Josephine Myrtle Corbin: The Four-Legged Girl Who Defied Expectations

Born in 1868 in Tennessee, Josephine Myrtle Corbin entered the world with a rare condition called dipygus, which caused her body to split from the waist down, giving her two separate pelvises and four legs—two fully functional, and two smaller, non-usable ones. Despite this extraordinary anomaly, Myrtle lived a life that both captivated and inspired the world.
By age 13, she was showcased in sideshows across the United States as “The Four-Legged Girl from Texas.” Crowds came not just out of curiosity, but drawn to her grace, intelligence, and polite demeanor, which shone far beyond the novelty of her condition.
What truly set Myrtle apart was her resilience and determination to live a normal life. In her late teens, she left show business and married Dr. Clinton Bicknell. Together, they had five children—a remarkable achievement that defied medical expectations for someone with her anatomy. Doctors documented her pregnancies carefully, noting she carried children in one of her two uteruses. Rather than hiding away, Myrtle embraced life as a devoted wife and mother, proving she was far more than a medical curiosity.
Josephine Myrtle Corbin passed away in 1928 at the age of 59. Her legacy endures as a testament to human adaptability, courage, and dignity. She refused to be defined by her condition, instead building a full, meaningful life grounded in love, family, and perseverance. Today, Myrtle is remembered not just for her unique body, but for her extraordinary spirit that continues to inspire.