10 Freaks That Inspired The New American Horror Story
9. General Tom Thumb
The Internet was a happy place when it was announced that Jyoti Amge would be appearing as Ma Petite in American Horror Story. Amge is the worlds smallest woman at a height of 62.8 centimetres. Her limited growth is due to a condition called achondroplasia. One of P.T. Barnums most popular shows featured General Tom Thumb, a little person who achieved great fame because of his singing, miming and impersonation abilities. General Tom Thumb was born Charles Sherwood Stratton in Connecticut on 4 January 1838. He started touring with P.T. Barnum at the age of five, and even entertained Queen Victoria and her family. His marriage to another little person, Lavinia Warren, was front-page news in 1863. Over 10,000 guests attended the ceremony, and after the wedding the couple was received by President Lincoln at the White House. General Tom Thumb became a very wealthy man. He owned a posh flat in New York City, a steam yacht and fine attire. The couple stayed together until Thumbs death in 1883 at the age of 45. He died of a stroke and P.T. Barnums show was never the same. Lets hope Amge lasts the season.
