The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1894-07-11
DEATH OF A SOLID MAN.
A KENTUCKY FREAK WITH AN IN
TEREsTING HISTORY.
He Weighed $40 Pounds, and He and His
Wife Lived i'll g Cottage with
Boas for Pets.

Wife Lived i'll 6 Cottage with
Boas for Pets.
DANvILLE, IND, July John Han
son Craig, known the country over as
John Powers, the "Kentucky giant,
died insthis city on Monday of dropsy,
aged 46 years. H
John H. Craig was said to be the larg-
est man in this country. He was born in
Iowa City, Ia. His parents were persons
of ordinary size. At the time of his
birth he was an exceedingly large ehila
and rapidly grew in weight i aid, When
only a few years of age, he weighed more
than the average man. When still very
Young he left his home and moved to
Kentucky, where he gained the name OF
kentucky Giant" Remaining in that
state but very short time, he started
out as a side show and museum freak.
When his summer engagement was end
ed he settled down in Danville, this
state.
During a visit in New York he met
Miss Mary Kessler, daughter of Hen
bricks county farmer. Her parents were
averaged sized people, while she was of
enormous weight. 1t is said that when
she was school girl she was Sc large
that she could not walk in the aisles be-
tween the seats. Miss Kessler, then
showing as fat girl with Barnum, and
Craig fell in love with each other, and
before many moons had passed they were
made one. The next summer they en-
barked In the side show together, travel
ing with Barnum, Forepaugh, and many
other circuSes. In few years Craig
bought him small tent, hired a few
tumblers, acrobats and other freaks, and
started out on the road. He showed in
indianapolis several times at state fairs,
and at the Eden Musee.
During the winter Craig and bis wife
lived together in small one-story cot
tage on a very quiet street In Danville.
In their house they kept several boa cen
s5rictors, which they exhibited with
their show during the summer. At night,
when Craig and his wife were ready to
retire. the snakes were turned loose and
given the freedom of the house. They
would crawl over his bed, nestle them
selves on lis bosom and remain there
the remainder of the night. The people
living in the vicinity of Craig's home
had a mortal fear that the reptiles would
some time sneak out during the night
and devour the whole community. When
Craig and his wife desired to take an
outing they used a big red wagon similar
to moving van. They had colored
man for driver. They sat in the wag
on, one behind the other, on large
bench.
About twelve years ago Mrs. Craig
| fin for the remains. The funeral was
held at their cottage, and it was neces-
sary to take out the window castings in
| OrQGE tI1db LIlO CclShCO COulU D6 pun III
two horse wagon that was used to con
vey them to the cemetery, as hearse
was decidedly too small. 1t took twelve
strong men to act as pallbearers.
Craig, the next summer, again took to
the show business, but in year or two
he returned to Danville financially broke.
He opened little restaurant and peanut
stand and did thriving business. He
always welcomed Danville people who
came to see him, but strangers had to
pay ten cents to view his enormous form.
1t has been said that five men, standing
close together, could easily be buttoned
inside his overcoat. When he walked ON
I the street the flesh of one leg would al
most envelope the other at every step.
He soon grew tired of quiet life and re-
turned to the road. While in Minnesota
he married again. His secod wife was
of ordinary statue. They removed to
DanVille and settled down. One child
was born to them. Their married life
was not happy one and they separated,
but were again married. They parted
again last year.
An indianapolis firm is making his cof-
fin. 1t will be feet 8 inches long and
80 inches wide. He weighed GAO pounds.
Good Country Lard at 10 cents per
pound J. w, r. LoWREY