Migration of Scotch Irish from Somerset Co. MD to York Co. SC

7 brothers with the name of Alexander were said to have settled around Cecil Co. MD ca 1718. At the head of Chesapeake Bay on the Elk River where PA, MD, and DE run together a colony called New Munster was peopled by a number of Scotch Irish (among them very likely the Leech family), particularly WALLACE, ALEXANDER, and STEPHENSON. The Harris, Givens, Polks, and McElhaney families may all have been part of this settlement. All of these families were neighbors, friends, and/or kin of the Leech family. (Cf Foote's "Sketches of North Carolina")

Most of these people were strong Presbyterians. Churches were organized in all three states, and members of the families named above made up much of the membership. The Alexanders in particular were noted ministers--in Ireland, Somerset and Cecil Counties, Mecklenburg and York.

Rev. Joseph Alexander became the pastor of Bullock's Creek Presbyterian Church in York Co. SC before the Revolution. Many members of the Leech family belonged to this church. David Leech was one of the elders. Rev. Alexander was closely associated with several members of the Leech family, particularly the Feemsters. Silas Feemster married Margaret Alexander; they were parents of Rev. Minos B. Feemster, a very close friend and associate of the Leech's in four different states.

Some of the Alexanders went to Lawrence Co. AL, when it was organized. David Alexander (b. 1806) married Julie Cunningham there. She was the daughter of James Cunningham. In 1820 David Alexander lived a few doors from John and David Leech, my ancestors.

In 1857 Joshua Alexander entered land in several sections of Twp 6S 9W included section 13, a mile or two south of the Leech property.

For corrections, comment, or inquiry e-mail Larry Clayton

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