Genealogy Chat

I have been searching for George Mason Thompson's (b. c1829) forebears. Figuring that somewhere there must have been a wife with the maiden name of Mason somewhere. (The middle name goes on through the family). Finally I found her and her marriage to John Thompson 1794, St. Clement Danes. Their son John was the father of the George Mason Thompson above. However I also found a JOHN MASON THOMSON (no 'p') born c1822 to Benjamin Risdon Thomson and his wife Frances Parry. THEY went on to have a number of children, all with lovely second names, whereas the other Thompsons don't seem to give their children second names as a rule. It seems to be too much of a coincidence that the Mason is included here. Or am I dreaming? I have been able to check Benjamin's death and it is listed as Thomson too. All these people are from Westminster and St. Clement Danes. Any advice out there? (It is late here so I must go to bed, but I will check first thing in the morning). Many thanks for anything you can do to help, Margaret.

Margaret The spelling variant of Thompson and Thomson wouldn't bother me, especially at that early time. I have relatives who are variously recorded as Purvey/Purvy, Emms/Emmes, Mealing/Mellins from the same era. The Mason connection sounds very possible, but you can't ASSUME it is one until you have checked it out. You need to find out who Benjamin's parents were and how they fit in with the Thompson lot. But I agree it is very well worth checking out. nell

I agree with Nell. The spelling variants are very common - but the name isn't all that unusual, so the relationship may not be all that close. I have Harison COCK(S)/COX in similarly early parts of our tree to look for. I've linked up a lot of records, but there are some floaters... I've noted them to be followed up as and when possible. Christine

Nell and Christine Thanks for your replies, sorry I didn't get to them before, still struggling with the scanner problem and haven't looked back on the board till now. I found a site on Hugh Wallis that lists middle names that could be surnames and was surprised at how many Masons there were as middle names with entirely different last names. Perhaps it isn't such a match after all, as it was listed as Thomson in all the places I found it. Nevertheless I will keep on the scent till I can work it out somehow. Thanks for your encouragement. Margaret.