A.
Sophia Fowler Gallaudet was the deaf woman who founded the first permanent (永久的) public school for the deaf in Hartford, Connecticut. She did not allow her deafness to pr her from leading a full life. She was educated, raised a family, ran a busy household, and helped to found Gallaudet College.
B.
Sophia Fowler was born deaf on March 20, 1798. At that time, there were no schools for the deaf in America. However, Sophia was smart. She learned many skills by watching the people around her. She learned to cook and sew, and became a modest, happy and charming young lady.
C.
Sophia was nine years old when her parents learned that a school for the deaf had been founded in Hartford, Connecticut. She entered the school in 1817. While she was there, the principal (校长) of the school, Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet fell in love with her. They married in 1821.
D.
As Mrs. Gallaudet, she was eager to learn from every social situation. Through her contact with the many visitors to her home, she was actually able to continue her education.
E.
Mr. Gallaudet died in 1851, leaving his wife to make a life without him. However, her eight children did not leave her without support. With the help of her grown children, she continued to keep house for those children that had not yet married.
F.
In 1857, Mrs. Gallaudet’s youngest son, Edward Miner Gallaudet, became principal of the Columbia Institution for the Deaf in Washington, D.C.. He was only 20 years at that time, but his ambition was to establish a college for the deaf.
G.
His mother shared his dream and work. She often met with members of Congress (国会议员) and other important men in order to gain support for her goals. Through them, she helped to obtain funds to found and maintain Gallaudet College.
H.
During her last years, Mrs. Gallaudet spent the winters in Washington, D.C. and the rest of the years travelling and visiting her children and grandchildren. She died on May 13, 1877. Gallaudet has preserved her memory by naming Fowler Hall, which was originally a women’s dormitory and is now part of the graduate school, in her honor.