Courtright in Lambton County, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

Stewart James, “The Einstein of Magicians”

Photographed by Tim Boyd, May 11, 2025

1. Stewart James, “The Einstein of Magicians” Marker

Inscription. John George Stewart James (1908-1996) was born in Courtright and remained here his entire life. He lived in the house named "Aberystwyth" in honour of his family's place of origin in Wales. Stewart first performed magic at a public event in Courtright at the age of 9. In 1926, his first published trick appeared in print. He enlisted in the Canadian armed forces in WWII. His talents earned him a transfer into The Haversacks, a military theatre troupe, where he entertained his fellow soldiers. After the war he worked as a rural mail carrier for 21 years. Even though not formally educated, he created and published over 1,000 tricks, making him one of the most prolific inventors in the history of magic. Virtually unknown by the public, his work is highly respected and referenced by magicians throughout the world.

Erected 2016 by Heritage St. Clair.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment • War, World II. A significant historical year for this entry is 1926.

Location. 42° 49.246′ N, 82° 28.416′ W. Marker is in Courtright, Ontario, in Lambton County. It is at the intersection of Saint Clair Parkway and Thomson Street, on the left when traveling north on Saint Clair Parkway. The marker is

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in Cartwright Waterfront Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1508 St Clair Parkway, Courtright ON N0N 1H0, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Southwest Ontario Area

and in Southwestern Ontario.

It is also in Central Canada.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony,

the Viceroyalty of New France,

the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

and Rupert’s Land.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Early Years of Stewart James (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Stewart James (here, next to this marker); The Later Years Stewart James (here, next to this marker); PFC Dewayne T. Williams (approx. 1.1 kilometers away in the U.S.); St. Clair Veterans Memorial (approx. 1.1 kilometers away in the U.S.); Diamond Crystal Salt Company (approx. 1.1 kilometers away in the U.S.); The City of St. Clair (approx. 1.1 kilometers away in the U.S.); St. Clair Inn (approx. 1.2 kilometers away in the U.S.). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Courtright.

Photographed by Tim Boyd, May 11, 2025

2. Stewart James, “The Einstein of Magicians” Marker

Stewart James, 1930s image. Click for full size.

3. Stewart James, 1930s

Credits. This page was last revised on May 24, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 14, 2025, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 188 times since then and 65 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 14, 2025, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.