Harry Kellar was born in Erie on July 11, 1849 to hard working German immigrant parents.

He was an American magician who presented large scale stage shows including many illusions that were in his day regarded as revolutionary in the craft.

Harry Kellar was referred to by his contemporaries as the Dean of American magicians and performed extensively on all five continents during the late 1800's and early 1900's.

He was generally regarded as the greatest American magician of his time and arguably, during his heyday, as the most famous magician in the entire world. His performances thrilled, mystified and amazed hundreds of thousands of people over time including presidents and kings.

Kellar counted among his friends other nationally and internationally known luminaries including Harry Houdini, Harry Blackstone, Rudolph Valentino and many others.

Though he was an internationally known performer, there was never a time when he forgot that his roots were in the Erie community particularly when it came to those members of his family who continued to reside and work in Erie most especially his beloved niece, Katherine Blakely.

To this day relatives of Harry Kellar continue to live in the Erie area.

Finally, after a full life of commitment to his craft and to his profession as well as to his family here in Erie, Harry Kellar died on March 10, 1922, at the age of 72.

Despite his passing, Harry Kellar's passion for his work lives on.

Without a doubt, any performer who studies magic, whether as a profession or as a hobby, will come to respect Kellar as being one of the world's greatest and most influential magicians.

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