Claude Alexander Conlin
(Alexandria, South Dakota: 30th June 1878 - 5th August 1954)
Pro mentalist and magician since 1907 as "Alexander, The Man Who Knows" and "Dr. Q". His chief assistants 1915-27 when he closed his full show were the Nartell Twins, Marguerite "Marge" (25th October 1895 - 6th April 1996) and Marie (25th October 1895 - early 1990s). Died in Seattle.
He had a tumultuous life, several marriages, run-ins with the law, and prison sentences. He killed Soapy Smith, the notorious Skagway gangster. At the same time, he also had huge successes as performer and businessman selling books and pamphlets. The story of his life can be read in Magic Magazine June 2002.
Wrote Life and Mysteries of the Celebrated Dr. Q (1921, 165pp; 3rd repr 1946), a classic. Also wrote Inner Secrets of Psychology. A vaudeville star for 35 years when retired rich in Los Angeles. Sold his show (7 tons) to Bob Nelson who later resold much of it, including the show's title, to Leon Mandrake. See Darryl Beckmann, The Life and Times of Alexander (1994, 380+pp).
