First class of students at the Dakota Territorial School for the Deaf and Mute, Sioux Falls, c.1881.
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Rev. Thomas Berry Era (1880-1881)
Founder of the the Dakota School for the Deaf
Rev. Thomas B. Berry (standing at center) with faculty at the Maryland School for the Deaf, c.1871. Click image to enlarge
​Early life and education
Thomas B. Berry was born on November 18, 1846, in Dublin, Ireland. At the age of 19, he immigrated to the United States and settled in New York. There, he began teaching at a school for the deaf operated by his older brother, marking the beginning of his lifelong involvement with deaf education. He later continued teaching at the Maryland School for the Deaf.
In 1873, Berry entered the ministry of the Episcopal Church. He became widely recognized for his personal interest in the happiness, education, and welfare of deaf children—an uncommon specialization among clergy at the time.
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Marriage and family
Berry married Josephine E. Anderson, a deaf educator who also worked in schools for the deaf. The couple had three children: Frank T. Berry, Amelia E. Berry, and Mary Richards Berry, the youngest of whom was born in Sioux Falls, Dakota Territory.
Calvary Cathedral, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, present-day view.
Rev. Thomas B. Berry served at the earlier Calvary Episcopal Church in Sioux Falls beginning in 1880.
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​Move to Dakota Territory and the founding of the school
In the spring of 1880, Berry became rector of Calvary Church in Sioux Falls, Dakota Territory. Observing the rapid development of the territory and the absence of educational services for deaf children, he identified a need for a local school for the deaf.
On August 17, 1880, Berry met with Territorial Governor Nehemiah G. Ordway to discuss the possibility of establishing such a school. Ordway supported the initiative and encouraged Berry to proceed.
Jennie Wright, the first teacher of the Dakota Territorial School for the Deaf and Mute.
Thomas Lodging House, Sioux Falls. The first classroom and residence for students of the Dakota Territorial School for the Deaf and Mute.
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On October 19, 1880, Berry met E. G. Wright, whose sister, Jennie Wright, was a teacher at the Nebraska School for the Deaf. That same day, Berry publicly announced his intention to open a school for the deaf in Sioux Falls.
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First students and early operation
On November 8, 1880, Berry learned of a deaf boy, William "Willie" H. Hanley, whom he sought out personally. On November 9, Hanley became the school’s first pupil, receiving his initial instruction in Berry’s home.
Shortly thereafter, Berry rented the Thomas Lodging House, which served as both classroom space and living quarters for students and staff.
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​Additional students soon enrolled, including Hester Black, Harry and Lewis Garrison, and Andrew Sieverson.
Rev. Thomas B. Berry
Born: November 18, 1846
Died: May 12, 1918
Position: Founder and
1st Superintendent,
Dakota Territorial
School for the Deaf
Years Active: 1880-1881
Education: Teacher of the Deaf in
New York and Maryland Ordained Episcopal
minister (1873)
Known For:
• Founder of the Dakota Territorial
School for the Deaf.
• Established the first deaf school in
Daktoa Terriotory.
• Opened the school in Sioux Falls
in 1880.
• Worked with Governor Ordway to
secure support for deaf education.
Notable Achievements:
• Taught the school's first student,
William H. Harley.
• Helped secure territorial funding
for the school.
• Established the first permanent
foundation for deaf education in
Dakota Territory.
• Recurited Jennie Wright as the
school's first teacher.
Family: Wife: Josephine E. Anderson
Children: Frank T., Amelia E.,
Mary Richards.
In early 1881, the territorial legislature approved financial support, providing $5 per week per pupil and $2,000 for the construction of a permanent school building.
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Personal loss and departure from Sioux Falls
On June 18, 1881, Berry’s wife, Josephine, died after a period of illness. Deeply affected by her death, Berry decided to leave Sioux Falls later that year and return to New York with his children. He relinquished leadership of the school to Jennie Wright.
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Later ministry and career
After returning east, Berry continued his work as a clergyman and missionary among the deaf in western New York. He served for nearly 21 years as rector of Divinity School in Geneva, New York.
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In recognition of his service, he received honorary degrees of Master of Arts (M.A.) and Doctor of Sacred Theology (S.T.D.) from Hobart College.
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​Death and legacy
Rev. Thomas B. Berry died on May 12, 1918, in Geneva, New York. His funeral was held at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Buffalo, New York, and he was buried in Manlius Village Cemetery, Manlius, New York.
Grave marker of Josephine Eleanor Anderson Berry (1849–1881). After former pupil Harry Holly Garrison located her grave in 1907, members of the Deaf community contributed funds to place this tombstone.
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Click this obituary of Rev. Thomas B. Berry.
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Berry is remembered as the founding force behind the South Dakota School for the Deaf. His early advocacy, personal sacrifice, and commitment to deaf education laid the groundwork for an institution that would serve generations of deaf and hard-of-hearing students in South Dakota.
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Sources:
The Transcendent Territory, page 1-5. View
James Still's research files.
Debra Bilbrey's research files.
Scott Miller's research files.
Wikipedia.
Find A Grave.
Grave of Rev. Thomas B. Berry (1846–1918), founder of the Dakota Territorial School for the Deaf, Manlius Village Cemetery, Manlius, New York.