Van Allen, Harry

Born in Jefferson Co., NY, but grew up in Minnesota. Deafened in 1876 from scarlet fever and attended the Central New York School for the deaf at Rome. Graduated Gallaudet College in 1889, going into the printing field. Taught printing at the Pennsylvania School for the deaf at Philadelphia, 1890-1893. Began in 1894 as a lay missionary to the deaf in the diocese of Albany, NY, working at that part-time and continuing to work as a compositor part-time for support.