Grace Gilbert, born in 1876, gained fame as a circus performer known as ‘The Female Esau.’ From Ohio roots to Kalkaska, Michigan, her story is one of resilience, fame, and love in an era of curiosity and spectacle.

Grace Gilbert Kalkaska's Bearded ladyThe Captivating Story of Grace Gilbert

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, circuses were the height of entertainment, often showcasing “curiosities” to attract audiences. One of the most fascinating figures of the era was Grace Gilbert, born in Ohio in 1876 and later a Kalkaska resident. Grace, with her extraordinary hair growth, captivated the world as one of the first “bearded ladies” in American circuses. Her life was anything but ordinary, marked by resilience, international fame, and an enduring love story.

At birth, Grace was covered in “fine, silky hair” that grew thicker with age. By the time she was 18 months old, newspapers claimed her hair was already a foot long, and her beard measured four inches. These unusual traits made her a sensation in the media, even as a child. Despite the attention, Grace faced the harsh reality that her condition might limit her chances for a conventional life.

Moving to Kalkaska

In 1901, Grace and her family moved to Kalkaska, Michigan. That same year, she embraced the life of a circus performer, joining the famed Ringling Brothers Circus. Promoted under various stage names like “The Female Esau,” “The Girl with the Golden Whiskers,” “Princess Gracie,” and “The Woolly Child,” Grace quickly became a star attraction. Two years later, she joined the Barnum & Bailey Circus and later toured Europe with another circus in 1905, solidifying her reputation as one of the world’s most famous bearded ladies.

Finding Love

In 1910, Grace found love in a surprising place—her childhood sweetheart and cousin, Giles Calvin. Despite societal norms and challenges, the couple married and enjoyed a quiet life in Kalkaska during Grace’s off-seasons. However, her health began to decline in the early 1920s. On January 24, 1924, Grace passed away from complications of a sore throat, just shy of her 48th birthday. She was laid to rest in Maple Grove Cemetery in Leetsville, Michigan, a small town near Kalkaska.

From her early days as a child surrounded by media curiosity to becoming an international circus star and finding love later in life, Grace lived a remarkable journey. Her legacy reminds us of a unique chapter in circus history and her connection to Northern Michigan’s rich tapestry of stories.