Stratton, Charles Sherwood (1838-1883), was an American performer with dwarfism who became best known by his circus name, General Tom Thumb. As a youth, Stratton was only 25 inches (64 centimeters) tall and weighed 15 pounds (6.8 kilograms). He was so bright that at the age of 6 he was exhibited by P. T. Barnum as though he were a full-grown man.
Later, Stratton grew to be 40 inches (100 centimeters) tall and weighed 70 pounds (32 kilograms).
Stratton was born on Jan. 4, 1838, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, to parents of typical height. Barnum persuaded Stratton’s parents to let the boy join his museum in New York City in 1842.
Barnum took him to Europe in 1844, where he entertained royalty and caused a sensation. In 1863, Stratton married Lavinia Warren (1841-1919), another Barnum performer with dwarfism. Stratton toured with Barnum’s circus in 1881. Stratton died on July 15, 1883.
