Boswell was born in Paris in 1858 or 1859. Her father, James Clement Boswell [it] was a well known performer in Paris as an acrobatic clown.[1] He would perform upside down with his head on a pole as his trained animals performed around him. He died from a cerebral injury caused by his act in 1858.[2]
She worked in Hengler's Circus for 20 years.[3] She would perform on the back of a moving horse creating different characters. She would change costumes as the horse was moving and was known for performing The Sailor's Hornpipe as if the ground was stationary.[1]
Boswell continued to perform until 1892. She was interviewed at the World's Fair in Chicago in 1935. She died a widow at her home in Blackpool on 1938.[1]