Antique 1869 CDV photo CAROLINA TWINS African American circus act Signed
Antique CDV photo of the “CAROLINA TWINS” – MILLIE AND CRISSIE. Back marked by ED. ROGERS – PHOTOGRAPHER – HAMILTON, O. Back mark also states that the image was Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1866, by Mrs. Smith, in the Clerk’s Office of the U. District Court of Maryland. The photo has the names Millie and Christie faintly written on the back of the image above the back mark in pencil, possibly signed by the twins themselves? I cannot verify if these are actually their signatures or not, please view photos and make your own conclusion. The “Carolina Twins” have a fascinating history, they were African American conjoined twins born into slavery in North Carolina in 1851. From infants they were exhibited in various cities, eventually becoming an act in Barnum & Baileys circus after being freed by the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. Condition – Some light wear and discoloration as seen, overall very good.