Josephine Myrtle Corbin was born with a rare birth defect called polymelia, meaning born with extra limbs, in her case, she had 4 legs, 2 normal ones and 2 smaller ones that grew from her hips. But there was more to it. She also had 2 sets of reproductive organs and 2 pelvises. Because of this rare occurrence, she’s probably one of the few people in history considered wonders. Let’s delve into Myrtle’s story and discover her exceptional life milestones.Myrtle was considered a rare and remarkable case of human development.
Josephine Myrtle Corbin, an American sideshow performer, came into the world in 1868 as a remarkable medical rarity. Affected by a condition known as dipygus, she possessed two lower bodies from the waist down. This unusual phenomenon occurred due to her body axis splitting during development, resulting in two separate pelvises side by side. Remarkably, her smaller inner legs were paired with one of her outer legs. While Myrtle could move her inner legs, but they were too weak to walk on.
Born in Tennessee to her parents, William and Nancy, Myrtle’s arrival brought both wonder and concern. At 25, her father, William, and 34-year-old mother, Nancy, welcomed the unique little Myrtle into their lives. Medical professionals noted that if Myrtle had been delivered breech, with her bottom first, it could have been potentially fatal for both her and her mother. Thankfully, Myrtle’s early days were promising, as she displayed signs of strength, weighing 10 lb (4.5kg) just 3 weeks after her birth.
Myrtle’s father was facing financial hardship and had to think of ways to support his growing family.
© Charles Eisenmann (1855-1927) / Wikimedia Commons, © Public domain, © Palette.fm
At the age of 5 weeks, people had the opportunity to visit William Corbin and marvel at his four-legged daughter for a small fee. As the years passed, Myrtle grew up accustomed to the constant stares and astonishment from those who encountered her rare condition. Her inner legs never fully developed, her right foot was clubbed, and both of the smaller legs had 3 toes on each foot.
Over the following decade, William took Myrtle on a journey across the country, where she participated in fairs, sideshows, and dime museums. By the time she turned 14, she had achieved success and managed to secure a lucrative contract paying her an unusually high salary of $250 per week.
The four-legged girl, Myrtle, had a younger sister named Ann, who fortunately did not suffer from any birth defects.
Myrtle married when she was 18 and later became a mother.
© James R. Applegate (1849–1910), Philadelphia / Wikimedia Commons, © Public Domain, © Palette.fm
As Myrtle entered adulthood, she grew weary of the constant attention she received due to her condition. At 18, she decided to marry James Bicknell, a medical student, after which she retired from her performing career. Interestingly, her fame had inspired others to attempt to fake her unique deformity, but all of these impostors were eventually exposed as frauds.
A year into their marriage, Myrtle experienced troubling symptoms like fever, nausea, headaches, and side pains. Concerned, she sought medical attention, and to her disbelief, the doctor revealed that she was pregnant on her left side. Myrtle skeptically responded, saying, “If it had been on my right side, I would come nearer believing you are correct.” The pregnancy proved challenging for her health, and doctors even advised her to consider an abortion due to the severity of her illness. However, Myrtle managed to recover swiftly.
Over the following years, James and Myrtle welcomed seven more children into their family. Tragically, only 5 of them survived infancy, 4 daughters and a son.
© Unknown author / Wikimedia Commons, © Public Domain
The family lived a quiet life until their 5 children reached adulthood. Then Myrtle re-entered the show business. In 1909, when Myrtle was 41, she was a part of Huber’s Museum exhibit, appearing as The Four-Legged Girl from Cleburne, Texas. She often dressed her 4 legs in matching shoes and socks, to the audience’s delight. She was making $450 per week at the time.
In 1928, Myrtle developed a skin infection on her right leg, and the doctor diagnosed her with erysipelas or a strep infection. A week later, on May 6th, 1928, Myrtle passed away. Her casket was covered in concrete, and family members kept watch until it was fully cured to prevent grave robbers from stealing her remains.
Almost a century later, Josephine Myrtle Corbin Bicknell continues to inspire others by proving that even in the 19th century, a woman could forge a successful career and become a mother all at once.
Remembering the Charm of Dolly Pegs
Ah, the memories of days gone by. Do you recall those lovable wooden dolls that used to adorn your grandma’s clothesline? They were called dolly pegs, and they possessed a certain allure that is difficult to resist. In this article, let’s take a trip down memory lane and explore why these petite wooden companions still hold a special place in our hearts, even in the 21st century.
Dolly pegs are the adorable wooden clothespins that resembled miniature people. They had a head, a body, and a pair of tiny wooden arms. However, they were more than just laundry accessories in their time – they were a form of do-it-yourself art and a wellspring of boundless creativity.
Do you ever find yourself reminiscing about the good old days? Well, that is precisely why we are discussing dolly pegs now. These wooden dolls harken back to sunny afternoons spent playing in the backyard and helping out with chores. Remember giving them amusing names and creating epic adventures? Those were truly wonderful times, weren’t they?
One of the most fantastic aspects of dolly pegs is their versatility. You do not need to possess extraordinary crafting skills to transform them into something extraordinary. With some paint, fabric, and a dash of imagination, you can fashion personalized ornaments, fridge magnets, or even little companions for your desk. It is a marvelous way to stimulate your creative spirit without straining your wallet.
In a world brimming with flashy gadgets, it is refreshing to encounter something simple yet captivating. Dolly pegs offer a breath of fresh air for children. They provide a marvelous DIY project that fosters fine motor skills and encourages imaginative play. Furthermore, it presents an opportunity for them to disconnect from screens and allow their creativity to roam free.
But dolly pegs are not solely for the little ones – they can also infuse warmth into your home decor. Picture a delightful row of peg people hanging from a string, brightening your day each time you pass them by. It is a modest yet effective way to infuse your living space with character and charm.
So there you have it – the humble dolly pegs are reclaiming their place in the most delightful manner. They may be unpretentious, but their ability to trigger memories, ignite creativity, and evoke a sense of nostalgia is truly remarkable. So, why not dust off those old wooden pegs and embark on a journey of do-it-yourself delight? Sometimes, it is the simplest things in life that bring us the greatest joy.
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