Ella Ewing

Ella Katherine "Kate" Ewing (March 9, 1872 – January 10, 1913) was a Missouri woman considered the world's tallest female of her era.

[5] Her professional career began at age twenty when Lewis Epstein, a museum owner and impresario from Chicago offered $1,000 for twenty-seven day appearance at his establishment.

[6] As part of her contract Ella's parents were allowed to accompany her and the family considered it something of a paid vacation, touring the sights of the Windy City when she was not on display at Epstein's museum.

Not long after returning home to Gorin Lewis Epstein made an even bigger offer, a five-month engagement for the then-astounding sum of $5,000.

Convincing her hesitant father that was more money than he could earn in five years of hardscrabble farming, Ella accepted and thus embarked permanently on a career as a museum and circus sideshow attraction.

"The Missouri Giantess", Ella Ewing with her parents Benjamin and Anna Ewing.
Circus poster promoting Ella Ewing.
The custom built home of Ella Ewing featuring extra tall doorways, ceilings, and windows to better accommodate her height.