John Rogan
| John Rogan II | |
|---|---|
 Due to ankylosis, Rogan lost the ability to stand or walk. | |
| Born |
c. 1865-68 Sumner County, Tennessee |
| Died |
September 12, 1905 (aged 37) Sumner County, Tennessee |
Cause of death | Ankylosis |
| Known for | Second tallest verified human being |
| Height | 8 ft 9.5 in (2.680 m) |
| Weight | 175 lb (79 kg) |
John William "Bud" Rogan (c. 1865-68 – September 12, 1905) is one of 17 known people in medical history to reach a height of 8 feet (2.44 m) or more and also the second tallest person ever recorded, after Robert Wadlow.
He was born in Sumner County, Tennessee, between 1865 and 1868, the fourth of twelve children, fathered by former slave William Rogan. His mother might have not been William Rogan's wife and his mother's name remains unknown. Rogan began to grow very rapidly at the age of 13, leading to ankylosis. Having been able to walk only on crutches, by 1882, he could not stand or walk. By 1899, he had grown to a height of 8 ft 6 in (2.59 m) and often appeared in newspapers, referred to as the "Negro giant". He got around on a goat cart he had made for himself and was always the center of attention, often noted for his extremely deep voice and playful attitude. Although he could not work, he made a living by selling portraits and postcards of himself at the train station.
Shortly before developing ankylosis, Rogan was 8 feet 6 inches (2.59 m) tall and weighed 300 lbs. The disease hindered and eventually ended his ability to walk, eventually prompting the use of the goat cart.[1]
His hands measured 11 inches (28 cm) in length and his feet measured 13 inches (33 cm) in length. He continued to grow until his death; his exact height was not measured until after his death. At that time he measured 8 ft 9 in (2.67 m) tall,[2][3] but weighed only 175 pounds (79 kg), making him the tallest person of African descent, and the second tallest person ever recorded, exceeded only by Robert Wadlow.
Rogan died in 1905 from complications of his disease. His body was buried in the family yard under solid concrete to prevent anyone from exhuming and examining his body.
See also
References
- ↑ John William Rogan, John William Rogan - 8 feet 8 inches (264 cm)
- ↑ Durham, Walter; James Thomas (1986). A Pictorial History of Sumner County, Tennessee, 1786-1986. Sumner County TN Historical Society. p. 93.
- ↑ Biography and family history of John Rogan, as compiled by the University of South Florida Africana Heritage Project
| Preceded by |
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 |