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Benjamin Thomas Selman, b. 10/31/1930 Theodore AL, has died, 6/28/2003 in OR. Son of Eugene Rutherford Selman (b. TX, d. LA) and Lillie Carmene Conn (b. MS, d.MS), grandson of Benjamin Thomas Selman (d. TX). Cause of death was cancer of the liver, caused by genetic hemachromatosis.
Messages went out to family members many years ago when he was first diagnosed, but in case any were missed or have forgotten, I strongly suggest all family members of this line, and/or the associated Conn-Johnson (Conn and Johnson) line of all ages get the genetic test for this disease done. This disease is only passed genetically. The gene had to be present in both lines in order for him to have the disease, so we know it definitely exists in both those lines, and possible others through marriage. I cannot say for certain when it first appeared, but probably many generations ago on both sides. Because the disease manifests itself as many other conditions, we cannot precisely determine when it was introduced from the existing death records.
The disease usually takes many years to manifest itself - by which point a good deal of damage will already have been done. You cannot catch this disease, but you can pass it on to your own children. The genetic testing has only been available for a few years now, but is far more reliable than the old-fashioned blood test, and should be done even if you have had the older blood tests done at some point in the past. The newer test is simple to obtain. Just ask your doctor. You will definitely find out if you have the disease, or if you are a carrier. You can then learn what to do about it.
We should all be grateful to B.T. Selman, as he was able to provide genealogical information essential to the study of this disease. I offer this notice in memoriam, and in hopes that future generations need not die from this treatable disease.
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