Jonathan Bass facts for kids
Jonathan R. Bass (born November 25, 1830, died September 13, 1892) was a famous American sideshow performer. He was known by his stage name, The Ossified Man. Jonathan was born in New York State. As a teenager, a condition called rheumatism caused his body parts to turn hard like bone. This process is called ossification. He started his sideshow career in 1887 at Niagara Falls and traveled all over the United States. He passed away in New York City in 1892.
Early Life and Health Challenges
Jonathan Bass was born in Cambria, a town in western New York State. He was the oldest of three brothers. When he was very young, he seemed like any other child. However, as he grew into a child and then a teenager, he suffered from several attacks of rheumatism. This condition made it very hard for him to walk. He needed crutches and canes to move around.
Becoming The Ossified Man
Over time, Jonathan's body became completely ossified. The rheumatism caused his joints, tendons, and muscles to harden and turn into bone. This condition is also known as akylosis. Things became even more difficult for him. In 1869, he lost his eyesight. He also had to eat by sucking food and swallowing it whole. When his mother died in 1872, one of his brothers began to care for him.
In 1887, Jonathan Bass started his career in show business. He first performed at Niagara Falls. After that, he traveled and performed across the United States. Even with all his health challenges, Jonathan remained a cheerful person. He later had a disagreement with his manager about how much money he should receive from his performances.
Later Years and Passing
Jonathan Bass died from a fever and pneumonia. He was performing at Huber's Museum in New York City at the time. His family did not want an autopsy to be performed. Jonathan was buried in a special iron-covered vault. This was done to prevent anyone from trying to steal his body.
A magazine called Scientific American published an article in 1908. It suggested that a museum worker might have accidentally caused Jonathan's death. The article claimed the worker dropped him while lifting him from a carriage.
