Nearly a century after his passing, Bernard Coyne’s story still towers above the rest. Born on a small farm between Oto and Anthon, Coyne grew into the history books as Iowa’s tallest man, reaching a staggering height of at least 8 feet 2 inches.
Coyne’s unusual growth was the result of a rare condition known as gigantism. By his teenage years, he had already passed seven feet tall. Everyday tasks—like finding clothes or shoes—became real challenges. Rather than give up, Coyne adapted. He learned how to knit his own sweaters, and he often cut the toes out of special-order shoes just to give his feet room.
In 1918, at just 20 years old, Coyne registered for the World War I draft. His draft card recorded his height at 8 feet exactly. The military turned him away because of his size, but that didn’t keep Coyne out of the public eye. The following year, he traveled across Iowa, appearing at county fairs and drawing crowds eager to see the state’s “gentle giant.”
Sadly, Coyne’s life was cut short. He died in May 1921 at only 23 years old. A local newspaper reported that he measured 8 feet 8 inches at the time of his death. While Guinness World Records recognizes Robert Wadlow of Illinois as the tallest man in medical history, Coyne remains Iowa’s tallest son—a figure who left both a remarkable and deeply human story behind.
