John Austin Hamlin

John Austin Hamlin (June 29, 1837 - May 20, 1908) was an American magician, theatric manager, and co-founder of Hamlin's Wizard Oil Co., a patent medicine manufacturer and distributor, with his brother Lysander B. Hamlin.

Press Coverage

 * "John A. Hamlin, the founder of 'Wizard Oil,' a theatrical manager known throughout the country and the owner of the Grand opera house at Chicago, died at his home at the Virginia hotel In that city last night at 7 o'clock, at' the age of 71. He was formerly a frequent visitor in Rock island. Mr. Hamlin began his business career as a commercial traveler, and in 1859 established in the patent medicine business as founder of Hamlin's Wizard oil, of which he remained head and president until his death. He started the business in Cincinnati, and in 1861 he came to Chicago to develop it. He made a fortune out of the business and at the time of his death was wealthy. After Chicago's big fire in 1871, Mr. Hamlin built Hamlin's theater, which is now the Grand Opera House, of which he was the sole proprietor."