Hey y'all
Does this information sound like it connects with anyone's family tree?
Has anyone ever heard of a Sir James Thompson or this sword & seal?
This is the content of a letter that was written in 1942, by my Grandfathers Nephew, David Collins...
"I remember you asked about the Thompson Seal. Well, naturally it belongs to the Thompson's. It was to be handed down to the oldest son in each generation and the oldest son was always supposed to have the name of James. By right, George should be having it now, then Harold and then his oldest boy and so on. I don't know if they want it. I would love it myself and so would Norris or Dottie; in fact, any of my family would be proud to own it. George is getting pretty old. Harold has T.B. in both lungs and I am not acquainted with Harold's family so I don't know if it would be taken care of or not, but it is really up to George to decide who should have it. Wish the decision could be in my favor but don't supposed it could. I believe it was given to my father's great grandfather or perhaps grandfather when he was knighted before leaving Scotland and England. That was at the time the beautiful German silver sword was given him (the sword was left in Louisiana when we came North). He was knighted for some special act of bravery during one of the numerous wars. He was called Sir James Thompson and the name was engraved on the sword. My Great grandfather, who is buried down in Canada was Sir James Thompson so perhaps, and I do believe, he is the same man. His grave with the marble slab is still there under a big apple tree in an orchard. I saw it lots of times when we lived there. He was an officer in the English army when they came over here to fight and he married a girl in some town in Penn. The Seal is at least six generations old and if Harold's boy is married and has any children that would make it seven. I don't believe any of them know anything about it except George, and he has probably forgotten it many years ago. Anyway, when you decide what to do please let me know."
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This letter was sent to me by the great nephew of David Collins. We are not sure who the letter was addressed to or where the men listed in the letter fall in our Thompson family tree. My Thompson has named their eldest son James for at least 4 generations that I can trace.
Thanks,
Donna