I am researching four siblings living in the Mitchell and Yancey Co areas of western NC, but appear to be born elsewhere in NC. I am trying to establish where they were born and who their parents were.

I am seeking information on the origins of John (born ca 1800-1805), Hector (born ca 1808-1817), Nancy (born ca 1812-1819) and Margaret (born ca 1814-1825). The birthdates were obtained from the 1850-1880 censuses. Note that they do not age in 10 year increments, hence the variations in the birthdates.

In 1850, John appears to be a bachelor living in Hector's household. Next door, Nancy is married to David Cox and sister Margaret (unmarried) is living with them. Based upon the oldest children born to Nancy and Hector, it appears these McNeill siblings were in this region by the early to mid-1830s. I have been unable to locate them in 1840. All censuses indicate they were born in NC. The father of the four may or may not have been born in Scotland (it varies between the census years)

Does anyone know who the parents are or where they were born? Our family lore indicates their father may have been a Neil McNeill b 1760, son of Duncan, who settled in Camden, SC and later in NC. Neil may have married a McMillan. Another story indicates we may descend from a Duncan McNeill born in Kintyre, Scotland who died in 1791 in NC, who had three sons and one of which went to the mountains of western NC.

Any help is appreciated. I am willing to share what information I have. Thank you.