My great grandfather was Algerine McCann and my great grandmother was Elizabeth Leggett McCann. My grandmother; Lola Benthal McCann Prince was partially crippled her entire life. She referred to it as the "family taint". On my gr grandfather's Civil War Pension Application he lists 9 living children; four of whom are crippled. I know that one or two children were lost at a very young age and I believe it was from this malady. It seems to primarily manifest itself in the feet (but is not limited to the feet). My aunt and her son had it. Her son (my cousin) did research on this prior to his death (not related). According to his findings; this crippling disease is called Marie Chartooth's Disease and is somewhat rare. I'm not sure but I believe it is a form of Muscular Dystrophy. I am told it is often misdiagnosed and subsequently improperly treated. It is definitely hereditary. I have very limited information on Algerine's parents and considerable information on Elizabeth's father but no reports of it before them in the family. That means absolutely nothing since what little info I have is from census or marriage (historical type) records which would not list disabilities. I do not know if this was passed down through either the Leggett's or McCann's or if it was created as a result of the genealogical combinations in this marriage. There are many other families that could be affected so I'm trying to get out the information that I have. I have no way of confirming that this is; in fact, the correct name of the disease. Since the disease was crippling my cousin and his mother I believe that he would have been very careful to get the information right however. If there are others out there with more information; please post it. Does anyone know at this point if there is any way to test for this or determine if someone is a carrier? Is there a Dr. or Nurse McCann / Leggett / King who could get this information for us? If it has cropped up in your family; please let us know.