Central California Biographies

A memorial and biographical history of the coast counties of Central California : illustrated : containing 
a history of this important section of the Pacific coast from the earliest period of its discovery to the 
present time, together with glimpses of its auspicious future, illustrations and full-page portraits of 
some of its eminent men, and biographical mention of many of its pioneers, and prominent citizens of 
to-day (1893)

Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Publishing Company
Author: Barrows, Henry D; Ingersoll, Luther A

Transcribed by Peggy Hooper

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm

 


THOMAS J. RIORDAN, the efficient and popular Clerk of Monterey county, residing in 
Salinas, was born in San Francisco, November 15, 1859. His family removed to Salinas 
valley in 1860, his father, Michael Riordan, having come to California in 1854. After 
attending the public schools of Natividad, in this county, he was two years in St. Mary's 
College, San Francisco, leaving this latter institution in 1876. He commenced his business 
life as a clerk in the general merchandise store of John S. Paine, at Pajaro, where he 
remained about a year. After this he went to the southern part of the county with W. H. 
Taylor, superintendent of the coast stage line, coming to Salinas later, in the employ of 
W. W. Battles, a prominent grain buyer. After the death of W. W. Battles, he went into 
grain business for himself, and while in this business was elected Auditor. He was elected 
County Auditor in 1882; subsequently he went into the tailoring and furnishing goods 
business with T. B. Johnson, under the firm name of Johnson & Riordan. After three years 
of successful business operation he sold out, in October, 1887, and went into the grain-
buying business with S. Z, Hebert. He was elected County Clerk in 1888, 1890 and again 
in 1892, which fact plainly shows the general satisfaction his services have given and the 
esteem in which he is held. 

Mr. Riordan was married October 21, 1884, to Miss Madge Sheehy, daughter of ex-Super- 
visor John Sheehy, and they have two bright children, a son and daughter. 

Socially, Mr. Riordan belongs to the Native Sons of the Golden West, one of the largest 
societies on the coast. 

In all the various walks of life, as a husband and father, business man and public 
official, he has always been the same able, honorable and kind-hearted person, and has 
achieved an enviable position in life and in the regard of those who know and appreciate 
his many excellent qualities.