Were Thomas and Hugh Jameson Brothers?

Thomas Jameson (1709-1764) is often attributed and widely accepted as a brother to Hugh Jameson (1713-1790). In fact, E.O. Jameson himself makes this conclusion in his book "The Jamesons in America"[1] on page 419, including the statement that Thomas sailed on the ship Molly with Hugh, in 1746, this last part however now seems inaccurate. See a full analysis of this here.

YDNA testing has shown an exact match between descendants of these two families.[2] Although this can only be considered as conclusive evidence, proof really, that they are closely related and share a common ancestor, a strong argument can be made that they were actually brothers. Thomas is of a similar age to Hugh and both were clearly from Ireland. Both were said to be from Coleraine and both sailed from near by Portrush - Thomas in 1738 aboard the ship "Lime"[3] and Hugh in 1746 aboard the ship "Molly"[4]. They both can be found early (before 1750), in Londonderry, New Hampshire, and all indications are that they both went directly to Londonderry, immediately after arriving in Boston, most likely to join their uncle, Jonathan Jameson, who was already there.[5][6] They both eventually moved to Dunbarton, New Hampshire, as very early settlers of that town.[7] Hugh in 1753 and Thomas in 1762, after selling his property in Londonderry. They both were Cordwainers, as was their uncle Jonathan. Perhaps the most telling evidence however, is how they each named their children.[8] Thomas had children named, amongst others, Alexander (first born male) and Hugh. Hugh had children named, amongst others, Alexander (first born male) and Thomas. Furthermore, Hugh married a Jane in the early 1750's who was thought to be a McHenry. A Daniel McHenry (the only known McHenry in those parts) owned the property immediately north of the property Thomas owned in Londonderry, New Hampshire. Hugh and Jane's second son was named Daniel, a name otherwise unknown in any of these Jameson families.

It would therefore be reasonable to say that these two Jamesons were indeed, almost to a certainty, brothers.