| "Shippensburg has in its public school as scholar, one whose like is not to be found elsewhere. It is a legless and armless boy named Albert Pilgrim. He performs all class duties, except that of working on the black board, and stands well in his studies. This young man was never in school until this term, having been instructed at home. He was born in this condition, and is fully developed in every respect except the want of arms and legs. He is of a genial happy nature, and bears his misfortune with resignation." - 1897 |
| ALBERT PILGRIM |
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| These photos indicate Albert did more than just "bear his misfortune with resignation." He entered the show business around age nine, some say with Barnum, where part of his act was to load and shoot a long arm with accuracy. |
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| (left) I believe this to be one of the earliest photos taken of little Albert Pilgrim. Notice the same photographer is credited in this and the photo above. Does the fact that the photo was taken and copyrighted indicate it was meant for sale? If so, little Albert was started in the show business at a very tender age which was not at all unheard of in those days. |
| ALBERT (ALFRED, WILLIE OR BILLY) PILGRIM 1880 – 1947 At birth Albert's umbilical cord was wrapped about his limbs in such a way that at the age of one year both arms and both legs had to be amputated near the knee and the elbow. He went on to make his living in traveling circuses and carnivals where he was an accomplished marksman in the "side shows". In the off season he would hand-write greeting cards, gentleman's calling cards and he penned elaborate drawings. The zenith of his show business career came in 1915 when he signed a one-year contract to appear in the Joy Zone at the Panama Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco. Albert married Isabel Fry 1904 and was the father of two daughters and by 2007 he had 30 descendents. Albert died in Southern Oregon while on tour performing with a carnival. He is buried in the Pacific Coast Showman’s Association, Section L at Evergreen Cemetery in Los Angeles, California. |
| This author considers himself very fortunate to have members of the Albert Pilgrim family contact him. They have graciously allowed the publication of the following abbreviated biography of their famous ancestor. |
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| Go HERE for more photos of Albert in his adult years and examples of his artwork and penmanship |
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| Demonstrating the ability to fire a rifle was always part of Albert's act. I wonder what make and model of long arm he used? |
| The Artist |
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