Higgins, Francis Cole

Born at Flemington, NJ; deafened by whooping cough at age 3. Entered public schools at age 6 until transferring to the New Jersey School for the Deaf (1927-1931). Graduated Gallaudet College (1931-1936), then earned an M.S. from Rutgers University (1938). Taught at the Kentucky School for the Deaf 1938-1947. Married Catherine Bronson in 1939. Earned an air pilot's license in 1941. Taught chemistry at Gallaudet College from 1947 until retirement in 1984. Continued volunteer teaching for some years after retirement. Lay leader at Calvary Baptist Church for the Deaf, Washington DC, 1949-1984. Won many awards for service to the deaf community and churches. Authored several deaf history-related pamphlets. Died at Greenville, SC.