The Life of Anna Swan
Anna Haining Swan, born on August 6, 1846, was a Canadian woman notable for her great stature of 7 feet 11 inches. She was one of the tallest women ever. Her parents were of average height and were Scottish immigrants. Anna Swan was born at Mill Brook, New Annan, Nova Scotia.
Anna Swan was not only known for her height but also for her intelligence. She excelled at literature and music and was considered to be very intelligent. She also excelled at her studies of acting, piano, and voice.
Anna Swan’s Career
When she was 17, Swan started working with American showman P. T. Barnum. She lived in Barnum’s American Museum in New York City, and on 13 July 1865, she nearly burned to death when the museum was destroyed by fire.
Anna Swan later toured the western United States, followed by Europe where she appeared before Queen Victoria. In 1871, when Anna Swan was crossing the Atlantic for a tour of Europe, she met Martin Van Buren Bates, another enormously tall person known as the “Kentucky Giant”. A shipboard romance blossomed and they announced their engagement. They were married on 17 June at the Church of St Martin-in-the-Fields, London.
Anna Swan’s Cause of Death
Anna Swan died on August 5, 1888, at the age of 41. The cause of her death was heart failure. This was a common cause of death during that time period, and it is not surprising given the physical strain her body must have been under due to her extraordinary height.
Conclusion
The life of Anna Swan is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome physical challenges and societal expectations. Despite her unusual height, she led a fulfilling life, achieving success in her career and personal life. Her cause of death, heart failure, while tragic, is a reminder of the physical toll that such a unique condition can take on the body. Anna Swan’s story continues to fascinate and inspire people around the world.
