Larger-Than-Life Facts About Charles Stratton, General Tom Thumb
Charles Stratton—or General Tom Thumb to his fans around the world—was an American showman legendary for his small stature and command of the stage.
Charles isn’t just history’s most famous little person, he’s also one of the earliest American celebrities. While he was physically small, he lived a life of a hundred men.
1. His Parents Weren’t Like Him
Charles Stratton didn’t inherit his height from his mama or papa! Turns out, both of his parents were of average stature. They were, however, first cousins. His father, Sherwood Edward Stratton, was a carpenter while his mother, Cynthia Thompson, was a cleaner. The humble couple was no stranger to life's curveballs, but after they welcomed their son, they experienced their biggest surprise yet.
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2. He Gave Them A Scare
When Charles was born on January 4, 1838, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. He was even considered a large baby. But by his first birthday, the Strattons realized something was seriously wrong: Charles hadn’t grown in six months. '
At this point, he was only 25 inches tall and weighed 15 pounds. They raced him to the doctor, fearing the worst.
3. His Parents Received Bad News
The doctor confirmed their fears: It was unlikely that Charles would ever reach adult height. But luckily, there was a silver lining. His body was proportionate and healthy and—size aside—he was a normal child. Still, his parents couldn’t help but worry. After all, how would their little boy be able to thrive in a world that was too big for him?
Luckily, word of Charles reached a legend’s ears—and his life would never be the same again.
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4. He Caught A Legend’s Eye
When Phineas T Barnum heard about a tiny child in Bridgeport, Connecticut, the greatest showman knew he had to meet this kid. After tracking Charles down, Phineas knew he knew he’d hit the jackpot.
He begged the Strattons for their permission to exhibit their four-year-old in New York City, alongside adults with unusual features. When his parents agreed, the businessman was ecstatic and determined to turn this little boy into a huge star.
No matter what.
