Souweine, Emanuel

Born in London, England; deafened at age 11 months from the croup. At age 6, was sent to Rotterdam, Holland, for oral education for about 1 year, after which he joined his parents, who meanwhile had emigrated to New York City. In NYC, he entered the Bernard Engelsman private oral school (which later became the Lexington School for the Deaf). Left that school in 1874 to apprentice in wood engraving, attending the Cooper Union for art classes in the evening. Forced to leave that education when his parents relocated to Cincinnati, he attempted to learn printing, but finding it not for him, returned to New York City on his own to re-enter engraving. After 5 years working for others, he established his own private engraving business. This was destroyed by fire in 1895, but he promptly started business again in the adjacent building. Active in several organizations of the deaf.