Anna Haining Bates – Family Background, Education & Marriage

Anna Haining Bates, born as Anna Haining Swan, was a Canadian woman who is remembered for her extraordinary height. Born on August 6, 1846, in Mill Brook, New Annan, Nova Scotia, she is considered one of the tallest women in recorded history, standing at a remarkable 7 feet 11 inches tall.

Early Life and Family Background

Anna was born to Scottish immigrants, who settled down in Canada. She was the third child in a family of thirteen. Interestingly, all of her siblings were of average height, making Anna’s extraordinary growth even more noticeable. Her childhood was pretty much like any other child in the mid-19th century, with the exception of the constant attention her unusual height brought her.

Rapid Growth and Physical Development

Anna’s unusual growth pattern was evident right from her birth when she weighed a hefty 13 pounds. This rapid growth did not slow down as she grew older. By her fourth birthday, Anna was already 4 feet 6 inches tall, a height that is considered average for a ten-year-old. By the time she turned ten, Anna stood at an impressive 6 feet 1 inch. She continued growing until she reached her full height of 7 feet 11 inches at the age of 18.

Education and Early Aspirations

Despite the physical challenges posed by her height, Anna had aspirations to become a teacher. However, her size made it difficult for her to fit into the regular-sized classrooms of the time. Moreover, she faced constant gawking and ridicule from the public, creating a barrier in her pursuit of a normal education.

Although she faced these challenges, Anna was not deterred. She was determined to create a meaningful life for herself. But her life took an unexpected turn when she was approached by a man who saw not her height as a physical abnormality, but as a unique trait that could be showcased for the world to marvel at.

This man was none other than P.T. Barnum, a well-known showman and businessman who had a keen eye for spotting unique talents and features. He offered Anna a chance to be a part of his American Museum in New York City in 1862. This offer, however, was initially declined by Anna and her family due to their apprehensions.

However, after facing more discomfort and difficulties in her hometown, Anna reconsidered Barnum’s offer. She saw this as an opportunity to escape the constant stares and ridicule she faced in her hometown. In 1865, Anna accepted Barnum’s offer, marking the beginning of a new chapter in her life.

Discovery by P.T. Barnum

Remember the man who saw Anna not as an aberration, but as a marvel? That man was none other than P.T. Barnum, a famous showman and businessman. He was known for his knack for spotting unique talents and features, and he saw immense potential in Anna’s extraordinary height. In 1862, Barnum offered Anna an opportunity to join his American Museum in New York City. Initially, however, Anna and her family turned down the offer due to their concerns and apprehensions.

But, as Anna continued to face difficulties and discomfort in her hometown, she began to reconsider Barnum’s offer. She saw it as a chance to escape the relentless stares and ridicule she faced daily. Finally, in 1865, she accepted Barnum’s offer, and that marked the start of a new era in her life.

Career in Circus and Public Performances

Anna’s decision to work with Barnum opened up a world of opportunities for her. Her contract included a weekly salary, a chaperone, and the chance to earn extra income from photographs of herself. She was also provided with education in various subjects and was trained to play the piano and sing.

At Barnum’s American Museum, Anna interacted with audiences and portrayed characters like Lady Macbeth. Her performances were well-received, and she quickly became a crowd favorite. In 1865, Anna survived a fire at the museum, where she showcased her courage by helping others escape before she was rescued. After the incident, she went on tours across the western United States and Europe, even performing in front of Queen Victoria.

Marriage to Martin Van Buren Bates

In 1871, Anna’s life took another significant turn when she met Martin Van Buren Bates, known as “The Kentucky Giant”. Martin was also an extraordinarily tall individual, standing at 7 feet 9 inches. The two fell in love and tied the knot, becoming known as “The Tallest Couple Alive”. Their wedding was a grand affair held in London.

Queen Victoria was so intrigued by the couple that she presented Anna with a satin gown and a diamond ring, and Martin with an engraved watch. This royal recognition was a testament to the couple’s unique stature and the fascination it evoked in people, even in the highest echelons of society.

Anna’s life is a testament to her resilience and determination. Despite the physical challenges her height presented and the societal ridicule she faced, Anna managed to carve out a meaningful life for herself. Her story is an inspiration to all, especially those facing adversities, that with courage and determination, it is possible to turn unique traits into a source of strength and pride.

Record-Breaking Births and Family Tragedies

Anna and Martin Bates, known far and wide as “The Tallest Couple Alive,” dreamed of having a family. Their first child, a girl, was born in 1872. She weighed an astonishing 18 pounds, setting a record in itself. However, the joy of becoming parents was short-lived as their daughter died at birth.

A few years later, the couple was blessed with a baby boy in 1879. The boy, like his sister, was extraordinarily large, weighing 22 pounds at birth. This weight set a record that still stands today, with their son holding the Guinness World Record for the largest newborn ever recorded. However, the joy of welcoming their son was also short-lived. The boy survived only 11 hours, leaving the parents heartbroken once again.

The loss of their children was a devastating blow to Anna and Martin. Their dreams of having a family and raising children were shattered, leading to a period of profound grief and sorrow.

Later Life and Retirement

Following these tragic events, Anna fell into deep depression. The vibrant, resilient woman who had once captivated audiences and defied societal norms was now a shadow of her former self. She withdrew from public life, choosing to live in seclusion with her husband.

In an attempt to find peace and solitude, Anna and Martin retired to Seville, Ohio. Here, they built a mansion custom-made to fit their size. The grand home, complete with high doorways and tall ceilings, was a testament to their unique stature.

Though they tried to resume touring, Anna’s health and mental state made it challenging. She was no longer the towering figure who had once graced the stages of P.T. Barnum’s American Museum. Her health declined rapidly, and on August 5, 1888, just a day short of her 42nd birthday, Anna passed away.

Her death marked the end of an extraordinary life. A life that was filled with highs and lows, joy and sorrow, triumphs and tragedies. But through it all, Anna remained a figure of resilience and determination. She had lived her life on her own terms, refusing to be defined by her height. Instead, she used it as a tool to carve out a unique path for herself, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire to this day.

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