Annie Jones (bearded woman)

Annie Jones

Annie Jones (July 14, 1865 – October 22, 1902) was a renowned bearded lady who performed with P.T. Barnum's circus. She was one of the most famous bearded women of the 19th century and became a celebrated figure in the world of sideshow attractions.

Early Life

Annie Jones was born in Virginia, United States. She began to grow facial hair at a very young age, which led her parents to exhibit her as a curiosity. By the age of nine months, she was already being displayed in P.T. Barnum's American Museum in New York City.

Career

Jones's career with P.T. Barnum spanned several decades. She was initially billed as the "Infant Esau" and later as the "Bearded Girl" and "Bearded Lady." Her facial hair was a natural phenomenon, and she became a popular attraction in Barnum & Bailey Circus.

Throughout her career, Jones was known for her dignified demeanor and intelligence. She often spoke out against the term "freak" and advocated for the respectful treatment of individuals with physical anomalies.

Personal Life

Annie Jones married twice. Her first marriage was to Richard Elliot, a sideshow barker, but the marriage ended in divorce. She later married William Donovan, who also worked in the circus industry.

Death

Annie Jones passed away on October 22, 1902, in Brooklyn, New York. She left behind a legacy as one of the most famous bearded women in history and a pioneer in the world of sideshow entertainment.

Related Pages

• P.T. Barnum
• Barnum & Bailey Circus
• Sideshow
• Bearded lady
• American Museum (New York City)