Colonel Routh Goshen

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Arthur James Caley (1824–1889) baptism

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File:Death notice for Routh Goshen (Fort Covington Sun, Fort Covington, New York, Thursday, March 07, 1889; page 1).jpg

Death notice for Routh Goshen (Fort Covington Sun, Fort Covington, New York, Thursday, March 07, 1889; page 1)

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Colonel Routh Goshen (May 5, 1837 – February 12, 1889) was a 19th-century giant and circus performer. He was known for his immense height and was often billed as the "Palestine Giant" or the "Arabian Giant."

Early Life

Colonel Routh Goshen was born on May 5, 1837, in Jerusalem, Ottoman Empire. His birth name was Arthur James Caley. Little is known about his early life, but he reportedly grew to an extraordinary height at a young age.

Career

Goshen began his career as a performer in Europe, where he was exhibited in various freak shows and circuses. He gained significant attention due to his height, which was reported to be around 7 feet 11 inches (2.41 meters). He later moved to the United States, where he continued his career in the entertainment industry.

In the United States, Goshen worked with several prominent circuses, including P.T. Barnum's Barnum & Bailey Circus. He was often advertised as one of the tallest men in the world and became a popular attraction.

Personal Life

Despite his public persona, little is known about Goshen's personal life. He was known to be a private individual who rarely spoke about his background or family. He was married, but details about his spouse and any children are scarce.

Death

Colonel Routh Goshen died on February 12, 1889, in Middlebush, New Jersey, United States. He was buried in the Middlebush Reformed Church cemetery. His grave is marked by a large tombstone that highlights his extraordinary height.

Legacy

Goshen's legacy lives on as one of the most famous giants of the 19th century. His life and career have been the subject of various articles and books on the history of circus performers and giants.

Related Pages

• Giant
• Circus
• P.T. Barnum
• Barnum & Bailey Circus
• Freak show