Chambers, Cyrus

Born on a farm near Lexington, OH, and deafened at 16 months of age. Ohio School for the deaf 1860-1864, then the School for the Deaf at Iowa City, IA 1864-1867. Entered Gallaudet College, but left in 1871 before graduation, since he felt himself sufficiently well prepared. Clerked in various DC law offices 1871-1875. After initial rejection, managed to enlist in the U.S. Army in 1876 in the "general service" (noncombatant support) as a "high private in the rear ranks", and assigned to duty at the War Department in Washington. Mustered out in 1882, appointed a civil service clerk in the Judge Advocate General's office. Married in 1901 to a hearing woman. Successfully investing in a cattle company and a mining venture, he was able to retire early.