Irish-Catholic Immigrant life, Fleeing a Famine for a Foreign Land that Did Not Want Them
The Colgan family identified on this site (consisting of Patrick, Mary, Matthew, James, a younger Patrick, and others), began arriving separately on American shores emigrating from Ireland during one of its darkest hours – an Gorta Mór (the Great Famine), caused by a blight to their primary food source: the potato. They began arriving around 1850, only 6 years following the Philadelphia Nativist Riots, which were violently anti-immigrant, anti-Irish, and anti-Roman Catholic – to the point of churches being burned down during the riots.
While unwelcome and unwanted by many in America, life was still better here for the starving Irish.
More than half a dozen Colgans from this family immigrated to the United States from Ireland in the wake of an Gorta Mór (the Great Famine). The exact number and identities are still under research, but the known members of the immigrant generations were:
• Patrick Colgan (Born Abt. 1810)
• Mary Colgan (Abt. 1820-1863)
• Patrick Colgan (Abt. 1840-1898)
• Matthew Colgan (Abt. 1830-1870)
• James Colgan (1841-1912)
• Mary Ann (née Colgan) Pidgeon (Abt. 1838-1879)
• Elizabeth (née Colgan) Murphy (Abt. 1838-1876)
• Alicia “Alice” (née Colgan) Wolfinger Hynes (d. 1915)
• Teresa (née Colgan) Gordon (Abt. 1850-Unknown)
The older Patrick and Mary are both under research as to their exact relationship to the other immigrants. It is unknown what became of the older Patrick Colgan (Born Abt. 1810) after the 1870 U.S. Census.
The Colgans had a number of children. Matthew Colgan and his wife Margaret had the most children – nine total. James Colgan (1841-1912), Elizabeth (née Colgan) Murphy, Alicia “Alice” (née Colgan) Hynes, and Theresa (née Colgan) Gordon also had children. It’s currently unknown (but under research) whether the younger Patrick Colgan of the immigrant generations had any children.
They were poor immigrants fleeing a mismanaged and starvation-ridden island in the depth of famine.
At least one of the immigrants (James Colgan (1841-1912)), one of the husbands of a Colgan family immigrant (Richard Murphy), and several of the children had legal troubles and were involved in political warfare under the city’s powerful machine politics. A couple members of the first American-born generation ran for elected office. It is likely that at least some of the legal issues were related to political violence. Research on these topics is ongoing.
This article is under ACTIVE REVISION AND CONTINUED RESEARCH. Tips and feedback – big or small – are more than welcome at any time.
Table of Contents (Under Construction)
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Background
- Famine, Mismanagement by the British Empire, American Nativism, Hate, and Immigration
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The Neighborhood: In and Around Philadelphia’s 15th Ward
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The Police in Politics
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Philadelphia’s Political Machine: “The Combine”
- Related Reading: The Political Machine and Political Violence
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Legal Issues of the Colgan Family
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The Accidental Death of John Stein (Alias John Zimmerl)
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Colgan Family Public Service and Election Campaigns
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Ordinary Milkmen, Everyday Heroes
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Accidents and Injuries
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Marriages and Other Family Events
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Assorted Stories and Misc. Happenings
The Neighborhood: In and Around Philadelphia’s 15th Ward
Map: The 15th Ward in 1895
Most of the Colgan family lived in and around the 15th Ward during much of their early time in Philadelphia, beginning in the 1850s, with some remaining until the 1930’s. The family lived in a number of houses, sometimes sharing houses and often living in the same general areas.
Legal Issues of the Colgan Family
Misreported as “Daniel Colligan,” the individual was actually
James Christopher Colgan (1858–1933), as confirmed by subsequent trial and sentencing on March 9th) –
The Philadelphia Inquirer – Philadelphia, PA – 02 Mar 1882
Misreported as “Daniel Colligan,” the individual was actually
James Christopher Colgan (1858–1933), as confirmed by subsequent trial and sentencing on March 9th) –
The Philadelphia Times – Philadelphia, PA – 02 Mar 1882 (p. 4)
Misreported as “Daniel Colligan,” the individual was actually
James Christopher Colgan (1858–1933), as confirmed by subsequent trial
and sentencing on March 9th, and the mention of his mother, Margaret Colgan (1837–1913) –
The Philadelphia Times, Philadelphia, PA – 05 Mar 1882 (p. 3)
Misreported as “Daniel Colligan,” the individual was actually
James Christopher Colgan (1858–1933), as confirmed by subsequent trial
and sentencing on March 9th, and the mention of his mother, Margaret Colgan (1837–1913) –
The Philadelphia Inquirer – Philadelphia, PA – 06 Mar 1882
James Christopher Colgan (1858–1933) – trial and sentencing connected to
01 March arrest for larceny of clothing from a dwelling –
The Philadelphia Inquirer – Philadelphia, PA – 09 Mar 1882
On March 1, 1882, James was sentenced to 6 months incarceration
for larceny of clothing. He was registered at Philadelphia County Prison (Register Number: 11,307) on March 8th,
and released from prison at the expiration of his sentence on 8 Sep 1882.
