Albert Newsam

Albert Newsam (May 20, 1809 – November 20, 1864) was an American artist. Born deaf and based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he created paintings and drawings, including portraits.
Early life.
Albert Newsam was born in Steubenville, Ohio United States. He was born deaf and was orphaned. He was a creative child, and at age eleven he was taken to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by a William P. Davis who pretended to be deaf, and made money off of Newsam's talents. In 1820, Newsam was placed in the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf, where he attended school.
Mid-life and career.
He started an engraving apprenticeship in 1827. He worked for Cephas G. Childs. Newsam trained under George Catlin, and other engravers. Newsam's work was published by Childs starting in 1829. After working for Childs, he became principal artist for Peter S. Duval. Newsam specialized in portraits, which he painted and also etched on stone to make lithographs. He also worked off of the work of photographers and artists, such as Henry Inman and Gilbert Stuart, among others. Newsam created portraits of politicians, religious figures, and wealthy people. He also created landscapes, medical illustrations, and sheet music.
Later life, death, and legacy.
His eyesight started to decline in 1857. In 1859, Newsam suffered a stroke. This affected his ability to work, and ended his career. He lived at the Living Home for the Sick and Well in Delaware until his death. His stay at the home was financially sponsored by his friends. A collection of his prints is held by the Historical Society of Pennsylvania.