Cabin," a production which began at New York City's Grand Opera House and then toured Europe in 1878, beginning in England and then going to Germany and Switzerland.

When she returned to New York City, she formed a partnership with a Charles Asbury. This new act was called "The Virginia Duo" and opened at the Museum Theatre. Later "The Virginia Duo" toured Europe performing in Holland as well as England, Germany and Switzerland.

She then formed an association with Herman Lindy's "Female Quartet" and toured again in England and Continental Europe. She traveled abroad and performed for years, finally returning to New York City in 1891. According to Edward Perry, "Ella Robinson sang before many crowned heads and other aristocrats. She received numerous decorations, jewels and money."

I haven't been able to find any reference via Goggle for the musical groups she was associated with. Although I have found occasional references to her agents.

She also played a singing role in the first production of Porgy (later transformed into Porgy & Bess) in the late 1920's.

I would appreciate any further leads or information.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble