Bather, Arthur Henry

Born near Shrewsbury and deafened from scarlet fever at age 5. Privately tutored at the Manchester Institution for the Deaf and Dumb, then transferred to Henry Bingham's new school for the deaf at Rugby in 1841, leaving school in 1845. Studied law briefly, then appointed a clerk in the office of the Accountant General of the Royal Navy, demonstrating great competence and rising to Assistant Accountant General of the Navy; only lingering prejudices about his deafness prevented him from becoming Accountant General. Was also instrumental in the development of the Royal Association in Aid of the Deaf and Dumb, serving as honorary secretary of the RADD for nearly 40 years. Also helped promote the construction of St. Saviour's Church for the Deaf in Oxford Street, London. Married twice, both times to hearing women. Retired in 1890.