A Remarkably Fine Woman

She was born in Mexico in 1834. Taken from her Mother by some herders who were looking for a stray cow. They placed her in a Childrens' refuge. She was then taken into the home of the new Governor where she worked hard but in return was given an education and access to books. She could speak Spanish, English and some French. She loved singing and dancing and made all her own dresses. She remained in the Governor's home until she was a young woman of twenty. She decided she wished to return to her own people. As nobody knew who they were this was impossible  so she set out into the world by herself.

On her journey she met a Mr. Rates, an American impressario. He asked her if she would like to make a career upon the stage. He assured he that she could make a lot of money and he would be sure she was well cared for. She quickly agreed. Actually there was not much else she could do. There was little choice for someone like her. You see, she was different. She was what was called a "nondescript - I hate to use the word, but it was the word used then -  a "freak". There were many people in the same position , Joseph Merrick, the Elephant Man, being but one.  I hate the word freak, I loathe it.  I prefer to call them "different" or "special." Earlier this year somebody asked me if I had ever seen the film "Freaks" which was made in 1932 and incidentally, was banned in Britain for over thirty years.  I admitted that I had and that I had watched it with strange fascination (maybe it is inherant in us all to be fascinated or intrigued by something or somebody different) and also with distaste that these "special" people were being used in that way, some of them not understanding that they would be stared at by millions of cinema goers.  On the other hand, it gave them a living, people like P.T. Barnum treated them very well. Many of them married, some to other special people, some to normal partners.  They were protective of each other and made the best of their lives that they could.

That was the start of the career of Julia Pastrana ( the name that was given to her in the Childrens' home), who was to be billed as "The Ape Woman",The Baboon Lady" or The Ugliest Woman In The World". This remarkable and brave lady stood only four feet six inches tall, had  a hugely over-developed jaw and was covered in black silky hair all over her body except for the palms of her hands and the soles of her tiny feet.  In those far off and unenlightened times, people really did believe she was a hybrid, a cross between a human being and an ape.

Despite her appearance, Julia was kind-hearted, friendly and very intelligent. She could read and write thanks to the Governor. She also played the guitar and sang English and Spanish songs. She had tiny and very graceful feet and could perform all sorts of dances including the Highland Fling. She was first exhibited in America where she was a great success (thankfully those days are behind us now) and also in Europe.

Eventually Mr. Rates got an offer for her that he could not refuse so her new "Manager" was Theodore Lent and they went on tour for several years. Julia was lonely because she was not allowed out. Lent reasoned that people would not pay to see what they could see walking down the street in broad daylight. Julia would occasionally be invited to a party which she loved and people were struck by her charm.

Lent was worried, people were approaching him with huge offers for Julia and it was only a matter of time before they approached her directly. Fearing for his livelihood he promptly decided to marry her. Julia was delighted. She believed that somebody loved her, loved her for herself, loved her despite her looks  and so she agreed. The touring continued. Julia found that she was pregnant and was so overcome with delight.

While in Russia, Julia was delivered of her son.

When they put the baby into Julia's arms, she cried. He had been born hairy like her. The baby lived only 35 hours and five days later Julia herself passed away from complications of labour. She had a very small pelvis and the baby had weighed 8lbs. Some say that she died of a broken heart.

Lent was now deprived of his star attraction and of his major income. He had Julia and their son embalmed and put on display where he continued to make a good deal of  money from them. How heartless can this man have been? He soon found another "hairy" woman to marry and often got her to pretend she was Julia or Julia's sister. The second wife had to contend with being displayed alongside the bodies of his first wife and child which were housed in a glass case. Ultimately Lent went insane and was confined to an asylum. Maybe Julia got her revenge after all.

This was not the end of Julia's  travels.  After the death of Lent, his second wife sold Julia and her son. For around 160 years she continued to be exhibited all over the world in carnivals and sideshows that got ever more tacky. She was damaged when some boys broke into her glass case thinking she was a model.  Her baby son was thrown into the rubbish.

Her body is now in an Oslo Hospital, hidden away from the public eye among specimen jars of all descriptions. Kept in case her DNA can provide information sometime.

It is to be hoped that Julia's battered and damaged body  will one day rest in peace. She was a truly courageous and brave woman. Despite her terrible handicaps, she went out into the world, made a life, was liked by people, if she was bitter she never showed it. Charles Darwin said of her " Miss Julia Pastrana, a Spanish dancer, was a remarkably fine woman".

She deserved better.

 

Julia suffered from extreme Hypertrichosis. What caused her jaw deformity is not known.  She came from a trible of people called Digger Indians who were known for their shortness.

***If you wish to read more of her amazing story I can recommend the book Julia Pastrana - The Tragic Story of the Victorian Ape Woman by Christopher Hals Gylseth and Lars O. Toverud.

I must thank all of you who left such wonderful comments yesterday.  I have been truly touched by the things you have had to say. Thank you so much, I put the hurt behind me and move on!