From Coagh to the White House: JD Vance’s Tyrone connection

IN the quiet village of Coagh, a local historian has uncovered a fascinating link between the community and the United States’ current Vice President, JD Vance.

John Hagan, a passionate researcher of local history, recently delved into the Vance family tree after learning of Vance’s claim to Ulster Scots ancestry. His findings, now proudly shared with the community, trace the Vice President’s family back to Coagh and the surrounding area, revealing a deep-rooted connection that stretches back more than four centuries.

The story began when Mr Hagan, as a child, would often gaze at the large monument to the Vance family in the graveyard of St Luke’s Parish Church in Coagh. The monument, which has stood for generations, sparked Mr Hagan’s curiosity. As he grew older and learned that JD Vance had recently spoken of his Ulster Scots background, Mr Hagan’s instincts told him there was more to the story. His research confirmed it: Vance’s ancestors were part of the wave of Scots who came to Ulster during the early 1600s.

“I’m 100 per-cent sure JD Vance’s roots are in Coagh,” Mr Hagan told the Tyrone Herald. “His ancestor, John Vance, secured a lease for land in Coagh in 1611, which means this connection goes way back. The Vance family came here from Donegal and became part of the Ulster Scots community.”

Through further investigation, Mr Hagan discovered that the Vance family didn’t just leave a legacy in Coagh but also became involved in significant historical events. One such ancestor, Dr Lancelot Vance, served as a colonel during the Siege of Derry and tragically died from exhaustion during the conflict. This connection to such a pivotal moment in Irish history adds another layer of significance to the Vance name.

ACROSS THE ATLANTIC

What’s even more remarkable is how the Vance family’s journey continued across the Atlantic. In the 1830s, Arthur Vance, a direct descendant of John Vance, moved with his son Ethan to America, where their lineage ultimately led to JD Vance, who now serves as the US Vice President.

Mr Hagan’s research has sparked local pride, as the community of Coagh takes great pride in its connection to a high-profile figure like JD Vance. For Mr Hagan, there’s one thing left to do: meet the Vice President and show him the very monument that memorializes his ancestors.

“I would love to meet him one day,” Mr Hagan said. “The Vance name is so deeply woven into the fabric of Coagh’s history. It would be incredible for him to visit, see the monument, and truly connect with the history of his family here.”

While JD Vance has not yet made a trip to Coagh, Mr Hagan’s heartfelt invitation stands. For the people of Coagh, the discovery of JD Vance’s ancestry has sparked a sense of pride in their local history and their place in the broader story of the Ulster Scots diaspora.

As for the future, Mr Hagan believes it would be a momentous occasion if Vance ever walked through Coagh, a village that helped shape his family’s journey to the White House.

“It would be a wonderful full circle for the Vance family,” Mr Hagan said. “And we’re all eager to show him where it all began.”