J. B. Bobo
#1 Coins, Chips & Buttons author
(11th February 1910 - 12th September 1996)
Christened with initials only. Born in Texarkana, Texas. This American's unusual name is legitimately come by, being his French immigrant great-grandfather's legal contraction of Beaubeaux to accomodate his new neighbors. Inspired by seeing Eugene Laurant on the Chatauqua circuit. Taught first tricks at age c14 by Ed Reno, Eugene Laurant, and a travelling salesman. Studied the Tarbell Course in 1927. Pro close-up and kid-show stage magician since c1928, having given nearly 14,000 shows throughout the USA, but mainly in Texas and the central states. 1978 AMA Literary Fellowship. Lectured throughout the States, mostly at school assemblies.