Life
Stratton was born into a poor family in Bridgeport, Connecticut. He suffered from a rare genetic condition called microcephalic dwarfism, which caused him to stop growing at the age of two. By the time he was five, he was only 25 inches tall and weighed 15 pounds.Stratton's parents decided to capitalize on his size and put him on display at county fairs and local dime museums. They charged visitors a few cents to see him and sold pictures of him as souvenirs. By the time he was eight, Stratton had made enough money to buy his parents a house and to invest in several local businesses. In 1842, Stratton caught the attention of P. T. Barnum, the famous circus owner and promoter. Barnum signed Stratton to a contract and gave him the stage name of General Tom Thumb. Stratton made his debut with Barnum's American Museum in New York City in 1843. He was an immediate success and quickly became one of Barnum's most popular attractions. Stratton toured the world with Barnum for many years, performing in front of royalty and heads of state. He met Queen Victoria in England, President Abraham Lincoln in the United States, and Napoleon III in France. Stratton also appeared in several films, including "General Tom Thumb at Home" (1897) and "Davy Crockett in Texas" (1956).
In 1863, Stratton married Lavinia Warren, a fellow dwarf who was also a performer in Barnum's circus. The couple had one child, a son named Commodore Nutt, who was also a dwarf. Stratton and Warren performed together for many years until Stratton's declining health forced him to retire in 1878.He died of a stroke in Middleborough, Massachusetts, on July 15, 1883, at the age of 45. Despite his small stature, he had left a big mark on the world.
Legacy
Tom Thumb was one of the most famous entertainers of the 19th century. He helped to change the way the world viewed dwarfs and was a source of inspiration for people with disabilities. He was also a successful businessman and was one of the wealthiest men in the United States at the time of his death. Stratton's legacy continues to this day. He is still remembered as one of the great showmen of all time and as a symbol of what people with disabilities can achieve.