This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: llinde3 Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.thompson/7774.5.1.1.1.4.1.1.2/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Hi and thanks for the feedback re the Thompsons.There is a Thompson Graveyard (sign over entrance says that) in Dutchess County, NY.I have seen pix of it on the web.There are 97 graves and only 51 markers. My Thompson cousins have clained we in So.Minn.came from England yet I think Ireland from Scotland.Apparently in the 1600' and 1700's King James I of England needed cash so he ssold off parts of Scotland to English nobles and resettled the Scots in No.Ireland.It was thought that the Scottish P Protestants would convert the Irish Catholics(didn't happen).Also some of the lowland Scots were raiding across tthe English border so the government in London sent them to Ireland.After time went by the deportees weren't really Scots anymore yet neither were they Irish.No wonder they immigrated here.There also, (I didn't know this)localized famines in Ireland after crop failures and exorbitant rents oon lands. Just thought to share background.lline3 Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.