CRUDDEN, PATRICK (deceased). - Springfield is in the center of a rich mining district that attracts workers from all over the world. The mines give employment to thousands of men, who find in the dangerous occupation a means of obtaining a livelihood. Patrick Crudden, now deceased, was a coal miner there. He was born in County Monahan, Ireland, in 1827, and was a genial, warm hearted, hard working man, who had friends wherever he went. He was a son of Barney and Mary (Matthews) Crudden, both born in Ireland, where the father was a farmer.

Growing up in Ireland, Patrick Crudden lived with his parents and worked on their farm until he came to America in search of better opportunities. About 1866 he located in Springfield, which continued his home until his demise, May 4, 1907. His remains were interred in Calvary Cemetery, he having been a consistent member of the Catholic Church. In political faith he was a Democrat, but never cared for office.

Mr. Crudden was married in Durham, England, in 1853, to Bridget McCardle, born in Ireland, January 5, 1839, a daughter of John and Alice (Murray) McCardle, also natives of Ireland. Mr. McCardle was a farmer in Ireland, which remained his home until his death. Mr. and Mrs. Crudden had the following children: Patrick, born May 9, 1857; Mary Anna, born May 7, 1859; Burnett, deceased, born December 22, 1869; Alice, deceased, born January 1, 1868; Rose, born July 5, 1870; Kate, born in 1874; Margaret, born January 5, 1882. Mrs. Crudden's home is at No. 1803 East Jackson Street. The family are prominent in the Catholic Church, to which all belong. The respect and confidence which Mr. Crudden inspired for his honesty and integrity, won for his family a recognized place in the community, and they are reaping the benefit of his hard work and sterling traits of character.