Most know the various stories of Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin—some true, some not so true. However, unless you have read the remarkable books by the late Christian Fechner, you might not have even heard of Jacques-François Houdin.
Jacques Houdin was Jean-Eugène’s father-in-law, a highly regarded clock and watchmaker in Paris (though, coincidentally, like Jean-Eugène, he was originally from Blois, France). Jean-Eugène, who had apprenticed as a clockmaker under his cousin in Blois, was also interested in magic—his relatively new passion at the time—as well as performing as an amateur actor. While he was working with his acting troupe he met Jacques Houdin’s daughter, Josèphe Cecile. It was love at first sight for Jean-Eugène, and they were soon married.
Jean-Eugène took his wife’s last name (as was the custom), became Robert-Houdin, and moved to Paris where he took a job in Jacques’ shop. The new father-in-law liked Jean-Eugène’s ability to tinker with all things mechanical. It was a perfect match for a while. Sadly, Josèphe died young—at only 32 years of age. The couple had three surviving children, so Jean-Eugène remarried. And, of course, he had also evolved from an amateur to a professional magician, opening his own theater on July 3, 1845.
