The Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio) 1875-1903, 1879-06-19
t" ELLA zOYARAD
The Remarkable Career of Omar Kings
ley. the Female HmpersonatOr-Hfs Com
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lsan Francisco Chronirls.l

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lsan Francisco Chronitle.l
The death of Omar Kingsley closes
the career of one who gained a wide
spread reputation as Ella Zoyara. For
years he appeared as an equestrienne
under this title in most every country
on this globe, and few of those who
have witnessed the graceful perform
ance of the beautiful Zoyara dreamed
that the performer was man. Letters
and lovers were abundant, and among
the latter figures no less important a
parsonage than Victor Emanuel of Italy,
who fell in love with the dashing young
rider. Soldiers and civilians figured
also on the list of Zoyara's lovers, and
a dispute about her among the former,
finally caused her or him to be placed in
durance vile at Manila
I, Kingsley was born in st. Louis, where
his mother and sister still reside, about
1910. At the early age of six travel
ing circus fired his fancy for sawdust
and spangles, and he soon ran away from
the parental roof. He apprenticed
himself to Spence Stokes, well-known
circus sproprietor of Phiiadelphia. Stokes
trained him to an equestrienne act, and
he soon appeared under. the name of
Ella Zoyara. His beautiful, boyish face,
a profusion of rich, black curly hair,
and his slender form assisted the per-
sonatioD. He was advertised and rode
under this name for several years, at
tracting no particular attention, but
keeping the secret of his sex carefully
concealed. He accompanied Stokes to
Europe, where he rode as a female in
ali the principal cities.
In Moscow Russian Count is said
to have fallen madly in love with him,
and offered Stokes alarge sum for an in
PRODUCTION to the fair Zoyara. 1t was
in the sunny cline of Italy, however,
that the greatest conquest took place.
Victor Emanuel saw him at the circus,
and afterward sent for him. He at
tended, though accompanied by his
woman-servant, without whom herarely
appeared in public. Victor Emanuel
frequently attended the performance,
and Zoyara called upon him., The King
of Italy presented him with a magnif-
cent black stallion, of which Stokes i'm
mediately took possession, and afterward
sold, when in financial difficulties in
Madrid. fi
When Z0yara returned to New York,
he was advertised as the greatest female
rider that Europe had ever seen, and
crowds we're nightly attracted by his
performances. He rode graceful act,
was more graceful than any equestri-
enne that had or has appeared before an
American audience, while long expert
ence enabled him to impersonate a
female characterin manner that almost
defed detection. ap i
His sex was a secret even to many of
those employed in the same establish
ment. He performed for one or two
seasons in the eastern country, every
where meeting with success, letters, and
would-be lovers and husbands.
During this time he was married to
Sallie Stickney, an equestrienne, daugh
ter Of Robert Stickney, of Cincinnati
In 1868 he came to California, and
made his debut in this city in connec
tion With John Wilson's circus. He
travelled two seasons upon the Pacific
slope, appearing as female rider, and
carrying out the deception in per
feet manner. There are many men wht
still remember the beautiful Zoyar,
and her graceful performance in th'
ring.