How Tall Is John Rogan?
John “Bud” Rogan, born on February 12, 1867, in Hendersonville, Tennessee, holds the title of being the second-tallest person in history. He stood at an impressive height of 8 feet 9 inches (267 cm), making him the tallest African-American ever recorded. His rapid growth began at the age of 13 due to gigantism, and he experienced ankylosis, which caused abnormal rigidity in his skeletal joints.
Despite his condition, Rogan made a living by selling portraits and postcards at a train station, and he often declined offers to join carnivals and sideshows. He was known for using a goat-pulled cart as a wheelchair and was admired for his deep voice and playful attitude.
Rogan passed away on September 11, 1905, at the age of 38 due to complications related to his condition.
Biography of John Rogan
John “Bud” Rogan, the son of former slave William Rogan, was born on February 12, 1867. He was the fourth of twelve children in the Rogan family. At the age of 13, Rogan’s growth spurt began, eventually making him one of the tallest individuals in history. However, due to a condition called ankylosis, he was unable to stand or walk.
Despite his physical limitations, Rogan found a way to make a living. He sold portraits and postcards at a train station and gained recognition for his drawings, although it is unclear if he was a proficient artist. Rogan’s hands were remarkable, measuring 11 inches in length and surpassing the current record holder for largest hands on a living person.
Being exceptionally tall, Rogan was always the center of attention. Newspapers often referred to him as the “negro giant.” However, Rogan refused offers to join carnivals and sideshows, choosing not to exploit his condition for personal gain.
Tragically, Rogan’s life was cut short. At the age of 38, he passed away on September 11, 1905, weighing only 175 pounds (79 kg) at the time of his death. Despite his relatively young age, John Rogan left behind a lasting legacy as one of the tallest individuals in history and the tallest person of African descent.
Height Estimates of John Rogan
The exact standing height of John Rogan is difficult to determine due to his inability to stand. However, measurements taken in a seated position estimate his height to be around 8 feet 6 inches (259 cm). These measurements were provided by Dr. William Lackey, who examined Rogan and published a paper about him.
It is important to note that Dr. Lackey’s estimation takes into account Rogan’s inability to stand and the curvature of his spine. Other sources suggest that Rogan may have reached a height of 8 feet 9 inches (267 cm) before his death. However, based on contemporary photographs, some experts believe that he may have been slightly shorter than that.
Regardless of the exact height, Rogan remains one of the tallest individuals in history, leaving a significant impact on the record of human stature.
Burial and Legacy of John Rogan
Following his death, John Rogan, the second-tallest person in history, was said to have been buried on the old Rogana farmlands without a marker, shrouding his final resting place in mystery. In order to protect the grave from potential grave robbers, a cement vault was used, similar to how Robert Wadlow, the tallest person on record, was interred. However, the exact location of Rogan’s burial site remains undisclosed, leaving his final resting place unknown.
While John Rogan’s physical stature was undoubtedly remarkable, his legacy extends far beyond his extraordinary height. As the tallest person of African descent, he has left an indelible mark on history. Rogan is remembered not only for his towering height, but also for his artistic abilities, playful demeanor, and unwavering refusal to exploit his condition for personal gain.
Despite the significant challenges he faced due to his gigantism and ankylosis, John Rogan managed to carve out a livelihood for himself, selling portraits and postcards at a train station. His talents as an artist and his jovial nature endeared him to many. Today, his legacy lives on as a testament to his resilience and the positive impact he made on those around him.