The register noted that he was a painter by occupation; and that had a speech impediment and a scar on his arm.
POSSIBLY Misreported as “Daniel Colligan”
The individual MAY have actually been James Christopher Colgan (1858–1933). –
The Philadelphia Inquirer – Philadelphia, PA – 23 Apr 1883 (p. 3)
This event allegedly took place a year after the arrest of James Christopher Colgan for larceny of clothing.
UNDER ACTIVE RESEARCH, INCLUDING USE OF CITY ARCHIVES.
IF YOU HAVE TIPS OR WOULD LIKE TO HELP, PLEASE CONTACT US.
James Christopher Colgan (1858–1933) and Joseph Colgan (1860–1940) article alleging assault of an officer –
It is possible that the alleged incident involved political violence, because the police were used
as a major enforcer of machine politics in 19th century Philadelphia.
The Times – Philadelphia, PA – 06 Sep 1890
John Colgan (1866–1910) and William Colgan (1862–1895) legal –
It is possible that the alleged incident involved political violence, because the police were used
as a major enforcer of machine politics in 19th century Philadelphia.
The Times – Philadelphia, PA – 07 Sep 1890
Matthew Patrick Colgan (1864–1928) –
cross-suits involving assault and perjury –
machine politics-related violence involved –
The Philadelphia Inquirer – Philadelphia, PA – 21 May 1896
The Accidental Death of John Zimmerl
Note: The Philadelphia City death certificate reads “John Stein alias John Zimmerl”
ABOUT: In June of 1898, a heavily intoxicated man named John Stein (with a reported alias of “John Zimmerl” or “Zemmerel”) wandered onto the property of Irish immigrant James Colgan (1843-1912) at 332 New Street in Philadelphia. Mr. Zimmerl had difficulty in maintaining his balance due to his alcohol intoxication, fell, hit his head on a stone block, fractured his skull, and eventually died the following day at Hahnemann Hospital. James Colgan was held and a Coroner’s Inquest was used to determine if James should be implicated in the death. The inquest and its witnesses exonerated James of any wrongdoing or fault in the accidental death, and James was released without charge. The exact story behind or nature of the alias used by Mr. Stein/Zimmerl is currently unknown.
John Zimmerl (Abt. 1852-1898) Accidental Death Case involving James Colgan (1841-1912) –
The Philadelphia Inquirer – Philadelphia, PA – 15 Jun 1898 (p. 2)
John Zimmerl (Abt. 1852-1898) Accidental Death Case involving James Colgan (1841-1912) –
The Times – Philadelphia, PA – 16 Jun 1898 (p. 5)
John Zimmerl (Abt. 1852-1898) Accidental Death Case involving James Colgan (1841-1912) –
The Philadelphia Inquirer – Philadelphia, PA – 17 Jun 1898
Colgan Family Public Service and Election Campaigns
William Colgan (1862–1895) – Campaign for 15th Ward Constable
(Election for 15th Ward Constable on Democratic ticket)
Election WINNER: William Colgan –
The Times – Philadelphia, PA – 22 Feb 1891
William Colgan (1862–1895) –
15th Ward Constable –
The Philadelphia Inquirer – Philadelphia, PA – 27 Jul 1893
William Colgan (1862–1895) – 15th Ward Constable –
The Times – Philadelphia, PA – 28 Jul 1893
William Colgan (1862–1895) – 15th Ward Constable responded to the scene of this double death of Irish immigrants
Sarah Lafferty and Jane Lafferty Sloan (widow of Patrick Sloan) at 809 Burns Street. –
The Philadelphia Inquirer – Philadelphia, PA – 29 Dec 1893
Matthew Patrick Colgan (1864–1928) election for Constable (LOST Election) –
The Philadelphia Inquirer – Philadelphia, PA – 19 Feb 1896 (p. 1)
Matthew Patrick Colgan (1864–1928) – Campaign for 15th Ward Constable
(Election for 15th Ward Constable on Democratic ticket)
(LOST Election)
Matthew ran for the Constable seat formerly held by
his recently-deceased brother, William (who died in 1895) –
Later this year, in May 1896, Matthew and Philadelphia Police Officer James O’Neill became
involved in cross-suits connected to a verbal altercation that became physical,
and accusations of perjury against the officer.
