Whiteside, Jane (1855–1875)

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Whiteside, Jane (1855–1875)

New Zealand tightrope dancer, gymnast, and magician. Name variations: Madame Blanche, Blanche Fane, Blanche Anderson, Jennie Anderson, Jennie Verten. Born Jane Whiteside, Feb 5, 1855, in Co. Down, Ireland; died Jan 17, 1875, in Oamaru, New Zealand; dau. of John (weaver) and Jane (Totten) Whiteside; m. Frank Verten (singer and dancer), c. 1874.

Immigrated with family to New Zealand (1856); made debut stage appearance (1872); performed as gymnast, tightrope dancer, and magician throughout New Zealand as Madame Blanche, Blanche Fane, Blanche Anderson, and Jennie Anderson.

See also Dictionary of New Zealand Biography (Vol. 2).