Having recently acquired a few antique images, I would like to take this opportunity to share a little about Omar Kingsley (c.1840-79), horse trainer and ringmaster of Wilson’s San Francisco Palace Circus, pictured in Melbourne, 1875-76.

In earlier years, Kingsley, a New Orleans-born creole, performed in drag as the beautiful “equestrienne”, Ella Zoyara, performing feats on horseback that no “woman” had ever accomplished. An obituary published in the New York Times, 28 May 1879 can be viewed below.