Image Not Available
for Charles B. Tripp
Charles B. Tripp
Canadian-American, 1855 – 1930
Person TypePerson
Terms
BiographyCharles Tripp was born without arms, but learned how to use his feet and toes as others used their hands. In 1872, he joined Barnum's sideshow and was known as the "Armless Wonder." Always presented in a suit, he demonstrated penmanship, portrait painting and paper cutting. Later, he became interested in photography and added it to his list of talents. Tripp died in 1939 and his obituary said that, "he was a real hero in every sense of the word and overcame odds in life that would have submerged many a man with less determination and spirit."