William Morton

William Morton
Cover of Genii (1949)
Born	William S. Morton circa 1921 Lincoln, Nebraska
Died	May 13, 1997 (age 75) Lincoln, Nebraska

William "Bill" Morton (c.1912-1997) was a professional magician and later a magic act, with his wife Pauline, for many years.

Biography

Performing magic locally by 11, he later established himself as a professional magician working at hotels in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain resort area.

Morton did a single act until he married Pauline Smith of Lennox, South Dakota in 1944. Now as "The Mortons", the often presented their magic show on an outdoor stage traveling with the Thomas Shows, a carnival ran by Pauline's stepfather. During the winter months, they presented school shows in the Midwest and West.

The Mortons also presented a Spook Show as "Asylum of Horrors", with Morton billed as "Dr. Silkinoi".

In 1948, played the 29-day Wisconsin Centennial State Fair with a show called "Mysteries of Houdini".

In the 1950s, he presented a magic illusion show (The Great Morton Wonder Show) in Nebraska. Also, as an honorary "Captain" of the Nebraska police, Morton presented a magic safety program sponsored by local service clubs.

He held I.B.M. number 5962 in which he was a member of the Order of Merlin Excelsior (60 continuous years). He was also a member of the Society of American Magicians.