TOM THUMB.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1148, 13 September 1883, Page 3

TOM THUMB.

Referring to the late Charles Heywood Stratton, better known to the public as General Tom Thumb, who died at his residence at Middleboro, Mass, on the 15th July, of apoplexy, an exchange says : —The deceased was born in Bridgeport, Conn., on 4th January, 1838. In 1852 he entered the service of ? T Barnum. At that time he was not two feet high, and weighed less thun 16 pounds. He was, however, a well formed bright little fellow, with light hair and rosy cheeks, and the great showman engaged him at 12s 6d a week and travelling expenses. He made his first appearance in New York on Thanksgiving Day in the same year, at Barnum's Museum, and proved a great attraction. Before lie had been a year with Barnum, his salary was increased to £5 a week. In 1854 Barnum took the diminutive prodigy to England, and had a most successful season with him at the Princess Theatre, London. He exhibited him afterwards at the Egyptian Hall, and had the pleasure to present him to Queen Victoria. After this Barnum took him to Paris and presented him to King Louis Philippe and King Leopold, of Belgium, and reaped quite a golden harvest. In 1862 a dwarf girl named Levinia Warren, of considerable personal attractions, was engaged by Mr Barnum. Commodore Nutt and General Tom Thumb both fell in love with her. After some months of deadly rivalry, which almost led to bloodshed, she became the wife of the General, and the Commodore was almost broken-hearted. The marriage was solemnised at Grace Church, in New York, o n 14th February, 1863, They started on a wedding tour, taking in Washington, and paying a visit to President Lincoln at the White House. After a few months retirement they renewed their public career, travelling all over the world and holding exhibitions wherever they went. The happy pair were popular favourities and made much money, The General was rather extravagant, though, and spent all he earned, and perhaps more. His tastes and habits were expensive. At one time he owned a fine yacht, and indulged in other aristocratic and fashionable luxuries. Of late years he was not so well off, and, instead of exhibiting before crowned heads, he was compelled to take part in shows in more democratic regions, such as the Bowery and Coney Islands. His wife survives him.