Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-10-22
SKETCH OF REV J. H. DUGGAN.

The Rev John Henry Duggan. son of Hugh and Mary (Walsh) Duggan, was born in the parish of Monsea, county Tipperary, Ireland. He made his classical studies in Nenagh, and when quite young man, accompan- fed by his brother, Hugn Duggan, now residing in Detroit, Mich, he emigrated to the United States. Af- ter brief stay in New York he re- moved to Montreal, Canada, where he completed his academic course, was admitted to the bar and practiced law for several years. When he had much prominence in the profession he abandoned it and in May, 1870, he entered the Grand seminary at St Sulpice, Montreal, where he was or dained to the priesthood on Decem- Der 21. 1873, by the Most Rev Arch bishop Fabre, D. D. His first as- signment was as assistant to the Rev John Cooney of St Patrick's church. Thompsonville. Later he was assis- tant to the Rev Luke Daily at New Britain and afterwards pastor of St Francis's church, Colchester, where he remained until he came to Water bury in February, 1880. The limits of St Patrick's parish as originally defined by the late Right Rev Bishop McMahon included practically all the territory now included in Father Cur tins parish in the south end of the city and Father Traynor's in Water vile. At that time the Catholic pop ulation of St Patrick's was estimated at about 5000 souls. The district was but sparsely settled and many of the people over whom the new pastor had spiritual charge had to be reached by what now would scarcely be called a suitable COW trail. But Father Duggan was a giant physically as we'll as intel lectually and entered upon his new charge full of hope and never fal- tered until his career was brought to a close when both the church and splendid rectory were rapidly being pushed to completion.
 The beloved pastor died November 10, 1895. from the effects of fall from the veranda of the rectory while engaged in directing workmen who were putting the pillars in position. His remains were inferred in the southeast corner of the church yard, on the Charles street side of the building. This was in accordance with his own wish. No column has been raised to perpetuate his mem- ory. He needs none. He often said that the church he was engaged in raising for the honor and glory of God was the only monument he ever desired and that when his labor was done he wanted his bones to rest be- meath it.
 Father Duggan had no home when pe came to Waterbury. He was off, fered one by the late Rev Lawrence Walsh. then pastor of the Immacu- late Conception parish. but he de- clined it and for a time he stopped at the residence of Daniel Flaherty on South Leonard street. As soon as he could get to if he rented the Cremmins place on Charles street. across the way from the church. where he lived until he was called away. The parishiOners were accom- modatei for a time in the old Mefho- dist church on East Main street. now the site of the PIatt block The place was then the property of the In- maculate Conception parish.
 When Father Duggan began his ministerial labors in Waterbury. there was no cross streets from South Main street to the other side of the river and a large number of his pa had to reach the church hv devious and in many respects dangerous routes. but wholly through the pastors agitation and he was we'll eauspped for that kind of bust ness. Washington Avenue froF. ruuth Main street westerly fo ths liver vas lasd out and . bridge