Son of Lord Portarlington's gardener in Co. Clare

[smcarberry]

Encyclopedia of Connecticut biography
by Samuel Hart, American Historical Society
p. 158-59
MOLLOY, Thomas J.,

Lawyer, Public Official.

Thomas J. Molloy, a rising young attorney-at-law and State Senator, from Hartford, Connecticut, was born there, June 29, 1885, son of Daniel Thompson and Mary (Killeen) Molloy. Both of his parents were born in Queens county, Ireland, where they were married and their oldest child was born. Daniel T. Molloy learned the trade of gardener in the old country, and was employed in that capacity by Lord Portarlington in County Clare. He decided to better his fortunes in America, however, and coming here, took the first employment that offered itself. This happened to be that of a section hand on the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad. He continued faithfully at this employment for a while, until later the opportunity presented itself for him to return to his old employment, and he became gardener for Samuel L. Clemens, "Mark Twain." Here he remained

until his health became impaired, and Mr. Clemens sent him back to Ireland for a year in the hope that he might recover his normal vigor. Upon his return to America it was impossible for him to take up again the old vocation. He therefore entered the employ of the Plimpton Manufacturing Company, printers, of Hartford, and remained with them until he was appointed on the police force. One of his most prized possessions is a volume, a "History of the World," formerly in Mr. Clemens' library, and which was presented to him by Mrs. Clemens. He also has an autographed copy of "Uncle Tom's Cabin," presented to him by the author, by which he lays great store. Mr. Molloy is a member of the Fraternal Benefit League and of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Mr. and Mrs. Molloy had seven children, five of whom grew to maturity. They were : Marshall A. ; Thomas J., of further mention ; William P. ; Christopher F. ; and Daniel G. Molloy. The family are all members of St. Joseph's Cathedral, devout in their views, and respected by all who know them.

Thomas J. Molloy, the second son, received his education in the public schools of Hartford, graduating from the high school there in 1905. Determining to fit himself for the profession of law, he entered the Yale Law School and was graduated from that institution in 1908, with the degree of LL. B. He was admitted to the bar the year that he graduated, and at once entered upon a general practice of his profession, not associating himself with any other practitioner. He succeeded from the outset, and became popular in political circles, being a staunch adherent of the Republican party. In the year 1912 he ran for State Representative on the Republican ticket, but was defeated. The next year, however, he was elected State Senator from the second senatorial district, Mr. Molloy was a member of the committee on cities and boroughs, and of the State library committee. He belongs to a number of organizations, social and fraternal, and is highly esteemed among all his friends and associates. He was grand knight of the Green Cross Council, Knights of Columbus ; past president of the Third Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians ; chief ranger of Court Ericsson, Foresters of America ; and is a member of the Holy Name Society of the Cathedral Parish. As an orator and debater, Mr. Molloy has already won for himself a most enviable reputation, and is considered one of the rising young men at the bar in this State. When in high school he won the Batter- son prize for debate, and later, in the law school, won the third prize as a member of the Kent Debating Club. Mr. Molloy is not married."

posted by Sharon Carberry (not related)