I reckon when Lester Eighinger married Daisy Sears in Sept of 1897 there were the usual hopes for happiness and a good life. But for several reasons things didn't quite go that way for the Ohio couple.
It was not long after the nuptials were celebrated that the children began to arrive. Let's see, first there was Fred, then Ethel who in turn was followed a couple of years later by Frank. Problem was, unlike many of his neighbors in Mifflin Township, Lester did not own or operate a farm. He kept his family afloat best he could as a day laborer working odd jobs. I suppose the fact that he had a drinkining problem didn't much help matters any.
I think it's safe to say that when Daisy became pregnant again in early 1905 there wasn't a whole lot of celebratin' going on. Another mouth to feed was on its way and the prospects of Dad improving the family's financial situation wasn't looking too bright.
But lo and behold, with the birth of their fourth child George Francis in October of that year their depressing situation was turned about face.
You see, little Georgie was born with a body that was all messed up. There were extra parts, most notably an extra leg, that caused those present to wonder if this monster would or could survive at all. The initial reaction of the parents is not recorded but I'm betting they were hoping the little one would just quietly pass away and this new burden be lifted off their already heavy laden shoulders.
But the little boy thrived and I think it's also safe to assume that it wasn't too long ere the now proud parents figured out their deformed infant could prove to a meal ticket.
The interest that the oddly-shaped babe aroused encouraged Lester and Daisy to exhibit the malformed tot to their neighbors for profit. At first they traveled to nearby towns and villages but it soon became clear they needed a proper manager in order to exploit..er...exhibit their child to best advantage. After all, who knew how long this prank of nature would survive?
The only couple that the Eihingers knew with connections to show business were William "Skip" Startzel and his wife who was also named Daisy. The were actors in a vaudeville-type touring company and were well-regarded in the area. Soon the whole lot of 'em were traveling into the adjoining states of Michigan and Illinois and even as far west as Indiana showing the infant wherever they could. They would travel with a small tent, set it up and proceed to charge admission to see the baby who was now billed as "May-Joe", having 3 legs, 3 feet , 2 stomachs and the sexual organs of both a boy and a girl!
In 1909 the Startzel's secured a contract for little George, who was now four years old, to appear in the side show of the newly combined "Two Bills' Show" - Buffalo Bill's Wild West and Pawnee Bill's Great Far East.
By all accounts the tour was successful, unfortunately the personal lives of the exhibitors was not.
As it turns out Mr. Eihinger and Mr. Startzel were abusive to their wives. Daisy Startzel petitioned and was granted a divorce in 1915 and Daisy Eihinger petitioned for (and presumably was granted) a divorce in 1911.
The last I heard of George was in 1920 when he was living with his Mom in Richland, Ohio. He was then 15 years old.
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