Poodles Hanneford and the Hanneford Family

Poodles Hanneford was one of the greatest bareback riders who ever performed in a circus ring.

Edwin "Poodles" Hanneford was born in a circus wagon on June 14, 1891 in Barnsby, Yorkshire, England. Edwin was given the nickname of "Poodles " at the age of three by his aunt, who said his curly hair reminded her of a poodle.

Poodles and the Hanneford circus family came to the United States to perform with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, they started with the circus in New York City at the Madison Square Garden in 1915.

Poodles was married to Grace Norma who was born 1895.

Not only was Poodles a star in the center he also was a movie actor appearing in over 40 films including Circus Daze (1928), No Loafing (1923), Plumb Dumb (1927), Bells of Rosarita (1945), The Circus Kid (1928) and Billy Rose's Jumbo (1962). Silent movie actor and director Fatty Arbuckle recognized Hanneford's comic talents and used Poodles in many of the films he directed.

Poodles Hanneford died on Dec. 9, 1967 in Kattskill Bay, NY Grace passed away in 1984 both are buried at Pine View Cemetery Queensbury, NY.

Poodles Hanneford was inducted into the International Circus Hall of Fame in 1968

The Hanneford Family on Al G. Barnes Circus Left to Right Ernest Clark, Poodles wife Grace N. Hanneford, Poodles daughter Grace E., Poodles, Ernestine Clark, Poodles mother Elizabeth, her Daughter Elizabeth Clark and Percy Clark

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