Glenn T. Addison is retired, but he’s busy. His interests vary: family, faith, history and travel, to name a few. At 94 years old, the retired Korean War Navy Veteran and General Electric engineer has added a new career to his résumé: author. His new book, “Adventures of the Amazing Tom Thumb,” is his first published work, released by Fulton Books.
Inspired by the family lore of the source of his father’s name, Addison went down a rabbit hole and discovered a topic for his book.
“I got curious about my father’s unusual name, ‘General T.,’” Addison shares. “He often went by ‘GT.’ It was speculated that he had been named after General Tom Thumb, the famous dwarf who also went by ‘GT.’ My initials are the same—GT,” he adds.
This curiosity led Addison to research the beloved international entertainer Charles S. Stratton, otherwise known as Tom Thumb. The book is a compelling account of Stratton’s life and career, following him around the world with famous showman P.T. Barnum.
“This proportionate dwarf, who at the age of 5 was only 25-inches tall, was discovered by P.T. Barnum, who helps make him a celebrity and a millionaire,” Addison says.
“Adventures of the Amazing Tom Thumb” is filled with photos.
“The pictures were from over 160 years ago and in black and white,” Addison explains. “My photographer Chuck Luksic added color and corrections to many of the photos.”
Addison took about three years to write the book. He penned it in his home’s basement office, the same space from which he led multiple entrepreneurial ventures over the 32 years he has lived in Liberty Township, including supporting his wife Freda Addison in a successful national sales career with Mary Kay.
As is the case with most writers, Addison is an avid reader, inspired by the work of two favorite authors, Louis L’Amour and Richard Paul Evans. His writing is the beginning of a whole new career—a second piece he has written has been picked up by Fulton and is soon to come to print.
“Grandma Moses started painting at the age of 78,” he says. “I am at 94 with a first book and a second coming soon.”
Find Addison’s book at Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Google Play Books and in the Kindle Store