The Giants of Seville

The Captain & Mrs. Bates toured Europe and the United States giving lectures and having "teas." They were presented at the Court of England on at least 2 occasions. Many of their friends included the royal families of Europe.

The Captain received his rank during the Civil War, while serving with Virginia State Line Troops. He was born in Kentucky in November, 1845. Growing until he was 28 years-old, he reached a height of 7 feet, 8 inches and a weight of 470 pounds.

Mrs. Bates was born in Nova Scotia in 1848. By 1870, she had established herself in a career, working for P.T. Barnum. It was Mrs. Bates who began giving "teas." She was not interested in Barnum's "traveling" shows. Rather, she had receptions at the Barnum Museum or in "notable" homes. By her 22nd birthday, Mrs. Bates was 7 feet, 11 inches and weighed 413 pounds.
