Photograph: Charles S. Stratton, full length portrait against plain background
Unknown creator, American (created by)
Charles S. Stratton (General Tom Thumb)
Southworth, Mary (associated with)
Charles S. Stratton (General Tom Thumb)
Southworth, Mary (associated with)
1865 (Date manufactured/created)
7 in H
X
5.25 in W
Full-length portrait photograph of Charles S. Stratton, standing in front of a plain background. He appears of a mature age, but is likely in his thirties. An ink inscription on the bottom of the photograph, old but not original, suggests a date of about 1865, though it could be somewhat later. Stratton is shown wearing a dark wool frock coat that ends about mid-thigh, and loose trousers. In one hand he holds a hat with a shiny visor, braid and an emblem, which may be a yacht club hat. Stratton joined the Brooklyn Yacht Club in 1873, and prior to that owned yachts, "Tom Thumb," and "Maggie B." Possibly the photograph was taken for a reason related to his yachting or yacht club membership. No photographer is named on the image.
Charles S. Stratton (January 4, 1838- July 15, 1883), known as General Tom Thumb, was an entertainer and Bridgeport, Connecticut, native who got his start with P.T. Barnum in 1842. Stratton's parents signed him with Barnum when he was about five, since exhibiting people with dwarfism was lucrative at the time. Stratton took quickly to performing, and he entertained audiences worldwide, including nobility such as Queen Victoria. Stratton married fellow performer M. Lavinia Warren in 1863 and the two had a happy marriage and continued touring American and the world. Their performances brought them renown as celebrities and wealth, and the two owned several homes. On July 15, 1883, Stratton suffered a stroke and passed away. He is buried at Mountain Grove Cemetery in Bridgeport, Connecticut. His wife died many years later, in 1919, and was buried beside him.
Charles S. Stratton (January 4, 1838- July 15, 1883), known as General Tom Thumb, was an entertainer and Bridgeport, Connecticut, native who got his start with P.T. Barnum in 1842. Stratton's parents signed him with Barnum when he was about five, since exhibiting people with dwarfism was lucrative at the time. Stratton took quickly to performing, and he entertained audiences worldwide, including nobility such as Queen Victoria. Stratton married fellow performer M. Lavinia Warren in 1863 and the two had a happy marriage and continued touring American and the world. Their performances brought them renown as celebrities and wealth, and the two owned several homes. On July 15, 1883, Stratton suffered a stroke and passed away. He is buried at Mountain Grove Cemetery in Bridgeport, Connecticut. His wife died many years later, in 1919, and was buried beside him.
EL 1989.184.001