Doherty, Joseph Stephen

First known deaf Canadian to serve in the military, when he joined the Canadian army in 1904 despite his deteriorating hearing. Even after his deafness became total, he remained in the army, reaching the rank of lance corporal. He was also active in Maritime provincial deaf organizations. In later life, he also lost his eyesight and became the first Canadian to receive a pension for blind persons, beginning in the 1930s.