Scotch-Irish-L Archives

Archiver > Scotch-Irish > 1998-08 > 0902442444


From: Brian McConnell <>
Subject: Re: THE LIST
Date: Thu, 06 Aug 1998 19:27:24 -0300


Yes, indeed Linda, the LIST is truly international with members not just
from the USA and Canada but all over the world. I believe that is one
of its greatest assets. Many families have moved not just from Ulster
or Ireland to the USA and Canada but onwards from there or initially
moved to other places and ended up in the USA and Canada.

In my own family I had a great uncle and 2 great aunts who moved from
Ulster to Canada and then on to the USA. In fact, there may be almost
as many Scotch-Irish (or Ulster Scots, whichever you prefer) in the USA
who came through Canada as originally settled there. This also seems
to be a bit of a hot political topic and not discussed too much since it
good upset some traditional thinking.

I have benefited greatly from advice of other searchers all over the
world on the LIST, whether they be from the USA, New Zealand, or even
Greece in my own search of roots.

In Canada there is a non-profit society which was formed in 1995 to
promote the Ulster Scots culture and history of those who settled in
Canada. One of the founders was a native of N.I. and in N.I. they do
refer to themselves as Ulster Scots (NEVER Scotch-Irish, but I like
Linda think it would be unwise to discuss a name change for theLIST.
However, I might note that some in the USA do refer to themselves as
Ulster Scots. I know my own relations did and there are a few groups
which go by that description. It seems to be a bit of a subjective
personal political decision not worth discussing on a list devoted to
genealogy.

For more on the Canadian organization, the Ulster Scottish Society of
Canada, there is an article on the Ulster Scots coming to Canada which
also includes some names and addresses at URL:

http://members.aol.com/manus2/ulsterto.html

The Society is open to all persons of Ulster background whose ancestors
once came from Scotland, and is also non-religious and non-political.
It is trying to organize branches in all regions of the country and does
now have members from Newfoundland to British Columbia. It also
publishes a newsletter for its membership, and has prepared a book list,
and held workshops in Ulster Scots music, language, and history. One of
the members has published a book on her ancestors form Ulster who first
settled in the province of Quebec in the mid-1700's. Another member is
also Past-President of one of the Scottish Clan organizations for North
America.

'Lang may yer lum reek!' (in Ulster Scots), or if you prefer 'Beir bua
agus beannacht!' (in Gaelic Irish)

Best wishes,

Brian McConnell
President
Ulster Scottish Society of Canada

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