Martin Van Buren Bates, better known as the Kentucky Giant, was one of the 19th century’s most remarkable figures, standing at 7 feet 9 inches and weighing around 470 pounds. Bates was born on November 9, 1837, in Letcher County Kentucky. His life was marked by a series of unique experiences and achievements, from serving in the Civil War to becoming a global sensation in traveling shows, and ultimately settling down with his equally statuesque wife.
Early Life and Growth
Martin was the son of a normal height family and grew up normally early in life. But at about six or seven, he began growing very quickly, ultimately reaching a height that would make him one of the tallest men of his era. He was tall and powerful with an impressive intellect and strength. Despite his towering stature, he grew up in a rural farming community, assisting with his family’s farm work in Kentucky, and was known for his humble and hardworking nature.
Civil War Military Service
Bates entered the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. He served as a captain for several troops in many battles. His height and physical power made him a memorable figure on the battlefield, and stories abound about his strength and courage. His size provided advantages in combat but also made him a very visible target. However, Bates survived the war unscathed and later his time in the service with pride and gratitude.
Fame as “The Kentucky Giant”
After the war, Martin Van Buren Bates struggled to find work that suited his large frame until a traveling circus company saw his potential as an attraction. From there, Bates began performing with shows like P.T. Barnum’s circus as the “Kentucky Giant.” His gentle demeanor and refined mannerisms contrasted his large frame, and he soon became a favorite in the world of traveling entertainment. Audiences flocked to see him, fascinated by his immense size and refined charm.
During this period, he met his future wife, Anna Haining Swan, a woman of similar stature at almost 7 feet 11 inches tall. The two were nicknamed the “giant couple,” and their 1871 marriage was a major media coverage throughout the world. They settled in Seville, Ohio, in a specially built house for their unusual size.
Personal Life and Legacy
In Ohio, Martin and Anna lived happily. Together, they built a home and tried to have a family but suffered the heartbreaking loss of two children, both of whom inherited their parents’ unique size but died in infancy. Despite these personal tragedies, the couple remained committed to each other, and their life together became a symbol of acceptance and resilience in the face of difference.
Bates continued to live in Seville and worked in his community after Anna died in 1888. Known as a gentle giant with a heart as large as his frame, Bates left a legacy not only as a physical marvel but as a compassionate and kind individual who embraced his uniqueness. He eventually passed away in 1919.
