John Rogan
| John W. Rogan | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born |
February 29, 1868 Hendersonville, Tennessee |
| Died |
March 26, 1908 (aged 40) Gallatin, Tennessee |
| Cause of death | Ankylosis |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | former world record holder and sideshow performer |
| Known for | Second tallest person in history |
| Height | 106.3 in (270 cm) |
| Weight | 14.65 st 0 lb (93 kg; 205 lb)205 lb (93 kg) |
John William Bud Rogan (February 16, 1868 – September 12, 1905) was an American man who was the tallest person ever recorded until passed by Robert Wadlow.
Biography
Rogan, the son of William Rogan, a former slave, was born in Hendersonville, Tennessee, on February 16, 1868. He was the fourth of twelve children. He began to grow very rapidly at the age of 13,[1] leading to ankylosis (abnormal rigidity of the skeletal joints). The disease hindered, and by 1882, he could not stand or walk. By 1899, he had grown to a height of 8 ft 6 in (2.6 m) and often appeared in newspapers, referred to as the "negro giant". He got around by using a goat cart like a wheelchair that was pulled by goats, and he was always the center of attention, often noted for his deep voice and playful attitude. Although unable to perform physical labor because of his ankylosis, he made a living by selling portraits and postcards at a train station and, as noted in an 1897 article in the Kansas City Journal, had a number of his drawings published. Despite his success in this regard, he declined all offers to join the carnival and side shows. Rogan's hands measured 11.5 in (29 cm) in length and his feet measured 13.7 in (35 cm) in length. He grew to 2.70 m (8.9 ft; 106 in) tall but weighed only 205 pounds. Rogan is the tallest person of African descent, and remains the second tallest person on record, surpassed only by Robert Wadlow.
Rogan died on September 12, 1905, due to complications from his ankylosis.
See also
References
- ↑ ListVerse.com (November 2009). The Ultimate Book of Top Ten Lists: A Mind-Boggling Collection of Fun, Fascinating and Bizarre Facts on Movies, Music, Sports, Crime, Celebrities, History, Trivia and More. Ulysses Press. p. 536. ISBN 978-1-56975-715-4.
| Preceded by N/A |
Tallest recognized person 1896?–1905 |
Succeeded by Unknown: Closest is Bernard Coyne |
| Preceded by Trijntje Keever (alleged, disputed) |
Tallest recognized person ever 1899–1938 |
Succeeded by Robert Wadlow |