About
Little person who performed in PT Barnum's circus beginning in the 1840s. During his childhood, he traveled with the circus throughout Europe and became a worldwide celebrity.
Before Fame
He weighed over nine pounds when he was born; however, his growth quickly slowed. As an adult, he stood at just over three feet tall.
Trivia
His marriage to a woman around his (diminutive) height was first-page news at the time.
Family Life
His parents were Sherwood Edward Stratton and Cynthia Thompson. His birth name was Charles Sherwood Stratton; General Tom Thumb was his stage name.
Associated With
He achieved great fame under circus pioneer P.T. Barnum, founder of the Ringling Bros., as did American celebrity Robert Wadlow, who toured with the same circus in 1936.
