Robert Wadlow (1918-1940) qualifies as the tallest person in history, according  to the Guinness Book of Records. Already 7 foot 4 when he was just 13, he was then the world’s tallest Boy Scout.  Continuing to grow, he wore size 37 shoes which were provided free by the International Shoe Company for whom he traveled on a goodwill tour in a car his father modified to accommodate his long legs.

A life-size bronze statue of Wadlow is a popular sight in Alton, Illinois, where this towering man was born. He was only 22 when he died of an infected foot blister, perhaps from carrying all that height and weight around.  It took twelve strong men to carry him  to his  final rest.