[CIRCUS & SIDESHOW]. SPRAGUE, Isaac W. (1841-1887). Powers of Endurance! By Barnum’s Living Skeleton! Circa 1870s. Broadside (248 x 159 mm), spotting, dampstaining near foot. Sprague, billed as the living human skeleton, joined P.T. Barnum’s circus in 1866 to work at his American Museum Freak Show. Weighing in at only 63 pounds, Sprague suffered from a condition known as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects the connective tissues of the body, giving a skeletal appearance. Despite his unique condition, Sprague lived a relatively long life, passing away at the age of 46.