The Real Tom Thumb: Fame, Secrets, And Tragedy

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.

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[jennifer_mertens]

I read a biography that delved deeper into Lavinia not being able to get pregnant, because the baby had a high chance of being too large for her to give birth to. She could in fact get pregnant, but SHOULDN'T DO SO. Her sister Minnie passed away because the child she tried to give birth to was too large for her tiny frame to birth. I can't remember the author, but it was an interesting read.

[stevesmith]

I understand why when Charles A.K.A. Tom Thumbs wife wasn't with him on the day of his passing. Lavinia had enough of the fame and fortune and wanted to live a more normal life. A life where you can show more compassion towards others not as fortunate as she had been. Thank you for this insight.

[shiftsleeper]

I can't believe how long it took for people to realize it's bad to marry your first cousin.

[ekdaufin]

Incredible he was healthy and proportioned.

[Blessed_by_Yeshua]

I actually got to see “the real Tom Thumb.” He sat for Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum in London and I got to see every pore of his skin, every detail of his face, his hands. It was as if he were there. He really was a tiny man. But every bit a man. He looked as though he commanded respect.

Most of those people who were exploited by Circus folks (we call them Carnies here in Gibtown FL) led sort of sad to very tragic lives. Glad times have changed.

[lrajic]

Very well written! Pictures were very interesting! I must rewatch this a few times. Thank you!❤

[christineyetman]

Charles and Lavinia actually had no children...but they did have a loving marriage...what a great story

[A-Grammie-On-the-ROCK]

I saw a video about a little person who as an adult was a doctor. I wonder what charles could have been had his parents not given the little boy over to that man ?

[parakeet]

Such horrible exploitation.😢It was worse when they started treating him as an adult. His adoration for Lavinia was sad because she did not feel the same way about him😢. He never could live a normal life.

[CarolLustgarten]

Insightful and interesting video. Thank you for your research and story telling. Did not know much about tom thumb. Too bad and 😔 sad he died so young. 😢😢😢. Had a colorful and full life up until he passed. Glad he met someone to share his life with. ❤😊😊

[KDSima]

They didn’t have kids. Some say they may have had one. They may have rented one. But, “babies”? No.

[mapleleaf]

This was an incredible education. Thank you.

[vikesfan]

Why at 17:56 does it show a Tombstone marked Death with 1620 how could they ever have pictures of him?.

[carlmoore]

10:22 -I heard 1853. But I did see Sat. Feb. 21, correct for 1863.

[evalevy]

It's incredible that she survived childbirth

[JudyGoodwin-lb]

Very interesting. Phineas Barnum exploited Charles Stratton but it is better to be different with money than without. 🤨 Rest in peace 🕊️ Charles. ❤ 🌹

[anthonyp]

He had a yacht!!!…I couldn’t help myself and almost died laughing thinking about his yacht was just a child sized canoe…🤣😆🤣😆🤣

[leitheparsons]

How much of the "love triangle" was theater? When I was a kid Barnuim and Baileys circus did the Michu wedding tour. They got married in every city. Nothing new?

[lucyfuir]

Levinia and Minnie are distant cousins of mine. I ve been to the Middleboro property.

[kandipiatkowski]

I thought Charles was related to PT Barnum.