Brutal murder of a Magician

[Kent Blackmore]

Magician Brutally Murdered!

In a true tale involving convicts, fire-eating and magic, allegations of kidnapping, the great San Francisco fires, freak shows, and a bloody death, John Powell Courtier, “Fire King and Necromancer” is the central figure.

Previously documented as the second-earliest performer of magic known in Australia (1834-1849), the story has now been extended to include Courtier’s years living and performing in the United States (1850-1876).

Having started his adult life as a convict, transported from England into some of Australia’s harshest penal settlements, John Powell Courtier departed the world in a savage and brutal manner, but hailed as a respectable and honoured citizen of his community.

Read the tale at the Magic In Sydney website, http://sydneymagic.net/HISTORY/COURTIER/courtier.html