This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Neal, O'Neal, O'Neil, Neil, McNeal, etc., Westcott, Purdy Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/YRB.2ACE/1311 Message Board Post: My g-g-grandfather was born Sydney Eliphlet O'Neal on 10/02/1834 in "Lower Canada". His family left Canada for NY when Sydney "was an infant", (1840's?) Upon arrival to the states, Sydney Eliphlet O'Neal's name was changed to Sidney E. NEAL. The "O" was dropped and in the family records it is stated "The Queen can have it!" There is no record in the family bible of Sidney's parents or siblings, although I believe that "Eliphlet" (or a variation) may have been a family name. Sidney was supposedly in NY until about 1850's. He is known to be in Mount Vernon, Jefferson County, Illinois in 1859, where a son was born (James Westcott Neal) . On the 1860 census for Jefferson County, IL, there is an "Elephant" Neal and wife Rachel, both from NY. Next door to them is a James Westcott an wife Talitha. I believe these families are connected and am trying to find information on them in NY. Any information on the possible parents or siblings of Sidney E. Neal is appreciated! Thank you.