Harry Kellar
(11th July 1849 - 10th March 1922)
American-born Heinrich Keller. Known as the Dean of American Magicians, Harry Kellar enjoyed both unqualified public recognition and financial success. His was by far the largest and most elaborate stage illusion show touring during the late 1800s and early 1900s. He is best known for his stunning version of the Levitation, in which a girl mysteriously rises up from a couch, floats across the stage to the audience, then disappears into thin air. On May 16, 1908, Kellar retired and in a grand onstage ceremony, removed his cape and placed it on the shoulders of his chosen successor, Howard Thurston.