Note 45 — A GIRL’S LIFE EIGHTY YEARS AGO (continued 3)

Hodgkinson made his first appearance in New York as Vapid. He was born in Manchester, England, 1767; his father was an innkeeper named Meadowcraft. Young Meadowcraft ran away from home, took the name of Hodgkinson, and joined the stage. His wife, to whom he was married on his arrival in America, by Bishop Moore, was Miss Brett of the Bath Theatre. She died in New York of consumption, September, 1803. Mr. and Mrs. Hodgkinson received $100 a week for their services, which was the highest amount yet paid to any two performers in America.