Chamberlain, William Martin

Born in South Reading, Massachusetts; deafened by measles at either 5 or 8; student at the American School from ages 10 to 14. At various times, was a sailor, carpenter, shoemaker, printer, newspaper editor, and teacher (the latter from 1875, at the Central New York School, Rome). Also managed to fake hearing and talk his way into the Union Army during the U.S. Civil War, but his deafness was discovered during combat and he was discharged.