Son of Bernard Ludden and Anna E. "Ann" Killday. Married Anna Mary Hardy 28 NOV 1895.

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THOMAS M. LUDDEN, the subject of this sketch, was born in Clinton County, Ohio, July 21, 1866, but his parents brought him to Adair County when he was three years old. They settled in Clay township before the village of Adair started, and he grew up there. After attending the common schools, he went to the Kirksville State Normal in 1888-9, and afterwards taught in Adair County, going thence to Marceline in 1894. In the vicinity of Marceline he taught the Oldham School three consecutive years, and was afterwards assistant principal of the Marceline schools. Locating in Marceline, he has since been identified with educational work as a member of the Board of Education, to which position he has been elected for the past twelve years, serving as president of the Board half that time and now being in that capacity. He has also been city clerk seven years, serving longer in that office than any other man elected to it.

Mr. Ludden was married in 1895 to Miss Anna Hardey, a native of Illinois, but who came to Adair County in 1890. To this union have been born seven children, each of whom is living, as follows: Gervase I., Anna Monica, J. B., Thomas M., Jr., Wilma Frances, Winifred Cecilia, and Ernest J.

Mr. Ludden started in the real estate and insurance business in Marceline in 1898, and his patronage has steadily increased since that time. It is safe to say that no man in the town has done more for its advancement, or has been more ready to put his shoulder to the wheel for any good movement, than Mr. Ludden. He has repeatedly refused public office, though offered him by his party, and has only consented to serve when he thought that would best serve the community. His parents Bernard and Anna Ludden, will long be remembered as enrolled among the sterling pioneers of Adair. He also had five brothers and four sisters, who look upon Adair County as their home.

History of Adair County, 1911
By Eugene Morrow Violette
Page 518