History's Most Tragic Giant

Some people in history have larger-than-life personas that can’t be denied. This was true of Anna Haining Swan Bates, who in addition to being quite the personality was also pegged as “The Largest Woman in the World”.
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[@paulc7590]

To me the most interesting part of her life is that she found someone to love. That's great. It's too bad neither of her babies lived very long.

[@LazyIRanch]

They were a handsome couple! She had beautiful, kind eyes

[@cindychristian1700]

Unfortunately, the mortality rate for babies were high! The incubator wasn't envented, and the medical profession was not very advanced!

[@SRose-vp6ew]

If you actually look into the history of it the more doctors got involved at the beginning the worse the mortality became. This I s because they thought those who believed in germ theory were the crazy ones and so they would go from autopsy of the dead to helping a woman birth without changing their clothes or being serious about washing their hands. A midwife however only specialized in helping women birth, therefore, at home and away from germs was the safest place for a mother to birth despite smear campaigns being run in newspapers against immigrant midwives trying to force people to pay hospitals and doctors.

[@SRose-vp6ew]

And forgive the English.

[@heatherbeane3234]

I definitely agree.

[@TheEcm84]

Other than the loss of her babies I wouldn't say her life was that tragic. She had a loving family, made the best of what cards she had been dealt, made great and famous friends and found love in someone just like her.

[@kristajones7202]

My sister lost two of her babies at birth. She doesn't see her life as tragic, but rather a life that contains tragedies. I agree with you opinion.

[@anneshirley9560]

I don't know... if I lost my child, I don't know how I'd ever be able to move on. " other than the loss of her babies".... it's a huge deal to lose children.

[@somebodyswatchin5]

Absolutely, and my thoughts exactly. She had a pretty normal and good life overall, especially in light of her uncommon uniqueness.

[@dzxn3728]

I lost my husband and was told losing children is worse because they're supposed to outlive you and be your legacy. So I'm not sure. My life had been called tragic because of widowhood...but then I remarried so that turns it around I suppose. If I lost a kid....I might call my life tragic (again)

[@somebodyswatchin5]

@dzxn3728 Yes, losing a child, which is a part of one in essence, would be very difficult. I lost my husband too, and he was still young. It was terribly emotional, and he never leaves my thoughts.

[@12thDecember]

I'm so glad her family supported her emotionally, and physically (such as building special furniture). I do not believe they exploited her at all, that they instead saw her as an exceptional person and not a freak. I like to think their emotional support is what led her to living as a confident woman, instead of withdrawing into herself and shunning the world. I don't know if her giantism is what led to the deaths of her children, perhaps there were other reasons, as back then it wasn't unheard of for women to lose infants in childbirth. Made me sad to hear she died one day shy of her 42nd birthday. That's way too young. RIP, Anna Swan Bates.

[@Curlyblonde]

Today she would have had a Caesarian Section for the birth of her children and would have offered the children a better chance of survival. Back in her day that procedure was only offered as a last resort, as the survival rate for women was very low.

[@shawnasabino7958]

Yes, her disease interfered with proper blood flow to the babies. They likely had heart , lung problems . Pituitary issues were present as well considering the weight of the children. They took all the worst parts of both parents.

[@noorgonzalez1076]

John 5:28 Isaiah 35:5,6 Revelation 21:3,4

[@noorgonzalez1076]

🤔🕊️❤️🙏🏽

[@noorgonzalez1076]

@@Curlyblonde Isaiah 35:5,6 Revelation 21:3,4

[@roxannlegg750]

Queen Victorias gift of a staggering amount of fabric and lace, showed she was not unrealistic as to the cost and volume of fabric it was going to take to make her gown. She could have gifted her a necklace worth more, but I can tell you that I know personally how personal a gift of such fabric is. One of the kindest thhings Ive ever heard of Queen Victoria which I never knew!

[@roxannlegg750]

@@rainbowgirlism Clearly you dont know your political history or the limited powers of the Monarchy. I suggest you get your facts straight, learn a bit more of the insides of how the insane Westminster system works, and of the historical context of Mid 19th C British socio-economic policies by the wigs and tories, THEN inform me of how exactly she was responsible?

[@franmcdaniel3674]

Blah! Blah!Blah!

[@Miabia1000]

Queen Vicky although a very complex temperamental person has always presented herself in her diaries and from contemporaries as very kind to those deemed less fortunate. So is very much in her character.

[@user-pv5bd3pk2x]

​@@roxannlegg750Whigs.

[@warringtonminge4167]

​@@roxannlegg750 If we're getting it right that's "Whigs and Tories", the political party name had an 'h' following the 'w'.

[@Ponzupacket]

This is my Husband’s great great (maybe three greats) Uncle. ❤ Minnie Bates was his grandmother. Excited to tell my son the stories of his bloodline.

[@Factinate]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Dhruv_Dogra]

Wow! Your child will be proud.

[@ms.krueger2660]

Need to read the comments. Another person said they are kin to him also. Maybe they are kin to you.

[@auroraborealis6009]

Have there been any other family members who reached extreme size?

[@ladydragon3648]

I had a Aunt Anna Bates I know this is not her. It be cool to find out if she is related to my family. my Aunt was Anna Jacquart before she married her Husband. they lives in Chicago. I don't remember his first name. I know there sons where Roy & Johnny Bates. Also lived in Chicago. Both dead now.

[@roncrabb1028]

My Great Grandmother Elizabeth Swan was Anna's 1st cousin. I grew up hearing many stories about Anna from my Grandfather who was from West New Annan in Nova Scotia

[@user-sd2ke8yu3s]

@roncrabb1028 do you know if it is true that Queen Victoria provided the wedding and the dress material? That made me tear up. Do you have any fun family stories that have been passed down?

