As A Teen

As a teenager I attended St. Timothy's Hall, an Episcopal military academy in Catonsville, Maryland. During the 1850's I apparently became a Know-Nothing in politics. The Know-Nothing Party was formed by American nativists who wanted to preserve the country for native-born white citizens.
I eventually left school after my father died in 1852. I spent several years working at the farm near Bel Air. My sister, Asia Booth Clarke said that I would sometimes yell out during the night "I must have fame! fame!". My goal was to be a famous actor like my father had been.

The photograph on the background is from my scrapbook.

In August, 1855, when I was only 17 years old, I made mystage debut as the Earl of Richmond in Shakespeare's Richard III. Two years passed before I made another appearance on stage. In 1857 I played stock in Philadelphia, but I frequently missed cues and lines. I persevered, however, and came of age in 1858 as a member of the Richmond Theatre. It was in Richmond where I truly became enamored with the Southern people and way of life. As my career gained momentum, many called me"the handsomest man in America." I stood 5-8, had jet black hair, ivory skin, and was lean and athletic. I had an easy charm about me that attracted women. Yes I know that I am cocky.