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==Late 1880s== |
==Late 1880s== |
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During the late 1880s, Jay resided near 14th and P Streets in Northwest Washington, DC, with his widowed mother, poet Mary E. (Harper) Kail. They lived together until her death in 1890. |
During the late 1880s, Jay resided near 14th and P Streets in Northwest Washington, DC, with his widowed mother, poet Mary E. (Harper) Kail. They lived together until her death in 1890. |
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| + | ==Marriage to Katherine Randall== |
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| + | In January of 1890, just two weeks prior to the death of his mother, Jay married Katherine Randall in Washington. |
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==1900s== |
==1900s== |
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Revision as of 05:06, 4 October 2009
| John Jay Wirt Kail | |
| Sex: | Male |
|---|---|
| Birth: | 1861 Ohio |
| Father: | Gabriel Sells Kail (1814-1888) |
| Mother: | Mary Elizabeth Harper (c1828-1890) |
| Siblings: | Maria Bell Kail (1844-1917) Virginia Elizabeth Kail (1847-1917) Albert Kail (1856-?) Emma Kail (c1857-?) |
| Spouse/Partner: | Katherine Randall (1861-?) |
| Marriage: | January, 1890 Washington, DC |
| Children: | Katherine W. Kail (1894-?) Harriet R. Kail (1895-?) Flora K. Kail (1901-?) |
| 2nd Spouse: | Margaret Graham (1885-1975) |
Jay Wirt Kail was an American poet and actor. He was also the son of accomplished poet Mary E. (Harper) Kail.
Acting Career
Prior to arriving in Washington in May, 1884, Jay Wirt Kail is reported to have toured the west as an actor, "achieving great success." There is little information available on his specific performances during this time, although there are a few reviews available, such as one from a magazine in Boston dated April 1884 which stated "J. Wirt Kail is getting many pleasant words for the dramatic ability he is displaying through the west. He will probably soon become connected with one of the Eastern stock companies, where his chances will be better."
In July, 1884, Jay Wirt Kail played the role of the Duke in "The Merchant of Venice" at the National Theatre in Washington, DC. He was listed third on the bill. Kail also appeared as the character Tubal in the performance, and it was reported that "his impersonation of the Jew was a pronounced success, his powerful acting even inspiring Shylock, and at the close of their great scene, he and Mr. Bangs received a storm of applause, which did not terminate till both gentlemen appeared before the curtain."
Around Christmas of 1884, Kail was an actor for the Rose Eytinge Company. (Rose Eytinge was a well known actress at that time, having played Cleopatra at the Broadway Theater."
Jay Wirt Kail was a member of the cast of the American premier of Sardou's "Theodora." He was fourth on the bill, playing the part of Marcellus. The show opened September 13, 1886, at Niblo's Garden in New York.
Poetry
In September, 1884, Jay Wirt Kail did a recitation of his poem "The Vagabond" at the largely attended Parlors of Josephine Logan in Washington, DC, a series of events featuring numerous musical acts.
Late 1880s
During the late 1880s, Jay resided near 14th and P Streets in Northwest Washington, DC, with his widowed mother, poet Mary E. (Harper) Kail. They lived together until her death in 1890.
Marriage to Katherine Randall
In January of 1890, just two weeks prior to the death of his mother, Jay married Katherine Randall in Washington.
1900s
As of the 1910 census, Jay resided at 917 Florida Avenue, NW, where the Floridian condominiums now stand.