Edouard “Eddie” Beaupre (1881-1904)

Entertainer, Folk Figure. Born in Willow Bunch, Saskatchewan, he was the first born of twenty children of Gaspard and Florentine Beaupre. Edouard grew to the height of 8 ft. 3 in. and weighed 375 pounds. At the age of 17, under the name "The Giant", he got his start in the freak-show business when his neighbor Andre Gaudry suggested it might be a good way to earn money for him and his family. He toured North America, including Winnipeg, Montreal, Buffalo, Chicago and several cities in California. Beaupré acquired an agent and a regular job in a touring circus. From 1898 to 1904, the Giant earned a living being ogled by the curious, wrestling strongmen and performing feats of strength for audiences - crouching beneath an 800-lb horse and lifting it to shoulder height was one of his most popular stunts. At the age of 23 he was working for Ringling Brothers at the St. Louis World Fair in 1904 when he died. His cremated remains are buried in Willow Bunch in front of the museum and statue of his likeness.

Bio by: Ginny M