In the middle of the 19th century, the biggest star in American show business was 3 foot 4 inches tall

In the middle of the 19th century, the biggest star in American show business was 3 foot 4 inches tall.

When he was five years old, the boy the world would come to know as General Tom Thumb was taken in by his distant cousin P.T. Barnum, who taught him to sing, dance, and do impersonations. It was while working for Barnum that Tom Thumb developed his talent and became an international celebrity of the first order.

Unlike prior “freak show” acts, Tom Thumb was not displayed to be gawked at by circusgoers. Rather he became a gifted actor, singer, and dancer, who won critical and popular acclaim in full-length productions. 

His marriage in 1863 to two-foot-eight-inch Lavinia Warren was the subject of intense national interest. Their lavish wedding in New York City attracted thousands of spectators and was described as “a much-needed diversion for a war weary nation.” Over 10,000 guests attended the reception afterwards, and President Lincoln received the couple at the White House.

In addition to being a talented performer, “Tom Thumb” was a successful businessman, eventually becoming a partner of his former employer P.T. Barnum. 

In 1883 he died of a stroke at age 45. Lavinia lived another 35 years. After her death she was buried next to her husband.

Charles Sherwood Stratton (a/k/a General Tom Thumb) was born on January 4, 1838, one hundred eighty-six years ago today.

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