Eli Bowen "The Legless Acrobat". From the collection of Lon Ellis.

Here is a CDV and two pinback buttons from my collection of Eli Bowen "The Legless Acrobaot", born in 1844 with feet but no legs. He was 24 inches high and 140 pounds. He could climb a 13 foot pole and balance on one hand at the top of the pole. He could also grip the pole and hold his torso straight, parallel to the ground, and spin around the pole! He had phenomenal strength and was apparently considered one of the most handsome men in show business. He started at age 13 then later toured in Europe with the Barnum and Bailey Circus as an adult.