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Deaf Dumb and Feeble Minded

Deaf Dumb and Feeble Minded

Posted: 8 Nov 2014 9:37AM GMT
Classification: Query
Hi

I have a family in my tree where the first three children (1 boy and 2 girls) are all described as deaf dumb and feeble minded in the 1901 census. They were born between 1875 and 1881, and their parents went on to have 5 more seemingly healthy children.

I was wondering whether there is any disease that the parents could have passed on that may explain this? Or a hereditary condition? In the 1911 census they are all also described as epileptic and that they had suffered from their condition from the ages of 7, 14 and 20

Any suggestions much appreciated.

Sarah

Re: Deaf Dumb and Feeble Minded

Posted: 8 Nov 2014 9:39AM GMT
Classification: Query
I should also have mentioned that the time that they had suffered this condition meant that it could not have been an infection that they all caught at the same time as children, as the dates work out that they started having the symptoms in 1890, 1901 and 1906.

Many thanks
Sarah

Re: Deaf Dumb and Feeble Minded

Posted: 22 Nov 2014 1:33AM GMT
Classification: Query
I think your answer lies in the primitive knowledge of disease and handicap at that time.There could have been some heredity factor which made them deaf, or possibly they became deaf from childhood infections in their ears, measles or scarlet fever.. However whatever the cause, if children are born deaf or become deaf early on they do not learn to speak properly, or at all, simply because they cannot hear. In those days they would just be classed as "mentally deficient" or "retarded" and often put in institutions - very sad. If you google Helen Keller you are bound to find something about her - she was one of the first people to be rescued from such a fate. Her family were well-off and she was lucky enough to have a carer who realised that she was not "mentally deficient" - she was in fact extraordinarily intelligent - and found a way to communicate with her. The story would interest you I think - but she was just very, very lucky for her time. This is the reason why babies are tested for hearing as soon as possible because the earlier deafness is caught the better the chances of a reasonably "normal" life. Hope you find this interesting.
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