• 1859-1935
• Real Name: James L. Barton
• Birthday: April 21
• Birthplace: United States
• Buried: ?

James Barton was an American Lyceum magician.

Performing as "El Barto", "Barto The Merry Wizard" or "Barton", Barton had a comfortable career on the Lyceum and vaudeville circuits around the turn of the 20th century.

At age 11, he began a four-year apprenticeship to the famous Signor Blitz. By the time he went out on his own in 1874, Barton had mastered all of the necessary magical and entertainment skills.

Barton was known for his kindness and generosity to his fellow performers. His career was quite long- he was still performing on the Lyceum circuit in 1934 at age 76.

He was also very active in the magic fraternity. He served as President of both the I.B.M. Ring and the S.A.M. Assembley in his adopted hometown of Philadelphia.

Credit: This biography originated on MagicTricks.com. Please credit this source if you use this information.