The Times – Philadelphia, PA – 19 Feb 1896
Matthew Patrick Colgan (1864–1928)
(NOTE: Newspaper reports middle initial “F.,” but Matthew Francis Colgan
was only 6 years old in January 1898)
Nomination for Constable (Democrat)
Two years after his first election loss for Constable, Matthew Colgan was nominated on the Democratic ticket for 15th Ward Constable.
The Times – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – 15 Jan 1898
Matthew Patrick Colgan (1864–1928)
(NOTE: Newspaper reports middle initial “F.,”
but his son Matthew Francis Colgan
was only 6 years old in February 1898) –
The Times – Philadelphia, PA – 05 Feb 1898 (p. 8)
Matthew Patrick Colgan (1864–1928) – Campaign for 15th Ward Constable
(Election for 15th Ward Constable on Democratic ticket)
(LOST Election)
Two years after his first election loss for Constable, Matthew Colgan ran on the Democratic ticket for 15th Ward Constable. –
The Philadelphia Inquirer – Philadelphia, PA – 19 Feb 1898 (p. 10)
Matthew Patrick Colgan (1864–1928) politics –
The Times – Philadelphia, PA – 10 Sep 1901
Joseph Edward Colgan (1860-1940) – Campaign
(LOST election)
The Philadelphia Inquirer – Philadelphia, PA – 10 Nov 1910
Joseph Edward Colgan (1860-1940) politics –
The Philadelphia Inquirer – Philadelphia, PA – 27 Aug 1913 (p. 2)
Joseph Edward Colgan (1860-1940) politics –
The Philadelphia Inquirer – Philadelphia, PA – 27 Aug 1913 (p. 2)
Brothers William Francis Colgan (1897–1977), James Joseph Colgan (1896–1955), and
Thomas Michael Colgan (1891–1973) were all featured, with their photographs,
in the Evening Public Ledger. In addition to the brothers, Joseph Edward Clapper (1902–1955),
a young man living with the Colgans with his mother, was included in the photo set. –
Evening Public Ledger – Philadelphia, PA – 03 Jul 1918 (p. 3)
____________________________________________________________________
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA
House of Delegates
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 36
Celebrating the life of Captain John G. Colgan, USN, Ret.
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 2, 2018
WHEREAS, Captain John G. Colgan, USN, Ret., a beloved husband and father and a respected resident of Virginia Beach who forged an accomplished career as a naval aviator, died on October 12, 2017; and
WHEREAS, John “Jack” G. Colgan was born in 1929 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and was a graduate of Saint Joseph’s University; and
WHEREAS, a 33-year veteran of the United States Navy, Jack Colgan was a talented pilot who logged over 5,000 flight hours and 750 aircraft carrier landings while serving in fighter squadrons in the Mediterranean, the Atlantic, and the Pacific on board the USS Princeton, USS Boxer, USS Ranger, USS Kitty Hawk, and USS Forrestal; and
WHEREAS, during his long and distinguished Navy career, Jack Colgan brought his leadership skills to posts around the globe; he served during the Vietnam War, held staff appointments at military and civilian schools, and acted as commanding officer of the Naval Air Reserve unit in Norfolk and of the Navy fighter squadron VF-43; and
WHEREAS, Jack Colgan also served as special assistant to the chief of naval personnel for POW/MIA affairs at the Pentagon; during his final deployment, he acted as a Navy attaché at the United States Embassy in Ottawa, Canada; and
WHEREAS, Jack Colgan received numerous honors for his service to his country, including the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal, a Department of Defense Joint Commendation, and two Navy Commendations; and
WHEREAS, after his retirement from the Navy, Jack Colgan worked in the commercial space industry and as a member of a consulting firm; he settled in Virginia Beach, where he was active in civic and community affairs and armed forces organizations, including the Military Officers Association of America and the Association of Naval Aviation; and
WHEREAS, known for his warm personality and rich sense of humor, Jack Colgan loved sports and was a lifelong fan of the Philadelphia Eagles football team; and
WHEREAS, predeceased by his first wife, Faustina, and sons, John and Michael, Jack Colgan will be fondly remembered by his wife, Catherine; his son, James; his stepdaughters, Sara, Martha, and Rebecca, and their families; and countless other family members, colleagues, and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of Captain John G. Colgan, USN, Ret., a dedicated veteran who selflessly served his country and the Virginia Beach community; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Captain John G. Colgan, USN, Ret., as an expression of the House of Delegates’ respect for his memory.
____________________________________________________________________
Resolution Introduced by: Delegate Jason Miyares (R).
Other Patrons: Delegate Elizabeth Guzman (D), Delegate Barry Knight (R), and Delegate Christopher Stolle (R).
