I don't know if this will help anyone or not, but at least two people are researching another possible name change.

The earlist ancestor two of us have found was James Antiss m. 1715 Sarah Lee (d. 1731). Their seven children were born in Quainton Township, Eng.:
1. James Antiss (probably died young)
2. Sarah Antiss (b. 1717)
3. James Antiss (b. 1719; d. 1793)
4. Thomas Antiss
5. Will Antiss (b. 1723)
6. Martha Antiss (b. 1725)
7. Michael Antiss (b. 1727; d. 1817)

Thomas An(s)tiss (b. 1721; d. 1807, Quainton, Eng.) m. Anne ?. They had at least one child:
1. Elizabeth Anstiss

Elizabeth Anstiss m. John Bunting. They had nine children:
1. William (1788 - )
2. John Jr. (1791 - ?)
3. James Sr (1794 - 1870)
4. Charles (1797 - 1859)
5. Eliza Maretta (1799 - 1817)
6. Salina (1808 - )
7. Emanuel (1802 - 1804)
8. George (180 - )
9. Sarah (1809 - 1823)

My husband's maternal relation seemed to end up in Edwards Co., IL. This seems like too much of a coincidence for a link not to exist. Hope this helps. You can reach me at dyoung@televar.com, if you don't want to use this forum. Pat Young