Hi--I can't promise a connection, but .... I have a William Thomas born in Bristol England in 1857 who married in Fulton County IL in 1879. His wife was Mary Jones. It is rumored throught the family that his sister Hannah married Mary's brother Bill. Bill and Hannah also went to BC--Ladysmith about the same time period that you mentioned. I wonder if your Thomas could be another Thomas sibling????? William's parents were Amos Henry Thomas and Rachael Elizabeth Prosser. I don't know if Amos and Rachael emigrated to the US or not, nor when William arrived. Possible locations in IL to search are Canton and Lewistown in Fulton County. William and Mary went to Wichita KS around 1900 and remained there. I would love to make a connection for this branch since I have been able to find nothing to date. Debbie in California