Annie Jones Elliot, also known as America's "Bearded Lady," was born on July 14, 1865, in Virginia. From a young age, Annie had an unusual condition that caused her to develop facial hair similar to that of a full-grown man. At first, her parents were shocked and horrified by her appearance, but they soon realized that they could profit from her condition. They took her to New York City when she was just nine months old.
It was in New York City that Annie's life would change forever. Showman P.T. Barnum, known for his extravagant circus acts, saw an opportunity in Annie. He billed her as the "baby Esau," a reference to the hairy brother of Jacob from the Old Testament, and featured her in his "Greatest Show on Earth." This marked the beginning of Annie's career as a circus attraction.
As she grew older, Annie became the top "bearded lady" in the country. She not only embraced her unique appearance but also used her platform to advocate for herself and others in the business. Annie worked to abolish the use of the word "freaks" to describe performers like herself, believing it to be derogatory.
Annie's condition was likely a result of hirsutism or hypertrichosis, which caused excessive hair growth on her face. Despite facing challenges and prejudices throughout her life, Annie remained resilient and confident in her identity. She became a spokesperson for Barnum's "Freaks" and gained recognition for her role in the circus world.
In 1881, Annie married Richard Elliot, but the marriage ended in divorce in 1895. She later reconnected with her childhood sweetheart, William Donovan, but tragically, he passed away, leaving Annie a widow. Throughout her life, Annie faced personal hardships but continued to thrive in her career as a circus performer.
Annie was not the only unique act in Barnum's show. She was joined by other remarkable performers, such as Myrtle Corbin, a four-legged woman, General Tom Thumb, a little person, and the Warren Sisters, Minnie and Lavinia Warren, who were dwarf dancers. Together, they captivated audiences with their extraordinary talents and appearances.
Annie's legacy extends beyond her time in the spotlight. She was photographed by Civil War photographer Mathew Brady in 1865, immortalizing her image for future generations. Despite facing challenges and prejudices, Annie Jones Elliot left a lasting impact on the world of entertainment and challenged societal norms. Her story serves as a reminder of the power of resilience, self-acceptance, and embracing one's uniqueness.