Barney Williams (actor)

Barney Williams , was an IrishAmerican actorcomedian popular over the mid decades of the 19th century. He was probably best remembered by audiences of the day for playing Ragged Pat in J. A. Amhersts drama Ireland as it is and the title role in Samuel Lovers comic opera Rory OMore. Throughout the greater part of his career he was billed along with his wife, the former Maria Pray, as Mr. and Mrs. Barney Williams.

Bernard OFlaherty was born in 1824 at Cork, Ireland to Michael and Mary OFlaherty. In 1831 his family immigrated to America where his father would become a New York City policeman. As a boy Williams ran errands, sold newspapers, worked at a printers office and at some point began performing bit parts at New Yorks Franklin Theatre. On one night in 1836 he was given the opportunity to play a speaking rle in The Ice Witch that came available after actor Alonzo Williams suddenly fell ill. As a result of his performance, Williams became a regular cast member of the theatres troupe performing under the stage name Barney Williams.

Source: Wikipedia