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Archiver > Scotch-Irish > 2002-11 > 1036993435


From: "macbd1" <>
Subject: Re: [Scotch-Irish] Re: Earrly Scotch-Irish arrivals (+ indentured servant) (+ McDonald)
Date: Sun, 10 Nov 2002 23:43:55 -0600
References: <8A7177F4-F32B-11D6-BFF8-0003938F95FE@verizon.net> <007601c2885c$8548ba60$2554fea9@deanna>


List:

Pertaining to my question concerning the degree of servitude in America by
Ulster-Scots, I find in my copy of "The Source" (Ancestry Publishing
Company, 1984) that while some emigrants contracted their services prior to
departure to pay for their passage, called 'indentured servants,' others
contracted their services at their port of entry in America; these were
known as 'redemptioners.' While checking on-line, I happened upon the
following web site that has scholarly appearance and which includes the
'classic' reference listed by "The Source," that being "Government and Labor
in Early America" by Richard B. Morris, Harper & Row, 1965. It indicates
that a *great majority* of Ulster Scot emigrants contracted their services
to pay for their passage, fees and expenses. So, this apparently accounts
for many of our ancestors remaining in the general vicinity of their port of
entry for about four years prior to their further migration -- although I
seem to recall reading somewhere that a few land owners traveled great
distances to obtain 'servants' at harbor auctions or from ship's captains.

http://www.geocities.com/fifestuff/fifefamily/scotch_irish.html

This is a good summary about the Scotch-Irish in general while shedding
light on the emigration process and how at least some felt about their
servitude.

Regards to all,
Neil McDonald




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