William Henry Johnson ( or – April 9, 1926), known as Zip the Pinhead, was an American freak show performer known for his tapered head.

Early life

William Henry Johnson was likely born in Bound Brook, New Jersey, It is debatable, however, whether he was intellectually disabled. His speech capacities were average, contrary to his circus act as mute. or the "Man-Monkey". He was eventually renamed "Zip" after "Zip Coon", an archetypal character in minstrel shows.

Throughout this period, Zip's best friend and manager was Captain O.K. White. White conscientiously looked after Zip's interests. He also gave Zip one of his prized possessions, a tuxedo.

In his later years, Zip eschewed traveling in favor of performing at Coney Island. One Sunday afternoon in 1925, Zip heard a little girl cry for help. He noticed the girl waving her arms in the ocean and swam out to rescue her.

Zip caught bronchitis in early 1926, and despite the wishes of his doctor and Captain White, he continued to perform his part in the stage play Sunny at the New Amsterdam Theater. Upon the closing of the play, he returned to his home in Bound Brook, New Jersey, where he was cared for by his doctor, Captain White, and his sister. When his condition worsened, he was moved to Bellevue Hospital in New York City, where he died.

Zip the Pinhead was buried in Plot 399 of the Bound Brook Cemetery on April 28, 1926. A small gravestone bearing the inscription "William H. Johnson, 1857–1926" marks his resting place.

Inspiration

Johnson is part of the inspiration for Bill Griffith's comics character, Zippy the Pinhead. He was featured in the "Freak Show Tech" episode of the History Channel series Wild West Tech. Although not the first pinhead in the American circus sideshows, his costumes and presentation led to the display of several other microcephalic people to the American public.

See also

  • Human zoos
  • Krao Farini, one of several sideshow performers billed as a "missing link"
  • Ota Benga

Notes

References

  • The Human Marvels – ZIP THE PINHEAD – What is it?