When a partial skeleton of a man who died in 1858 was unearthed by archaeologists on the Sydney Metro site at Central Station, a relative five generations removed instantly recognised him.

The remains were found with a metal plaque indicating the bones were of Sydney draper Joseph Thompson it was confirmed earlier this week.

Penny Russell, the great, great, great, granddaughter of Joseph Thompson. Credit:Janie Barrett

Now a relative, five generations removed, has come forward.

Penny Russell the great, great, great granddaughter of Mr Thompson happens to be a professor of history at Sydney University. She is also, as it happens, in the process of researching a book on Mr Thompson. She can draw from memory the family tree going back to Mr Thompson with the names of the four ancestors in between together with all their dates of birth and death.