This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: RussellThompson545 Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.thompson/18072.6.1.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Hi Jen, Sorry for the delay. I am having some difficulty getting my head around your revelations but am confident of a link. Those that went to the American Colonies, who are confirmed by DNA studies, left Ireland in 1649/50 circa. My Oz mob left Ireland in 1843. There is plenty of evidence to link the Tomos to the flax industry. I have followed the broad evidence from 1610 ish to 1730 ish but from then there is a void. The warlike atmosphere of the seventeenth century aside allowed for safe economic migration from a Scotland that had not forgot the vulgar habits of the Thom(p)son Clan. Border Clans were despised post James 1 st of Scotland and England. That is why they migrated (amongst a plethora of other issues). Mind you many stayed and prospered. The name has a math prominence to today. That could only happen when families are tight, disciplined and productive. I am seeking more DNA evidence to support. It is coming but so slowly. Two perhaps three per annum of the last few years. Mostly USA based but at some stage someone from Ireland will join the cause :-) Perhaps though not in my lifetime :-) Kindest Regards, rust 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.