Eli Bowen

Eli Bowen (October 14, 1844 – May 4, 1924) was an American sideshow performer known as "The Legless Wonder", or "The Legless Acrobat". He was also billed as "The Handsomest Man in Showbiz" and the "Wonder of the Wide, Wide World".

Early life Eli Bowen was born on October 14, 1844 in Richland County, Ohio, to Robert and Sarah Bowen. His other seven siblings were of normal complexion and they all loved and supported their impaired brother. However, 1860 census records demonstrate that he was living with his parents and attended school. Only starting from 1870 census, after his father's death in 1865, did Bowen begin to describe his occupation as "showman".

Medical condition

Bowen was born with phocomelia, a rare congenital condition historically known as "seal limbs", in which his feet were attached directly to his hips, leaving him without fully developed legs. His upper body developed normally, and his seven siblings were unaffected.

A brief history of his life was retold in a pamphlet The Wonder of the Wide, Wide World: The True History of Mr. Eli Bowen which was published in 1880. which was caused by pneumonia. He was buried in Lowell, Indiana.