Historical Obituary
Englishtown, NS
Born: 1825, Isle of Berneray, Scotland - Died: August 8, 1863, Englishtown, NS
Angus MacAskill, renowned as the Tallest and Strongest Man (non-pathological) according to the Guinness Book of World Records, passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 8, 1863, in Englishtown, Cape Breton Island, at the age of 38.
Born in 1825 on the Isle of Berneray in the Sound of Harris, Scotland, Angus immigrated to Nova Scotia with his family during the Highland Clearances in the early 1830s. Settling in Englishtown on Saint Anne's Bay, Cape Breton Isle, Angus's remarkable growth began in his teenage years, eventually reaching a height of 7 feet 9 inches and weighing 475 pounds.
Despite his immense stature, Angus was known for his gentle demeanor, described as a gentleman and a role model within his community.
Angus's extraordinary strength was legendary. He could reportedly lift a ship's anchor weighing 2800 lbs to chest height, carry barrels over 300 lbs under each arm, and set a 40-foot mast onto a schooner deck single-handedly. His feats of strength earned him acclaim across Europe and North America, where he performed alongside renowned figures like General Tom Thumb in P.T. Barnum's circus.
After his career in show business, Angus returned to Englishtown, where he invested in local businesses, including purchasing a gristmill and establishing a general store. He was known for his generosity and community spirit, endearing himself to all who knew him.
Angus MacAskill is laid to rest in the Auld Cemetery, Englishtown. Although his grave was forgotten for many years, renewed interest in his legacy led to the renovation of his burial site and the establishment of the Giant MacAskill Museum in Englishtown.
Another museum dedicated to him stands in Dunvegan, Isle of Skye, Scotland, operated by his descendants.
Angus MacAskill's impact on both Nova Scotia and Scotland endures through the artifacts, stories, and memories preserved in his honor. His legacy as the "Cape Breton Giant" continues to inspire and captivate generations, celebrating a life lived with strength, grace, and extraordinary kindness.
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