Isaac W. Sprague (1841-1887) The Living Skeleton Sprague was born in East Bridgewater MA. His life started normal, he was an active child. At the age of 12 he began rapidly losing weight despite having a healthy appetite. He apparently suffered from an extreme case of muscular atrophy. Throughout his career this 5'5" man weighed less than 50 pounds. In 1865 while at a sideshow he was offered a job. Although the initial offer was turned down, he eventually agreed and started his career. He later went on to work with Barnum. He married and had three healthy sons. It's said that Sprague always carried a bottle of milk with him. He was known to get light headed, and had it with him to literally stay alive. Carte De Visite       click thumbnails for additional items Back to the Freaks Home † Contact // All material ©Patt Kelley Illustration.