Ella Evans Harper, known as the "Camel Girl," was born in Hendersonville, Tennessee on May 1, 1870. She came into the world with a rare medical condition that would later make her a sensation in the American circus world. Her father, a farmer, and her mother raised Ella and her twin brother, Everett. Sadly, Everett passed away just three months after his birth.
What set Ella apart from others was her unique anatomy. She suffered from congenital genu recurvatum, also known as "back knee deformity." This condition caused her knees to bend backward, giving her the appearance of a camel kneeling. Although this condition might have caused discomfort while walking upright, Ella found it more comfortable to move on all fours.
Ella began her sideshow career around 1884, performing mainly in cities like St. Louis and New Orleans. It wasn't long before she caught the attention of W. H. Harris, who invited her to join his Nickel Plate Circus. Her unique talent and appearance made her an instant hit with audiences, and by 1886, she was the circus' star attraction.
Despite her success in the circus world, Ella's personal life was marked by tragedy. She married a bookkeeper and schoolteacher but tragically lost her daughter just six months after her birth. This loss, along with the death of her twin brother, weighed heavily on Ella, leading her to retire from the circus in 1886.
Ella Harper, the "Camel Girl," left a lasting impact on the world of circus sideshows. Her unique appearance and story captivated audiences and solidified her place in the annals of American entertainment history. Alongside other famous sideshow performers of her time, Ella's legacy lives on as a reminder of the diversity and uniqueness of the human experience.