New Britain herald., 1914-07-13

working himself from moderate cir cumstances to high position in the business world. He started in America as a clerk Four years ago he retired from business with a for tune estimated at quarter of mill lion. His shrewdness and wisdom and his economy and perseverance, were responsible for lifting him above his fellow men financially and allow ing him to spend his declining years in comfort and ease.
 Probably few men were as we'll known in New Britain as MT. Rior- dan. Always obliging as proprietor of one of the biggest local dry goods stores, he made friends and kept them. As a member of the school board for years he came in contact with the men who have the welfare of children in their Keeping and his suggestions along educational lines were always deeply considered by his associates on school committees, His fraternal connections also served to bring him in touch with many he would not have met otherwise and by all he was regarded with an esteem that is accorded to few mortals. To | know him we'll was to appreciate him. His death removes one of New Brit aims most respected citizens.
 Native of Ireland.
 MT. Riordan was born in Kilgarvan, Ireland, in 1S47, and though he won fortune and respect in America, he had an undying affection for the little Emerald Isle that gave him to the adopted land of so many of his coun- trymen. He never tired of speaking of the beauties and wonders of the land of his birth and of it's many mis- fortunes. He was a most interesting talker and it was a pleasure to hear him tell of the land of the shamrock and patriot.
 At an early age he started in the dry goods business in Ireland, but the opportunities of America inspired him to leave the homeland and cross the Atlantic. He first worked for A. T. Stewart in New York and in 1875 he came to New Britain and opened dry goods store in the old Strickland house with Timothy Loughnan.
 E. The business expanded mainly through MT. Riordan's close applica- tion and foresight and in a few years he bought, MT. Loughnans interest in the house and opened a new store on Main street, where he remained until he disposed of the business to Peter Curran four years ago. He was ever a pleasing and obligfng mer- chant and to this fact many ascribed his rise to the position he occupied when he decided to lay aside all bus mess cares and enjoy well earned rest.
 On School Board Since 1891.
 Tn 1891 MT. Riordan was elected @ member of the school board and so well did he discharge the duties of that office that he was reelected year after year. On account of ill., ness he did not seek reelection last year and Attorney Henry P. Roche was chosen to succeed him.
 His fraternal connections were not numerous, but were with leading so- cieties. While the Knights of St. Patrick fourished in New Britain, MT. Riordan was one of their leaders. He was member of New Britain lodge, B. F. o. F., Ferdinand coun- cil. K. of C.. the Robert Emmett club and Rev. w A. Harty branch, A. c. H. He was also prominent meHpeT or the NSW Br1ta1n Business Mems association. being elected its first treasurer and continuing in that capacity for eleven years.
 MT. Riordan was also we'll known in banking circles, being a director of the Burritt Savings bank.
 MT. Riordan took for his bride in 1896, Miss Anna O'Keefe of New Ha- ven who, since taking up her resi- dence in this city, has become one of it's best known women. Three children were born to them one of whom died. Miss Marion Riordan and Miss Rita Riordan are students at Sacred Heart academy in Provi- dence, R. I. Besides his wife and two daughters, MT. Riordan is sur vived by a sister, Miss Margaret Rior- dan of New York city.
 Funeral Tomorrow Morning.
 The funeral will be held tomorrow l