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Edouard BeaupreCanadian circus giant, freak show performer, wrestler, strongman
Date of Birth: 09.01.1881
Country:  Canada |
Content:
- Édouard Beaupré: The Canadian Giant
- Circus and Freak Show Career
- Contract with Barnum and Bailey
- After Death
- Discovery and Research
- Burial
- Cremation and Return to Willow Bunch
Édouard Beaupré: The Canadian Giant
Early LifeÉdouard Beaupré was born in Willow Bunch, Saskatchewan, Canada, on January 9, 1881. The first of 20 children, he was the son of Métis Canadian parents Gaspard Beaupré and Florestine Piche. By age 7, he was enrolled in school and was of average height. However, by age 9, he had grown to an astonishing 185 cm (6'1"), and by age 12, he was over 200 cm (6'7").
Circus and Freak Show Career
Beaupré's exceptional size and strength made him a natural for the circus and freak show circuit. He traveled from Winnipeg to Montreal and even spent time in California, demonstrating his superhuman feats such as bending iron bars and lifting horses on his shoulders. In 1901, he famously wrestled against Louis Cyr, considered one of the strongest men who ever lived.
Contract with Barnum and Bailey
In 1904, Beaupré signed a contract with the Barnum and Bailey Circus to perform at the World's Fair in St. Louis, Missouri. Unfortunately, his health took a turn for the worse, and he suffered a fatal pulmonary hemorrhage. He passed away on July 3, 1904, at the age of 23. At the time of his death, Beaupré stood 251 cm (8'3") tall and weighed 170 kilograms (375 pounds).
After Death
Embalming and ExhibitionAt the request of the circus, Beaupré's body was embalmed by an undertaker. However, when the circus refused to pay, they decided to preserve the body and put it on display in St. Louis. It eventually ended up at Eden's Museum in Montreal, but a large crowd gathered to see it, prompting authorities to shut down the exhibit. It was then transferred to a Montreal circus, which quickly went bankrupt and abandoned the body in storage.
Discovery and Research
In 1907, two children stumbled upon Beaupré's body in storage. The University of Montreal took possession of it and, after examination and an autopsy, mummified the body and placed it on display in a glass case at the university.
Burial
Legal BattlesBeaupré's family only discovered that his body was in Montreal in 1967. In 1975, they filed a lawsuit to reclaim the body and give it a proper burial in Willow Bunch. The university resisted, claiming rights to the body for research and refusing to allow it to be displayed elsewhere. In 1989, the family tried again, this time with media attention to pressure the university.
Cremation and Return to Willow Bunch
Their efforts proved successful, and the university agreed to have the remains cremated to deter any attempts at grave robbing. Two large urns were required to hold the ashes. Finally, in 1990, le Géant Beaupré, or the Giant of Willow Bunch, was returned to his hometown. A memorial service was held, and his remains now rest at the Willow Bunch Museum.
