Hello, Someone from Illinois has written a letter to the Chelmsford Genealogy Club asking for help in finding more information on a Thomas GILSON who left London, England, in 1635. I have looked in the archives of several Lists and Boards, and the GILSON name has been mentioned many times but mostly about the families in the 1700's. I did find a posting on the GILSON Board at www.genforum.com where a GILSON researcher had information. It was posted 6+ yrs. ago, so I have just written to ask if the researcher is still available. This is part of the letter which was received this week: "Mr. Gilson left from the Port of London on a ship called, 'The Alexander.' He was to be transported to Barbados. This ship left on May 2, 1635. He probably spent 9-12 mos. in Barbados before coming to MA. I do not believe he was an indentured servant, and he did not buy property or marry while there ... I have not been able to find a source for a wife's name - it is possible that it was Kathern. References have been seen that Thomas Gilson's son, Joseph, was one of the original proprietors of Groton, MA, in 1650's or 1660's. In reading the early history of Chelmsford there are references to a William and Ann GILSON. Mr. William GILSON was one of 6 assistants to the Governor of MA, along with Miles Standish, William Bradford, et al. -- I am trying to see if there is any further information on Thomas, and, if William and Ann are related to Thomas. ....." One old posting said there was information at www.familysearch.org but that site is "down" at the moment. And, I'll go check the archives of the MA-Bay-Colony List now. Thank you for whatever information you can provide. Betty (near Lowell, MA) P.S. I have an interest in "Gilson's Hill" in Billerica and how it came to be named.