[@roncrabb1028]

Queen Victoria did indeed provide Anna's wedding dress. My Grandfather told me that the dress ended up in the possesion of one of Anna's sisters who visited his family on occasion. Tragically it was lost in a fire when Anna's sister grabbed the wrong box just before she escaped the fire. Anna's baby boot was also used as a doorstop by his cousin. If you are ever in Tatamagouche Nova Scotia there is an Anna Swan Museum which houses many of her possesions. @@user-sd2ke8yu3s

[@roncrabb1028]

@@user-sd2ke8yu3s Yes, it's true that Anna's wedding dress was a gift from Queen Victoria. According to my Grandfather, one of Anna's sisters had it safely stored in a box in her home. She had told the family that if there ever was a fire, she would save that first. Unfortunately when the home did catch fire many years later, her sister grabbed the wrong box and so the dress was lost. Anna's baby boot was also used for many years by her family as a door stop. My Mother used to tell the story of the day Anna's very elderly sister visted their home in Hamilton, Ontario in the 1930's. My mom was told that the Nova Scotia Giantess's sister was coming and was so dissapointed to meet a women barely over 5ft tall. There is an Anna Swan Museum in Tatamagouche Nova Scotia which has many of her belongingings including a dress. Worth checking out if ever in Nova Scotia.

[@roncrabb1028]

@@user-sd2ke8yu3s Anna did indeed get her wedding dress from Queen Victoria. My Grandfather told me that Anna's sister had it safely stored in a box in her home and told people if there ever was a fire that the dress was the one thing that she would save. Tragically according to my Grandfather, many years later Anna's sisters house burned down and her sister grabbed the wrong box by mistake and the dress was lost. Another of Anna's siblings used Anna's baby boot as a door stop in their home. My mother told me that when she was a small child in the 1930's, her parents told her that the Giantess's sister was coming to visit them. My mother was so disappointed when Anna's sister turned out to be only 5ft tall. There is a wonderful Anna Swan Museum in Tatamagouche Nova Scotia which houses many of Anna's belongings including a dress. It is well worth a look if you are ever in Nova Scotia.

[@roncrabb1028]

@@user-sd2ke8yu3s ...

[@patriciahartless2095]

She was not a freak . Just because she was a big baby . Then turn out to be over 7 ft tall . She was a beautiful woman . Glad she found love . Sad that she lost her two children . Thank you for sharing . The life history of Anna .

[@georginaohara42]

Sadly not much has changed since her day. My niece is 6’5” & the stares she gets & whispers of people trying to work out if she’s female or a trans man is disgusting.

[@kristineanderson4983]

@@georginaohara42 I would call her beautiful!

[@georginaohara42]

@@kristineanderson4983 thank you 🥰. She is beautiful with 2 beautiful children. I wouldn’t change her for the world, wishing you a very blessed week ahead 🫶

[@3pleSss]

Well said

[@ravenmckinnon5526]

Beautiful is a stretch

[@tammyguessbeckham2212]

It would have been a true honor to meet this remarkable woman. My heart breaks for her having lost both her babies.

[@LazyIRanch]

Too bad the c-section birth wasn't available then, at least not safely. Those babies might have lived as long as their parents, at least. She seems like a lovely, sweet person who was loved. I'm glad.

[@tracycombs1484]

Sad that only one was buried with her ..no mention of the daughter 😢

[@VirginiaEvans-hk4un]

0⁰0069​@@LazyIRanch

[@BarbaraEMarshallCampbell]

The freak shows at the circuses were a feature I chose not to visit after viewing the Siamese Twins who were conjoined from shoulders to hips. To me it was very sad that they were exploited so. After that I refused to visit the Freak Shows because I did not wish to treat the humans featured as freaks like the other people. I saw them as unique special humans deserving of love and care. Such a sad feature. But a very short person called a midget or dwarf back then explained, in a restaurant where we ended up drinking coffee together, that while she was indeed exploited, the position allowed her to earn a wage to support herself and that it truly was the only work she'd ever been able to secure so that the Circuses were providing opportunities for travel and adventure as well as employment for them. The only thing she ever got upset about was being labeled a freak in the Freak Shows. She longed for that to change that was in about 1972 when I was a preteen.

[@Me-ez3bx]

​@@BarbaraEMarshallCampbell❤zee😮Waa

[@colleenstevens5121]

I feel sad for them. My stepdaughter was 6ft by 6 grade. She had a really tough time fitting in. She loved basketball but was afraid of mowing her teammates down during practice. She eventually outgrew her frear but ended 6ft 3. Not as tall, but in the early 80s, there were not so many tall girls around. 😢

[@cyndavi6655]

She could have become a super model. Either way, I think this story of these people's lives is a good one. They had good lives, they had love and they were able to give love as well. They were very rich in that sense so it was a good life for them.

[@staceykersting705]

My mom, born 1921, my daughter (1977) and I (1952) are all 5'10-5'11''. My grand daughter's 5'9ish and so are my sisters, my son and uncles are 6'5-6'7''. 2 of my nieces are 6'1 and 6'3''. My advice? Stand tall and be proud...oh, wow...Anna's grandma just said that in the video.

[@RobertLeather]

I was over 6’ tall by the time I was 10. I was shaving by 11.

[@mercedesvelasquez8781]

​@@RobertLeatherwow glad to know it's normal for my 12year old son growing a mustache already and body hair lol granted he isn't as tall only 5'6 but still taller then me and taller then those in his classes but I always found it amusing he is 12 with a mustache lol👨🏻😆👌🏻

[@MelissaThompson432]

My niece was 6'0" tall before she had 4 children and lost some bone. She always stood straight. On the other hand, she never played ball because she was too clumsy. She joined the Marines, instead.... 🤷

[@mrsmiggins6435]

It was good to hear that for the majority of time Anna wasn't taken advantage of financially. So sad she never became a mother. It was very generous of Queen Victoria to give the Bates gifts especially the silk for a wedding gown.

