Reminiscences: Chapter 14

Reminiscences of Early Peoria
by Odillon B. Slane

Chapter 14
pages 31-32

FIRST CIRCUS THAT CAME TO PEORIA

IT was in the early 40's, we are told, that the first circus came to Peoria. An old fellow by the name of Dusenberry had recently been elected constable of the town. Near the close of the performance, the ring-master led a wild looking, restless horse into the ring. He called out to the audience that $5.00 would be paid to any one present who would ride this horse three times around the ring. No one seemed willing to accept the offer, and the ring-master was about to lead the horse back into his stall, when a seemingly intoxicated man staggered out from his seat in the audience and told the ring-master that he would ride his horse.

"You are in no condition, sir, to ride a horse," said the ring-master. "Get out of here." But the drunk man insisted that for $5.00 he would rid the horse. That was the offer --- that was the challenge and he was determined to ride that horse.

The ring-master seeing that he could do nothing with the man called out, "Is there an officer here to take charge of this man? We cannot go on with the performance with this interference."

A wag in the audience exclaimed, "Dusenberry, do your duty, sir!"

Constable Dusenberry hustled out into the ring and taking hold of the fellow said, "You must come out from here!" But the drunk would not and Dusenberry seemed unable to force him out.

"Take him out --- take him out," said the ring-master; "We cannot go on with the show with him in here."

Finally Dusenberry, "in the name of the people of the State of Illinois" called for help. Another old fellow went to his assistance, and soon the pretended drunk was rolling both of them over the ground in the dirt to the great amusement of both the showmen and the audience.

After the crowd had had a bushel of fun, the ring-master said, "Well, let the fool ride. He'll soon fall off and break his neck and then we'll get him out."

It took several men to help him on the horse but finally on, the horse was turned loose and went galloping around the ring, the rider wabbling from one side to the other, It seemed he would surely fall off, but, strange to say, he did not. At last he got up on his knees on the horse, and then he stood up on his fee. He began to take off his clothes. His coat went into the ring; then off came his vest, followed by his pants and shirt, and soon in naked showman's tights, the finest bare back rider in the circus was performing feats that astonished the lookers on. It was a long time before this incident was forgotten and the joke cost Dusenberry and his pal many a drink of liquor.

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