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Ella May Thornton collection regarding Blind Tom

Ella May Thornton collection regarding Blind Tom

Descriptive Summary

Title: Ella May Thornton collection regarding Blind Tom
Creator: Thornton, Ella May, 1885-
Inclusive Dates: 1908, 1941,1954-1964
Language(s): English
Extent: 1 folder(s)
Collection Number: ms569
Repository: Hargrett Library

Collection Description

Historical Note

Ella 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 Content

The 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 Information

Preferred Citation

Ella May Thornton collection regarding Blind Tom, ms569, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries.

Finding Aid Publication

Finding aid prepared on: 2015.


Related Materials and Subjects

Subject Terms

African American musicians -- Georgia
Articles
Blind Tom, 1849-1908
Correspondence
Death certificates.
Stats (copies)

Series Descriptions and Folder Listing

 
boxfolder
11Documents, 1908, 1941,1954-1964