Twilight Years

In the previous century, clowns held a prominent position as the standout performers in circus shows, garnering immense respect from their fellow entertainers. Tom, possessing a profound understanding of human nature, experienced the full spectrum of life's gambles. He had risked everything for precious diamonds, yet at times, he found himself compelled to perform acrobatic somersaults in exchange for a meager piece of bread. Such was the reality for actors, who had to satisfy their own hunger while also catering to the amusement of their audience.

Regrettably, Tom's circus venture proved short-lived, as one by one, his children, who formed an integral part of his show, departed to pursue their own paths or embark on married life. Tom himself was perpetually engrossed in gambling well into the early hours of the morning, to the extent that he continually squandered his entire salary. Such losses, however, failed to faze him.

On August 2, 1899, the United States Legation in Vienna granted Tom an American passport, permitting him to revisit Russia. However, during his time at the Circus Murice in Odessa, he fell severely ill. Consequently, he made the decision to return to Berlin, where he planned to spend his remaining money and years in the city that had initially propelled him towards fame and fortune.

Tragically, on March 5, 1900, Tom received his final cue to exit from this world. Throughout his lifetime, he had brought boundless mirth and happiness to millions. As for Katherine, Tom's beloved wife, she passed away in 1906.