Martin Van Buren Bates, also known as the ‘Kentucky Giant’, was famous for his great height. He Was 2.36m (7 feet 9 inches) tall. At birth, Martin Bate was an average-sized child. His height began to grow abnormally at the age of six. By the time he reached thirteen, he was already over 1.82 meters (6 feet). Bates joined the 5th Kentucky Infantry Confederate States Army at the outbreak of the Civil War. His bravery and imposing figure promoted him to the rank of captain. Martin was severely wounded in a battle around the Cumberland Gap area and captured and imprisoned at Camp Chase in Ohio, although he later escaped. After the end of the civil war, he returned to Kentucky and became a school teacher. While visiting a circus, Bates met her giant life partner, Anna Haining Swan. She was 2.41m (7 feet, 11 inches) tall.
Anna Swan was born at Mill Brook, and her weight was 16 pounds (7.26 kg) at the time of birth. From birth, she grew very quickly. By her 15th birthday, Anna was 2.10 m (7 feet) tall. Anna reached her full height three years later. She excelled at literature, music, and acting.
Martin and Anna married and moved to Ohio in 1871. They were declared to be the world’s “Tallest Married Couple Ever” by Guinness World Record. The couple purchased 130 acres (53 ha) of land and had furniture made to their specifications. Anna conceived two children with Martin. Anna died of heart failure in her sleep at her home on August 5, 1888, one day before her 42nd birthday.
