The story of Mary Ann Bevan, who was considered ‘The ugliest woman in the world,’ starts in the 19th century, a dark period of the American culture when ‘freak shows,’ traveling circuses showing people with certain deformities and disabilities, were at the peak of their popularity.
Today, it is highly unacceptable to treat people with disabilities with disrespect, but back in the day, no one believed it was morally wrong to dub them freaks.
Mary Ann Bevan was born on December 20, 1874, in Plaistow, East London, United Kingdom. She grew up to become a nurse and was respected by the society. On top of that, she was a very attractive woman who was offered many possibilities.
In 1902, Mary met the love of her life, a man named Thomas Bevan. The two married and welcomed four children together, but their happiness didn’t last long. After 14 years, Thomas passed away, leaving Mary heartbroken.
Her life became difficult as she was left to take care and provide for her children all by herself.
Unfortunately, around the time she turned 32, Mary started experiencing strange symptoms. Her face started changing gradually and she didn’t know what was happening or what caused that change which impacted her both psychologically and financially. Mary’s bones grew big, and her face became deformed. As a result, she lost her job and was unable to provide for her children any longer.
Back in the day, no one could diagnose her, but this poor woman suffered from acromegaly, a hormonal disorder that develops when the pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone during adulthood, when a change in height doesn’t occur. Instead, the increase in bone size is limited to the bones of the hands, feet and face.
Today, a lot more is knows about this condition and there are ways to keep it under control, which wasn’t the case during the time Mary lived.
Crushed, heartbroken, and poor, this woman saw an ad one day which read, “Wanted: Ugliest woman. Nothing repulsive, maimed or disfigured. Good pay guaranteed, and long engagement for successful applicant. Send recent photograph.”
No matter how awful she felt about this ‘job,’ she saw no way out of her situation. She simply needed to do anything in order to feed her children. Above all, she was a mother.
Mary answered the ad and she was soon contacted by the circus’ agent, a man named Claude Bartram, who later shared Mary’s story.
“She was not repulsive at all. She had the kind of face one usually finds in a giant, a powerful, masculine jaw, prominent cheek-bones, nose and forehead, but she was unblemished, healthy and strong. She told me she did not like the idea of placing herself on exhibition, she was shy and did not want to be separated from her children,” Bartram said, according to Daily Star.
“I told her she would earn £10 per week for a year, travelling expenses and all the money from the sale of picture postcards of herself, so she could provide for the education of her children.”
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In no time, magazines were filled with Mary Ann’s photos and everyone recognized her as ‘the ugliest woman on Earth.’
Her popularity brought her to the Dreamland Circus in Coney Island, New York, one of the most famous circuses there were. Mary Ann became an attraction, but then a doctor named Harvey Cushing, a leading neurosurgeon, spotted her and knew there was more behind ger huge face that he wanted to explore thoroughly.
“This unfortunate woman who sits in the sideshow of Ringling Brothers ‘between Fat Lady and Armless Wonder’ and ‘affects white lace hats, woollen mittens and high laced shoes’ has a story which is far from mirth-provoking.
“She, previously a vigorous and good-looking young woman, has become the victim of a disease known as acromegaly,” he wrote in a letter to Time magazine.
Mary Ann spent her life working at the circus and she was reported to have earned a small fortune which enabled her to send her children back to England where they attended boarding schools.
She endured a lot, but she did it all for her children.
Mary Ann died at the age of 59 of natural causes. Her final wish was to be buried in her homeland, England, and her children fulfilled her wish. She is resting at the Ladywell and Brockley Cemetery in South London.
This woman’s sad, yet fascinating life story speaks of the mother’s love for her children more than anything else.
Prayers needed for “Duck Dynasty’s” beloved star Uncle Si Robertson for his major surgery.
Getting medical work done can never be an easy task. Even with a normal treatment, there’s always a chance that it will cause anxiety.
Si Robertson, star of Duck Dynasty, has disclosed some private health-related information. See what he has to say, then.
American television personality Si Robertson enjoys immense popularity. He makes an appearance on Duck Dynasty, where he’s lovingly called “Uncle Si.”
He was a duck call maker at Duck Commander for many years, and he is now retired. He gained widespread recognition after making an appearance on the hit television program Duck Dynasty.
In his podcast, The Duck Call Room, he shares candid moments regarding many topics. He disclosed that he was going to have surgery. Over the past few years, he has experienced various health concerns. He disclosed that he had some lung and breathing issues in a podcast episode, which he linked to smoking. He also suffers from COPD, and the COVID-19 infection made all of his lung and breathing-related problems worse.
The 74-year-old podcast host and television personality is affectionately referred to as “Uncle Si” by both his family and followers. In June 2022, he informed his admirers that he was cleared for surgery. He clarified that in order to improve his breathing, the treatment would entail implanting valves to address the problem with his lung’s underperformance.
“I was in Houston for some examinations. At that time, he stated, “It looks like I’m approved for lung surgery, but there are a few more things we have to do.” “After that, I’ll be able to bore your ears with even more tales that are, I promise, 95% true!”
Many of his fans were relieved when the 74-year-old posted an update in September 2022. In addition to updating everyone on his condition and the outcome of the treatment, he uploaded a photo of himself in the hospital.
“The doctor says the surgery went great,” he wrote. Jack, I’m prepared to resume my efforts!” Robertson writes to supporters, expressing gratitude for their support and prayers. It is extremely important to us.
In the comment section, hundreds of individuals expressed their relief. “Come on back!,” commented his Duck Commander General Manager and co-host for Duck Call Room, Justin Martin, in a comment. We must produce podcasts! wishing you well, elderly man. We cherish you!
Willie Robertson’s wife, Korie Robertson, also left a comment with emojis for prayers and love.
To reassure his audience, he discussed a lot about the procedure on his podcast before to it happening.
The good health of Uncle Si brings us great joy. We are sending him our best wishes for continued good health.
Tell people about this composition so they can see how well Uncle Si is doing!
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