My name is Alan John Thompson, 69, from Port Macquarie, New South Wales, Australia, sweltering in our hottest summer on record, while, I believe, Minnesota is experiencing the other extreme.

I am not sure whether your publication is in a position to assist with my inquiries, but perhaps so.

I am trying to trace descendants of my great-, great-, great-grandfather Andrew Thompson (1807-1870) who migrated from County Tyrone (or Tyrne), Northern Ireland, with his wife Nancy (nee McCormick) to St. Paul in 1857. They had six sons, William, James (both came to USA in 1849), Andrew, John H. and Thomas (all three came to USA with parents in 1857). I have checked Minnesota census records and have traced persons of all the children’s names above as being in Freeborn County in 1885 and/or 1895.

The sixth son, Samuel, migrated to Australia in 1851, and is my great-great-grandfather.

I am planning to travel to northeast USA next year and would like to establish contact if possible.

Any assistance or advice you can provide would be appreciated. I can be reached at atho3617@bigpond.net.au.

Alan Thompson

Port Macquarie

New South Wales

Australia