____________________________________________________________________
Ordinary Milkmen, Everyday Heroes
Raymond Colgan (1898–1971) article –
The Philadelphia Inquirer – Philadelphia, PA – 08 May 1944
A second gas-related incident involving a rescue occurred in 1952, this time to Raymond Junior, on his milk delivery route. Raymond Colgan (1930–1994) and Wesley Fryer evacuated an apartment building on their milk route, to save residents from deadly gas fumes. –
The Philadelphia Inquirer – Philadelphia, PA – 09 Aug 1952
Follow-up article: Award related to the second gas-related incident
involving a rescue occurred in 1952,
this time to Raymond Junior, on his milk delivery route.
Raymond Colgan (1930–1994) and Wesley Fryer evacuated an apartment building
on their milk route, to save residents from deadly gas fumes. –
The Philadelphia Inquirer – Philadelphia, PA – 15 Jun 1953 (p. 5)
Follow-up article: Award related to the second gas-related incident
involving a rescue occurred in 1952,
this time to Raymond Junior, on his milk delivery route.
Raymond Colgan (1930–1994) and Wesley Fryer evacuated an apartment building
on their milk route, to save residents from deadly gas fumes. –
The Philadelphia Inquirer – Philadelphia, PA – 25 Jun 1953 (p. 23)
Related Reading
(Doctoral Thesis, London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London) by Peter McCaffery (1989)
By Peter McCaffery. University Park: Pennsylvania State University Press, 1993.
By Howard Gillette. Encyclopedia of Greater Philadelphia.
Accidents and Injuries
Mary Ellen (née O’Dea) Colgan (1904–1951) woke her sleeping husband,
Raymond Colgan (1898–1971), on the afternoon of March 15, 1942
to evacuate the house due to a fire. Both successfully escaped,
and the damage was minor. None of the children were home at the time. –
The Philadelphia Inquirer – Philadelphia, PA – 16 Mar 1942
William Alexander Colgan (1890-1964) injury –
William’s injuries did not end up being fatal. –
The Philadelphia Inquirer – Philadelphia, PA – 17 Aug 1912
Walter Stanley Colgan (1900-1972) in article about the vehicle accident that killed
Dr. Ella B. Everitt –
The Philadelphia Inquirer – Philadelphia, PA – 26 Jan 1922 (p. 14)
Walter Stanley Colgan (1900-1972) in article about the vehicle accident that killed
Dr. Ella B. Everitt –
The Philadelphia Inquirer – Philadelphia, PA – 24 Feb 1922
Assorted Stories and Misc. Happenings
Irish immigrant James Colgan (1841-1912) in article –
The Times – Philadelphia, PA – 22 Aug 1879
Irish immigrant James Colgan (1841-1912) in article –
The Times – Philadelphia, PA – 11 Feb 1887
Irish immigrant James Colgan (Abt. 1843-1912) was appointed as a night watchman
by the Superintendent of the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia, Oliver Bosbyshell in 1889,
and served as such until for at least 8 years, until 1897.
(We are working on making inquiries with the U.S. National Archives concerning personnel records.) –
The Times – Philadelphia, PA – 30 Nov 1889
Joseph Edward Colgan (1860-1940)
– Son of Irish immigrants Matthew Colgan and Margaret (née Connolly)
Evening Public Ledger – Philadelphia, PA – 29 Nov 1920
Marriages and Other Family Events
Marriage of James Colgan (1843-1912) and Emma Marie Lowe (1851–1919) – The Philadelphia Inquirer, 18 May 1872
Marriage of Catherine (née Colgan) McBryan (1874–1950) and Charles Hamil (1872–1941) – The Philadelphia Inquirer, 30 Jun 1910
Marriage of Jeanne Colgan (1918-1987) and Arthur T. Arvisais (unknown-2004) – The Philadelphia Inquirer, 23 Apr 1941
Marriage of Raymond Colgan (1930–1994) and Marie D. Smith (living) – The Philadelphia Inquirer – 14 May 1958
Marriage of Rose Colgan (1936–2022) and Charles Papa (1936–2016) – The Philadelphia Inquirer – 06 Jan 1960
Marriage of Paul J. Colgan (1926-2014) and Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Bowes (1928-2021)
Chester Times, Chester, PA – 08 May 1954 (p. 8)
The ordination of Father Richard Colgan (1924-2004) as a priest in the Roman Catholic Church.
Father Richard was a member of the Society of Jesus (S.J.), A.K.A. a Jesuit.
Fr. Richard’s sister, Sr. Regina Denise (1919–1992), was a nun, and is also mentioned.
The Philadelphia Inquirer – Philadelphia, PA – 20 Jun 1955
Marriage of Francis Colgan (living) and Lorraine Coppolino (living) –
The Philadelphia Inquirer – Philadelphia, PA – 22 Nov 1959