intense rivalry in private. Houdini had stated that Downs had operated a "fake magic shop" and was in trouble with the federal government for a "swindle." By 1896, Downs had campaigned against spiritualism, this was before Houdini's crusade against fraudulent spiritualists. In his letters, Downs claimed to have performed a stage escape from handcuffs several years before Houdini. He also took issue with Houdini's self-advertisement. Downs wrote several books on magic before and after his retirement. His first book, Modern Coin Manipulation, was published in 1900 and is still issued in reprints today. His other books include Tricks with Coins (1902) and The Art of Magic (1909). Downs was married twice. He had a son in his first marriage with Nellie Stone, who died in childbirth in 1895. He subsequently married Harriett Rocky on June 3, 1905. He retired around 1928. In 1935 he was honored with a testimonial dinner. Death Downs died on September 11, 1938, in Marshalltown, Iowa. He had suffered a stroke, which paralyzed his left side. He was buried at Riverside Cemetery in Marshalltown. His gravestone reads "King of Koins". Legacy The Historical Society of Marshall County features a display about Downs in its museum. Publications Modern Coin Manipulation (1900) Tricks with Coins (1902) The Art of Magic (1909) References External links Downs, T. Nelson Downs, T. Nelson Downs, T. Nelson Coin magic Harry Houdini People from Marshalltown, Iowa Downs, T. Nelson