Circus entrepreneur James McGinnis joined the circus at the age of fourteen and adopted the name "Bailey." He eventually bought the Cooper & Bailey Shows which toured the world over. Bailey joined forces with showman Phineas T. Barnum in 1881. Overshadowed by the flamboyant Barnum, Bailey steered the circus to great success. Barnum died in 1891, and Bailey ran the circus until his death in 1906. The circus was then sold to Ringling Brothers. DS, signed “James A. Bailey,” six pages, 8 x 12.5, June 29, 1897. Agreement between James A. Bailey, Ruth Louisa Bailey and Joseph T. McCaddon. The agreement reads, in part: “James A. Bailey is the sole owner and proprietor of the property and effects of the Barnum and Bailey Greatest Show On Earth, together with all the right, title, interest and property in the name of Phineas Taylor Barnum as a trade mark in connection with the said Circus and Menageries and also all the property and effects belonging to the late copartnership composed of Phineas Taylor Barnum, now deceased, and the said J.A. Bailey...J.A. Bailey has agreed to sell unto Ruth Louisa Bailey and Joseph T. McCaddon, each, an one hundredth interest in the aforesaid Show and property...for one dollar in hand...and also the conduct of other Show interests...such as the Buffalo Bill Wild West Exhibition...this partnership shall continue until the first day of January, 1900...” The document is beautifully signed at the bottom of page six by all three parties, with red seals affixed beside the signatures of the Baileys. In fine condition, with faint scattered creasing, a horizontal fold through James Bailey’s signature. R&R COA.
