The Bolivar bulletin. [volume] (Bolivar, Hardeman County, Tenn.) 1865-1888, 1879-06-19
So ELLA ZOYARA."


The Remarkable Career OF Omar Kings
ley.
San Francisco Chronicle.
The death of Omar Kingsley closes the
career Of one who gained q widespread /
reputation as Ella Zoyara. For years
he appesred as an equestrienne under |
this title in almost every country on /
the globe, and few of those who have |
witnessed the graceful performances of |
the beautiful Zoysra dreamed that the |
performer was man, Letters and lovers |
were abundant, and among the latter |
figured no less important a parsonage |
than Victor Emmanuel, of Italy, who |
fellin love with the dashing young rider. |
Soldiers and civilians figured also on the |
list o. Zoyara's lovers, and q dispute |
about her among the former finally |
caused her or him to be placed in du>
rance vile at Manila.
Kingsley was born in st. Louis, where
his mother and sister still reside, about
1910. At the early age of six, travel
ing circus fred his fancy for saWdust and
spangles, and he soon ran away from the
parental roof. He spprenticed himself
TO Spence Stokes, a well-knoWn circus
proprietor of Philadelphia. Stokes
trained him to do an equestrian act, and
he soon appeared under the name of
Ella ZOyaTa. His beautiful boyish face,
lrofusion of rich, black curly hair, and
his slender form, assisted the imperson-
alton. He was advertised and rode
| under this name for several years, at
tracing no particular attention, but
keeping the secret of his sex carefully
concealed. He accompanied Spence to
Europe, where he rode as a female in all
the principal cities. In Moscow 8 Rus
sian count is said to have fallen msdly
in love with him, and offered Stokes a
large sum for an introduction to the
fair Zoyara. 1t was in the sunny cline
! of Italy, however, that the greatest con-
| quest took place.
Victor Emmanuel saw him at the
circus and afterward sent for him. He
attended, though accompanied by his
woman-servant, without whom ne rarely
appeared in public. Victor Emmanuel
| frequently attended the performance,
| and ZoYara called upon him. The king
of Italy presented him with a magnif-
cant black stallion, of which Stokes inns
mediateiy took possession and afterWard
sold, when in financial difficulties in
Madrid. When &oyara returned to New
| York he was advertised as the greatest
| female rider that Europe had ever seen,
the crowds we're nightly attracted by his
performances. He rode-a graceful act,
was more daring and brilliant than any
equestrienne that had or has appeared
before an American audience, while long
experience enabled him to impersonate
q female character in manner that
almost defed detection. His sex was q
secret even to many of those employed
in the same establishment. He per-
formed for one or two seasons in the
astern country, everywhere meeting
| !, Lett 4
and husbands. During this time he Was
married to Sallie Stickney, an equestri-
enne daughter of Robert Stickney, of
Cincinnati. In 1868 he came to Cali
fornia and made his debut in this city in
connection with John Wilson's circus.
He travelled two seasons upon the Pacific
slOps, appearing as a female rider, and
carrying out the deception in a perfect
manner. There are many men who still
remember the beautiful Zoyara and her
graceful performance in the ring. In
1865 he sailed for Australia, where he at
one time created great sensation. He
had always appeared in female attire on
steamers, on the streets, in hotels, and
in the circus, so that the surprise of
those who cav him come from the canvas
one day just after a performance, in
male attire, and swearing like a gulf
pirate, was very great. Troubles with
circus companions led to this episode.
. In 1867 he travelled with the same
, company through India, the Straits
settlements, China, Japan. and the
| Philippine islands. AT Manila Span
, ish officer fell in love with Zoyara and
7 sought an introduction, but was refused.
! Some of his fellow-officeTs limited that
+ the fair rider was not female, and he
3 wagered that he was. A party of them
= went to the dressing-rOom, seized the
4 subject of dispute as he came from the
ring and were about to strip the clothing
, from him, when John Wilson rushed
: forward and knocked both of them
: down. a tumult ensUed, which resulted
Q in Wilson and Zoyara being placed il
Jail, where the sex of the latter was
made known. They remained in dur
. ance for some time, and were finally
f sent out of the country. Wilson re-
+ turned to this city in 1867, Zoyars
] coming with him. He performed
q throughout the United States, Mexico
s and the Oanadas for several seasons, still
s under the name of Ella Z1yara. Wher
i he became one of the proprietors Of
= Wilson's circus he made his first appear.
g ance as male rider in this city After
t this he rarely appeared as female rider
!, doing 30 principally on the occasion o
# benefits, when the announcement tina
d he was to appear as Eoyars was sure Il
crowd the house. He left this city with
: Wilson's circus for Australia in 875
: and having appeared in the principa
g cities there, sailed from Melbourne t,
d India in 1877, where he appeared up t,
q the time of his illness and death a
d Bombay, which took place on the Sd o
2 April last, of smallpox, thus closing
somewhat remarkable career.