Payne, Benjamin H.

Born in Ireland; early education at the Church of Ireland National School (Athlone). Deafened by scarlet fever at age 10, and at 13 entered the Claremont Institution for the Deaf and Dumb in Dublin. Became a pupil teacher and then appointed assistant teacher. At age 29, in open competition with hearing candidates, was chosen as head of the Cambrian Institution for the Deaf and Dumb at Swansea. Married Florence Passant (hearing?), a former Claremont teacher and teacher at Donaldson's Hospital, in 1876. Remained at the Cambrian Institution for nearly 40 years until retirement 1915. Active in the British Deaf and Dumb Association, and during World War I worked for the Royal Association in Aid of the Deaf and Dumb. Buried at Rede, Suffolk, with his wife.