I am pleased with the strides our civilization has made in 2022, recognizing that progress comes in various forms. While acknowledging that certain aspects of the past were better, it’s crucial to highlight that some elements of bygone eras belong precisely where they are, in the past.
In the 19th century, “freak shows” were a popular attraction, considered a regular part of American society. These mobile circuses showcased individuals deemed “odd”, such as bearded women and Siamese twins. Mary Ann Bevan, labeled the “Ugliest Woman in the World”, emerged as one of these attractions, and her poignant life story emphasizes the need to remember and learn from such historical missteps.
While human curiosity about individuals with different ethnicities or physical abilities has existed throughout history, exploiting them for profit is ethically wrong, regardless of the time period. In the 19th century, audiences flocked to witness people with deformities in “freak shows”, an unsettling trend that persisted from the 1840s to the 1940s without widespread moral objection.
Mary Ann Bevan’s story unfolded in this challenging period. Born as Mary Ann Webster on December 20, 1874, in Plaistow, East London, she grew up in a working-class household, one of eight children. Unlike her brothers, who found employment when they reached adulthood, Mary Ann pursued education, graduating from medical school and beginning her career as a nurse in 1894.
Her life took a positive turn when she married Thomas Bevan in 1902, and together, they experienced the joys of raising four children. However, tragedy struck after 14 years of marriage when Thomas suffered a stroke and passed away. Left alone with her children, Mary Ann faced additional challenges as she grappled with a rare condition known as acromegaly, which affected her physical appearance.
Acromegaly, characterized by the overproduction of growth hormone, leads to enlarged body tissues and bones. Mary Ann exhibited symptoms around the age of 32, and with limited knowledge about the condition at the time, she struggled to find help. Unlike the typical manifestation of acromegaly after puberty, Mary Ann’s ailment affected her face, altering her features.
Despite her hardships, Mary Ann initially found solace in her family and received support from her husband. However, after Thomas’s death, the disease’s impact worsened, rendering her unemployable due to her changed appearance. Desperate to provide for her children, Mary Ann responded to a newspaper advertisement seeking the “Ugliest woman” for a circus.
Claude Bartram, an agent for Barnum and Bailey, selected Mary Ann based on her photograph and offered her a contract that included a weekly salary, travel expenses, and proceeds from picture postcard sales. Mary Ann’s journey to America in 1920 marked the beginning of her fame as “The Ugliest Woman on Earth”, with appearances at the Coney Island Circus.
Despite objections to the morality of using individuals with physical differences for entertainment, Mary Ann became a sensation, earning significant income. The financial success allowed her to provide her children with education in England, fulfilling her commitment as a devoted mother. Mary Ann’s resilience and sacrifice epitomize true beauty and maternal love.
Returning to France in 1925 for an exhibition, Mary Ann spent the remainder of her life in New York, working at the Coney Island Dreamland Show. She passed away in 1933 from natural causes at the age of 59, fulfilling her dying wish to be buried in her native country, laid to rest at South London’s Ladywell and Brockley Cemetery.
Mary Ann Bevan’s story is a testament to her unwavering determination to support her family. In a time without modern benefits, she worked tirelessly, embodying the selflessness of a mother who prioritizes her children above all. May Mary Ann rest in peace, a deserving tribute to a woman whose life exemplified sacrifice and maternal love.
Jane Seymour Shows Off Her Twin Sons, Who Have Now Grown Into “Handsome Men”
Within the entertainment industry, Jane Seymour’s name is synonymous with sophistication, talent, and timeless beauty.
The 72-year-old, who is renowned for her varied acting career, has been lighting up screens for a long time with her superb performances.
Apart from her notoriety in Hollywood, Seymour is a dedicated mother and author.
She has truly managed to traverse the joys and challenges of being a parent, even with the unique experience of raising twin boys.
Seymour, who has been married and divorced four times, is the proud mother of Katherine, 41, and Sean, 38, who were born during her marriage to David Flynn. In addition, she has two boys, Kristopher Steven and John Stacy, who are 27 years old, from her marriage to filmmaker James Keach.
The path to motherhood
Seymour encountered many challenges when becoming a mother. She talked candidly with People about how she and her ex-husband, Keach, nearly gave up on their aspirations after experiencing two miscarriages after in-vitro pregnancy. However, at 44, she conceived her third child, and this time, it worked, resulting in the birth of twin boys, John and Kristopher.
Pre-eclampsia caused the boys’ emergency C-section delivery to occur six weeks early.
Given this, the twins encountered problems from the start. The pregnancy and birth included significant dangers, and Seymour and the twins narrowly escaped a disastrous outcome. “I nearly died having them, and the babies nearly died,” she disclosed in an interview with Loose Women.
Seymour says he’s glad he had children, but he’s never regretted taking that chance.The twins needed constant supervision in their early years because of their early birth.
Seymour claimed that both boys had health issues; Johnny even went blue twice after returning from the hospital.
This led to their readmission to the hospital, where their swallowing, sucking, and breathing were monitored. Seymour was clearly committed to her twins’ welfare.
She chose choices that allowed her to spend as much time as possible with her children, often including them in her filmmaking.
Supporters adore Jane Seymour’s sons
Seymour just shared a cute picture of herself with her grown twin boys, who her fans say have grown into tall, handsome men who tower over her. Lovers showered the picture with kind remarks, expressing their admiration: “I adore this, Jane.” You look gorgeous, and the boys are really attractive.
Others joined in, saying, “Two attractive males! and a stunning mother!”Handsome sons!” and more remarks like that carried on the praising.and “Your boys look good.”
Comments along the lines of “How beautiful you three are!” continued to flow from the outpouring of love.and “They resemble their father very much.” attractive dudes.
Seymour’s twin motherhood, with all of its challenges and successes, is evidence of the enduring power of a mother’s love.
Despite her tall and handsome twin kids towering over her, she continues to enjoy the enduring power of love and the joys of parenthood.
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