DEAF MUTE CRITIC (THE)

DEAF MUTE CRITIC (THE). A short-lived publication in Dubuque, the Critic was founded and closed between July and August 7, 1890. In July, the publication posted Frank Hemmelder, a deaf mute, to Davenport to represent the publication. (1) Professor De Coursey French was the editor; W. F. Fisher served as the business manager.

Fisher quit his position toward the end of July and French claimed he had earned money which had not been paid. (2) Fisher sued McCook and was awarded $4. Fisher had legal representation. French, who was deaf and mute, represented himself. (3)

The case, DeCoursey French vs. Matthew McCook, was unique in local judicial history because nearly all the witnesses were deaf mutes and the services of an interpreter were required for the testimony to be "heard." French sued McCook for $200 for services as editor. (4) In March 1891, French sold his entire interest in the publication to Matthew McCook and Edward Holycross. (5)

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Source:

1. "Local News in Brief," The Herald, July 9, 1890, p. 4

2. "Deaf Mute in Trouble," Dubuque Daily Herald, August 7, 1890, p. 4. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=_OG5zn83XeQC&dat=18900807&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

3. "Local News in Brief," Dubuque Daily Herald, August 12, 1890, p. 4. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=_OG5zn83XeQC&dat=18900812&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

4. "Silence Reigned," The Dubuque Herald, November 23, 1895, p. 8

5. "Municipal Molecules," Dubuque Daily Herald, March 19, 1891, p. 4