Benoit, Jean Batiste Arsidas

Deafened at age 16, moved with his parents to Massachusetts, where he worked 1 year in a cotton factory. Moved again to Benson, MN, and entered the Minnesota School for the deaf, leaving 2 years later after gaining a knowledge of English. Went into the photography trade in Bellingham, MN, until a fire that destroyed half the town also ruined his business. He then opened a new business in the assembly, sale, and repair of bicycles. He made his own gasoline-fueled engine that powered his shop. In 1901, built his own 5-hp two-seat automobile, which attracted favorable attention from the public. As the automobile became more popular, he converted his bicycle shop into an automobile repair shop and garage.