Deaf with Support, but not Education

There had been many families with deaf children long before Alice Cogswell and the formation of the American School for the Deaf. Educational opportunities for these children were limited, but with strong family support they led productive lives and became active members in their community.

Lawyer Sylvester Gilbert (1755-1846) had five deaf children and in 1812 worked with Dr. Mason Cogswell to help form the American School for the Deaf. At his suggestion the school put notices in newspapers to draw attention to their cause. Later his daughter Mary (1796-1867) was amongst the first group of students to attend the school. Unfortunately, his eldest child, Samuel Gilbert (1775-1850) was too old by the time the school opened. Yet, he went on to become a talented silversmith and have a family of his own.

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Photos courtesy of:

Keenan; Keenan; Keenan ASD; Keenan ASD; Keenan ASD.