This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/RWB.2ACE/471 Message Board Post: Has anyone else noticed that there are so many Taylor families, from England, Australia, US, Ohio, just about everywhere, that were considered mute or "deaf & dumb" (terrible term) or hearing impaired? I have found four siblings from one Taylor family from NJ in the early 1800's. Over the years I have noticed many others, especially in England. It must be genetic! I would love to know if anyone else has noticed the same problem. On one of the boards I had even noted one nervy woman who was calling these unfortunate people "daft" and making fun of them. If anyone had ever done a study on this problem, what a help it might be for researchers! Is there any of the Taylors on this board who have an ancestor who was considered mute or deaf & dumb? Please contact me. UPDATE: Many people have mentioned checking out this website: http://www.mvy.com/spokehand.html My library has found both articles and faxed them to me. I think I'm on the right track! Sandy smt3@earthlink.net