Whiteside, Jane (1855–1875)

views updated

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).

More From encyclopedia.com