This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Powell Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/4300/WOBBAIB/5206.1 Message Board Post: There is a disease in a particular Powell line in Canada generally known as Powell's Disease. It is a genetic, nervous system disease known formally as Hereditary Sensory Autonomic Neuropathy, or HSAN, or HSN. Symptoms are generally a loss of feeling in the hands and feet, which eventually produces a crippling effect. If this sounds like what you were inquiring about, I'd be interested in hearing from you as this disease has been in my family line for generations and is not, to the best of my knowledge, found in too many families in the world. You had indicated that it might be a native American thing, so perhaps you are looking into something else. In any case, good luck in your research.