She was known across the Midwest as the “Missouri Giantess,” a name that followed her throughout her life and career. This remarkable woman, often remembered for her towering presence, grew to an astonishing height—somewhere between seven and a half and eight and a half feet tall as an adult. Her size twenty-four shoes were just one visible sign of her extraordinary stature. For a time, she took center stage with the famed Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, where audiences marveled at her graceful yet imposing figure.
Before fame found her, she seemed like any other child during her early years. She developed normally until her seventh birthday, when something changed. From that point on, her growth accelerated rapidly. By the age of fourteen, she already stood at six feet ten inches—taller than most adults. Born and raised in Missouri, she was the only child of Anna Herring and Benjamin F. Ewing, who watched their daughter grow into a woman whose physical presence could fill a room.
Despite the attention and brief celebrity, her life was not without hardship. At the age of forty, she succumbed to tuberculosis, leaving behind a legacy defined by both her unique physique and quiet resilience. Even today, she is remembered—not just as a performer, but as a symbol of strength and individuality. The name “Missouri Giantess” still echoes, a tribute to a woman who truly stood apart from the crowd.
Back in her early twenties, she found herself landing a unique opportunity when Chicago entrepreneur Lewis Epstein brought her on board to serve as a living exhibit at his museum. It was one of those unexpected turns that felt surreal at the time, but looking back, it made sense—she had always stood out in a crowd. Being part of Epstein’s museum wasn’t just a job; it became a defining chapter in her story. She often reflects on how, even then, she carried herself with a quiet confidence that drew people in. And honestly, working under Epstein’s vision gave her a platform most could only dream of. It was more than just being on display—it was about presence, impact, and making every glance count.