Historical information

Tom Thumb and Lady were performers in P.T. Barnum’s circus. Once they became engaged, the public developed a fascination for them—nicknaming them the “little couple.” Barnum used their engagement to publicize his show, parading the couple around to different nations’ leaders and placing newspaper announcements detailing their upcoming wedding ceremony. On their wedding day in New York City, over 2,000 people entered the church to watch the couple say their vows. Fellow performers Minnie Warren (the bride’s younger sister) and “Commodore Nutt” (George Washington Morrison Nutt) served as the maid of honor and best man.

Physical description

Photographic tintype portrait of a child.

Inscriptions & markings

General Tom Thumb and Wife, Commodore Nutt and Miss Minnie Warren, In the indentical costumes worn before Her Majesty Queen Victoria at Windsor Castle, June 1865.