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Robert Wadlow
{The Tallest Person Ever On Earth} Page
Robert Wadlow's height of 8' 11.1" qualifies him as the tallest person in history, as recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records. At the time of his death he weighed 490 pounds. His clothing required three times the normal amount of cloth, and his size 37 shoes cost $100.00 a pair (a lot of money back in the 1930's). Two years later his shoes were provided free by the International Shoe Company. When he turned 20 Robert traveled for the shoe company, visiting over 800 towns and 41 states. His father had to modify the family car, removing the front passenger seat so Robert could sit in the back and stretch out his long legs. The father and son team traveled over 300,000 miles on their goodwill tour for the shoe company. Wadlow traveled to Perry County on May 4th 1939. The photos on this page were taken during Wadlow's appearance at Smith's Department store in Bulan. Wadlow also appeared in Hazard and spent the night at the Grand Hotel on Main Street. He traveled to Vicco, KY for a stop at Martin's Department Store where another crowd was on hand.
Robert's unique size was attributed to an over active pituary gland, which produced much higher than normal levels of growth hormone. Today's medical science can compensate for such problems - but in the 1930s there was no therapy available.
As a youth, Robert had enjoyed good health, but his large feet had troubled him for many years. He had little sensation in his feet and did not feel any chafing until blisters formed. While making an appearance in Manistee, Michigan in July 1940, a fatal infection set in. On July 4th, doctors had Robert confined to a hotel bed, unable to find suitable accommodations at the local hospital. Days later, after emergency surgery and blood transfusions, the infection lingered and his temperature continued to rise. At 1:30 a.m., on the 15th of July, Robert Wadlow passed away in his sleep.Robert's body was brought back to his home town of Alton, Illinois for burial. The 1,000-pound casket required a dozen pallbearers, assisted by eight other men. Over 40,000 people signed the guest register. Robert's gravestone simply reads "At Rest."
