Koehler, Jacob Mitzel

Born at York, PA; deaf from cerebrospinal meningitis at age 12. Privately schooled, then Philadelphia School for the Deaf for 2 years, then entered Gallaudet College 1877-1878, leaving in his sophomore year to establish a private day school for the deaf at Scranton, PA, acting as its principal for 3 years, 1880-1883. He then became interested in church work among the deaf. Attempted to have his school made into a state-supported school, but oralists got his school closed down and an oral state school opened instead in his school's facility. Became an itinerant missionary to the deaf; graduated Philadelphia Divinity School 1884-1887; ordained a deacon in 1886 and ordained to the priesthood in 1887. Pastor of All Souls' Church for the Deaf in Philadelphia 1890-1904. Honorary M.A. from Gallaudet College in 1895. Active in various organizations of the deaf and in international congresses of the deaf; president of the National Association of the Deaf 1896-1900.