The Scotch-Irish in America - Proceedings of the Scotch-Irish Congress at Columbia, Tennessee, May 8-11, 1889 #247737

To Mr. Thomas T. Wright, a prominent citizen of Florida, belongs the credit of having suggested the formation of an organization to preserve the history and perpetuate the achievements of the Scotch-Irish race in America. Owing to the efforts of Mr. Wright, who was ably assisted by Mr. A. C. Floyd and other gentlemen, the movement was started which resulted in the grand and successful meeting of the Scotch-Irish Congress at Columbia, Tennessee, in may last, and which led to the permanent organization of the Scotch-Irish Society of America.<br><br>It does not come within the purpose, scope or object of this Society to cultivate or in any way encourage sectarian feeling, for people of all denominations are eligible to membership; nor is it the purpose of the Society to stimulate undue pride of race, although it is impossible to ignore the historical fact, so eloquently stated by William Wirt Henry, Esq., a grandson of the great revolutionary orator, that the Scotch-Irish in America have given five Presidents to the United States.