Elk Creek in Spencer County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
James Morrison Heady
(1829-1915)
Photographed By Mark Hilton, July 15, 2019
1. James Morrison Heady Marker (front)
The Blind Bard of Kentucky was blind by fifteen and deaf before forty. Neither condition limited his contributions. As friends read aloud, he embossed notes on the Diplograph machine he invented and built. He invented the Talking Glove with the alphabet printed on it so others could communicate by touching the letters.
Heady’s other inventions included the pull-chain home farm gate, furniture, utensils, and games. Built a steam-powered embossing press for American Printing House for the Blind, and wrote and published prose, poetry, and songs. Entombed with his parents in the Elk Creek Cemetery.
Erected 2004 by Kentucky Historical Society, Kentucky Department of Highways. (Marker Number 2148.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Communications • Education • Industry & Commerce • Science & Medicine. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society series list.
Location. 38° 5.759′ N, 85° 22.204′ W. Marker is in Elk Creek, Kentucky, in Spencer County. Marker is on Elk Creek Road (Kentucky Route 1633) near Plum Ridge Road (Kentucky Route 1169), on the right when traveling
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. "Vaucluse" (approx. 2.9 miles away); Taylorsville (approx. 4.3 miles away); Spencer House (approx. 4.7 miles away); Courthouse Burned (approx. 4.7 miles away); County Named, 1824 (approx. 4.7 miles away); The Spy Who Saved the Union (approx. 4.7 miles away); Thelma L. Stovall (approx. 7.8 miles away); Benj. Logan-Pioneer / James Knox-Pioneer (approx. 8.1 miles away).
Additional keywords. persons who are blind, blindness
Photographed By Mark Hilton, July 15, 2019
2. James Morrison Heady Marker (reverse)
Photographed By Mark Hilton, July 15, 2019
3. Looking north on Elk Creek Road and the cemetery.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, July 15, 2019
4. View south towards the Elk Creek Baptist Church.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 6, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 17, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 373 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 17, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
