The story of Harry Kellar is a classic American success story. Kellar's face was so universally associated with magic that he is believed to be the model for L. Frank Baum's wizard in the Wizard of Oz. His tale is fraught with disappointment, personal tragedy, financial ruin, wild Indians and shipwrecks. His success was ultimately determined by a considerable amount of luck, a few shady dealings and a lifetime of hard work.