The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1883-09-13
The Deaf and Dumb.
TIE ROMANTIC CAREER OF DIR. GALLAUDE
AND HIS MUTE WIFE.
Iron The New York sun.


Iron the New York SUM-
No truer and nobler philanthropist or
more honest and Jealous worker for the
cause of suffering humanity has ever lived
than the late Or. Gallaudet. He was the
pioneer IN this country in the establishment
OF a systematic language for the deaf and
dumb. and to him should be awarded the
grateful praises due.
The proposed tribute TO his memory OF a
bronze statue Of himself TO be erected in
Washington, and to be exhibited on the
centennial anniversary OF his BIRTH in De-
cember, 1887, must give great happiness
and satisfaction TO the numberless unfOr-
tunates who have been, either directly or
indirectly, assisted by his far-seeing and
far-reaching benevolence. 1t is 4 we'll
known fact among the comparatively few
interested that his wife was the first edu-
Gated deaf mute in the United States. 4
touching romance is connected with their
early life
Many years ago the Young philanthrOpist
Glanced TO meet Il lovely girl just budding
into womanhood, as good and true and
unSciish in all her nature as she was beau
tiiul and attractive in person. An atmOs.
pherc Of sadness and reserve surrounded
her, for, alas she could neither speak nor
hear. Only her dark eyes were eloquent
with unuttered language, and her hands
with gestures, original, ingenious, and I'M
mistaSeable. The sad, pathetic look on her
sweet young face, and her modest, shrink
ing mien, which seemed to tell the
story OF her misfortune, appealed in the
most powerful way 10 the generous
nature and the tenderest Sensibili-
ties OF the young man, and he fell deeply
in love with her. Spoken words surely
were not needed to tell this mute young
Girl the nature OF her lovers feelings to-
ward her; for love has a language and
symbols OF its own. But in return she
loved him too well to sacrifice him, and
still considered the objection OF her intirm
ity TO be an insuperable one. So, wthou
hope OF any change IN herself, she shool
her head mourniully but decidedly whcI
he repeatedly urged the gift OF her hand il
marriage.
Thus ba,lled in the most ardent longing,
of his heart, DR.. Gallaudet, with high re
solve, soon set sail for Europe, and Will,
there had himself thoroughly educated in
all the mysteries OF the sign language. Or
his return home he quickly sought out IN,
now happy ard ambitious girl, and began
Systematically to teach her the alphabet
how TO spell and read and write, and IN,
established signs as well. She was an am
scholar, and rapidly mastered the move
perpleXitles of this new system OF cduco
ton. Her heart was filed with love. de
yotion, and gratitude toward the persistent
lover, who, notwithstanding her infrmi.y.
had chosen her before all the world. and
would no longer TIC denied. She finally
consented TO be his wife, and before LONG
they were married.
soon after they jointly established the
inst Institution FOR the education of deaf
inutes In this country. Mrs, Galloudet
long survived her husband, and until her
ae'ih, a few years ago, was most genial.
interesting, aud loyable old lady. ALWAYS
ready TO converse in her peculiarly grace
tul anu winning manner. aud making her
tcn well understood to even the most OBJ.
fuse. ""
Their mantle has fallen upon their son
The present Rev. DIR. Galaudel. who. with
his noble inheritincc OF love for his fell
lows, has never faltercd in the difficult
path so long trod by bis iIlustrious IA.
rents. pa