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John Wyman
John Wyman Jr. (January 19, 1816 - July 31, 1881) was born in in Albany, New York. He was a successful magician and ventriloquist, sometimes billed as "Wyman the Wizard". He entertained numerous presidents of the United States, including four times for Abraham Lincoln. For a time, Wyman was under the management of P. T. Barnum.
Wyman gave prizes like gold and silver watches at his shows. He was one of the most financially prosperous entertainers of his time.
During his career, he made Philadelphia his home and continued to live there after his retirement. He later moved to New Jersey, where he owned real estate where died in Burlington.
Wyman may have been the first performer in the U.S. to present a full evening show as well as the first to perform the Bullet Catch routine.
Books
- Wyman's Hand-Book of Magic
- Wyman, Wizard and Ventriloquist