Myrtle Corbin

Myrtle Corbin by JR Applegate c1880

Josephine Myrtle Corbin (May 12, 1868 – May 6, 1928) was an American sideshow performer and one of the most notable examples of dipygus, a rare congenital deformity that results in a duplication of the lower extremities. Born in Lincoln County, Tennessee, Corbin's condition was the result of an extra pelvis and set of legs originating from her body at the waist. This condition made her a significant attraction in the sideshow circuit during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Early Life

Josephine Myrtle Corbin was born to William H. Corbin and Nancy Corbin in 1868. From birth, she was unique due to her condition, which was immediately noticeable. Despite her unusual anatomy, Corbin's family raised her in a loving environment, and she learned to walk using her inner set of legs, which were fully functional, though smaller and less developed than her outer legs.

Career

At a young age, Corbin entered the world of sideshow entertainment, a common practice at the time for individuals with unique physical characteristics. She was often billed as the "Four-Legged Girl from Texas," a title that drew significant public interest. Corbin's act typically involved her performing everyday tasks, demonstrating how she had adapted to her condition. Her performances captivated audiences, and she became a well-known figure in the sideshow community.

Throughout her career, Corbin worked with several prominent sideshow promoters, including P.T. Barnum, and appeared in various traveling circuses and dime museums. Her popularity and the fascination with her condition allowed her to earn a comfortable living, a rarity for people with physical anomalies during that era.

Personal Life

Despite the challenges posed by her condition, Corbin led a relatively normal life outside of her performances. In 1885, she married James Clinton Bicknell, and the couple had four daughters and a son. Remarkably, Corbin was able to use her two inner legs sexually and gave birth normally. Her family life was described as happy and fulfilling, with her condition not significantly hindering her domestic responsibilities or her role as a mother.

Legacy

Josephine Myrtle Corbin died in 1928, just shy of her 60th birthday. Her life and career left a lasting impact on the sideshow industry and the public's perception of physical differences. Corbin is remembered not only for her unique condition but also for her ability to lead a successful and meaningful life despite societal challenges. Her story continues to fascinate medical professionals, historians, and the general public, serving as a testament to the human spirit's resilience.

See Also

• Sideshow
• Dipygus
• P.T. Barnum