Albert P. Smith

Albert P. Smith
Born	August 3, 1878
Died	May 16, 1957 (age 78)

Albert Peter Smith (b.1878-d.1957) was a showman during the 1920s and 1930s as Mysterious Smith.

Biography

Smith emigrated to the United States from France while a young boy. His name was Canter, but wanting an "American name" choosing Smith as it appeared to be the most typical. Made his home during his touring days at 1612 Third Street Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Smith had highly successful years between 1894 and 1899 when the Spanish- American War broke out. He entered the service and spent two years in the Philippines.

In 1902 after getting out of the service, he began a tour around the world to Japan, China, across India and back to the Philippines.

After coming back to the United States, he played in moderate size towns for a week at a time. His publicity stunt was a coffin escape. His wife and chief assistant, as Madame Olga, did a mentalism act in the show.

By 1922 Smith was advertising as "The Show with the twenty-five year reputation. Mysterious Smith Company. With a carload of equipment and a large company of assistants." One of his featured publicity stunts was a combined straitjacket and coffin escape.

Smith las performance was final performance in Nashville in 1942. He opened a photography business in Madisonville, Kentucky and sold his show to Howard Thurston's brother, Harry Thurston. Once Harry Thurston stopped performing, he sold his illusions from his shows and Smith props to Will Rock. Harry kept the title of Smith's show, "The White Prophet: Do Spirits Return?" which featured a Spirit Cabinet. He eventually changed the name to "The Mysteries of India." Harry sold his show along with the Mysterious Smith props to Will Rock.

The Mysterious Smith had done in his lifetime 28,800 public performances in 42 states and traveled around the world twice. He died in St. Petersburg, Florida.

There is a cover photo on Mahatma Vol. 02, No. 8 (February, 1899) for an "Albert E. Smith".