Re: Ghent to Gaunt/Gant
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In reply to:
Ghent to Gaunt/Gant
Phyllis Minton 3/04/07
Hi Phyliss:
I don't know just what time and circumstance you refer to but in the case of my line, my surname changed from Gent (sometimes spelled Ghent of Jent) when my ancestor, John Gent of Isle of Wight Co., VA applied fro a patent of land in Edgecombe Co., NC in 1739 in the name of John Gent but received the grant in the name of John Gant. I suspect he was afraid to not accept thaqt spelling for fear of losing this parcel of land that became the site of his family home until he died ca 1782.
Some of his grandchildren spelled their name as Ghent; in particular 2 brothers, Thomas and John, when they migrated ti Canada with wives whose families were United Empire Loyalista (Tories) after the Rev. War. Curiously when John returned he again became John Gant.
I believe my Gent/Ghent ancestors came originately migrated from Ghent to England back when Ghent was in Flanders.
Cllff Gant
I would be pleased to find out under what circumstances you wondered when the Ghent surname was changed to Gant.
Cliff
More Replies:
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Re: Ghent to Gaunt/Gant
Phyllis Minton 4/17/07