The New York herald., 1878-11-29

conquer. He determined 70 come to America;
s @ ns ,a sear ~ New Yars state
His success varied. but he gradually worked his
way 70 the metropolis where he found an opening at
debut he eonsryed to disguise himself thoroughly,
spoke English with foreign accent. anu
the cld.fashioned wizards. but his season
was not successful. About this time young Heller
secured position as organist in one of the churches
in order TO add TO his limited income. Music was
often kinder to him than magic. Eventually through
this means his reputation became widely estpiishe
and after couple of years o travel an adventure IN
the provinces. he settled in Washington city as
teacher.
re. a FAvoRIrE IN WASHINGTON.
Here he quickly became popular. Il was field
cosmopolitan and chapgeful enough TO bring him
in contact with all classes of persons, and his COM
pany was sought one of the most popular men OF
tae capital He was pe;tcd by the ladies
favored by. the men, enjoyed fashionable 50.
his pupils young and lovely lady, the daughter Of
banker. fell in love with him and they elopcd and
to both sexes. subsequently the father was recon
ced Mrs. Palmer, Heller is now living with her
three children IL Paris, where she was
occasion when. it is sad. he took the
greatest pleasure in testfying to his early affection
in the most generous manner. lie separated
from his wife about the year 1861 and returned to
New York under TIE management of the late r. r.
Kingston, who will be remembered in connection
with Mr.. Charles r. Browne Glrtemns Ward.l To-
sether they opened ''Hellers Hall, at Buckley's
Hall. 5s5 Broadway. opposite Nihlo's Garden
Ii was here that he introduced to the American
public the entertaining reaigc which has since been
globe uslg dozen clever tricks panofor,e
concert, bit of second sight, few illusions
by the aid of megc mirrors. decapitation
scene and galyanic battery that enabled
him to utilize electric current anywhere in
the house, mingled with ccaseless flow OF fun,
puls, jokes and witcisfns that put all of his
petors to the blush rapidly created celebrity reo
pie rushed to see the magician and fortune com
nlenccd to smile. Prominent musicians however
ed DXp a al ~ "a
OF their most promising recruits aud carried him
TO the rostruin of a prestidieitatenr.
what isnow known the Folly Theatre, Char;ng Cross.
He found his haf-sister whom he had left baby i'll
dey eloped into handsome and striking looking
woman. The thought occurred to him that he could
make Of her attractions i'll his system OF second
sight, and with him to think was to act They
started voyage to Australia, and it ship
board that he thoroughly instructed her in all the
details of her new profession that when they landed
at Melbourne she fnx and ready to proceed
at once to the Exhibition stage They created an
immense sensation, travelled through Australia.
India. Java and New Zealand and astonished the
greatest of East Indian and Chinese jugglcrs their
own soil. They reached California about the year
1875 not only wealthy but loaded with honors,
presents, decorations and curiosities. After
brief in San Francisco Mr.. and Miss
Heller played their way to New York and fitted
up the Globe Theatre during the memorable season
of 1876 and 1877. His farewell appearance in New
York ended il the Fifth Avenue Hall, in Twenty
fourth street last spring; some Of those who were
which he declared that Le should never perform in
New York again. Indeed for the last two he has
had premonition of sudden decease and mourn
fully looked forward for just such sudden and pain
full event has occurred. During the summer he
paid unprofessional visit to England and
the Paris Exposition, returning here in Sep
tember to begin q tour through the cities
OF Baltimore, Washington, Philadelphia, &c.
nnder the management Of Mr.. John T. Ford and Mr..
j. s. Clarke. Ill he must have been, he carried out
is engagement faithfully although at several times
he tainted during the performance, and il was
doubtful whether he could proceed. Warned
by his physicians TO take rest, he limited
himself 10 single week, and then on Monday night
attempted to commence his season in Philadelphia
He reported ILL., aud spat blood during and after
the performance. On Tuesday the curtain was kept
down twenty-five minutes to- enable him to recover
enough OF strength, and when il descended 1t did
for the last time upon poor Robert Heller.
Personally he was perfect specimen OF the Kent
ish blonde. His appearance betokened the utmost
vgor and elasticity. II was his proud boast that he
disappointed the public in hts long career and
matter how worE weary, it will
be remembered that he always cheer
frl and seemingly bubbling over with merrinent
in the face of audience. such acute Judges Mr.
Boucicault and Mr. Sothern have repestexly declared
that Heller was born mecaian, and tho veteran
dramatist had in contemplation dransc sketch
titled THE Amateur ConJurcr.'
In nature he WAS frank, truStful and noble, al
though repeatedly robbed by false friends The
scandals to which his separation from his wife gave
rise his chief snd sole annoyance: but these
recently quieted by statement from his father
-in-law. He was in New York few days ago at the
opera. and he also present ut dinner given to
Lord Dunrayen on Friday last. at the house of Mr..
Bouccsult He left will in which his sister is well
tives.