Elmer McCurdy's  importance is that he left a huge  mark on the world of entertainment.  Elmer was so popular  that people came and saw him when he was first displayed and that continued  today's mummies.  Elmer was used for cheap entertainment.  Because Elmer created the idea of a sideshow mummy for the time period. 

Elmer Mc Curdy became more famous in death than life then he would ever expect to be  in the west 

In conclusion Elmer McCurdy impacted the way mummies were treated by showing them more respect in death. ( History Silmple)