In September 1865, Barnum opened the new museum. Many of his performers had returned. However, Barnum continued to have bad luck. The new museum was destroyed by fire on March 3, 1868. Anna decided to tour Nova Scotia on her own.
In 1869, she began a tour of the United States with Barnum. In 1871, her contract was fulfilled. Judge H.P. Ingalls was organizing performers for a three year tour of Europe. Anna joined his company.
Anna met Martin Van Buren Bates in 1869. He stood 7 foot 9 inches tall and was on board when Ingall's company sailed for Brussels in 1871. Before the ship docked in Liverpool, the couple were engaged. They made their first public performance together on May 29, 1871. Ordered by Royal Command, Anna and Martin appeared before Queen Victoria at Buckingham Palace. They were married on June 17, 1871. By June 21, they were back in London by Royal Command and gave a reception for the Prince of Wales, later to become King Edward VII.
On May 19, 1872, Anna gave birth to a daughter. The baby weighed 18 lbs and was 27 inches long. The child did not survive. The baby's death left Anna weak and Martin deeply depressed. They semi-retired, traveling the continent and only giving receptions by Royal Command.
On July 2, 1874, the couple returned to Canada to visit Anna's parents. They then traveled to the United States and purchased 120 acres of land in Seville, Ohio. It is believed that Anna's doctor had suggested she move to an area where there was a large inland lake. Anna had Consumption.
Anna and Martin had furniture made to their specifications while they were in England. Martin supervised the construction of the house in Seville. The main part of the house had 14 foot ceilings. The doors were extra wide and were 81/2 foot tall. The back part of the house was built an average size for servants and guests.
When they had moved into the house, Anna and Martin had a housewarming. The local minister presented them with a large family Bible. This Bible is still owned by the Swan Family.
Martin had a special carriage built for himself and Anna. The couple were more comfortable than they'd ever been in their entire lives.
People that had worked with the couple often visited them in Seville. The home was an oasis away from circus life and Anna and Martin's friends felt very comfortable while staying with them.
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