Thomas Dormady, a retired locomotive engineer and a member of the Schenectady Board of Aldermen, was born in the town and county of Carlow, Ireland, September 10, 1827, son of Andrew and Bridget (Rice) Dormady. Coming to Schenectady with his parents when two years old, Thomas Dormady passed through the common schools of this city, and was graduated from the high school. After learning the machinist's trade in the railway shops at Albany, he followed it as a journeyman for a year, and. then became a locomotive engineer on the Mohawk & Hudson River Railroad, which is now a part of the New York Central system. His first engine, which was imported from England in 1831, was originally called the "John Bull," but on being enlarged was renamed the "Rochester." For over forty years he ran a regular day train between Schenectady, Albany, Utica, and Syracuse, and in 1894 he practically retired. In 1871 he was elected to the Board of Aldermen for three years, and he was afterward reelected for the two succeeding terms. As the Democratic candidate for Mayor in 1879, he lacked but three votes of being elected. In 1890 he was again a member of the upper branch of the city government, and in 1897 he began his fifth term in that body. The ward he represents is considered a Republican stronghold, a fact which amply attests his ability and popularity.
Mr. Dormady married Mary Sheean, a native of Troy, N. Y., a daughter of Philip Sheean (deceased). His children are: Thomas, born in 1858, a graduate of the high school and now a telegraph operator in Schenectady; Annie, a graduate of St. John's Convent School; Libbie, now the widow of J. J. Murphy; and Philip, also a graduate of the high school and at present in the employ of the city.
Mr. Dormady belongs to the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, and has served as local chief of Division 83, now Division 172.