Ballard, Melville

Born in Fryeburg, Maine; deafened at age 1 1/2 by a fall. Graduated from the American School for the Deaf in 1859, then teacher there for 2 years, then taught at the Kendall School. When Gallaudet was established, Ballard became its first student and graduate, B.S. in 1866 and M.S. in 1870. Became a teacher at the American School for the Deaf for 3 years, then at the Kendall School for the Deaf for 52 years, also teaching sign language to Gallaudet College "normal" (graduate) students.