[@susanpendell4215]

She DID become a mother, she had children, she just didn't get to raise them because they died. There's a big difference!

[@LazyIRanch]

I was so hoping they had a photo of that dress! It sounds like the Queen had the dress made for her. I hope it's in a British museum.

[@mrsmiggins6435]

Sorry Susan you are right in what you say.

[@curtisrobinson7962]

​@@susanpendell4215 I haven't gotten there yet, I did wonder if she had died a virgin. Now I know.

[@leonoraterreblanche6561]

@@mrsmiggins6435 oo

[@79klkw]

The part about Queen Victoria was fascinating! I think the queen's appreciation for a true love story is so sweet, and so inspiring. I know that her relationship with her Albert was a special type of love

[@79klkw]

@@karenbertke3149 great point! 👍

[@RedFoxSkull]

@79klkw It would be a lot more sweet if Albert wasn’t her first cousin…

[@marybeery1764]

Running through KZbin I glanced at the picture and thought " Why is there a picture of Captain Bates' wife?" Having grown up in Seville, Ohio the Captain and Anna Swan Bates was a regular story. The farmstead they owned was a quarter of a mile down the road from our home. The barn with the tall, tall doors was still standing. The Bauer family lived there during my childhood. Thank you for this review.

[@laurabuehler]

While watching the video I had to wonder why there were photos of the Alton Giant. As far as I know he had no connection other than he was the world's largest man.

[@cleliawurgler9704]

I currently live in Seville. I was born in Medina and raised here in Seville. I live only 5 minutes from the cemetery they are buried in. Do you know what road the old barn is on? I'm not sure if I ever knew where it's located.

[@patriciashaw1694]

Very well told story of one of history’s forgotten celebrities. What a lovely tale of courage and kindness. Thank you.

[@WeRNthisToGetHer]

Yes, a tale of time warp between the Victorian age and the 1950s

[@elizabethhannah4704]

Today there is treatment for this disorder and it is sad that Bates was a "victim" to it at that time in history. What a truly brave and courageous woman, living in very difficult times AND managing her "giantism". Thank You.

[@AwfulDog1]

It is still a difficult condition to treat and if not identified early before the marked growth the life ecpectancy is still reduced significantly.

[@CAMSLAYER13]

The treatment is brain surgery so its still pretty bad

[@alisaaustin8431]

What's up with the stock footage that have no relation to the subject?

[@sarahsjournals]

This was fascinating. Historical animal lovers always grab my heart. The fact that she saved animals from the farms and circuses back then tells me her heart was as big as her stature. Wonderful lady. I'm glad she found love, and friendship in the queen.

[@kellidinit3725]

I’m not going to judge that family. I do not enjoy thinking about her exploitation, but I also understand the families plight. The clothes alone had to be a burden. What an incredibly remarkable woman.

[@yikesgina]

I blame them. Should’ve stopped after her.

[@earlgreco8636]

The fact that despite her difficulties she remained kind and compassionate.

[@thecuttinggardener361]

As someone whose first child was also stillborn, her story hurts my heart. I was fortunate to go on to have two perfect babies. I cannot imagine losing two children.

[@magdatorruellas9122]

I lost four…

[@thecuttinggardener361]

@@magdatorruellas9122 you had four stillbirths!?

[@vinceraven1501]

I'll be 48 in May & have 2 sons, but, before they were born, I'd lost 2 separate sets of twins by 2 different girls. It blowed me away at the time, but, I learned to live with it. 🙏🏻

[@magdatorruellas9122]

@@thecuttinggardener361 yes…and though I am 69 yrs, I sometymes still hear them crying, even though they never did. My then husband told me some nights he would catch me sleep walking and saying I have to feed baby, they are hungry. I was in my early twenties when my babies went back to heaven.

[@thecuttinggardener361]

@@magdatorruellas9122 that’s terrible, and very rare to have multiple stillbirths. I’m so sorry. Did they ever figure out why you had so many stillbirths

[@barbararussell9757]

My grandfather's family was from LeRoy Ohio (now called Westfield Center) which is right near Seville. His mother was friendly with Anna Bates and Captain Bates would bring her by our family farm to visit. They came in a springboard wagon because they could not fit in a closed buggy. My great grandmother said that when Anna Bates came to the front door she looked in from the fan light at the top of the door and not from the panes on the door. It was most comfortable for them to sit out in the yard because our farmhouse had very low lintels on the doors and the furniture was not large. My grandfather was a little boy at the time and he said he was as tall as Captain Bates's boots. When my great grandmother went to Anna Bates's house she could only sit on a footstool because the furniture was very large and my great grandmother was a small woman, not quite 5 feet tall. Once when I was out at our family farm after my uncle had inherited it I heard the stories about Anna and Captain Bates and I wanted to go see their house in Seville. My aunt told me that the house had been torn down and only the barn remained on the property.

[@llednaselyod8048]

Wonderful insight.

[@TrudyPatootie]

*Very interesting Barbara.*

[@cydkriletich6538]

Thank you for the story. So interesting. Sad that their unique house was torn down, and that her wedding dress, gifted to her from Queen Victoria, burned in a house fire.

