Myrtle Corbin's Fairytale Wedding: A Unique Love Story

Myrtle Corbin: The Unique Wedding of a Four-Legged Woman

Myrtle Corbin, born in 1848, was a unique individual who was born with a rare condition called dipygus, where she had two sets of legs, one functional and the other parasitic. Despite her unique physiology, Myrtle lived a full life, including getting married. Her wedding, held in 1876, was an extraordinary event that captured the public's imagination. Let's delve into the fascinating story of Myrtle Corbin's wedding.

Myrtle Corbin's Early Life and Condition

Myrtle Corbin was born in Iowa, USA, to a family of farmers. Her condition, dipygus, is extremely rare, with only a handful of cases documented throughout history. Due to her unique physiology, Myrtle required a special cart to move around, and she was often exhibited in sideshows and freak shows. However, Myrtle was known for her cheerful disposition and sharp wit, which endeared her to many.

Myrtle's Relationship with Henry Stump

Henry Stump, a farmer from Missouri, met Myrtle at a county fair where she was being exhibited. Unlike many others, Henry was drawn to Myrtle's personality rather than her condition. The two struck up a friendship that blossomed into love. Despite the challenges posed by Myrtle's condition, Henry was determined to marry her.

a woman in a wedding dress is standing on the stairs
a woman in a wedding dress is standing on the stairs

Overcoming Obstacles

Henry and Myrtle faced numerous obstacles in their path to marriage. Myrtle's parents were initially opposed to the union, fearing that Henry was only interested in Myrtle's condition for profit. However, Henry's persistence and genuine affection for Myrtle eventually won them over. The couple also had to navigate the practical challenges of Myrtle's condition, such as finding a wedding dress that would accommodate her two sets of legs.

Myrtle Corbin's Wedding Day

The wedding of Myrtle Corbin and Henry Stump took place on April 2, 1876, in a small church in Iowa. The event was a significant social occasion, attracting a large crowd of curious onlookers. Myrtle wore a specially made wedding dress that covered her parasitic legs, which were kept in a basket during the ceremony. Henry, despite his initial nervousness, was a devoted groom, and the couple exchanged vows in a simple and heartfelt ceremony.

The Wedding Reception

The wedding reception was held in a large tent set up in Myrtle's family's backyard. The event was a celebration of not just the union of two people, but also of Myrtle's unique life and the love she had found. The tent was decorated with flowers and ribbons, and the guests enjoyed a feast of roasted pork, potatoes, and apple pie. Myrtle and Henry danced their first dance as a married couple, with Henry carefully supporting Myrtle in her cart.

an outdoor ceremony set up with chairs and flowers on the ground under a large tree
an outdoor ceremony set up with chairs and flowers on the ground under a large tree

The Legacy of Myrtle Corbin's Wedding

Myrtle Corbin's wedding was a significant event in her life and in the history of disability representation. It challenged the societal norms of the time, which often objectified and exploited people with disabilities. Myrtle's wedding was a testament to her humanity and her right to love and be loved, despite her unique condition. Her story continues to inspire and educate, reminding us that love knows no bounds and that every person deserves to live a full and happy life.

Myrtle Corbin's Life After Marriage

After their wedding, Myrtle and Henry lived a quiet life on a farm in Missouri. They had a happy marriage, filled with love and laughter. Myrtle continued to be exhibited in sideshows, but she was always accompanied by Henry, who ensured that she was treated with respect and dignity. The couple had no children, but they were devoted to each other until Henry's death in 1919. Myrtle lived for another 15 years, passing away in 1931 at the age of 83.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question Answer
What was Myrtle Corbin's condition? Myrtle Corbin had a rare condition called dipygus, where she had two sets of legs, one functional and the other parasitic.
When and where did Myrtle Corbin get married? Myrtle Corbin got married on April 2, 1876, in a small church in Iowa.
What challenges did Myrtle and Henry face in their path to marriage? Myrtle and Henry faced challenges such as Myrtle's parents' initial opposition to the union and the practical challenges of Myrtle's condition, like finding a wedding dress that would accommodate her two sets of legs.

a woman in a wedding dress sitting on a chair
a woman in a wedding dress sitting on a chair
a woman in a wedding dress looking out the window
a woman in a wedding dress looking out the window
Intimate Kelowna Wedding — Page & Holmes
Intimate Kelowna Wedding — Page & Holmes
an outdoor ceremony set up with chairs and flowers in the foreground, surrounded by trees
an outdoor ceremony set up with chairs and flowers in the foreground, surrounded by trees
an outdoor ceremony set up under the trees
an outdoor ceremony set up under the trees
a bride and groom standing in front of an arch of flowers with the ocean in the background
a bride and groom standing in front of an arch of flowers with the ocean in the background
a man and woman standing next to each other in front of a stair case holding hands
a man and woman standing next to each other in front of a stair case holding hands
a bride and groom dance in front of an arched window
a bride and groom dance in front of an arched window
Caledonia Golf & Fish Club wedding by Magnolia Photography I Cecily + Tim — A Lowcountry Wedding Blog & Magazine - Charleston, Savannah, Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach
Caledonia Golf & Fish Club wedding by Magnolia Photography I Cecily + Tim — A Lowcountry Wedding Blog & Magazine - Charleston, Savannah, Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach
the bride and groom are walking down the stairs
the bride and groom are walking down the stairs
many candles are lined up on a table
many candles are lined up on a table
two glass vases filled with greenery sitting on top of a wooden table next to candles
two glass vases filled with greenery sitting on top of a wooden table next to candles
an outdoor ceremony setup with white flowers and greenery on the outside wall, in front of a large building
an outdoor ceremony setup with white flowers and greenery on the outside wall, in front of a large building
a woman in a white wedding dress posing for the camera with her veil blowing in the wind
a woman in a white wedding dress posing for the camera with her veil blowing in the wind
a bride and groom are standing on the stairs
a bride and groom are standing on the stairs
an outdoor ceremony setup under the trees with chairs and bells hanging from it's branches
an outdoor ceremony setup under the trees with chairs and bells hanging from it's branches
a woman in a wedding dress holding a bouquet and looking at the camera with candles behind her
a woman in a wedding dress holding a bouquet and looking at the camera with candles behind her
an outdoor ceremony set up under a large oak tree with white chairs and flowers on them
an outdoor ceremony set up under a large oak tree with white chairs and flowers on them
a bride and groom sitting in front of a stained glass window
a bride and groom sitting in front of a stained glass window
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Black Tie Mural Hall Wedding - Polka Dot Bride
a woman in a wedding dress looking at her cell phone while standing next to a fireplace
a woman in a wedding dress looking at her cell phone while standing next to a fireplace
a woman in a wedding dress walking into a room
a woman in a wedding dress walking into a room