Later Years
Tom spent the next ten years as a ward of Eliza and her husband, who divided their time between New York city and New Jersey's Navesink Highlands. In 1903 Eliza arranged for Tom to appear on the popular vaudeville circuit, beginning with Brooklyn's Orpheum Theater. He spent almost a year performing in vaudeville, before his health began to deteriorate. It is believed he suffered a stroke (described in some reports as "partial paralysis") in December 1904, which ended his public performing career.
After the death of her husband, Eliza relocated to Hoboken, New Jersey, with Tom. They kept out of public view, though neighbors could hear Tom's piano playing at all hours of the day and night. Tom suffered a major stroke in April 1908, and died the following June. He was buried in the Cemetery of the Evergreens in Brooklyn, New York.
Read more about this topic: Blind Tom Wiggins
Famous quotes containing the word years:
“If we can “boondoggle” ourselves out of this depression, that word is going to be enshrined in the hearts of the American people for years to come.”
—Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882–1945)
“till seven years were gane and past,
True Thomas on earth was never seen.”
—Unknown. Thomas the Rhymer (l. 79–80)