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Archiver > Scotch-Irish > 1997-11 > 0878742073


From: lynlen <>
Subject: Re: KKK in Wester PA: A Personal Observation
Date: Wed, 05 Nov 1997 10:01:13 -0500


WILLIAM JOHN SHEPHERD, SR. wrote:
>
> Tried to send this directly to Diane Hettrick but it kept bouncing back. Since
> there is really nothing volatile in this I will send to the list for
> commentary. W. John Shepherd.
> From: CUAVAX::SHEPHERW "WILLIAM JOHN SHEPHERD, SR."
> To: IN%""
> CC: SHEPHERW
> Subj: KKK in West PA
>
> I spent the first 26 years of my life in western PA, primarily in Indiana and
> Cambria counties and can tell you somewhat of the KKK. I have lived in MD
> since 1988 but still visit PA much and have many friends and family there. The
> KKK is active in my little hometown, Cherry Tree, but is mostly made up of
> drunks and others living on compensation from work 'injuries', though many of
> them can still ride motorcycles. They have occasional rallies but are generally
> viewed as a joke by the locals, who may not be the most sophisticated folk
> around but are not joining the KKK to any degree. There is sort of a joke
> going around to the effect that these guys have nothing to complain about since
> there are few, if any, minorities around so they should show some guts and
> march through DC or Philly. It was more serious in the 1920s and one of my
> great uncles joined briefly. The fool was not aware that his own mother, my
> great grandmother, had been born and raised a Catholic though married to a
> Scotch-Irish Presbyterian type as an adult. Well, this gentleman who was
> my great grandfather James Alexander, found his son's
> sheet and beat the tar out of him and that ended his membership.
> Otherwise, my great uncle grew up to be a decent , hardworking man though never
> the sharpest card in the deck. Hope this helps and I can add more it you like.
> W. J.
> Shepherd.

Let me add a little note. My experiences with KKK, hqaving grown up in
SE NC, are similar to those of Mr. Shepherd.

In 1952 the clan held a rally near my home area. During their ranting
and raving they seddenly became aware that they were not alone. They
were surrounded by some 300 Lumbee Indians with pitchforks, baseball
bats, and other assorted weapons. After the fracas that ensued the clan
never met again in that area. There were no arrests.

yours aye,

Lyn Lennon of MacLennan and Donald

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