The girl born with two sets of legs was Josephine Myrtle Corbin.
Myrtle Corbin (born May 12, 1868 – died May 6, 1928) was a notable American sideshow performer. She gained widespread recognition due to a profoundly rare congenital condition known as dipygus.
Understanding Dipygus
Dipygus is an extremely uncommon congenital anomaly characterized by the duplication of the lower half of the body. In Josephine Myrtle Corbin's specific case, this manifested as having two distinct pelvises positioned side-by-side from her waist down. This unique physical characteristic was a result of her body's axis splitting during early development. Consequently, she appeared to have four legs; while she had two fully formed outer legs that were functional, she also possessed two smaller, weaker inner legs.
A Life in the Public Eye
Born in Lincoln County, Tennessee, Josephine Myrtle Corbin began her career as a sideshow attraction at a young age. Her distinct anatomy made her a compelling performer, and she was widely billed as "The Four-Legged Girl" or "The Four-Legged Wonder." Despite her unusual physical presentation, she led a full life, marrying James Clinton Bicknell and raising several children. Her story offers valuable insight into the historical context of sideshows, which served as both entertainment and a means of livelihood for individuals with rare conditions.
Key Facts About Josephine Myrtle Corbin
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Josephine Myrtle Corbin |
| Born | May 12, 1868 |
| Died | May 6, 1928 |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Sideshow Performer |
| Condition | Dipygus (two separate pelvises from the waist down, four legs total) |
| Notable For | Being "The Four-Legged Girl" |
Her unique condition, while rare, did not prevent her from experiencing marriage and motherhood. She remains one of the most comprehensively documented cases of dipygus in medical history.
