Lavinia Bump (Warren Stratton Thumb)
CARTE D'VISITES. One of two matching, very early cards of Tom Thumb's wife by photographer B.F. HALE, Rochester, NY. Born Mercy Lavinia Warren Bump, her earliest performances were as a miniature dancing chanteuse upon a Mississippi showboat in 1857 when she was 16 years old. These photos appear to be from when she was about 21.......... Photographer BENJAMIN F. HALE opened a picture gallery at 8 Baker's Block in 1858 or early 1859. Here he remained until 1862 or early 1863 when he became a photographer at 75 Main Street.