Charles Stratton
Charles Sherwood Stratton (born January 4, 1838 in Bridgeport (Connecticut) , † July 15, 1883 ) was a short American circus artist and actor who used to appear under the name "General Tom Thumb".
Life
Charles Stratton was born a tall, sturdy child and developed normally for the first few months of his life, but his growth, which came in several spurts with long pauses, ended when he was six feet tall. Stratton's three siblings, however, developed normally. In 1842 PT Barnum discovered him in Bridgeport (Connecticut) for the circus and gave him the name "General Tom Thumb", under which he became known. Barnum taught the only four-year-old boy to sing, dance and imitate famous people and let him perform in his American Museum . Stratton traveled to Europe for the first time in 1844. He performed first in Liverpool , then in London , where he was also introduced to the royal family. The writer Albert Smith wrote a piece especially for Stratton: Hop o 'my Thumb .
After touring England, Scotland and Ireland, Stratton performed in Paris , where he was also admired and given gifts by the imperial family, and then completed a tour of France before returning to the USA. This was followed by appearances in numerous cities in North America and in Havana.
Stratton's father died in 1855, and from then on he traveled on his own - although still looked after by Barnum. He appeared in numerous plays. Stratton, who was a Freemason , still had his personal residence in his hometown. After making his fortune through his many appearances, he kept horses and bought a yacht.
On February 10, 1863, Charles Stratton married Lavinia Warren, who was also short . This wedding, which was celebrated with about 2,000 guests and to which President Lincoln and his wife sent gifts, caused a sensation.
Stratton died of a stroke in 1883, a few months after being rescued from the fire at Newhall House in Milwaukee . Why it had not reached normal size remained unexplored. Stratton's grave is in Mountain Grove Cemetery in Bridgeport, his hometown. On the memorial stone is a life-size statue of Stratton.
Charles Stratton as a four year old
Charles Stratton with his father (around 1844)
Charles Stratton and PT Barnum (around 1850)
Charles Stratton and his family
Web links
- Life story up to marriage (last accessed on December 20, 2012)
- Tom Thumb Archive (last accessed December 20, 2012)
- Charles Stratton in the database of Find a Grave (English)
| personal data | |
|---|---|
| SURNAME | Stratton, Charles |
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES | Stratton, Charles Sherwood; General Tom Thumb |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION | American actor and clown |
| DATE OF BIRTH | January 4, 1838 |
| PLACE OF BIRTH | Bridgeport (Connecticut) |
| DATE OF DEATH | July 15, 1883 |