This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: W420WELLS Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.wells/5522.3/mb.ashx Message Board Post: There are documented examples of the French name Dupuis which means either the place of the well or at the well being changed in such manner. As an example in North America the British displaced French settlers in Acadia present day Nova Scotia. (see poem Evangeline by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow). Many of those refugees who eventually re-settled in the Eastern part of North America Anglicized their names. In the Baltimore area in particular, displaced Dupuis from Acadia became Wells, Atwell, Newell, etc. in order to fit in with the prevailing population. Those dumped in the swamps of Louisiana kept their French names as there weren't many other 'civilized' people there at the time to have to contend with. The same thing happened to Quebec residents who migrated to the US when times were bad in Canada. They had to appear 'English' to get jobs and fit in with society. So much for melting pot. In early North America such folks were commonly referred to as 'White N---ers' Yes, the dreaded "N" word. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.