Known as the Blind Bard of Kentucky, James Morrison Heady was blind by age fifteen and deaf before forty, yet neither condition limited his contributions. As friends read aloud, he embossed notes on the Diplograph machine he invented and built. He also invented the Talking Glove, with the alphabet printed on it so others could communicate by touching the letters. His other inventions included the pull-chain home farm gate, furniture, utensils, and games. He built a steam-powered embossing press for American Printing House for the Blind, and wrote and published prose, poetry, and songs. He is entombed with his parents in the Elk Creek Cemetery.