A Popular Blind Musician.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 5 June 1914, Page 8

A Popular Blind Musician.

A striking example of pluck and perseverance despite overwhelming odds, is the case of Professor T. J. Ashford, the blind musician of Camden, Arkansas. Though he has been blind since he was fourteen, he is able to play on every musical instrument. He had never studied music before he lost his sight, but was taught to play by having the positions and values of the notes explained to him by the teacher, while his hands were placed on the strings of the violin. He is himself now a teacher well known throughout Arkansas. The blind musician is a great favourite with the people of this city, and is pointed out to strangers with a touch of pride as one of the notable sights of the city. He is held up to boys as a worthy example for them to follow. He always has a cheery ways has a cheery word for everybody, never complains of his own misfortune, and seeks continually to make others satisfied with their lives and happy, no matter what may be their lot. The result of all is, that he? is one of the beet loved characters in the community.