The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1880-05-28
Tom Thumb and other Dwar,s.

Speaking of Tom Thumbs appearance
at the New York aquarium, the Troy
Times correspondent says: As he is the
first dwarf of American birth that ever
commanded general attention. brief
personal sketch may be acceptable to
our readers. His name is Charles STRAIT
ton, and his parents were among the
poorest people in Bridgeport. He was
born in 1887, and hence is now forty
three. In early infancy he grew in a
natural manner, but this soon stopped,
and at the age offive years he only stood
two feet in height, his weight being less
than sixteen pounds. Barnum was then
in quest of attractions for his museum,
and his brother, who kept a tavern in
bridgeport, called his attention TO the
little curiosity. The result was that
the great Snowman made an arrange
ment with the Stratton family. which
soon found their diminutive child n
source of wealth. Barnum announced
him as General Ton. Thumb" and to
make the contrast more apparent he
added six years to his age. For long
time this dwarf was Barnum's principal
attraction. He Travelled both to London
and Paris and afterward to Havana with
almost incredible success. Even the
British queen was gratifcd with y
private exhibition Of his feats. 1t is
estimated that during the time above
referred to Barnum cleared $50, 1000 by
this exhibition, besides paying large
sum to the parents. The latter had
other children who grew to full size,
and there can be no reason why one of
the family should be so small
AS soon as Tom Thumb became to
age he began to control his own exhibi-
tion, and the entire proceeds thus came
into his pockets. AS he got rich he also
got close and penurious, at least in his
dealing with others, though he was a.
ways ready to spend money for himself
He married and bought fine house in
Bridgeport, and rs yachting became
fashionable, he owned vessel of this
character. His schiefpleasure, however,
is found in travelling, and hence he is
but seldom at his Bridgeport home. He
is getting to be old, and is said to be
very irrascible. His wealth is estimated
at $3.50, COO, which he has well invested
and, as he makes n good living by his
exhibition, he is rapidly accumulating
more. have never heard of any act of
liberality on his part, and am under the
impression that he is getting closer with
age, rs is generally the case. Tom
Thumbs success has led other dwarfs to
seek popularity, and the result is that
there has been n rage for such dminu.
tive creations, which has at least been
gratified by the Midgcts, VIII, are next
to the Lilliputians.
Speaking of Tom Thumbs great sue
cess, leads to the reilark that although
previous to his day dwarfs were little
known in America, they had long been
popular in England and also on the con-
tinent. One of the most remarkable in
stances of modern days was found in
the Polish Count Borowlaski, whose
height was thirty-five inches. lie was
favorite among the British gentry, and
hence was very profitable to the show
man. Peter the Great had a peculiar
penchant for dwarfs. and Mt one time
collected all OF this class in his domin-
ions, and had them brought to his cap
ital. The number was three score and
ten, and so large gathering of little
folks afforded great amusement.
Dwarfs are generally so deficient in in
tellect that they require each guardian.
Tom Thumb is one of the few excep-
tions to this rule. He knows how to
invest his property, and is the richest
man OF his inches in the world. The in
variable custom of viewing this cklss
merely rs curiosities has led to an omis-
sion of all other considerations. For
instance, no one seems TO think that a
dwarf can have any moral character, or
be subject to the control of conscience.
1t is doubtful whether one of this class
could be convicted of any crime, except
so far rs to require close watchfulness
just as in the case with an animal.
How far indeed dwarf may be subject
to the moral or civil law. is an interest
ing question.