The Colgan Family

John Rooney

A Genealogical History of Irish Families

1895

(Crest No. 192. Plate 37.)

THE Colgan family is descended from Milesius, King of Spain, through the line of his son Heremon. The founder of the family was Carthen, third in descent from Colla Vais, or Huais, King of Ireland, A. D. 315. The ancient name was Colgan, which means “A Dove.” The possessions of the sept were located in the present Counties of Londonderry and Kildare.

Rev. John Colgan, the Franciscan friar and famous author of the “Acta Sanctorum Hiberniæ” and other works, is the best known of this name. His learning, research, and industry have been universally acknowledged.

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