[@JonGalloway-pu3tk]

😮😮

[@LiL.Pixxie]

Martin is my great great -i think 3rd great uncle. His brother John Wallis Bates is in my direct lineage. It's always really really neat to read stories about Martin like this. I've come across stories the involved my uncle John and Martin but those are few and far between. Still really cool tomrrad 😃

[@AEKAskenburne]

I think it’s nice, how many people made efforts to make this unusual woman comfortable! First her father, her wonderful granny, then the people from the Museum and the congregation. Many thanks for this video! ❤

[@juliaweber212]

I agree

[@laurafabianmarrero]

Agree

[@dsantamaria713]

Very interesting story.. She and her husband seemed like a truly loving couple...❤ May they RIP always ..

[@bingsballyhoo711]

I'm fascinated by her animal advocacy.

[@Geranium145]

Yes! She seems like a great person❤

[@Nylak-Otter]

It's easy to find solid companions in animals early on when you don't quite fit in with your peers. Animals don't judge.

[@pandoraalberts5267]

Especially being so much ahead of her time. Standard attitudes and "usage" of animals at that time were harsh and very unempathetic I'm particularly glad that the era of horse drawn transport came to an end.

[@ceilconstante640]

Some of the photos weren't the best choices but the Narrator was great and you always select excellent background music! Its easy for people to criticize her family claiming they exploited her but her father hand huilt her a comfortable bed and school desk....she was loved. She was a compassionate person and made rhe best of her circumstances. Im so happy she found love with a partner who had the same condition.

[@wendybutler1681]

A sad story nonetheless. But it might be just me. I lost my son 8 yrs ago tomorrow. He would be 44 now. Pneumonia. My only child. I miss him so much.

[@G58]

Most of the photos were ridiculous, and the narrator was probably AI.

[@michellegarry1872]

@@wendybutler1681oh Wendy, I’m so sorry for your terrible loss. May God grant you His perfect peace.

[@tracyriordan7011]

​@@wendybutler1681I am sooo sorry. I hope I go before my children. ) :

[@shelleyhartley5289]

I agree. It's no different than child actors today.

[@lyrakeltica]

The best part of this story to me is the fact that she found true love ❤ I'm 62 yrs. old and have never found love. Despite being married to an abusive man, having both children and grandchildren I am completely alone. I'm very happy that Anna found love and happiness. I'd trade my long life of abuse, PTSD, and depression for a shorter life where I at least knew what it was like to be loved.

[@__rmk__9360]

Sending you hugs 💜

[@PsychNurseExplains]

Your not alone I’m 64 hoping next chapter I find true ❤️

[@deborahmyers5205]

I'm sorry. Just remember that God loves you and this world is just the Prelude ❤

[@lyrakeltica]

@@PsychNurseExplains thank you. Here's hoping we both do ♥️

[@lyrakeltica]

@@__rmk__9360 Thank you 🫂 back to you ♥️

[@natscat4752]

She really does sound lovely, kind and intelligent. Wow, what a life and what stories she could have told!

[@mrsseasea]

My daughter had a friend, she was in kindergarten, I kept track of her growth because at the age of 8 she was 5 feet tall, and by 4th grade was taller than me. She stoped growing but reached 7’1 they thought she had this disease, after testing she did not. She was just very tall.

[@eleniamora378]

She was a good human. That by far was the most amazing and noteworthy thing about her. She didn't deserve the heart ache of losing her precious babies. I hope she is resting peacefully and is reunited with them and her husband.

[@teijaflink2226]

I wouldn't call her life tragic at all but rather than she had a very lucky life despite her condition, she found love, became rich, got to do and see lots of exciting things like be friends with Queen Victoria. Though no life is perfect sunshine, it was tragic that she lost her children and died fairly young. I really admire how smart she was and got to choose who to marry and not end up with some user.

[@victorialobb7210]

I'm so happy that they both found love and we're happy, this is lovely x

[@thea1rachiel]

The most important part of this woman's story for me was that she loved animals and basically made an animal sanctuary at their home.

[@hollyharps]

PT Barnum considered his employees family and didn't rip them off. He thought people like Anna were special and deserved respect. Queen Vic was known to befriend unusual women and give them generous gifts.

[@jamakathegreat1110]

Unless they were black

[@gennalee8612]

Big oof

[@leighharwood3886]

@@jamakathegreat1110 I never heard that. Can you please share more?

[@ElffQueen1]

I read he was.awful to them!

[@leighharwood3886]

@@ElffQueen1 Where did you read that?

[@alisonancell6047]

I don't know if anyone would not stare in astonishment to see a woman as tall as Anna. Although it's horrifying to us that people who were born with rare medical conditions were labelled as freaks and displayed like objects of curiosity, it seems that for many who took part it was very financially rewarding. Anna was not only unique in appearance, she was a strong independent woman and savvy business woman. I really admired the fact that when she preformed she had question and answer sessions with the audience regarding her condition. To me that shows confidence and a lot of that was due to the love and support of her family and friends whilst growing up. She was like a super model in many ways, paid to be looked at and she took full advantage of it. I'm so happy she found love, but it was truly tragic she and her husband lost their babies. It's really sad that having retired from the public domain she never got the chance to fully appreciate the quiet farm life she longed for.

[@stephaniebennett9722]

There's a large lady in heaven. I hope if ever my life is told in a story form it is as glowing as this woman. RIP Anna Swan.

[@eilsmile8732]

Nice sentiment

[@julienielsen3746]

She might be normal size in Heaven, if that's what she wants. Because it is a deformity and not how God really planned her to be. I'll find out when I get there. I'll meet her.

[@deathbycheese850]

It's not any wonder that her second child died. Wrapping a bandage around his neck, and pulling on it, would have caused asphyxiation.

[@christinehutchins123]

He died 11 hours later ,it wasn't the bandage.

[@kerenhumphreys43]

Yes true, no matter how many hours later the baby died. It was the initial cause. You are definitely right.

