Illustration: Stratton's home in Bridgeport, Conn., "Residence of Tom Thumb"
Illustration of the residence of Charles Stratton at Bridgeport. The house sits on an angle in the image, with a horse and carriage rolling past... Show moreIllustration of the residence of Charles Stratton at Bridgeport. The house sits on an angle in the image, with a horse and carriage rolling past the front. It was located on North Avenue. Charles S. Stratton (January 4, 1838- July 15, 1883), known as General Tom Thumb, was an entertainer and Bridgeport Conn. native who got his start with P.T. Barnum in 1842. Stratton's parents signed him with Barnum at age 4, as exhibiting those with dwarfism was lucrative at the time. Stratton took quickly to performing, and he entertained audiences worldwide, including nobility such as Queen Victoria. Stratton married fellow performer M. Lavinia Warren and the two had a happy marriage. Stratton's performances brought him renown as a celebrity, perhaps one of the biggest at the time, and he and Warren were able to live comfortably when not working. On July 15, 1883, Stratton suffered a stroke and passed away. He is buried at Mountain Grove Cemetery in Bridgeport, Connecticut, with his wife beside him. Unknown illustrator. Likely dates between 1863-1883. Show less