Leonard Burford

Leonard Burford's eyesight was poor as a child and he learned to read Braille at age 14. He became blind at the age of 28. Burford majored in education and graduated with honors from Abilene Christian College in 1925. His mother received an honorary degree for reading an estimated 90 percent of his assignments to Burford during high school and college. Burford studied at the Chicago Musical College, Juilliard School of Music, Westminster Choir School, Princeton University, Indiana University, and Teacher's College, completing his doctorate at Columbia University in 1952. Be compiled 86 religious songs in Braille. He joined the Abilene Christian College (now University) faculty in 1932, founded the Acappella Chorus, and chaired the Music Department.

-Firm Foundation, Feb. 7, 1956, 91; Monty Lynn