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Archiver > Scotch-Irish > 1998-01 > 0884455068


From: linda Merle <>
Subject: Re: SI Latecomers
Date: Sat, 10 Jan 1998 09:57:48 -0800


Hi Jane,

Lots of Ulstermen came to the USA after the 18th century, and lots
still come! I had a conversation once on the proper nomenclature
with a fellow who had studied Ulster emmigration A LOT, as well
as a couple with folk in Ulster. Usually the term, they agreed,
"Scotch Irish" is used to indicate those who came early to the
USA only. Ie it is not used in Canada or Australia or Ulster.
And the late arrivals, they tend to call Ulstermen or Orange.
Near as I can tell, after the United Irish Rebellion in 1798,
in the ensuing decades, Ulster Protestants became for the most
part Unionists and their view of themselves changed. Before that
many Presbyterians had been persecuted as dissenters, often
persecuted more viciously by the English Anglicans than the
Catholics. So they were anti-English. However by 1830 or so,
Ulster Presbyterians are being emancipated and bonding with
the Protestant establishment. Orange culture or Unionism
was formed. My aunt married a fellow whose parents came from
Ulster -- we called ourslves Scotch Irish and them Orange,
so it seems even in the USA people understood the differences.

Near as I can tell, the formation of Unionism was necesary to
ensure the existence of Protestants in NI. There were too few
of them to fight a three-way battle. They had tried to unite
with the IRish and become independent. The United Irish Rebellion
failed. Worse, it ended in religious massacre of protestants
in the south. It has been a long time, but Ireland has not
recovered from this event. It was certainly very present in
my family's memory.

One advantage for you is that your ancestor might have been
with the Orange Order in the USA -- it provided new comers
with food, helped them find jobs, and got them started. Some
of those records are in the Balch institute in Phile. I know
someone who can tell you if the records for a lodge in your
area are there. Email me...

Linda Merle

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