From the February 17, 1900 New York Times:

“Reading, Penn.–William H. Lotz, probably the heaviest man in Pennsylvania, died here to-day, aged forty-five years. He weighed 523 pounds, and measured seventy-two inches around his waist. He was the son of the late David H. Lotz, a wealthy hat manufacturer.

About ten years ago William inherited $25,000. Since then he has lived on the fat of the land, but his weight increased, his wealth decreased, and he finally became poor. Last Fall he was exhibited at country fairs as a fat boy. He would visit an oyster house and order a barrel of the bivalves, eating several hundred at a sitting. He was very generous and good-natured.”