[@deathbycheese850]

@@christinehutchins123Asphyxiation doesn't always kill immediately. It's well known that oxygen deprivation during child birth can still kill a child long after the event has taken place. Have you never heard of a baby dying later on, because it's cord has been wrapped around it's neck? That happened to my brother. It was wrapped around his neck twice, and he was born blue. Thankfully, he didn't die, and had no complications, but it's a different story from his, most of the time. Maybe you should look it up?

[@star_fossil]

Babies receive oxygenated blood via the umbilical cord, they don't take a breath until after birth.

[@AwfulDog1]

The choice was to do that or let both mother and baby die. What would you have done?

[@ittybittykittymama7582]

My sfopted son grew to be just shy of seven feet and he weighed over three hundred pounds. He grieved his giganticism and never was able to find his place in life. He wanted to be married and have children, but his life was cut short by gun violence so he never realized any of his dreams. I miss him every day! My GrandDaddy reportedly weighed 15 pounds at birth. He was so well developed and strong at birth that, as the midwife was washing him, he grasped her thumb and sat up! He was so large that he broke the midwife's scales and later that day taken to the local feed store and weighed on their larger scales. He was nicknamed "Little Bit," but he was a giant of a man! He grew to be well over six feet, but never weighed over two fifty. He was a kind and gentle man. He died as the result if a massive stroke at rhe age of 73. He was our rock, our hiding place, and I loved him very much.

[@msummer9016]

I am so sorry your son did not get to fulfill his dreams in this life and for your heartache also. Praying for the deepest comfort of God to give you peace and joy again.

[@maryricketts7337]

No, your newborn grandfather did not sit up when he was born.

[@punkstermom1984]

​@@maryricketts7337and how do you know this? 😂 Where you there? It's extremely possible that he had a strong enough grip on the nurse that when she pulled her hand up he "sat up" a long with her. Some babies (especially a large baby) can be very strong at birth. All 3 of my daughters could lay on their tummies and lift their head to look around and scoot crawl from the day they were born. One of our daughters additionally could grab the side of the plastic hospital bassinet and almost pull herself and flip out over the side. Nurses were in awww of how strong they were. As a 3 year old our eldest could be hung upside down by her ankles and do sit ups in the air with no assistance. Some babies any young kids can absolutely be unusually strong. Just because yours wasn't or ones you've seen aren't doesn't mean all littles are the same. So you really shouldn't go around telling people what they know is true isn't true. 🤷‍♀️

[@bonnylouwho76]

Thank you so very much for sharing your amazing and loving family history story. I have a friend that weighed over 17 lbs at birth and he was much older than I am and died quite awhile ago and would be about 120 years old if he was alive. ( He died about the age of 94.) He was regular sized man in life though.

[@lorrainem8234]

​@@maryricketts7337Never say never when it comes to little babies. One of my five children rolled over as a newborn. That usually doesn't happen until about 2 months of age. He was a very strong baby but not of unusual size.

[@katiemoyer8679]

I’m very curious as to the purpose of inserting 1950’s-1960’s film, photos in the visuals. Cars and RV’s in the 1800’s…🤷🏻‍♀️. Nope. How come this is in the visuals.

[@maguffintop2596]

I second that wonderment. A total non-sequitor.

[@WeRNthisToGetHer]

Yeah, I am totally confused on that. 😂

[@cathyd74]

Lazy editing maybe?

[@maguffintop2596]

LOL- I love your handle!!@@WeRNthisToGetHer

[@julienielsen3746]

Probably from Nova Scotia maybe. Trying to find fill to fill in while telling the story.

[@kayhollings1777]

This was so bloody sad!! Poor Anna and losing both those babies. And the second one, making it through birth only to die hours later. What a horror. Way to crush a heart. Losing babies or small children is probably the worst thing I could imagine for emotional pain.

[@pixiestyx1766]

As a mother who lost her oldest son, there is no age limit on grief.

[@candybanks8717]

Actually, considering the lives lived by such unusual people in the 19th century, hers may be the least tragic I've ever heard. Her primary tragedy, losing two children at birth, was extremely common for the general population. She kind of had an amazing, although very challenging, life and accomplished a lot. Cool story!

[@AwfulDog1]

Well, that’s ok for Anna then!

[@thesisypheanjournal1271]

"Gigantism" is a generic term for any kind excessive height. Typically it's caused by a pituitary tumor but can also be caused by Marfan Syndrome among other things.

[@joywebster2678]

But differentiated by the " wing span" in marfans, znd jaw length, not seen in the pituitary tumor giants. The stereotypical marfanoid is Abe Lincoln.

[@Eyes.WideOpen]

My grandson has soto's syndrome, they also call it gigantism, but there's no cure for it

[@Miyori999]

I am glad to hear she was able to teach in some capacity before passing. I work with children and they are such a joy. Sad to hear that she was never able to raise children of her own, but I hope she enjoyed the sunday school!

[@ktkat1949]

This is a very interesting story. Being Canadian I had heard of Anna before. I do want to congratulate you on the sensitive and kind video on this lady. Some people would have made silly jokes or comparisons which would have really upset me but you did a perfect job. Thanks so much!

[@Trevorjennings35]

Hello Kate, how are you doing today, hope you’re fine and safe from the COVID-19 virus??

[@user-gc3lm2nh7b]

Bless her!! She is an inspiration of human courage and goodness!!! ❤

[@mstunameow]

Overall well done and interesting story but some of the stock photography and footage used is questionable eg using a famous Depression era photo to talk about a story happening decades earlier. Some 1950's/60's color footage of an old man picking a rose while talking about Bates' depression. A bit of a hodge-podge whatever approach there

[@rivermoon6190]

And that’s not even mentioning the 1950s cars which were not even dreamt of when the life of the Bates took place.

