Henry Clay Thruston
The East Texas Weekend Preview — Standing at 7ft 7in, this East Texan was considered to be the tallest man on the planet in the late 1800’s.
Nicknamed the “Missouri Giant,” Henry Thruston joined the Confederate Army and quickly became a popular figure among the North and South. Despite his massive size, Thruston survived various battles relatively unscathed.
After the war, he would settle near Mount Vernon, TX on 100 acres. Other than working the land and raising a family, Thruston would be recruited by a national circus, which touted him as “The World’s Tallest Man.” Often he would dress as Uncle Sam and wave to adoring fans on parade routes.
Thruston was a proud patriot. A gentle soul. And despite his huge stature, he would remind people very quickly, and sternly, that he was a man just like everyone else.
After his passing from heart failure in his family home, a special 8ft casket had to be built to store his remains.
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If you are interested in more details on Thruston’s story, check out this great article, “Tallest Rebel” by Mike Cox.
Henry Clay Thruston’s gravesite can be found at the Edwards Cemetery: 501 N Madison, Mt Pleasant, TX 75455
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