Spear, Anson Randolph

Born in Quebec province; family moved to the U.S. in 1869. Deafened by spinal meningitis at age 11; graduated the Minnesota School for the deaf, 1878. Helped found and held various positions, including superintendent, at the North Dakota School for the deaf, 1890-1895; was a strong supporter of a National Association of the Deaf. Invented a leak-proof envelope for mailing through the post office.