[@annecox4377]

7

[@monicaclark9581]

I'm glad Anna had a chance to teach the children about the Bible and that they didn't discriminate against her or have a fear of her or her husband.

[@SIP123abc]

Exactly

[@CATNAPREAL1188]

I not only left a thumbs up I subscribed ! Thank you for this video. I had never heard of this lady before nor her husband. How sad that their babies didn't survive. I am So curious to know if it was due to nurses, physicians hospital care or lack of knowing how to care for such a very large infant. To be able to completely check them out against a standard sized baby would have been next to impossible. I am glad that even after marrying another woman after she passed that she was gracious enough as a human who loved him to let him be laid to rest with his first wife, his son and for the town to be able to Honor their legacy ! Thanks For the video and THANKS TO HER his second wife !!!

[@tablescissors67]

Fully agree!

[@Snowmojito]

This channel is wonderful; highlighting so many historical figures that are often unknown or forgotten. Thank you for all your hard work, Fascinate! You give us hope that history won’t be lost

[@BarbaraEMarshallCampbell]

I found most interesting the fact that she found a husband of her stature and size and that she befriended Queen Victoria who went on to give lavish gifts such as the fabric and seamstress to create the wedding gown Anna wore and jewelry and land she bestowed upon the couple. While her double birth tragedies are also interesting it regrettably isn't uncommon to lose children at or just after birth. The size of the 2nd child she birthed and that he survived even 7 hours is very interesting, even hard to fathom. That Anna saved many lives in the museum fire was an amazing act of selflessness and it is a shame that she never had a living child to nurture since she obviously wanted one. I love that Anna finally became a teacher in Sunday School. It seems to me that save having a child of their own to raise Anna had a rich successful life in which her dreams were fulfilled which is possibly the most interesting point of this fine woman's proud perserverance and positive forward moving adventurous nature. She sounds extremely remarkable as a person, especially as a giantess treated like a freak for parts of her life. I'm so happy that she came to realize all but the dream of raising a child before her death. Sister Barbara

[@Trevorjennings35]

Hello Barbara, how are you doing today, hope you’re fine and safe from the COVID-19 virus??

[@SewardWriter]

I wonder if her son would have lived if she had been allowed to birth while standing or crouching, or even on hands and knees. The positions are more comfortable, and they allow gravity to help rather than hinder.

[@Dhruv_Dogra]

Correct! It's sad that the West abandoned these positions for child birth so conclusively.

[@QuakerLady]

I have always been bothered by the position women are put in to give birth. There are no other mammals who give birth on their backs with their legs in the air. It's for the convenience of the doctor or midwife.

[@rosameryrojas-delcerro1059]

In many older cultures (Ancient Egypt being one) mothers would squat. They had "birthing stools" that women could squat on while the midwife caught the baby. @@QuakerLady

[@kimwildner9431]

They are still in use.

[@indigocheetah4172]

@@rosameryrojas-delcerro1059, there are birthing chairs for delivery in Australia. In other western countries, a birth can be assisted with the mother on all fours and birthing chairs.

[@MGW27]

It must have been quite a spectacle to see her with Queen Victoria, who was less than 5 feet tall.

[@badpup3922]

The giant Anna with her many good traits and her ability to overcome hardships is the type of person I admire. Not some self absorbed narcissistic Actor or rich CEO that this superficial World seems to put on a pedastal over good character. Anna was not only a huge role model for being an upstanding person, but also a woman with a Giant heart, a true love for the well being of animals and being a good person to other humans. She passed on way to soon, but left a legacy that will never be forgotten..

[@rosehobbs6051]

Thank you for posting this.

[@leecarlson9713]

I just watched this, and then subscribed. You handled this subject with dignity. Thank you.

[@DH-ve5bl]

She had such hardships, through no fault of her own, but she kept on going. She is quite an inspiration for the disabled and the unfortunate.

[@ericamorkunas5236]

How absolutely heartbreaking to lose two babies. I've lost a child and I don't wish that pain on anyone ever. Poor thing just wanted a life and a family💔🥺

[@Trevorjennings35]

Hello Erica, how are you doing today, hope you’re fine and safe from the COVID-19 virus??

[@Seevawonderloaf]

Anna sounds like such a beautiful soul. What a sweetheart. So tragic. She didn’t deserve this :(

[@lotuslicciardi5872]

What a story. Anna Swan Bates was such an inspirational woman. During her 41 years she did more with her life despite her unique physical situation than most people with no disabilities. She didn't let her health and societal nor dictate her life. Her family was supportive and loving. Although some people at the time suggested her family was using her to make money, her family helped to teach her that she could work and even be successful in spite of her physical appearance. She became financially independent and during her travels found love. She was a kind, loving individual who put others needs before her own. She was such an inspirational person. It's sad that she lost her 2 children and fell into deep despair. However, even after their deaths Anna and her other tragedies she maintained her faith in God and helped others. After achieving her youthful dream of becoming a teacher her body gave out on her. If there's a heaven O known Anna Swan is there.

[@Trevorjennings35]

Hello Pretty, how are you doing today, hope you’re fine and safe from the COVID-19 virus??

[@geoffreylee5199]

Met a guy at school who had the same problem, nicknamed Stretch, he passed before 20yo.

[@CherylMotherofSeven]

Thank you for this history on Anna. Very respectful, kind and informative. I really enjoyed it.

[@Trevorjennings35]

Hello Cheryl, how are you doing today, hope you’re fine and safe from the COVID-19 virus??

[@runninggirl2765]

The photos of the paper company plant, 50's fin car, beach scene, toad stool (shown twice!), etc. cracked me up! Narrator is good, though and content interesting.

