Daguerreotype: Charles S. Stratton (General Tom Thumb) and his father
Daguerreotype of Charles S. Stratton, known as General Tom Thumb, and a man who might his father, both seated, rectangular shape. Charles sits on... Show moreDaguerreotype of Charles S. Stratton, known as General Tom Thumb, and a man who might his father, both seated, rectangular shape. Charles sits on the right in a miniature chair, staring into the camera. The man thought to be his father sits on the right looking at just off camera towards the left, dressed in a suit. Gold edging surrounds the daguerreotype, and the case is a simple brown. Green silk inner liner covers picture when case is closed, and it is all secured by two metal hooks and eyes. There is no known creator. 1843. Daguerreotypes were the first photographs, and images were printed not on paper, but on silver plated copper. These images are housed in cases to hold the print together. 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 15 July 1883, Stratton suffered a stroke and passed away. He is buried at Mountain Grove Cemetery in Bridgeport, Connecticut, with his wife beside him. Show less