My gggg-parents, Robert and Margaret MCMICHAEL emigrated to South Carolina sometime before 1792. They were Protestant Scots-Irish, so I know they came from Ulster; on Tithe Applotment and other older records, There are many more McMichaels in Antrim by far, so I'm hoping this is where they may have come from.
They settled in Abbeville, SC, and were on Long Cane Creek in 1803 (plat record).
I am descended from their third child, John A., born in 1794.
It’s very difficult researching in Ireland in the 1700s due to the general lack of records. Your ancestors sound as though they were probably Presbyterian. The vast majority of Scots settlers in Ireland were Presbyterian, and so also were most of the emigrants from Ireland to the USA and Canada in the 1700s. (Native Irish didn’t really get moving in big numbers till the 1800s). Your assumption that your ancestors probably came from Ulster seems sound. The problem you face is that very few Presbyterian churches in Co. Antrim have any records for the 1700s. I only know of 6 out of perhaps 100 or more congregations in the county at the time.
So even if you knew more precisely where your ancestors lived in Antrim (or elsewhere in Ulster) there may not be any records of them here. However perhaps you may find someone with more knowledge of the family background.
Thank you, Elwyn, for replying! I know, early records seem to be few and far between everywhere in the 1700's. (Except perhaps in Englad, but I have no one there yet...) Oh well, as you say, perhaps someone who is also researching them will see my post and reply.
Thanks again for the encouragement! Just replying really was encouraging!
Take care, and stay healthy in this crazy time.
Loralee