Leeds news on today's date (Oct 24) in 1844.

Leodian · Post by **Leodian** » Wed 24 Oct, 2012 12:36 pm

The following is from John Mayhall's 'Annals of Yorkshire' vol 1 published in 1861:-October 24 1844. "General Tom Thumb, alias Charles S. Stratton, the American man in miniature, was exhibited in Leeds at this time. He stood only twenty-five inches high, with his boots; was 13 years of age, and weighed fifteen pounds."I've always assumed he was an adult and had not realised he was "exhibited" at a young age. Mayhall's news reports have always seemed accurate but I did wonder if the age 13 was wrong. In information I've found it states "General Tom Thumb was the stage name of Charles Sherwood Stratton (January 4, 1838 – July 15, 1883), a little person who achieved great fame under circus pioneer P.T. Barnum...Stratton made his first tour of America at the age of five...A year later, Barnum took young Stratton on a tour of Europe making him an international celebrity". That would however have made him only 6 in 1844, which is even younger! I would be grateful if anyone has a newspaper account about any visit of his to Leeds.

chemimike · Post by **chemimike** » Wed 24 Oct, 2012 2:47 pm

There are mainly only one or two line snippets. It is recorded in the Leeds Mercury that he was to appear on 23rd, 24th & 25th October 1844. Also that he appeared 30th nov -15th Dec. 1857. apparently he was married on February 23, 1863 in new york to miss Lavinia Warren (who is described as diminutive) and had a child, who came back with the couple to UK in 1864.a further visit in 1871 also brought him to leeds. Below is the only description of his act (in 1857) and an advert for his 1871 visit

Leodian · Post by **Leodian** » Wed 24 Oct, 2012 3:07 pm

Thanks for that chemimike . It confirms that General Tom Thumb was at least due to appear in Leeds on October 24 1844.

biofichompinc · Post by **biofichompinc** » Wed 24 Oct, 2012 3:59 pm

Good job that local boy made-good (and married even better) Mike Tindall was not around in 1844......http://www.metro.co.uk/news/887241-thro ... ke-tindall

James · Post by **James** » Wed 24 Oct, 2012 5:19 pm

General Tom Thumb was described as a 'miniature man'. I'm not sure whether that means he was a midget rather than a dwarf - unless that's a distinction without a difference.

biofichompinc · Post by **biofichompinc** » Wed 24 Oct, 2012 5:33 pm

chemimike wrote: No. I thought I hadn't imagined it.