Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1879-05-29
OMAR KINGSLEY.
History Of a Famous Female Ina
persOnatOr-A Lad Born and Well
Known in St L0uis-His Early
Training by spence stokes
and Final Death Mt
Bombay.

The San Francisco Chronicle, of a recent
date, has the following strange account of
the adventures of former ST. Louis boy:
"The death of Omar Kingley closes the ca
reer OF one who gained a widespread repd-
tation as ELLA Zoyara' For years he APP
peared as an equestrienae under this title in
almost every country on the globe, and few
OF those who have witnessed the graceful
performance of the beautiful Zoyara dreamed
that the performer was man. Letters and
lovers were abundant, and among the letters
figured no less important a parsonage
than Victor Emmanuel. 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 dis
pute about her among the former finally
caused her or him to be placed in durance
vile at Manila. Kingsley was born IN st.
Louis, where his mother and sister still reside,
about 1910. At the early age of six, trav-
cling circus fired his fancy for sawdust and
spangles, and he soon ran away from the
parental roof. He apprentieed himself to
Spence Stokes, Well-known circus proprie-
tor of Philadelphia, Spencer trained him to
do an equestrian act, and he soon appeared
under the name of Ella Z)yara. His beauti
full boylsh face, protuslon of rich black
curly hair, and his slender form assisted the
impersonation. He was advertised and rode
under this name for several years, attracting
no particular attention, but keeping the Sc
cret of his sex carefully concealed. He ac-
companied Spence to Europe, where he rode
as female In all the principal cities. la
Moscow Russian count is said to have fallen
madly In love with him, and offered Stokes
large sum of money for an introduction to
the fair Zoyara. 1t was in the sunny cline
of Italy. however, that the greatest conquest
took place. Victor Emmanuel saw him at the
circus, and afterward sent for him. He at
tended, though accompanied by MS
woman servant, without whom he rarely
appeared In public. Emmanuel frequently
attended the performance, and Zoyara called
upon him. The king of Italy presented him
with magnificent black stallion, OF which
Stokes Immediately took possession and after
ward sold, when IN financial difficulties In
Madrid. When Zoyara returned to New
York he was advertised as the greatest fe-
male rider that Europe had ever seen, and
crowds were nightly attracted by his per-
formances. He rode 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 personate female character in a manner
that almost deied detection. His sex was a
secret even to many Of those employed In the
same establishment. 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, daughter of Robert Stickney,
of Cincinnati. In 1868 be came to California
and made his debut in this city in connection
with John Wilson circus. He travelled two
seasons upon the Pacific slope, 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
created at one time a great sensation. He
had alTaVa annParad female aftira
steamers, on the streets, in hotels and IN the
circus, so that the surprise of those who saw
him come from the canvas one day Just after
| performance, in male attire, and swearing
like gulf pirate, was very great. Trouble
with circus companions led to this episode.
In 1867 he travelled with the same company
through India, tue straits settlements, China,
Japan and the Philippine Islands. At Ma
Mia Spanish officer fell In love with ZJyara
| and sought an introduction, but was refused.
Some Of his fellow officers limited that the
fair rider was not female, and he Wagered
that he was. a party of them went to the
dressing.room, seized the subject in dispute
as he came from the ring, and were about TO
strip the cl0thlng from HIM when John VIII
son rushed forward and knocked both of
them down. A tumult ensued which ended
in Wilson and Zoyara being placed in
jail, where the sex of the latter
was made known. They remained In du-
rance vile for some time, and were finally
sent out of the country. Wilson returned to
this city In 1867, Z0yara coming with him.
He performed throughout the United States,
Mexico and the Canadas for several seasons,
still under the name of Ella Zoyara. When
he became one of the proprietors of Wilson s
circus he made his first appearance as a male
rider in this city. After this he rarely APP
peared as a female rider, doing SO principally
on the occasion of benefits, when the an
MOI mi thok ha vyn0l1
was sure TO crowd the house. He left this
city with Wilson's circus fer Australia in
1875, and, having appeared in the principal
cities there, sailed from Melbourne to India
IN 1877, where he appeared up to the time of
his illness and death at Bombay, which took
place on the third of April last, of smallpox,
thus closing somewhat remarkable career"