In 1912 or early 1913, my grandmother, Ellen(Helen)Mary Phelan had an affair with a man where she became pregnant and gave birth to my dad William John Phelan either on 15 April 1913 or more probably 27 Oct 1913 - big family cover-up prevents accurate details but my dad celebrated Oct 27th.
His name remaind William J Lucas on the 1920 Census and lived with his grandmother, Nellie Phelan, as his mom married a David Smyth. They lived at 456 Willis Ave, Manhattan until she dies. Sometime between then in 1928 and his entering the Army in 1938, he changes his surname to his mother's maiden name of Phelan. He would mention Uncles with the names Harold and I think George. In any event I believe there were 4 uncles/brothers. NO info in Army jacket, no birth/church records. my DNA out there for 3yrs now, to no avail. My mome told my sister when I was in the Navy and gave her a 'paper' with the name change. After mom died, my other sister kept the box with this paper in her attic but cannot find now. I have checked all Manhattan and Bronx courts for name change petitions - nothing. I am at a wall. Any family have any stories in line with mine? Any ideas?? Thanks.........