John William "Bud" Rogan (c. 1867 – September 11, 1905; some sources indicate 1867, 1868 and 1871 as his birth year) was an American man who was recorded as the second-tallest person ever, behind only Robert Wadlow. Rogan is also the tallest African American in history.
John Rogan was born in Hendersonville, Tennessee. He was the son of the former slave William Rogan, as the fourth of twelve children. John began to grow very rapidly at the age of 13, due to gigantism. This led to ankylosis (abnormal rigidity of the skeletal joints). By 1882, he could not stand or walk.
Although he could not perform physical labor due to his condition, Rogan made a living by selling portraits and postcards at a train station. An 1897 article in the Kansas City Journal mentions that a number of his drawings were published. Despite his success in this regard, he declined all offers to join carnivals and sideshows.
In 1899, he was measured at 8 ft 6 in (2.59 m), by the time he was tied with Franz Winkelmeier, as the tallest person ever. Although his height was 8 ft 6 in (2.59cm) he weighed only 175 pounds (79 and often appeared in newspapers, referred to as the "negro giant". He used a cart like a wheelchair; it was pulled by goats. He was always the center of attention, often noted for his deep voice and playful attitude.
Rogan's hands measured 11 in (28 cm) in length and his feet measured 13 in (33 cm) in length. At that time he measured 8 ft 9 in (2.67 m) tall, but weighed only 205 pounds (93kg). Rogan is the tallest person of African descent, and remains the second tallest person on record. Robert Wadlow was 21 years old when his height surpassed Rogan's. In an old newspaper article, it is said that his maternal grandfather was also a giant, requiring a larger saddle when he rode horses, hinting at the possible genetic inheritance to John.
Rogan died on September 12, 1905, reportedly weighing only 105 pounds (48 kg) and described as "a living skeleton"
