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Ella HarperCircus artist
Date of Birth: 05.01.1870
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Ella Harper, the "Camel Girl"
Early LifeElla Harper was born in the United States, along with her twin brother Everett, to parents William and Minerva. Ella was born with a rare orthopedic condition known as genu recurvatum, which caused her knees to bend backward, hindering her ability to walk upright. Everett passed away three months after birth, leaving Ella with four siblings: three sisters and a younger brother. The Harper family resided in the small town of Hendersonville, living with their paternal grandparents.
Circus Career
At the age of 12, Ella began touring with Harris' Nickel Plate show, earning approximately $200 per week (equivalent to around $5,000 today). It was during this time that she acquired the moniker "Camel Girl." Ella's promotional materials described her as a beautiful and charming young lady with the body and gait of a camel, sparking public curiosity.
In 1886, Ella posed for a photoshoot with renowned New York photographer Charles Eisenmann, who specialized in capturing images of individuals with pronounced physical deviations. These photographs remain the last documented depictions of Ella.
Retirement and Education
In 1886, Ella left the circus, weary of constant travel and attention. She expressed her desire to pursue education: "I am called the Camel Girl on account of my knees being turned backward. I walk on my hands and feet, as you will see by my photograph. I have been traveling for the past four years in a show business, but in 1886 I intend to quit show business and go to school. I wish to change my business."
Family Life
In 1903, Ella relocated to Nashville with her mother. In 1905, she married schoolteacher Robert Sawley, who later became an accountant for a photography studio. In April 1906, the couple welcomed their daughter, Mabel, who tragically passed away at the age of six months. In 1916, Ella and Robert joined the Seventh-day Adventist Church. They adopted a newborn girl named Jewel in May 1918, but their joy was short-lived as Jewel passed away at three months old.
Death
On December 19, 1921, Ella passed away from colon cancer. She was buried in Nashville's Spring Hill Cemetery alongside her children.
