MYRTLE  CORBIN
JOESPHINE MYRTLE CORBIN
JOSEPHINE MYRTLE BICKNELL
from Cyclopędia of the Diseases of Children, by John M. Keating; 1889
"THE FOUR-LEGGED GIRL"
   Alabama, March, 1865. America's Civil War was drawing to a close but many Union campaigns were still being waged across the State.  Twenty-three year old William Corbin, who had served his home state of Georgia in support of the Confederacy, came to live in Blount Co., following his discharge. During this time he took Nancy Sullins for a wife. Nine years his senior and with a daughter from a former marriage, William did not see in this an impediment to his personal happiness.  As optimistic as he was though, young Mr. Corbin  understood the going would not be easy.  The War of the Rebellion left the Alabama farmer with a severely injured right arm and left hand making it difficult, to say the least, to ply his trade in an efficient
Go HERE for a brief medical description of the infant Myrtle Corbin.  Otherwise, skip to THIS PAGE
manner. 
    As sexist as it sounds today, William must have looked forward to the birth of a son who could one day help him in his daily chores.
    The couple's first child together, however, was another girl whom they named Mary.  For reasons unknown the family then removed to Tennessee where in late summer of 1867, Nancy became pregnant with their second child.
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      Lincoln Co, 12th of May, 1868. I can imagine William at the Blessed Event.  Excited, nervous, tacitly hoping for a boychild.
    The young man's initial reaction is not recorded.  I suppose "dismay" would be apropos.  Yes, it was another girl, but that was not the thing.  This little girl, whom they named Josephine Myrtle, was born - - -shall we say - - - different!