Mann, Austin Ward

Born at Pendleton, IN; deafened and lamed at age 3 (one source says age 5) by scarlet fever. Entered the Indiana School for the deaf in 1850, graduating 1858 but continuing to study on his own. Became a teacher in the Indiana School in 1867 for over 8 years. In 1875, became a lay missionary to the deaf, a deacon in 1877, and ordained an Episcopal priest on Oct. 14, 1883, in Philadelphia. Honorary M.A. (1895) from Gallaudet College. Was most active in the Midwest; instrumental in the founding of the Cleveland day school for the deaf (with J. H. Geary, q.v.). A list of the 11 church missions to the deaf that he founded can be found in Representative Deaf Persons.