Tinbridge Hill in Lynchburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Blind Billy

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), August 14, 2021

1. Blind Billy Marker

Inscription. Blind Billy (died 1856) was a beloved street musician. He led parades and played for balls and parties in the private homes of Lynchburg citizens. "He could render his notes as sharp as would made a soldier do or die…or so soft and sweet as to induce the coyest maiden to surrender at discretion." Senator John Warwick Daniel once stated that "Blind Billy's fife was more melodious than the Æolian Harp." A former slave of Dr. Howell Davies, his freedom was purchased by a grateful citizenry. He died a free man at the age of 50. A symbolic fife adorns his tombstone.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Entertainment.

Location. 37° 24.825′ N, 79° 9.292′ W. Marker is in Lynchburg, Virginia. It is in Tinbridge Hill. Marker can be reached from Taylor Street north of 4th Street when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 404 Taylor St, Lynchburg VA 24501, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Old City Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); 1858 Map of Old City Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); Symbolism, Gravemarkers and Grave Decorations (within shouting distance

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of this marker); Four Little Boys (within shouting distance of this marker); Bransford Vawter (1815-1838) (within shouting distance of this marker); Revolutionary War Veterans Buried in the Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Old City Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); The Beale Treasure (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lynchburg.

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), August 14, 2021

2. Blind Billy Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 17, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 155 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 17, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.