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Subject: [DNA-R1B1C7] Where we got the name "Scotch-Irish?"
Date: Sat, 22 Sep 2007 12:28:23 EDT





By Kevin B. McLachlan & G. Bruce McLachlan
_A Short History of the Scots in Ireland_
(http://www.gilcrist.com/ClanSite/scotsinireland.htm)

A look at the history of Ireland finds Scottish people among the early
inhabitants of northern Ireland. Some came by direct appointment, others came by
choice. England was seeking to exert a greater influence upon the people of
Ireland, and, because of the failed attempt to establish a colony at Darien
(Panama), the English sought to try again in Ireland.
Lowlanders were among the first Scotsmen to go to Ireland as "appointed"
(ordered) by England. Highlanders were not included because they were considered
to be rebels. Later, however, when the colony proved successful, Highlanders
crossed the channel without "invitation."
During the time of the Ulster, Ireland colonization, there was a great
religious feeling among the people. The Presbyterian Church at that time enjoyed
autonomy and, though there was some influence from the Church of England
(Episcopal), Scots relied heavily on the Presbyterian Church. The Scottish
National Covenant of 1638 described the authority of the King as "a comfortable
instrument of God's mercy granted to this country for the maintenance of his
Kirk." Many problems arose for the Scots in Ireland. In 1639, they were forced
to sign an oath of fealty (allegiance), swearing to never oppose the King's
command and to abjure all covenants and oaths contrary to the tenor of this
engagement. This oath was later called the Black Oath. Scots who did not sign
were punished. Native Irishmen considered the Ulster Scots as intruders and
usurpers and, because of this, in an uprising in 1641, approximately 5,000
Scots were slaughtered. Later, the English revolution of 1688 helped to solidify
the Scots' position in Ireland. Irish Catholics rose up in support of James
II, while the Scot Presbyterians supported William and Mary. The war ended in
1691 with Ireland submitting to William and Mary.
The English never were comfortable with the Scottish Presbyterian Church in
Ireland; at one time they were referred to as "blockish Presbyters" living in
"a barbarous nook of Ireland." To counter political pressures presented by
Presbyterian ministers, a plan from England was formed to transplant Scots to
the counties of Kilkenny, Tippeerary and the seacoast of Waterford, all
districts in the extreme south of Ireland, and remote from Scotland. However,
Oliver Cromwell dismissed the Parliament and ended the transplantation of the
Scots.
But where do we get the name "Scotch-Irish?" Oh, how that name was hated! It
became commonly used in America after they arrived - they had come from
Ireland, but they were Scots, hence Scotch-Irish. The Scots left Ireland not for
religious reasons, but because of economic pressures. Ship building
expanded, and better, larger ships, able to transport more passengers, led to an
increase in emigration. Several successful businesses were established for the
sole purpose of transporting emigrants to the American colonies.



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