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Columbia Gas Dept. GAS LEAK or GAS SMELL Contact Numbers 24 hrs/ 365 days 270-384-2006 or 9-1-1 Call before you dig 
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Scott Spires: Robert Pershing Wadlow, The Gentle Giant Author Scott Spires was inspired to research the life of Wadlow by stories that his father, Ancil Jr. Spires, told him about the giant's visit to Columbia promoting the International Shoe Company. Ancil is currently in the Thomson-Hood Veteran's Center, and Scott says it would make Ancil's day to receive a Christmas card from old friends in Columbia. His address is Ancil Jr. Spires, Thomson - Hood Veterans Center, 100 Veterans Dr., Wilmore, KY. 40390. By Scott Spires It was about this time over ninety years ago that 9-year-old Robert Pershing Wadlow ran up to Santa Claus on the sidewalk to tell him about his Christmas list. However, when Santa saw him, he backed away and was poised to run before father Wadlow was able to explain about his 6-foot 1/2inch son. Robert Pershing Wadlow was born February 22nd, 1918, in Alton, IL, weighing 8.5 pounds. At age thirteen Wadlow stood at 7 feet 4 inches. And had the distinction of being the world's tallest Boy Scout. It took 14 yards of 36" wide material to make his Boy Scout uniform. Wadlow faithfully attended and completed grade, middle and high school with above average grades. His I.Q. was 124. Upon high school graduation Wadlow stood at 8 feet 3 inches, and entered Shurtleff College in Alton to study law. By his 22nd birthday, he was the tallest man ever to be verifiably measured by competent doctors, 8 feet 11.09 inches. He weighed 491 pounds. From childhood Wadlow had a rare disease of the pituitary gland (Hyperplasia) which resulted in his astonishing growth. Today medication can somewhat alleviate the disease, but not entirely. However in the 1920's no such medication existed. Wadlow made brief appearances at Madison Square Garden and Boston Garden for Ringling Brothers circus. This was at center stage. Never as a sideshow character. Moreover, he never lied about or tried to fake his height, unlike most other giants. He did tour the country continuously with his father on behalf of the International Shoe Company of Saint Louis, who in turn made all the traveling arrangements. Together Wadlow and father visited over 800 towns in 41 states. The International Shoe Company also provided Wadlow free size 37aa shoes, the largest shoes ever made for regular use. Wadlow considered himself an advertiser. And with record company sales, Wadlow was the greatest advertiser International Shoe Company ever had. In Mountain Home, AR. A man 7 feet 2 inches tried to show Robert up, but when they met, Robert held his hand straight out and the young Arkansan could easily stand beneath it. Robert would put a silver dollar on his head and challenge the tallest man in the audience to try to reach for it. A person had to be 6 foot 8 inches on tiptoe or 6 foot 10 inches flatfooted to reach the dollar coin. Wadlow passed away July 15th 1940, while on tour in Manistee, MI, from a fever and infection caused by a poorly fitted ankle brace. A golden wedding anniversary celebration at Alton had been planned for his grandparents for the end of the month. His last words were "The doctor said I won't make it home to the celebration". He fell asleep and three hours later he was dead. At his funeral, condolences poured in from across the world. Over 40,000 people signed the guest registry at the funeral home in Alton. Strictly adhering to his Christian faith, Wadlow was always cautious to keep his character beyond question. He refused to be associated with or follow in the ways of sin, which sadly so many people fall victim to. Throughout his entire life, Wadlow endured the painful glaring stares, absorbed the hurtful, rude and sarcastic remarks. Resisting all inducements to become a sideshow character. Always appearing in a suit and tie, he lived with dignity, honor and hope in a world too small in so many ways. He cherished his parents, his two brothers and his two sisters, was a gentleman in every true meaning of the word. Always courteous, never belittling the lesser ones of humanity. He was always willing to be a true friend to all he met. Robert Pershing Wadlow made it home to the celebration, the celebration that really matters. The celebration of eternal life. Scott Spires' family is from Knifley. Most have passed away, and he says he misses them very much, especially his Grandparents Ancil an Martha Spires. Knifley will always have a special place in his heart. This story was posted on 2019-12-21 05:17:10
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