San Francisco
County
Biographies
THOMAS
D. RIORDAN
The native sons of California have stepped into
the arena of public life and are a constituent and powerful factor in
political, social and civic affairs of this common- wealth. Prominent among
these is the subject of our sketch. He was born in San Francisco in the year
1855, passed through the vicissitudes incident to life in a new country, and
gained a ripe experience in early manhood. During his whole life he has been a
close student, is a graduate of college, received the degree of A. B. in 1873,
and the degree of A. M. in 1874, at the age of nineteen years.
In his profession as an
attorney-at-law he has taken the front rank and has been retained in some of
the most important cases in our State Courts and United States Supreme Court,
during the last three years. He has a pleasant address, genial manner,
benevolent nature and has drifted easily into a large number of our fraternal
and beneficiary societies.
In 1880 he joined the K. of H., was
appointed District Deputy for three successive years, 1883,’84 and ’85. In 1886
he was elected Assistant Grand Dictator, and in March, 1887, Grand Dictator.
As a public speaker he is pleasing,
argumentative and concise; seldom indulges in oratorical flights, but analyzes,
and by facts and figures presents his subject in such a masterly manner that
his audience is charmed and instructed.
He has a high social standing,
unimpeachable character, temperate habits and scholarly attainments. In our
benevolent societies he holds a membership in California Lodge, No. 1, F. &
A. M.; California Chapter; California Council; Knights Templar; Past Noble
Grand of Occidental Lodge, No. 179, I. O. O. F.; Ex-President of S. F. Relief
Committee, I. O. O. F.; and one of the Ex-Trustees of Oriental Encampment, No.
57, I. O. O. F. He is also a member of Stanford Parlor, N. S. G. W.; Spartan
Lodge, 36, A O. U. W.; and Golden Council American Legion of Honor.
Transcribed By: Cecelia M. Setty.
Source: “Illustrated Fraternal Directory Including
Educational Institutions on the Pacific Coast, Page 244, Publ. Bancroft
Co., San Francisco. Cal. 1889.
© 2012 Cecelia M. Setty.
San Francisco County Biographies