Judge S. M. Craddick Justice of the Peace and City Recorder at Orange, was born in Marion County, Iowa. In 1881 he went to Pierre, Dakota, and thence to Mankato, Minnesota, where he was engaged in the book and stationery trade. In 1886 he went to Chicago and engaged in the real-estate business until, on account of the ill-health of his wife, he had to seek a more genial climate. Coming to Orange, he has since then, by his active business habits and enterprising spirit, won the confidence and respect of all the business men who know him. He was one of the hardest workers for the establishment of the Orange County College. He it was who raised every dollar to purchase the Rochester hotel for the college building. He is also an active politician and labored efficiently for the county division. He is a prominent member of the Orange board of industry, in which body he is chairman of the committee on emigration and advertising.
He was married in Racine, Wisconsin, June 6, 1887, to Miss Lizzie M. Richards, a native of Wisconsin, who died at Orange, March 6, 1890. Mrs. Craddick excelled both in instrumental and vocal music. She was admired and loved by all for her many virtues.
