JOHN VALERIUS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 April 1941, Page 5

JOHN VALERIUS

MAN WHO USED HIS TOES. Poor John. He came into the world without arms, but he received alms from the generous public which flocked to see’ him, for he was in many ways a curiosity. Born in Germany in 1667. he was soon left an orphan. He had no friends and no money and not even a pair of hands for the hard business of life. But he had determination and patience, and he made a good living. For he could do almost anything with his feet and toes. By a marvellous dexterity he contrived to live life pretty much as most men, using the limbs he had to the greatest advantage. Travelling up and down the continent, he displayed his powers to a wondering world, visiting London in 1698 and 1705.

This armless man with the girlish face could play cards and dice with anyone, and win as likely as not. He thought nothing t of shaving himself, holding his razor" between his toes. He could grip a rapier with his toes, he could stand on a pedestal and pick up dice with his disengaged foot. He would lie flat on his back on the ground, and spring to attention in an instant —a difficult feat as you may imagine. He would pick up a glass of water and place it on his head —afterwards drinking from it. Standing on a stool, he could bend down and pick up an article with his teeth, a remarkable balancing feat. He wrote his signature by holding a pen between his toes. He would fire a pistol—aiming with his foot and pulling the trigger with his big toe. And so on.

Indeed, I know of few things you can do which John could not do. He went about with bare feet, wore his hair flowing over his shoulders, and liked to be seen in a cavalier hat.