Frank Tinney

Frank Aloysius Robert Tinney was an American blackface comedian and actor.

Tinney was born in Philadelphia the third of four children raised by Hugh Francis and Mary Tinney, both first generation IrishAmericans. As a boy, Tinney would later say, he sang in the choir until they found out what was the matter with the choir. He did perform with his brother Joseph at church and social functions and briefly one summer made an appearance on a vaudeville stage in a child act. His parents had hoped he would pursue a career in medicine, but instead as a young man Tinney found work as a chief lifeguard at Atlantic City, fire engine driver and undertakers assistant. His antics in the latter profession eventually led to an offer to join a traveling minstrel show.

Source: Wikipedia