Annie Bell

Become a member today to see the image(s) below in full resolution color. In addition, you'll gain access to detailed info on each performer and image in the collection.

Annie (or Anna) Bell was born in St. Louis in 1873, daughter of a contractor. She started performing at age 12, meeting her future husband, Chauncey Morlan, in a Chicago dime museum, when he was 14. It was love at first sight.

Annie performed in Europe for Barnum in 1889, and was billed as age 18, her weight was said to be 465 pounds, and she reportedly stood 6-foot 2-inches tall.