Barney Nelson

From Elizabeth Anderson:

Barney Nelson, the "Armless Phenomenon" or "Stump-Armed Child", was born in Chicago on June 28, 1878, his missing arms due to amniotic band syndrome, a birth defect in which parts of the fetal membranes become wound around the limbs, severing them. He appeared at various dime museums in the 1880s, winning fans with his charming personality. His act consisted of normal everyday tasks such as writing and playing checkers. The last mention I've found of Barney is from 1931, when he appeared at the Mississippi Valley State Fair.