[@mikethomp1440]

She sounds like an extraordinary human being. A selfless person that cares about others and has compassion for animals. Her size aside, she is an example to others and represents the best of what it means to be human

[@wolfywolfhowl]

Most interesting part of this story is I am from Nova Scotia and this is the first time I ever heard about Anna Haining Swan Bates. Must be a sign I surely have to get out more and I am 66 yrs of age.

[@annehoskins5795]

I am related to a giant MacAskill. He was also from Nova Scotia. There is a statue of him in a museum in Englishtown, Nova Scotia. He only lived to 30 years of age. He died from lifting a heavy anchor.

[@carlaamarosa4333]

Hen was known for lifting the anchor, but Wikipedia says this, wondering if you know something more, or if stories get jumbled up over time: In the summer of 1863, MacAskill undertook a trip to the colonial capital at Halifax, where he had been planning to sell produce and purchase stock for his store that he would need for the winter season from the city's wholesalers. During the trip, he suddenly became seriously ill and was returned to St. Anns, where his family moved him back to his parents' home. His original childhood bed was hastily lengthened and put up in their living room to provide for his care. The doctor's diagnosis was brain fever. After a week's illness, MacAskill died peacefully in his sleep on August 8, 1863, the Presbyterian minister the Rev. Abraham McIntosh and many neighbours being in attendance in the house.

[@annehoskins5795]

Actually you had more information than I did. All I know is what my parents told me when I was a child and even then they didn't know much.@@carlaamarosa4333

[@monkmell]

This was so interesting! Very sad story but at least they both found love and companionship…many people don’t.

[@jow265]

This was great. Thank you!

[@dorothypierre754]

I like how in the end she got to be a teacher like she always wanted. I bet she loved those children immensely because she lost her own. She needs a movie made about her!

[@Trevorjennings35]

Hello Dorothy, how are you doing today, hope you’re fine and safe from the COVID-19 virus??

[@randomvintagefilm273]

Bro, why are you using 1950s random color film as filler when discussing a 1880s story? That is just bizarre!

[@sforza209]

He’s using many many questionable photos on this video.

[@hanksmith1582]

absolutely.....I gave up when Dorothea Lange's very famous Depression-era picture flashed across the screen!!

[@nmarchesano]

I was confused too but I realized that photos from that era are hard to obtain. He had to fill it with something.

[@sigalsmadar4547]

​@@nmarchesanoNo he did not have to fill the space with inane photos and videos

[@californiacritic9779]

​@@sigalsmadar4547😂😂😂you're annoying

[@karenbankster8084]

Wonderful channel!!! I love how you weave the story with so many important facts, known and unknown, about real people from our History!!! I did not realize how much I was being taught, or forever learned along the way, that is until I realized I could quote you word for word! You guys are amazing and I am wonderfully shocked how Easily and Vividly I was there walking beside Miss Anne all through her amazing Life like I had experienced it firsthand!!! I will take this knowledge and this story with me in Heart & Mind for the rest of my life!!! (and then probably afterwards too!?!❤ ❤❤❤(One can only hope!🤷🏻‍♀️😂🥰🙋🏻‍♀️)

[@safiremorningstar]

She had a great dad...

[@loripowell5088]

I had never heard of this story before. Thank you for presenting it so respectfully.

[@deborahmyers5205]

😢

[@kissorspit9851]

Yes, they were definitely married in St. Martin in the field, Strand registration district in 1871 Ref: 1B-846

[@karensprings4237]

Thank you for the information.

[@mamawolf86]

Love this. And just so people are aware. The photo of the museum shown in this video is from Tatamagouche Nova Scotia. If you go looking in Halifax you may be disappointed. Unless they have the exact same museum that I am not aware about.

[@marciawhite7448]

Thanks for sharing such an unusual but beautiful story.

[@susanpendell4215]

Sad and tragic that she lost both children. I can feel for that. I can't imagine being so unnaturally tall. I am just an inch or to over 5 ft. myself. That must have really been hard on her spine as her backbone likely had the same amount of bones in it as I do. Think how stretched that would be. Giving birth pulls on the spine. Labor must have been horrible, and then to loose the babies on top of that😢

[@llamamama2910]

Just a century later she could have had safer as nd more successful c section

[@kayeruss7313]

It sounds as though her family cared for her and did the best they could. After all, her parents weren't going to live forever. She was able to make a living and an interesting one at that. She seems to have been a very nice person and may have been one of the few kind people that the others in the freak shows had interactions with.

[@samasiaskipperable]

Queen Victoria always journaled so one might’ve gotten information on her friendship for more details😊

[@Yosetime]

I find it amazing that her husband went on to live another 32 years after her death. So sad that if they have had the extraordinary technology of C-Sections back in those times, her babies would probably have survived. Also, I do believe we have a way now to fix the pituitary gland to prevent further growth in people with this condition. They both led amazing lives, if not sad at times, and kept their human spirit just as anyone else would, even under so much public pressure and having to get around scams and the hard life of touring spectacles. What fine human beings they both were. A great story. This was my first video on this channel. You have a new subscriber now. Well done. Thank you for using a real voice and not a robotic one. Very much appreciated that.

[@deborahmyers5205]

C-section stands for Cesearean Section. Been around a Very long time, although Mothers were in much more danger at the time. It's a shame that C-section wasn't Employed, but did exist

[@debbie991]

I live in Halifax, Nova Scotia.... thank you for this story, I've never heard it.. wow :)

[@wiheath217]

You showed pictures of Robert Wadlow who was born in my home town of Alton, Illinois. He was over 8 feet tall. Unfortunately he passed away in his 20s.

