[AFRICAN AMERICANA]. MCKOY, Millie and Christine. Autographed cabinet card of the famous conjoined twins from North Carolina. New York: Eisenmann, ca 1890s.
Sale 2057 - American Historical Ephemera and Photography
Oct 25, 2024
10:00AM ET
Live / Cincinnati
Estimate
$400 -
600
Lot Description
[AFRICAN AMERICANA]. MCKOY, Millie and Christine. Autographed cabinet card of the famous conjoined twins from North Carolina. New York: Eisenmann, ca 1890s.
3 3/4 x 5 3/8 in. albumen photograph on cardstock mount with Eisemann's gilt imprint on recto and period inked identification, "Millie - Christine," on verso. The sisters appear in identical striped dresses, standing in a studio next to a pillar.
Born into enslavement on a plantation in southeastern North Carolina, the conjoined twins were sold several times while children and abducted twice by people looking to exploit them. Eventually, they came to be enslaved by Joseph Smith who toured the sisters through the United States, Canada, and Europe. They were freed by the Emancipation Proclamation and continued to tour internationally. The talented singers were successful enough to purchase the property where they were born and build a grand home where they lived until their death. In early October 1912, Millie died after contracting tuberculosis. Christine was unable to be safely separated and died the next day. Though they had separate personalities, they were often referred to with one name, "Millie-Christine" and are themselves quoted as saying, "Although we speak of ourselves in the plural, we feel as but one person."
Born into enslavement on a plantation in southeastern North Carolina, the conjoined twins were sold several times while children and abducted twice by people looking to exploit them. Eventually, they came to be enslaved by Joseph Smith who toured the sisters through the United States, Canada, and Europe. They were freed by the Emancipation Proclamation and continued to tour internationally. The talented singers were successful enough to purchase the property where they were born and build a grand home where they lived until their death. In early October 1912, Millie died after contracting tuberculosis. Christine was unable to be safely separated and died the next day. Though they had separate personalities, they were often referred to with one name, "Millie-Christine" and are themselves quoted as saying, "Although we speak of ourselves in the plural, we feel as but one person."
This lot is located in Cincinnati.
Condition Report
Significant toning and soiling/spotting to print. Mount with wear to edges and corners including a few creases to upper right, and some fading to gilt imprint.
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