What) Beautiful Jim Key (1889 - 1912) was a famous performing horse around the turn of the twentieth century. His promoters claimed that the horse could read and write, make change, do arithmetic for "numbers below thirty," and cite Bible passages "where the horse is mentioned." Beautiful Jim's trainer, William Key, was a former slave, a self-trained veterinarian and a patent medicine salesman. Key emphasized that he used only patience and kindness in teaching the horse and never a whip. 

    Beautiful Jim and his trainer periodically toured the United States in a special railroad car to promote the fledgling cause of the humane treatment of animals. They performed in the best venues in most of the larger American cities. The horse was among the most popular attractions at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair. President William McKinley saw Beautiful Jim perform at an exposition in Tennessee and declared, “This is the most astonishing and entertaining exhibition I have ever witnessed.” The President also commented that it was an example of what “kindness and patience” could accomplish. (1)

    Where) Three miles south of the Shelbyville courthouse on Hwy 130 just west of the intersection of Himesville Road/Singleton Road.

    Why) This story does speak to Pam's heart but let's be honest here. How bad would a horse themed Buckys have to be before I decided not to include it?

The grave is amazingly well maintained considering that Jim has been dead for 100 years.

This is a closeup view of the gravestone.

I liked that image of William Key enough to find a better version from the internet. (3)

As we were leaving, I finally noticed what was written on the back of the grave marker.