I could not learn that there ever was a child born blind among the
Iroquois. The traditions of the people do not refer to any instance of
the kind. They believe none has occurred. It is certain, from inquiries
made on the several reservations, that no such person now exists. Yet
it is a subject which, from the importance of the fact in aboriginal
statistics, deserves to be further investigated.
Among the Oneidas, prior to the removal of the principal body of this
tribe to Wisconsin, there was one lunatic—a young man who was kindly
taken care of, and who accompanied them on their removal to the west.
There is also an instance of a deaf and dumb child, among those of the
tribe who remain in the State. This person, who is a female, now under
12 years of age, was recently taken to the Onondaga reservation by her
relatives, and is now at that location.
There is one idiot among the Onondagas, a young man under 21 years of
age. He is supported by his relatives and friends.