This flute was made by one of the finest flute makers of the late nineteenth century, William R. Meinell, and is a beautiful example of a modern, high-end instrument of the time. While the flute has interesting material attributes, it is the story of the person who used this artifact that I find truly fascinating. Thomas "Blind Tom" Wiggins (May 25, 1849 ? June 14, 1908) was a blind African American autistic savant and musical prodigy. During the late nineteenth century, he was one of the most famous American pianists and popular performers. Tom was born enslaved in Columbus, Georgia. His enslaver, James Bethune, discovered Tom's musical abilities and began holding public concerts in the town when Tom was only 8 years old. His first compositions were published in 1860 when he was only 11 years old. The Bethune?s continued to hold concerts featuring Tom throughout the Civil War, with much of the proceeds going to support the Confederacy. Tom's best known composition, "Battle of Manassas," was composed in 1861 upon Tom's hearing a recounting by a soldier of the first battle at Bull Run. Tom's compositions often sample popular music and offer interpretations of natural and mechanical sounds.
