Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1883-07-27
The Late General Tom T humb.

Charles Haywood Stratton, better
known to the public as Genera. Ton
Thumb" who died at his residence al
Mlddieboro, Mass, at half past eigh,
O'Clock Sunday morning, Of apoplexy. hat
been slightly indisposed for few days, bu
nothing serious was anticipated. The
deceased was born in Bridgeport, Conn,
on January 4, 1888. In 1852 he entered
the service of T. T. Barnum. At that
time he was not two feet high and weigh
ed less than sixteen pounds. He was
| however, we'll formed, bright little feI
low, with light hair and rosy cheeks, and
the great Snowman engaged him at SAL
airy of $3 week and travelling expenses.
He made his first appearance in New Y ork
ON Thanksgiving Day, in the same year,
at Barnum's Museum, and proved great
attraction. Before he had been a year
with Barnum his salary was increased to
S25 week. In 1854 Barnum took the
diminutive prodigy to England, and had a
most successful season with him at tn e
Princess Theatre, London. He exhibited
him afterward at the Egyptian Hall, and
had the pleasure to present him to Queen
Victoria. Mr.. Barnum thus described
the great event: 1--WE were conducted
through long corridor to broad flight
OF marble steps, which led to the Queens
magnificent picture gallery, where Her
Majesty and Prince Albert, the Duchess
OF Kent and twenty or thirty of the nobil.
ltY were awaiting our arrival. The Gene
raj walked in, looking like wax doll
gifted with the power of locomotion, Sir
prise and pleasure were depicted on t;he
countenances of the royal circle at beht Id
ing this remarkable specimen of humanity
so much smaller than they had evidently
expected to find him. The General ad.
vanced with firm step, and as he came
within haillng distance made a very grace
full bow and exclaimed, Good evening.
ladies and gentlemen = A burst of laugh.
ter followed this salutation. The Queen
then 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 replied chat
the Prince had retired to rest, but that he
should see him on some future occasion.
The General gave them his songs. dances
and limitations, and after conversation
with Prince Albert and all present, which
continued for more than an hour, we were
permitted to depart.'
After this Barnum took him to Paris
and presented him to King Louis Philippe
and King Leopold, of Belgium, and reaped
quite a golden harvest. In 1852 dwarf girl !
named Lavinia Warren, of considerable
personal attractions, was engaged by Mr.. (
Barnum. Commodore N utt and Gen. Tom /
Thumb both fell in love with her. After
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
'olemnized at Grace Church in this city, |
IN February IA, 1868. They started On a !
tour. taking in Washington aad
paying visit to President Lincoln at he
White House. After few mouths re-
lrement they renewed their public career.
travelling all over the world and holding
wherever they went. The hap
y pair were popular faVo:ites and made
much money. The General was rather
xtravagant, though. and spent all he
armed, and perhaps more. His tastes
nd habits were expensive. At one time
10 owned fine yacht and INDUCED in 9TH
aristocratic and fashionable Iuxuries.
u late years he Was not well off, and, in
tead of exhibiting before crowned heads,
vas compelled TO take part in shows in
nore democratic regions. such as the
Sowery and Coney Island. He was well
nown in this city. and the death of the
God hearted. genial little fe How will be
IN all sincerity by many of his /
ldtime friends and companions- His
rife survives hime-N. r Herald. i