July 14th, 2011
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/14/2011
Booklet, “An Account of Chang and Eng, The World Renowned Siamese Twins.” Elegantly illustrated, New York, 1853, 90pp. octavo, lacking back cover, else about very good condition. Chang and Eng Bunker (1811-1874) In 1829, they were "discovered" in Siam by British merchant Robert Hunter and exhibited as a curiosity during a world tour. Upon termination of their contract with their discoverer, they successfully went into business for themselves. In 1839, while visiting Wilkesboro, North Carolina, the twins were attracted to the area and settled on a 110-acre farm in nearby Traphill, becoming naturalized United States citizens. Determined to start living a normal life as much as possible, the brothers settled on a plantation, bought slaves , and adopted the name "Bunker". On April 13, 1843, they married two sisters: Chang to Adelaide Yates and Eng to Sarah Anne Yates. Interestingly, this made their respective children double first cousins. Chang and Eng Bunker had at least 21 children between them; their descendants, including several sets of non-conjoined twins, now number just over 1,500.
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