Document: Clothing receipt from Matthew Vowels [...] Tailors for Charles S. Stratton, October 31, 1866

From Barnum Museum

Charles S. Stratton (General Tom Thumb)
Southworth, Mary (associated with)
Dr. Matthew Vowles (created by)

October 31 1866 (Date manufactured/created)

7 in H X 8 in W

Bill dated Oct. 31, 1866, for Charles S. Stratton's purchase of clothing from a retailer in Nottingham, England.  Stratton would have been 28 years old at the time, and traveling in England with his wife, Lavinia Warren whom he married in 1863.  The retailer's name is Matthew Vowles, described as "Hosier, Hatter, Glover, and General Outfitter, Nautical, and Military Tailor."  The business address is 15 Long Row.  The bill shows the purchase of two merino vests for seven shillings (three shillings and six pence each), and another four vests of the same material--perhaps a different style--for 18 shillings (four shillings and six pence each).  "Merino" is a type of fine sheep's wool, in this case it refers to woven cloth made of merino wool.  The total cost of the six vests is noted as 1 pound 5 shillings but beneath that sum, 5 shillings 6 pence has been added for a pair of gloves, and then crossed out.  The full total is noted as 1 pound 10 shillings 6 pence, though it appears the gloves were not purchased afterall since that part is scribbled over.  The bill was paid on Nov. 3, 1866.  Vowles signed at the bottom. The ornamentation of the document is fairly elaborate and includes a heraldic crest and motto.  On either side of the crest are statements declaring Vowles to be the sole agent for various products. 

Charles S. Stratton (January 4, 1838 - July 15, 1883) was an entertainer who got his start with P. T. Barnum in the early 1840s.  Stratton's parents signed him with Barnum when the boy was barely five years old.  The family went to live in New York City where Stratton performed at Barnum's American Museum, located on Broadway at Ann Street.  The little boy took quickly to performing, and on tours he entertained audiences worldwide, including royalty.  Stratton's performances brought him renown, becoming one of the biggest celebrities at the time, and considerable wealth.  In 1863, Stratton married fellow performer and little person M. Lavinia Warren; the two had a happy marriage, and continued touring and performing.  On July 15, 1883, Stratton suffered a stroke and passed away.  He is buried at Mountain Grove Cemetery in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

Accession/ID Number EL 1988.279.001

Classifications

Subjects

• Dwarfism
• Entertainers
• People with disabilities
• People with disabilities and the performing arts
• People with disabilities--United States
• Receipts (Acknowledgments)

Related People in LC Thumb, Tom, 1838-1883