Martin Van Buren Bates

MartinVanBurenBates

Martin Van Buren Bates (November 9, 1837 – January 7, 1919), also known as the "Kentucky Giant," was an American man famed for his incredible height and size. Born in Letcher County, Kentucky, Bates was a normal infant at birth but began growing at an extraordinary rate during his childhood, eventually reaching a height of 7 feet 11 inches (2.41 meters) and a weight of over 500 pounds (227 kilograms) in adulthood. His growth was attributed to gigantism, a condition characterized by excessive growth due to an overproduction of growth hormone.

Early Life

Martin Van Buren Bates was the youngest of twelve children. Despite his size, Bates was well-educated for the time and worked as a schoolteacher before the outbreak of the American Civil War. During the war, he served in the Confederate States Army, where his size and strength were formidable assets. He was known for his bravery and was involved in several key battles.

Post-War Life and Marriage

After the war, Bates joined a circus, where he met and married Anna Haining Swan, another individual of exceptional height. The couple became celebrities, touring in Europe and meeting Queen Victoria. They were known as the "Giant Couple" and attracted widespread attention wherever they went. Bates and Swan attempted to start a family, but their children, who also inherited their parents' gigantism, died in infancy.

Later Years and Legacy

Bates eventually retired from the circus and settled down in Seville, Ohio, where he built a large house specially designed to accommodate his and his wife's size. He lived there until his death in 1919. Martin Van Buren Bates is remembered not only for his physical stature but also for his contributions to his community and his status as a local celebrity.

Death

Martin Van Buren Bates died on January 7, 1919, and was buried alongside his wife in Mound Hill Cemetery in Seville, Ohio. His grave, like his life, is a point of interest and is marked by a large monument that commemorates his and his wife's extraordinary sizes.