The Fat Men's Convention of 1870

The Lewiston Evening Journal of Jan. 21, 1870, reported on the proceedings at the Fat Men's Convention held at Auburn Hall.

The Committee announced that they would proceed to weigh the fattest men and conduct the contest for the prize. It was agreed that the prize lay between Mr. Brackett of North Hermon, and Mr. Haven of Chelsea. Those gentlemen were escorted from the rostrum which trembled under their tread, amid uproars of applause, and the Committee proceeded to their duty. The scales were Fairbanks', noted for their accuracy, courteously furnished for the occasion by Messrs. Owen & Little of this city.

The Committee, through Mr. Ham, Chairman, reported as follows: That the heaviest man in the convention is Mr. A. G. Haven of Chelsea, 19 years old a few days since, weighing 354 lbs. without overcoat or hat. "He is a gentleman—whatever his occupation."

The next heaviest man is Mr. George Brackett of North Hermon, 57 years old, 5 feet 9½ inches high, and weighing 347¼ lbs. without hat or overcoat. Both men were received with roars of applause. The committee then introduced a contrast—a Lilliput—Mr. Aaron Nutting of Lisbon, jeweler, weighing 92 pounds, and 3 feet 2 inches high. He was born in Lisbon; his father was small before him, and he has a brother nearly as small as he is. [Link]

The contestants, with their weights, are listed here.