Estimated to be between seven feet one inch and eight feet tall, Henry Clay Thruston became known nationally and internationally for his height. Born in South Carolina in Greenville County, Thruston married his cousin Mary B. Thruston in 1833, and they had two children. In 1861 he joined the Confederate effort in the Civil War, and despite his conspicuous height, he was wounded only twice. By 1874 the Thrustons had moved to Titus County, purchasing land near the Daphne Community. Thruston also toured with P.T. Barnum's Circus as "The Tallest Man in the World." Seen by large crowds throughout America and in Europe, he became part of late 19th century popular culture.