[@Savetheworldfirebidennow]

This was beautifully and interestingly done

[@colleenmichele9787]

They were such lovely people… beautiful souls. I loved learning about this. How very heartwarming ❤

[@Callmeonmyshell13]

I’m very happy they both found love with each other, but it’s too sad they lost two children. A girl and a boy. What a delight they would have been if they lived. I can’t imagine Anna’s devastation as she loved children, even animals. RIP to all this beautiful family.

[@paigeneighbors8817]

She sounds like a beautiful person, inside and out!!❤

[@Trevorjennings35]

Hello Paige, how are you doing today, hope you’re fine and safe from the COVID-19 virus??

[@nightowlslounge]

I think it’s so wonderful that she was friends with Queen Victoria and that she paid for her wedding gown and her wedding and all her gifts! 💒! Such a beautiful story!

[@caitlynortega1829]

Incredible video and story. Thank you!!

[@Factinate]

Our pleasure!

[@karlepaul6632]

Good story, but what the hell is all the various videos and stills that have nothing whatsoever to do with the subject?

[@rebecca120xmany]

I was wondering the same thing.

[@kateharris1210]

Wondering the same. ???

[@constancelacroce1123]

Not many photos or videos taken in the 1800's. But would have to put "fillers" to sho something during the dialogue.

[@melissaweintraub5854]

There was a picture of a man I’d seen a show about near the beginning. People still have this condition, although it’s called something else now. There are two types, one starting before puberty and the other after. In the latter type (I think), people grow tall and eventually stop. In the other, they keep growing everywhere; it’s painful and debilitating.

[@oldvale3686]

It’s time referencing/filling.

[@NicoliRavioli117]

Wow. She sounded like such a lovely woman. It’s so sad that they were never able to have a child. I’d never heard of her before. Thank you for such an interesting video ❤

[@user-cd7ip5qz2o]

It’s really nice to hear how supportive people were of her.

[@pearlsaminger9544]

Wow , I've learned something new .This was interesting and so sad too . I'm glad that she was given the opportunities to learn new skills and managed to fulfill her dream of teaching . It was also lovely that she was buried along with her child and husband , that must have been quite a tough decision for his then wife to make. Thank you so much for sharing this .

[@helencheadle5285]

How wonderful and amazing at the kindness of Queen Victoria to provide her beautiful wedding dress etc…..that’s a story to pass down in the family! ♥️♥️

[@pambell6076]

These dresses are gorgeous! Thank you for sharing them!

[@Trevorjennings35]

Hello Pam, how are you doing today, hope you’re fine and safe from the COVID-19 virus??

[@madame360]

She lived a larger than life story and I’m happy she found love and got to fulfill her dream to teach. She’s an inspiration.

[@kami1284]

What was interesting to me was how her children were born so big. Her size was not genetic, but a tumor. Is the tumor one that can be passed down? Or was their father big without a tumor? Would be interesting to know. Great story

[@maryshanley329]

She could have kept herself hidden away at her childhood home. Because of those like her grandmother, she made her way into life. She was so kind. More people should be like Anna.❤

[@MonaLisaFace]

Good point

[@Brinta3]

What makes you say it was a tumor? Anna herself was a giant baby, I read that her daughter was just as heavy as Anna was at birth.

[@saraknox1631]

If it was a pituitary tumor (acromegaly), it causes the production of huge amounts of human growth hormone. That hormone would have affected the baby during gestation.

[@kristingallo2158]

Most likely gestational diabetes

[@TheresaONeill-ze3jb]

I worked with handicapped children, teens, and young adults. I had a teen in my program with this he was so strong it was unbelievable! Very nice young man, he was excited when I was pregnant. He couldn't wait to see her.lol..😅 I think he was happier than I was..lol😅

[@WaiferThyme]

Nova Scotia is also the home of Angus McKaskill or as he was called, Giant McKaskill. Angus stood 7ft 9 inches and was st strong, he could pick up and carry his own fishing boat.

[@muralamoomum8287]

His museum wasn't overly that great that I found 💔 I thought it would have been more impressive to match him seeing as he was not only tall & large but strong ...

[@jujumulligan43]

Very well done. I appreciate the sound of the narrator, being real and exact in presentation. Very good images that keep the story interesting. I would love to see much more from this unique channel. Thank you for a very interesting bit of history.❤

[@Factinate]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Jen_Is_Outside]

I subbed after this video. Thank you😊

[@angelarigido7161]

Me 2!

[@helenawarsinnak]

Great video!! 💜 I wonder, what ever happened to Anna Swan Bates and Captain Bates original home?? Is it still standing by chance?? 🤔

[@buesevin4041]

Interesting but the random photo not necessary

[@kellymorton544]

Yes, their house is in Seville, Ohio. They still give tours of their house.

[@craniumgrunt6001]

The photo “The Giants of Seville”in the video shows it was razed (torn down) in 1948

[@kellymorton544]

@@craniumgrunt6001 yes, I was wrong. It's a museum.

[@triggerbunny]

Ah...my Great Great Great Aunt! Martin Van Buren Bates was my Great Great Great Uncle (on the Johnson side- Virgie, KY).

[@constancedenchy9801]

How very interesting

[@triggerbunny]

@@Brenda89 My Great Grandmother was Elizabeth Johnson, Grandmother was Violet. Afraid I don't know the connections beyond that.

[@triggerbunny]

@@Brenda89 We are family then! Awesome ;)

[@samanthalake5011]

Me too! We're related. 😜

[@Lvsanimals83]

I love your channel🙏🏻

[@Factinate]

Thank you!

[@Jackie-rc6cj]

Just Wow. What a story. Very interesting and well researched. Thankyou