Missouri’s Giantess Who Towered Over Her Time
Growing up in Madison County, Illinois, we were taught about Robert Wadlow, the Alton giant, from an early age. The elderly lady who lived behind us knew him. I had school classmates whose last name was Wadlow - they weren’t giants. What I was wholly unaware of was Ella Ewing, the Missouri Giantess.
Ella Ewing was born in La Grange, Missouri in 1872, 46 years before Robert Wadlow. She grew to a height of just over 8 feet 4 inches, at the time, the tallest woman in the United States. She found work with Ringling Brothers & Barnum and Bailey Circus touring around the country.
Ella had a home custom built with extra tall doors, windows, and high ceilings to accommodate her height. That home in Gorin, Missouri burned in 1967. Several items were saved and are on display at the Downing House – Scotland County Museum in Memphis, Missouri.
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Downing House - Scotland County Museum in Memphis, Missouri
Items from Ella’s life can be seen there. Her oversized iron bed. Her extra-large chair, custom made sized 24 shoes, and other clothing and accessories. There is also a door from the Gorin, Missouri home, along with her personal extra sized broom and cane.
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Gallery Credit: Joni Sweet
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