Henri Cot. Last of the Old World Giants

The person featured in this image is Henri Cot (1883–1912), a French sideshow performer famously known by the pseudonym Joseph Dusorc.

The Who, Where, and When
Who: Henri Joseph Cot, who used the stage name Joseph Dusorc. He was an exceptionally tall man, reportedly reaching a height of approximately 2.28 to 2.30 meters (about 7'6") by the age of 20.

Where: Born in the commune of Mounès-Prohencoux (specifically the hamlet of La Cros), France. He toured extensively across Europe (including England, Germany, and the Netherlands) and the United States as a sideshow attraction.
When: He lived from January 30, 1883 (or 1884), to September 1912. The specific photograph where he is dressed as a drum major dates to roughly 1910–1912, a period when his manager rebranded him with the more extravagant Napoleonic-style uniform shown.

Henri Joseph Cot, known as Joseph Dusorc, led a short but remarkable life marked by his extraordinary growth.
Early Life and Family
Birth: Born on January 30, 1883, in the hamlet of La Cros, France.

Family Background: He was the seventh and youngest child of poor farmer parents who were of average or even short height (his father was 1.53 m and his mother was 1.56 m). His five brothers were also of normal stature, none exceeding 1.65 m.

Rapid Growth: Henri began growing at an alarming rate around age eight, reaching 1.50 m (4'11") by that time. By 12, he was 1.70 m; by 16, he reached 1.95 m; and by age 20, he stood at roughly 2.28 to 2.30 meters (about 7'6").

Work and Career
Sideshow Performer: Attracted by newspaper publicity, he hired a manager and toured as a sideshow attraction. He performed across France, Algeria, Britain, and North America.

The "Joseph Dusorc" Persona: In 1910, to revive his career, he adopted the stage name Joseph Dusorc—an anagram of his native hamlet, "du Cros"—and began wearing the elaborate Napoleonic drum major uniform seen in the photograph.

Noted Feats: He was famous for his immense strength and would reportedly carry a donkey on his shoulders for amusement.
Military "Service"

The Draft: When called up for mandatory military service in 1903 at age 20, he was officially recorded at 2.30 meters.

Exemption: Although he was dubbed the "tallest army recruit in France," he was never actually drafted. His extreme height made him physically unsuitable for standard service, though his "recruit" status was heavily used for publicity and postcards.

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