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I first read about this little man in Roth and Cromie's book "Little People" where the author's mistakenly refer to him as "Hop, the Human Frog" but I can assure you Maj. Gantz was never, ever exhibited as a frog boy but rather as the smallest man on earth - 30 lbs and 18" tall. Charles Gantz was born the 4th child of ten on a farm near Fairfield in southeast Iowa in 1867. He started school when he was 12 years old and acquired a high school education. He stayed at home and helped work the family farm until age 30 when, against his parent's wishes, he joined up with a carnival, not wishing to be a burden to his family any longer. He would always return home once a year, however, to visit. His family tells the story that (like Johnny Eck) Major enjoyed sitting on the porch and chatting with the curious kids on their way to school. However, the children became so fascinated by the Major and his tall tales that they were arriving late to their classes and the principal pleaded with Charley to stay inside till all the children had arrived at school! Charley became quite successful as evidenced by the fact that he eventually became the owner and manager of his own show. He lived a bachelor's life but not by choice. Even into his 50's he made a point of mentioning on his pitchcards that "I still entertain hopes of meeting my life affinity" and that he greatly enjoyed meeting his public "especially the ladies". Somewhere in his travels, Charles arrived in Long Beach, California where he died in 1932 at the age of 65. It was his wish that he be buried in his beloved hometown of Fairfield and there he remains to this day - in Evergreen Cemetery. |
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