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Searching for the missing O'Neill relative(s)

TyroneDerryloran (Tyrone)

I am related closely by DNA to a man who is from Cookstown, Tyrone. My family name became anglicized to "Neal" after years of being misspelled by census takers and other government officials. It was probably Nill or O'Neill originally, as that is the spelling used by my relative. I don't have much to go on. I have family that emigrated to Pennsylvania and then Kentucky beginning in the middle of the 18th century, but I don't know the exact name of the ancestor(s) who made the trip. I know it's not enough to go on, but hope springs eternal. At least I will come away knowing at least as much as I did when going in. In other words, nothing.

IrelandXO member

6 replies

Dennis:

Welcome to Ireland Reaching Out!

O'Neill/O'Neil is primarily an Ulster surname and in the mid-19th century, the name was found in every county but Tyrone had the most. As you indicated, without more specifics there is not much we can do. Also very few church records exist from the mid-18th century. All the best!

Roger McDonnell

Castlemore RoscommonIrelandXO Volunteer

Mr. McDonnell; Thank you for the rapid response. I am presently working with a professional genealogist in hopes of establishing the identity of the ancestor from Tyrone/Ulster who emigrated to America in the mid-18th century. If and when I find out this information I will be back in touch. Again, thank you.

 

 

IrelandXO member

Hi Dennis, I am researching our (husbands)  G  grandfather John Charles Eccles who was christened in Derryloran church.  He has done a dna test and a dozen Oneil Matches come up which is a mystery. Jc came to new Zealand in 1863 aND his sister went to new York in the 1850s.

 

Regards wendy

Wendy

 Wendy, that's intriguing. Where could your husband and I do a "matching test"? Did he get his test through Family Tree DNA? I'd also like to check his O'Neil matches if possible. Thanks!  Dennis

 

IrelandXO member

Roger, my ancestor was John Neel, born circa 1720 in Tyrone (town and parish unspecified, but believed to be Derryloran). Apparently he was Presbyterian and arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in or around 1745. I hope this might help somewhat.

IrelandXO member

Hi Dennis,

 

Yes, my husband Lance has done a DNA through Family Tree DNA.  Another O'Neil match turn up just this week. A real mystery.  We believe we are connected to The Eccles of Ecclesville and many relatives have visited Eccleville before it was demolished and we have several artifacts from there - dinner ware. etc

Very intriging.

 

Regards Wendy

Wendy

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