Whildin, Oliver John

Born at sea; deaf at age 6. Attended regular public schools in Lansford, PA until age 12. Pennsylvania Institution for the deaf at Philadelphia, 1881-1887; gradated Gallaudet College in 1892. Became supervisor and foreman of the printing office at the Florida School for the Deaf; married Jennie Stewart. After a year, turned to orange culture on a farm near Anthony, FL, but bad weather killed that venture. Tried a joint partnership in the Marion times of Silver Springs, FL, as city editor and financial manager. Returned north in 1895 after deciding to become an Episcopal priest; entered the Philadelphia Divinity School later that year. Took charge of a mission to the deaf in Baltimore, 1896, and the following year of the Washington DC mission to the deaf. Ordained a deacon in 1898; graduated the divinity school in 1899; elevated to the priesthood in 1901.