This illustration shows Charles S. Stratton, known as General Tom Thumb, riding in a blue horse drawn carriage with a driver and a footman. One... Show moreThis illustration shows Charles S. Stratton, known as General Tom Thumb, riding in a blue horse drawn carriage with a driver and a footman. One black and one white pony pull the carriage onward, and three onlookers on the right hand side glance at the scene before them. Below the illustration is "General Tom Thumb in his Carriage." On the back of the illustration are six cartoon illustrations, although it is unknown what their connection is to the Stratton illustration. 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. Measures 13.5 by 10 inches. Printed by Dean and Co, likely dates to between 1840 to 1850. Show less