A bio of John Bridson from the 1880s says he came to New York but until I find the actual shiplist I won't know. It certainly would have been possible for him to have gone south from the Great Lakes. However IGI shows a marriage of Esther Bridson to James Bridson in Patrick l/2/1858. Since she was born Patrick this could be her which would leave you with d/o Paul and Jane Quilliam Bridson.