Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Ella Harper, the Camel Girl

 

   Ella Harper, also known as Camel Girl, was a remarkable woman who captured the public’s attention in the early 20th century. Born on January 5, 1870, in Hendersonville, Tennessee to William Harper and Minerva Ann Childress, Ella was diagnosed with an unusual medical condition that caused her knees to bend backward, giving her the appearance of a camel. This condition, known as congenital genu recurvatum, is extremely rare, and Ella was one of only a few people known to have it.

Early Life

Ella Harper, the legendary Camel Girl, was born on a cold winter’s day in 1870 in the small town of Hendersonville, Tennessee. Her father, William, was a respected farmer and stock raiser in Sumner County, known for his skill with animals and his tireless work ethic. Ella’s mother, Minerva Ann Childress, was a strong and devoted woman who did her best to provide for her large family.

The Harper family of Sumner County, Tennessee, was a large and loving one, with five children in total: Sallie, Willie, Everett, Ella, and Jessie. But tragedy struck early in the family’s history when both Everett and Willie passed away, leaving the family reeling from grief.

Despite these losses, the Harpers remained close and supportive of one another, finding solace in their shared love and sense of purpose. They worked hard to provide for each other, with Ella’s father William earning a reputation as a skilled farmer and stock raiser in the local community.

It was into this close-knit family that Ella Evans Harper was born, with her unique physical condition setting her apart from her siblings from the very beginning. But although Ella was different, she was never treated as such by her family, who loved and cherished her for who she was.

Few people today are aware of Ella’s middle name, which was Evans, a fact that speaks to the enduring mystery and intrigue that surrounds this remarkable woman’s life.

From a young age, Ella stood out from her siblings due to her unique physical condition, which caused her knees to bend backward. Despite the challenges posed by this condition, Ella was a determined and resilient child who refused to let it hold her back. It wasn’t until later in life that it was discovered that Ella had a twin brother named Everett, who tragically passed away just three months after his birth.

Despite the challenges posed by her condition, Ella learned to walk on her hands and feet, and eventually became a performer in the circus. In 1886, when she was just 13 years old, Ella was discovered by a talent scout who brought her to New York to perform in the Coney Island sideshow. She quickly became a popular attraction, drawing crowds of curious onlookers who marveled at her unusual appearance and her acrobatic feats.

Ella Harper Carrier

From the moment she stepped into the spotlight, Ella Harper was a sensation. Her unique physical condition made her the talk of the town, and it wasn’t long before she found herself in demand as a sideshow performer.

In October of 1884, Ella made her debut in St. Louis, Missouri, and quickly gained a reputation as one of the most extraordinary performers of her time. She wowed audiences with her incredible feats of flexibility and strength, often appearing alongside a live camel for added spectacle.

By 1886, Ella had become a bona fide star, traveling with the famous Nickel Plate Circus and earning rave reviews from critics and fans alike. Newspapers across the country hailed her as a wonder of nature, with headlines proclaiming her as “the most incredible freak of all time” and “a living miracle.”

But as often happens with those who achieve great success, Ella’s fame was not without its detractors. In May of 1886, rumors began to circulate that she was a fraud, nothing more than a pretty face with backward-bending knees. Some even went so far as to suggest that she was a cleverly disguised camel herself!

Despite these hurtful and unfounded allegations, Ella refused to let them bring her down. She continued to perform and inspire audiences around the country, always striving to be the best version of herself. And while her pitch card may have been more modest in its description, there was no denying the incredible impact that Ella Harper had on the world of entertainment, and on the hearts and minds of those who witnessed her incredible talents firsthand.

Ella Harper After quitting the show

Ella Harper’s decision to leave the circus in 1886 was a turning point in her life. With her incredible earning power – reportedly up to $200 a week, equivalent to a whopping $5,000 by today’s standards – she had the world at her feet.

Many believe that Ella used her newfound wealth to pursue other interests, perhaps returning home to Hendersonville, Tennessee to focus on her education and explore a more private way of life. But despite her fame and fortune, Ella remained an enigma to those who knew her, disappearing from the public eye for years to come.

For a time, it seemed as though Ella had simply vanished from history. But as with all great mysteries, there were those who refused to give up the search for the elusive “Camel Girl.” And in the years to come, a new generation of fans would come to know and admire Ella Harper for the remarkable woman she truly was.

The Later Years: The Tragic Personal Life of Ella Harper

Ella Harper’s life was full of ups and downs, both on and off the stage. In 1905, she married Robert L. Savely, a school teacher and later a bookkeeper for a photo supplies company. The couple welcomed a daughter, Mabel Evans Savely, in 1906, but tragedy struck when the baby passed away just six months later.

Ella and Robert moved to Nashville in the late 1900s and lived with Ella’s mother on Joseph Avenue. In 1918, they adopted a baby girl named Jewel Savely, but once again their joy was short-lived as Jewel passed away within three months.

As if these losses weren’t enough to bear, Ella was diagnosed with colon cancer and passed away on December 19, 1921, at her home in Nashville. Her husband was listed as the informant on her death certificate, which stated that she was buried in Spring Hill Cemetery.

Despite the hardships she faced, Ella Harper’s legacy as the “Camel Girl” lives on, a testament to her strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

Although Ella’s life was not without its challenges, she was a resilient and determined woman who refused to be defined by her physical differences. She embraced her unique appearance and used it to her advantage, carving out a successful career as a performer and entertainer. Today, she is remembered as a trailblazer who defied societal expectations and paved the way for others to follow in her footsteps.

Ella Harper’s Grave In The Spring Hill Cemetery: Spring Hill Cemetery is located on Gallatin Pike across from the Nashville National Cemetery. It has been in existence since the early 1800s, although it only had a funeral home since the 1990s. Ella is buried in Section B of the old historic section of the cemetery within the Harper Family Plot. Ella’s mother, Minerva, passed away in 1924.

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