 Ella May Thornton collection regarding Blind Tom
Collection DescriptionHistorical NoteElla May Thornton was the former State Librarian for the state of Georgia. Thomas "Blind Tom" Wiggins (1849-1908) was an African American musician and composer. Blind from birth and born into slavery, Wiggins became well known for his piano virtuosity. Though undiagnosed at the time, it is likely that he was autistic as well. --Thomas "Blind Tom" Wiggins (1849-1908). New Georgia Encyclopedia. http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/arts-culture/thomas-blind-tom-wiggins-1849-1908 (Retrieved October 23, 2015) Scope and ContentThe collection consists of magazine articles, excerpts, and reprinted articles Ella May Thornton collected that are associated with Blind Tom Wiggins. The collection also consists of a photograph of Blind Tom, photocopy of "Battle of Manassas", and correspondence between Thornton and staff at public record offices, libraries and museums regarding Thornton's inquiry of Blind Tom and the men who enslaved him. Administrative InformationPreferred CitationElla May Thornton collection regarding Blind Tom, ms569, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries. Finding Aid PublicationFinding aid prepared on: 2015. Related Materials and SubjectsSubject Terms | ||||||||||||||||||