Zip the Pinhead

Zip the Pinhead, born William Henry Johnson, (1842 Liberty Corners, New Jersey – April 28, 1926 New York, New York) was an American freak show performer famous for his oddly tapered head.

Early life

William Henry Johnson was born to a very poor African-American family. His parents were William and Mahalia Johnson, former slaves. As he grew his body developed normally but his head remained small. His tapering cranium and heavy jaw made him attractive to agents from Van Emburgh's Circus in Somerville, NJ. His unusual appearance caused many to believe that he was a "pinhead", or microcephalic. Microcephalics are characterized by a small, tapering cranium and impaired mental faculty. It is clear, however, that William Henry was not mentally deficient.

Related Topics:
African-American - Slaves - Van Emburgh's Circus - Somerville - Microcephalic

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William Henry's parents agreed to allow the circus to display him in return for money. He was billed as a "wild negro boy" supposedly caught in Africa and displayed in a cage. He was a popular draw and his success lead young William Henry's agent to show his charge to P.T. Barnum.

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Barnum purchased the right to display William Henry Johnson from the circus and gave him a new look. A furry suit was made to fit him, and his afro was shaped to a tiny point that further accented his sloping brow. Finally, he was given the name, "Zip the Pinhead," the "What-Is-It?"

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