1607: Captain Wm. Cole, who was of the 12th generation in the direct male line from William Cole (1243) of Huntesleigh of Devonshire, had served Queen Elizabeth in Holland; and raised a regiment of horse in Devonshire for service in Ireland which included such names as Coulter, Frith, Willis, and Walmsley. [These names are still largely represented in and near Enniskillen till this day.] The prominent Fermanagh family of Hassard, which had held the Treasurership of the county for 150 years, is said to have had iis founder in the same regiment, coming from Lyme Regis. The present Earl of Enniskillen is the eighth in direct descent from this Captain Wm. Cole who subsequently was knighted for his services. Sir Wm. Cole was buried "in St. Michan's church over the water" in Dublin, October 1653. The Cole family claim to be descended from William the Conqueror, and it is so described and certified by Garter and Lancaster and the Ulster Kings of Arms.

Taken from the "HISTORY OF ENNISKILLEN."

 

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