The Ulster Distribution:

Black et al have identified Galloway as the homeland of the McClure’s. In order to understand the Ulster planter’s origin we have to first examine the factors influencing migration. Undertakers tended to recruit planters from their home territory, therefore knowing where the undertaker’s estate was located will be helpful in identifying an Ulster Planters Scottish homeland as well as their settlement in Ulster. Migration would continue and in fact accelerate as the 17th century unfolded. Several factors would influence the flow of Scots to Ulster. • Chain Migration: for a period of time families would likely maintain contact with relatives in Scotland. Therefore an awareness of Ulster would be viewed through the lens of the experience of their ancestors. • Distance and accessibility: Most migrations take place over short distances. Individuals are more apt to relocate to places they are familiar with. For example residents of Galloway would be more likely to emigrate to coastal Antrim and Down and visa versa. The flow of individuals between these two regions was common and explains the  presence of similar surnames on both sides of the “Narrow Sea.” • Time and distance: In the 17th century water transportation distorted time and distance. For example the Clyde estuary would would have close links with North Ulster, Londonderry and Donegal. Similarly rivers and estuaries would provide access to the interior of Ulster. • The role of Presbyterian Ministers: The impact of Presbyterian ministers in the migration from Ulster to the new world has been well documented. Less appreciated is their role as agents recruiting farmers and trades people from Scotland to Ulster in the post plantation period. Ministers were required to be University trained. The appointment of ministers to congregations was a complex process. First the Presbytery would need to approve the creation of a congregation, there would need to be a candidate available. Finally the congregation would interview the candidate to insure that the “philosophy” of the minister was in sync with that of the congregation elders who represented the congregation. Ministers were trained at the Universities of Glasgow, Edinburgh and St. Andrews, with Glasgow being the most important. These Ministers were more likely to have links to the central lowlands and this would play a role in recruiting migrants from Scotland.    Return to Top