Martin Van Buren Bates

Folk Figure. Known as the "Kentucky River Giant" for his great height, Bates measured seven feet, eleven 1/2 inches tall, and weighed 478 pounds. He served in the War Between the States in the 5th Kentucky Infantry, CSA, and rose to the rank of Capt. in the Virginia State Line. After the war he toured the USA, Canada, and Europe. In 1871 Bates married Anna Swan, the "Giantess of Nova Scotia," in London, where they were received by Queen Victoria.