(MUSIC.) BETHUNE, THOMAS "BLIND TOM." Songs, Sketch of the Life Testimonials and Opinions. . .Blind Tom, the Marvelous Musical Prodigy, The Negro Boy Pianist. 30, [ii], pages. Small 8vo, original pictorial wrappers, several pencil notes on the cover, suggesting the writer attended the concert. * together with a cabinet photograph of Blind Tom from the Eisenmann Gallery, New York. Np, New York, circa 1885
Tom Wiggin was born into slavery in 1849, with a condition that doctors today would classify as "autistic savant"---one of only 1000 recorded cases in medical history. Tom's father, Domingue Bethune, a field slave and his mother Charity Greene, were purchased by James Bethune of Columbus Georgia. Tom, a sickly boy, was thrown in at no extra cost. From infancy, Tom displayed an uncommon talent for music, and by the age of six was entertaining people from the plantation. By eight, he was publically presented throughout the state by Colonel James. Soon after that, Bethune hired Tom out to Perry Oliver, a tobacco planter who promoted him around the country. In 1864, Bethune convinced Tom's natural parents to appoint him Tom's legal guardian. In the end, Bethune and others made a fortune from the talents of Blind Tom, who, though well fed and clothed never enjoyed the full benefit of his earnings.
