| 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." However, there is little information available on the plays he appeared in during this time.
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."
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.