It is speculated in his obituary, which was published in the Industrial Worker newspaper, that he married while in France and had a child (who is thought to have died in World War II).

The philosophy and tactics of the IWW are described as "revolutionary industrial unionism", with ties to both socialist and anarchist labor movements.

Connolly was part of the Industrial Workers of the World and founded the Irish Socialist Republican Party.

Read believed that Roddy Connolly allowed the far-left in Ireland play a subservient role to the Nationalist Movement.

This group was influenced by the IWW, helping trade-unionists combat the corruption and violence that afflicted many labour organizations.

When he arrived, Read was offered a leadership position due to previous World War One military experience.

While in Spain, Read became a member of Confederación Nacional del Trabajo, the militant Spanish Labour union.

[3] Following the end of the Spanish Civil War and the defeat of the Republican forces, Read returned to Chicago where he resumed his position as Editor of the Industrial Worker.