Ephraim Thompson
Ephraim Thompson was a well-known American elephant trainer.[1][2]
Training
Thomspon was trained by Stewart Craven,[3] the first great American elephant trainer.
Performances
Thompson was part of the Adam Forepaugh Show[3] but since he was black, he was forced to remain in the background while Addie Forepaugh Jr. presented the acts.[citation needed] In 1887, he performed with Carl Hagenbeck's International Circus from April to September.[citation needed] In 1895, he was with Circus Salamonsky Moskau performing a tight rope trick between two elephants that were holding the rope.[citation needed] In 1902, he performed at the Blackpool Tower Circus in England. He eventually went to Europe with his act in the 1890s and 1900s. He actually had a somersaulting elephant in his act.[3]
Family life
He married Dolinda de la Plata née Roba in 1887 and had a son in 1889 named Leo.[citation needed]
