ANNIE JONES
PT Barnum’s circus was full of curiosities, including bearded women. One of these was Annie Jones, who joined the show at just nine months old. Billed as ‘The Infant Esau’ – the biblical Esau being distinguished by his wealth of hair – Jones was able to grow a full beard, moustache and sideburns. This was probably due to hirsutism, a condition that causes excessive body hair to grow in areas where it is normally absent. As well as being one of the star attractions, Jones also became a spokesperson for the ‘freaks’ in Barnum’s show and campaigned to rid the circus of the offensive term.
Jones was exhibited as a ‘bearded lady’ for her entire life
ALAMY X3, BRIDGEMAN IMAGES X1, GETTY IMAGES X4, LIBRARY OF CONGRESS X1, TOPFOTO X1