Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1902-12-21
TIL. mother IF Old BLIND TON

Charity Virgins the mother Of the ia
nous musical prodigy, Blind Tom" is
dead at the age Of 81 years. She was
buried last week at Columbus. Many or
the later generation OF negroes attended
the funeral, but she had long outlived the
majority OF the old friends with whom she
was intimate when first the reInarka bls
genius Of her son became q national Won
der The story OF Charity Virgins is one
of love and care for her children. espe-
cially Blind Tom.
When the latter was born the family
belonged to g man named Wiley Jones,
who was very much disappointed at the
birth Of a blind boy among his negroes.
He feared he would become a useless bur
den. Shortly after the negroes belong
ing to Jones We're sold to General Be
thine, and Blind Tom was thrown in
without cost, as he was not regarded as
of any value. He was then given TO his
mother on the promise that she would
work extra to take care Of him.
Tom was wearing dresses when his
musical talent was discovered, being not
over years old. He was barely when
shown as wonderful musician over the
country.
WAS GIFT FROM PARENTAL IN
ELUENCE.
Blind Toms birth raises an interesting
question in psychology. and has been the
subject Of comment in lectures OF some
OF the most eminent men OF science in
the country Shortly before his birth
there were q number OF young ladies at
the home Of his mothers owners and
they were all musicians. They played
on the piano in the evenings. and fire.
quently lad Charity to dance for them. q
duty that fell lightly on the shoulders OF
the negro. who violently loved not only
the dancing, but the music She took ad-
vantage OF every opportunity to hear the
piano and seemed enchanted with its
melodies. She had a good memory and
learned many OF the selections, though
not able to play herself. This IS sup
posed to account largely or wholly for the
wonderful talent of her son.
Many stories are told Of Tom to illus
trate his memory, and it is denied that
he has only intelligence along the line OF
music. His way OF remembering people
he meets is unique When first presented
to a person he wishes to remember he
asks them to speak plainly. Then ne puts
his finser on the back Of his or her neck
and smells Of it; after this he never for
gets that individual. seeming to associate
the sound OF the voice with the name and
the smell He can hear sermon and re-
peat most OF it after he returns from the
church. and, furthermore. mimic the
preacher, using his tones Of voice and
peculiarities OF speech. He cares moth
ing for money, being perfectly satisfied
with music and the plaudits OF his au-
dience.''
Several months ago reporter had an
interesting talk with .:Aunt Charity" at
street. Rose Hill. Columbus. where she
then lived. In her general appearance
she was typical ante-beilun1 NANNY.
AS she sat on her front porch gently
rocking herself, plying her fan in that
rather dignifed manner so peculiar TO
many old coored women, She seemed
tvnical representative Of a class that IS
fast passing away. The conventional tur-
ban, affected by the older cocreo folks
was around her head. and she wore a
neat, though inexpensive. dress she had
a little smattering of education, ana
could write She had travelled enough to
give her a certain Staid ulgh!ty lHIl liz
pressed her visitor.
STOLE TOM FROEI HIS MOTHER.
Aunt Charity did not seem to think that
she was getting her just proportion OF
money earned by Blind Tom. They stole
hin. from me- she said. with some little
feeling when I was in New York
signed away my rights. They won't let
Thomas come to see ME, and ! am NOT
allowed to see him" Although he is
middled- aged man, Aunt Charity referred
to her son as Thomas. To her he was
but a child. She said that she did not
rem, en,ber exactly how old he was, but
supposed he was 45 or so years old. AS
matter Of fact, In a, good many things
Blind Tom is. merely a child. Nature, IN
endowing him with such remarkable mus
ical talent, denied him many Of the things
usually granted TO the ordinary mortal
Tom Is simple minded.
To Aunt Charity. Blind Tom represent
cd the perfection Of all genius-one OF
the ersatAst muairal prodigiea aud intel