Middlebush Giant
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The Middlebush Giant (May 5, 1837 - February 12, 1889) was most commonly known as Colonel Routh Goshen, but this was a stage name that was created by Phineas Taylor Barnum. He was billed as the tallest man in the world at 7 feet, 11 inches (240 cm) and 620 pounds (280 kg) but was most likely no more than 7 feet, 5 inches (226 cm) and 400 pounds (180 kg). While his birth name and date of birth were kept a secret, a letter that surfaced indicated that his birth name was Arthur James Caley and he was born on the Isle of Man in 1827. Others sources said he was born in Jerusalem on May 05, 1837. His true origins are still obscured by the many apocryphal biographies that were created to publicise him.
 Photograph of Colonel Routh/Ruth Goshon/Goshen a.k.a. 'Middlebush Giant', a.k.a. 'Arabian Giant' When the Giant singed the back of this photograph, he listed his age as 28, weight as 475, and height as 7 feet 11 inches. In reality he was older, shorter, and lighter. And he was not a real Colonel. All of these stats were created by P.T. Barnum. The Giant spent his retirement in Middlebush, Franklin Township, where he died and is buried. |
 Photograph of Colonel Routh/Ruth Goshon/Goshen a.k.a. 'Middlebush Giant', a.k.a. 'Arabian Giant' The Giant signed the back of this photograph, he listed his age as 28, weight as 475, and height as 8 feet. |
 Musical Theatrical Production of the Major S. E. Houghton with Deakin's Lilliput Comic Opera, Co. of Jack, the Giant Killer in which the Largest Man in the World, Col. Ruth Goshen appeared with the Smallest Man in the World, Commodore Nutt and the Smallest Lady in the World, Miss Jennie Quigley. Goshen was later known as the Middlebush Giant. |
 Middlebush Giant |
 Middlebush Giant |
 Brooklyn Eagle, January 08, 1879 |
