I'm looking for information on my great uncle Philip R Eddy birth name Freund. Philip was adopted by the Eddy as a child. He was a performer with the Ringling Bros., Barnum & Bailey Circus. Philip performed on the highwire. He was the first human to do a standing backwards sumersault on the highwire. This information is confirmed through the Circus Museum in Baraboo, Wisconsin. It has also been reported that Philip Eddy also played the Stradivarius violin before the crown heads of Europe. Philip died in the late 1940's in Indianapolis, Indiana.Philip had four other siblings 2 brothers and 2 sisters. His brothers were Fred and George (my grandfather). His sisters were Catherine and Rosa (Rose). Rosa was also adopted by the Eddy family and performed acrobatics in the circus.
Philip was married to a Caroline and they had one daughter.
Any information would be greatly appreciated especially if the information is connected to Philips Freund family connection.

I am a son of Barbara Emma Alouise Freund Eddy Thomas, only daughter of Philip and Karoline. I grew up in Indianapolis with my parents and Philip and Karoline Eddy (who ended up in the restaurant business following retiring from vaudeville). Philip died in 1957 in Indianapolis and Karoline died in 1969 in Wallingford, CT. Are you related to William Hart? Ron Thomas

Hi Ron,

It is sure nice to meet another cousin. To be more exact we are 2nd cousins.
I've been trying to find out find information on Philip's biological parents. I really know nothing about them except that their names are possibly George and Rose. Do you possibly have access to this information? Any information on other members of the Freund side of the family that you may have would be greatly appreciated. Who knows you may be my answer to a Major Family brick wall that I've been trying to break through for at least the last 15 to 20 years.

As to being related to William Hart the name does not mean anything to me, could you give me some more information on him.

Thank you for your time.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Your cousin,

Pam

Ron,

Is your mother still living. I have an uncle that resembles your grandfather quite a bit and new your mother when she was small. He would be interested in knowing about her etc. You can email me directly PSPulley@msn.com.

Your Cousin,

Pam