Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1883-07-20

Charles Haywood Stratton, better known
to the public as General Tom Thumb,
died at his residence at Middleboro, Mass.
at $50 O'Clock Sunday morning, of apoplexy
He had been slightly indisposcd for few
days, but nothing serious was anticipated
He was boru in Bridgeport, Conn, on Janu
airy 4, 1888. In 1859 he entered the service
of p. T. Barnum. At that time he was not
two feet high and weighed less than sixteen
pounds. lie was, however, well formed
bright little fellow, with light hair and rosy
checks, and the great Snowman engaged him
at a salary of SO week and travelling cx'
penses. lie made his first appearance in
New York on Thanksgiving Day. in the same
year, at Barnum's Museum, and proved d
great attraction. Before lie had been year
with Barnum his salary was increased to S2j
week. In 1854 Barnum took the dimInC-
tive prodigy to England, and had most sue.
cessful season with him at the Princess
Theatre. London. lie exhibited HIM after
ward at the Egyptian hall, and had the pleas.
ure to present HIM to Queen Victoria. Mr..
Barnum thus described the great event: "We
were conducted through long corridor to a
broad tight of marble steps, which led to the
Queens magnificent picture gallery, where
Her Majesty and Prince Albert, the Du-
chess OF Kent and twenty or thirty of
the nobility were awaiting our arrival.
The General walked in, looking like wax
doll gifted with the power of locomotion.
Surprise and pleasure were depicted ON the
counte nances of the royal circle at behoding
this remarkable specimen OF humanity SO
much smaller than they had evidently ex-
pected to find him. The General advanced
with Il firm step, and as he came within
hailing distance made very graceful bow
and exclaimed. Good evening ladies' and
gentlemen! A burst Of laughter followed
this salutalioh. The Queen thep took him
by the hand, led HIM about the gallery,
and asked him many questions, the answers
TO which kept the party in an uninterrupted
strain of merriment. The General Familiarity
informed the Queen that her picture gallery
was first rate, and told her he should like
to see the Prince Of Wales. The Queen re-
piled that the Prince had retired to rest, but
that he should see him on some future &C.
casion. The General gave them his songs
and dances and limitations, and after q
conversation with Prince Albert and all
present, which continued for more than an
hour, we were permitted to depart"
presented him to King Louis Philippe and
King Leopold, of Belgium, and reaped quite
golden harvest In 1863 dwarf girl
named Lavnia Warren, of considerable per-
sonal attractions, was engaged by Mr.. Bar
mum. Commodore Mutt and General Tom
Thumb both fell in love with her. Alter
some months of deadly rivalry, which al
most led to bloodshed. she became the wife
of the General and the Commodore was al
most broken hearted. The marriage was
solemuized at Grace church, in New York
city, on February l4Ih. 1863 They started
on wedding tour, taking in Washington
and paying visit to President Lincoln at
the White House. After few months re-
tircment they renewed their public career,
travelling all over the world aud holding eX-
hibitons wherever they went The happy
pair were popular favortes ard made much
money. The General was rather cxt.ava-
giant, though, and spent all he earned, and
perhaps more. Ills tastes and habits were
expensive. At one time he owned u fine
yacht and INDUCED in other aristocratic aud
fashionable luxurles. OF late years he was
not so well off, and, instead of exhibiting
before crowned heads, was compelled to
take part 10 shows in more democratic re-
gions. lis wife survives him.