When the Circus Rolled In
In October 1927, the Ringling Brothers circus arrived in Roanoke, Virginia, with elephants, acrobats, and 100 railcars. Among the attractions were two albino African-American men, George and Willie Muse—billed as Eko and Iko, “sheepheaded cannibals from Ecuador.”
They weren’t from Ecuador. They were from nearby Franklin County. That day, they weren’t arriving to perform. They were unknowingly returning home after being separated from their family for at least 13 years.
Taken From the Fields
George and Willie were born in Virginia and worked as children in tobacco fields. In 1899, they were spotted by James “Candy” Shelton, a circus talent scout. Accounts differ: some say he offered them candy and kidnapped them; others say their mother had initially signed a contract.
Regardless, the brothers toured the country under Shelton’s management, earning money but receiving none. They were described as everything from Martians to Monkey Men and Darwin’s missing link, their physical condition—albinism and vision impairment—used to draw crowds.
A Mother Reunites Her Sons
In 1927, the brothers were performing in Roanoke when George spotted a woman in the crowd. “There’s our dear old mother,” he said. Harriett Muse had been told her sons were dead. She had worked as a maid and laundress, never giving up the search.
After confronting the circus and police, she took her sons back. Within days, she filed a lawsuit against Ringling Brothers, demanding back wages. A settlement followed, and the brothers returned to perform—but under terms that paid and employed their family.
A Life on Their Terms
Though George and Willie resumed their act, Harriett ensured legal oversight. The Muse brothers continued touring until the 1950s. George died in 1972. Willie, who lived to 108, died in 2001. In 1961, their earnings helped buy a house in Roanoke, a rare achievement for African Americans at the time.
They had been performers, exploited figures, and public curiosities. But on one autumn day in 1927, they were sons—found and brought home.
n 1927, the circus came to Roanoke, Virginia, with elephants, acrobats, and two albino African-American men known as Eko and Iko.
They were billed as cannibals from Ecuador. But they weren’t.
As the train stopped, George and Willie Muse were unknowingly returning home…🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/2TcLxOxz5Q
— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) May 22, 2025