Kitto, John

Born at Plymouth, MA; rescued from his impoverished and alcoholic parents by his grandparents who raised him; deafened at age 13 by a near-fatal fall from a ladder. Initially trained as a shoemaker, then as a dentist, but turned to missionary work and writing. Missionary in Malta for a year, then had further frightening adventures in Russia and Baghdad. Returned to England and married in 1833. Author of many theological books, especially in Biblical studies. Possibly the first deaf person to receive an honorary doctorate (in divinity, 1844, from the University of Giessen). Poor health prompted him to move to Germany in 1854 in search of a healthier climate, but he died after less than 3 months at Cannstatt, Germany, and was buried there.