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"Lamh Dearg Eirnn Abu" - "The red hand (for Ireland) in defiance".
This was the ancient family motto of the O'Neill family.This ancient Irish name is that of the most dominant family in Tyrone until the collapse of the Gaelic system in the 17th century - they were descendants of the famous Niall of the Nine Hostages.
Until the 11th century, people were generally only known by their first names; the use of surnames was introduced to the British Isles by the Normans, and were usually local (a place or landmark), patronymic ("son of"), an occupation name, or a nickname. O'Neill is patronymic meaning "Son of Neil".
Gordon Cecil O'Neill was said to have been born in Donegal, Ireland in 1912 although for years his dependants have never been absolutely certain. Information regarding his parents is to date not absolutely clear yet one certainty is that Gordon's father was one of the founders of the Johannesburg Market and was instrumental in establishing the Local and International Trade Industry in South Africa. Gordon and his family moved to South Africa a few years into his childhood. He lived in South Africa for a number of years before marrying a South African lady, Lillian Magdelena Briel. Gordon traded as a mechanic and had a passion for breaking in horses on the side. Gordon served for South Africa during the War in Italy amongst other places. Shortly after his return from the War he and Lillian unfortunately divorced. They at this stage already had ten children and the younger children had to be sent to an orphanage in Izeli, King Williams Town. Some of the older children were sent to foster homes. Later some of their children moved back to stay with their mother in Schoebart Street in Pretoria. Here they lived and Lillian took care of them as best a single mother could. Gordon passed away in 1979. Lillian O'Neill remarried, believably twice, and also passed away shortly after Gordon in 1981. Being the last of their ten children, Edward Andrew O'Neill was born to Gordon and Lillian on 14 April 1947. Edward met and married Jean Avril Hulley in 1977, and had 2 sons and 2 daughters. Darren Edward O'Neill born on 16 September 1979, Bronwen O'Neill born on 26 January 1982, Bradley Kyle O'Neill born on 9 July 1984 and Abigail O'Neill born on 19 March 1988. The O'Neill family currently all reside in Centurion, Pretoria in South Africa. Other dependants of Gordon Cecil O'Neill also reside in South Africa. More information on their families will be published shortly.
The family are trying desperately to discover further information regarding Gordon Cecil O'Neill, his parents and family - the original pioneers from Ireland. Any feedback that will help them piece together the puzzle that is their family history is most welcome. Please contact the author should you have any information that will assist them in their search.
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