Illustration: Stratton as General Tom Thumb in costumes from the 1861 Currier and Ives print, Napoleon

Charles S. Stratton wears a military uniform, hand tucked into the jacket like Napoleon. This is an elarged and modified image taken from a 1861 Currier and Ives print which shows Charles S. Stratton as General Tom Thumb in his various costumes. 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 6.5 by 4.25 inches.