The Waterbury Democrat., 1935-05-04

widely recognized for many years
 history, goes back to 1779 for article in original form is as folio
 A good deal of research has been indulged in during the past ten or fifteen years, with a view to ascertaining for certainty the name of the Irishman who first visited the territorial limits of Waterbury, Connecticut.'
 So far the question seems to be an open one, the preference having been ascribed to various persons by different writers. Half a dozen or more of the old Irish settlers of the town who came here over half a century ago and who have resided here continu- ously since, tell conflicting stor- ies in relation to this subject, and as they were the only source from which much information on this matter could be obtained, the question has never been fully decided, each naming a different person as being the first to lead the way for his countrymen into this section of the state.
 SOURCES
 I recently conceived the idea of making some investigation on this point from sources other than those which have been heretofore been brought into use, with the result that I have succeeded in obtaining informa- tion in relation to this issue, which will be of interest to fu- ture historians of this town, and cannot but help settle the much disputed question on this point.
 As nearly as data can at pres ent be collected, the first known Irishman to see this part of the. country was Joseph Rourke, soldier who served in one of the companies attached to regiment in command of General Putnam in the Revolutionary War. He was with Putnam through most of his camaigns and took such a liking to that dashing soldier that he refused to serve under the command of any other cap- tain. It was this fascination which led him to follow Putnam to his home in Brooklyn, this state, and he was seriously wounded in the retreat of the Revolutionary troops from Horse neck to Stamford, Conn, in 1779.
 FATE UNKNOWN
 During his service in the Rev. olutionary army, Rourke met and and formed the acquaintance or a son of Gideon Hotchkiss, the great-great-grandfather of Judge George H. Cowen of this city, and in 17S4 he accompanied young Hotchkiss to the family residence, then situated about three miles southeast of Prospect Center. Remaining her for about twelve or thirteen years, ne learned of the intended uprising in his native country, which cul- minated in the rebellion of 179S, and left on the old stage line for Derby, Conn, thence by, way or the Sound for New York, with view of reaching the scene of the conflict in time to render what service he could to the cause of the Irish patriot party. Whether he reached the scene of opera tions, and met the fate of many of his countrymen who had dared throw down the gauge of battle to the enemies of Ireland VIII never be known, but sufficient information has been obtained to satisfy me that the story or his visit to these parts is founded on fact.
 SIGNERS
 Judge Cpwell can tell many "reminiscences of the mans char acteristics which he often heard related by his maternal grand mother. There is nothing strange about this" said Judge cowell. when asked about the matter, everybody knows that the Irish people had been fleeing to.ail parts of the world to shun the persecution to which they were subjected to at home for centuries prior to that time. and it is the most reasonable thing in the world to believe that some ol
 them should show up in these parts. It Is a well established fact that there were large mum bers of Irishmen in the Revolu- tionary War, not only in the rank and file. but as captains and generals. Were not several of the signers of the Declaration of Independence IrIshmen?
 Joseph Rourke was not the only one Of his race who camo along here after the close of the Revolutionary War. but he is the only one have q good reeoi' lection Of hearing talked Of when 1 was boy. What made tho old people remember him 90 well was the fact that ln addition to being a brave soldier no was an excel. lent shoemaker and earned his living during hts stay hsFe by go' lag among the farmers. repalrlnH 7.