Biography: Anne Sullivan (1866-1936) Early Life Anne Mansfield Sullivan's background was one of extreme poverty and misery. When she was five years old she lost her sight, and was put into a poorhouse when her family broke up. Eventually she attended the Perkins School for the Blind in Boston. She was nicknamed "Spitfire" because she behaved badly and was very rude; however the school's director realized that she could become a talented pupil. Several years later, after two operations, she regained her sight and graduated with honours. Life w ....