My name is Allen Velo. I am the oldest son of I.W. Velo, who is one of three sons of Henry William Curbello, also listed as Henry William Velo (born Feb. 14,1882) who's father was Alphonse Curbello and mother was Sarah Linney Curbello. At some point in mid 1800's, my grandfather (H.W. Velo) last name was changed from Curbello to Velo. He had three other brothers (Eugene, Sollie and Charlie) who also changed their last name from Curbello to Velo. However, their three sisters (Sarah, Bell, Mary Rita and Betty) retained their last name of Curbello until they were married. All of these brothers and sisters were raised in the south Texas area (not far from San Antonio). I already know we are descendants of Juan Antonio Curbello, one of the 17 families families from the Canary Islands, that helped establish San Antonio and the first church of San Antonio (San Fernando de Bexar). What I have been trying to find out is why my grandfather and his brothers changed his last name to Velo? One of the theories was a result of Spanish/Mexican armies coming to the San Antonio area to squash a movement by former Canary Islanders, Mexicans and former Americans (Tejanos) that were seeking independence from Spain/Mexico. These people fought for their independence (starting some time around 1812) together in a unit called the "Republican Army). From what I read, they had some early successes, but many were forced to flee the area (many went to Louisiana), and the ones that stayed were helped by the church to change their names to help conceal their original identity. Anyway, I am trying to find some definable facts to address the reason for the name change. Would appreciate any info you might have.