Born in Tennessee on May 12, 1868, Josephine Myrtle Corbin entered the world with a rare condition called dipygus syndrome, which gave her four legs due to a split in her body axis during development. While she had a normal upper body, her lower half was duplicated—two outer legs she used to walk and two shorter, underdeveloped inner legs.

At just 13, Josephine joined the sideshow circuit, earning fame as “the four-legged girl from Texas.” Her father promoted her as cheerful and kind, and audiences were drawn to her rare condition. She eventually performed with P.T. Barnum’s circus and earned around $450 a week—a considerable sum at the time.

Despite her unusual anatomy, Josephine lived a full and happy life. She married Dr. Clinton Bicknell at 19, left the sideshow, and went on to have five children. She occasionally returned to performing to support her family but mostly lived quietly in Texas.

Josephine passed away in 1928 from a skin infection. Today, her life continues to fascinate doctors and historians alike—not just for her condition, but for her strength, warmth, and humanity.

Her Legacy Reminds Us:

• Adversity can be met with grace and courage.

• Our differences can become sources of strength.

• Love and acceptance transcend physical appearance.

Josephine’s story is a powerful example of how one extraordinary life can inspire compassion, resilience, and hope.