Edwin Brush

Magician
born:
March 21, 1874 in Boone Co, Ill

died:
1967

"American magician whose greatest fame came on the Chautauqua and Lyceum circuits. He was the first magician to appear in a tented Chautauqua show. Later in life, he developed a magic lecture that incorporated a religious message, which was also very successful. His distinguishing characteristic was his trademark upside-down mustache; he actually cut and trained his moustache hair to grow straight up, defying the laws of gravity and creating a rather unique appearance."
www.magictricks.com/bios/whoswho-b.htm

Brush's passport application indicates that he was headed for Europe at the behest of the YMCA, probably to provide entertainment for the troops of the American Expeditionary Force. He is described as being 45 years old, 5' 5" with a high forehead and cleft chin, and having a tattoo on his right arm.