Evening star., 1944-10-15
Capital Sidelights
By Will P, Kennedy,

By Will P. Kennedy.
In Antrim County, North Ireland, now
largely occupied by American soldiery,
there stands small building used as
stable, piggery and store, which has
remained unaffected by the storms OF
war which have shaken the foundation
OF Europe for well nigh two centuries.
This squat edifice. with whitewashed
walls, between the market town of Bal
lymoney and the village of Dervock, was
the home of James Mckinley, grand
father of William Mckinley, 25th Prea-
dent Of the United States and the third
"martyred President"
That grandfather. James Mckinley,
born In 1888, left Ireland, early in the
18th century. to seek his fortune in "the
New World" accompanied by his
nephew William
In the rebellion Of 1898 Francis
Mckinley, brother of President McKin-
ley's grandfather, Joined the United
Irishmen In an attempt to overthrow
the British authority, took part in the
Battle of Antrim, was captured with
many others and taken to Collerain,
where he was hanged.
The old thatched roof has been slated,
the walls have been raised tride
higher Otherwise the "old homestead"
Is more or less the same as when Presi-
dent McKinley's grandfather bade 1t
farewell when setting out for America
"the land of promise"
The roll of United States Presidents
is still stronger in Ulster blood. Andrew
Jackson, "Old Hickory" was of family
that come from the Kennedy estate be-
tween Newtownards, Bangor and Bel
fast to dwell about Carrickfergus. The
family of James K. Polk came from the
county of Londonderry, where the Amer
ican soldiery now are concentrated.
That of James Buchanan came from
Ramelton, County Donegal. Andrew
johnson is believed to have been Of
Ulster origin. The family of the mother
of Ulysses s. Grant emigrated from the
province in 1853. Chester A. Arthur was
the grandson of Gavin Mac Arthur of
Ballymena. The family of the mother
of Grover Cleveland sailed from the
North of Ireland. Benjamin Harrison
also, on the mothers side, was descended
from an fisherman, named Mcdowell.
There also was Ulster blood, on the
mothers side, in the veins of Col. Theo-
dore Roosevelt. Woodrow Wilson's
grandfather came from the neighbor-
hood of Strabane.
Americans who know their history
remember the names of Charles Thom-
son, born in Maghire, County Derry,
Ireland, the Man of Truth" of the
Delaware Indians; John Dunlap, born
in Strabane, the printer Of the Decla-
ration of independence; Col. Charles
Mcdowell, Henry Knox and John ARM
strong
Thomson was elected secretary Of the
First Continental Congress In 1774 and
held that post until 1889. It was he who
on April IA, 1889, after journey Of
seven days from New York, notified
George Washington at Mount Vernon Of
his election as first President of the
United States.
Gen. Knox after the Battle OF Lex
ington left Boston in disguise and joined
the patriot army, was commissioned by
Congress, participated in the Siege of
Boston, the Battles Of Brandywine, Ger
mantown and Monmouth; was menu
Der of the board that tried Maj. Andre.
the British spy; was made Secretary of
War by Congress in 1875 and was con-
tinued in that office by Washington In
1789 Gen. Knox was one OF the found
ers Of the Society of the Cincinnati.
Gen. John Armstrong was native Of
Brookbor, County Fermanagh, Ireland,
born October 13. 17,7. He served In the
Continental Congress (l778-178o) and
again 1787-S). His sons, James and
/ John, also served In Congress The
father was given medal by Philadel-
plaia for destroying the Kittanning
Indian towns. September 8, 1756. He
rendered distinguished service IN the
Continental Army. His son James was
q medical officer In the Revolution
John served as Senator from New
York, Minister to France, Acting Min
lister to Spain and Secretary Of War Ia
the cabinet OF President Madison.
Also from Ulster came James Logan
native Of Lurgan, Armagh. who landed
III America In 1859 and became the
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