John A. Ludlum, the senior member of the firm of Ludlum & Crist, hardware dealers of Roodhouse, was born in Iowa county, Wisconsin, on the 26th of October, 1870. His paternal grandparents were Henry and Martha Ludlum, who were of German parents. Lewis Ludlum, his father, who was born in 1847, died in Yuma, Colorado, in 1898. His wife bore the maiden name of Martha Smith and was a daughter of John Smith, of Scotch ancestry.

John A. Ludlum acquired his education in the public schools and afterward learned the tinner's trade in Pindar, Nebraska, under Thomas Critle, the leading hardware merchant of that place. He became a capable workman, thoroughly familiar with the business in every department, and in 1891 he founded the hardware business of the present firm in Roodhouse, entering into partnership with Charles H. Crist, under the firm style of Ludlum & Crist. They have prospered from the beginning and have a well equipped store, in which they are meeting with excellent success, having secured a large and constantly growing patronage. For seventeen years Mr. Ludlum has been connected with the tinning business and hardware trade and his long experience as a journeyman well equipped him for the work which he now conducts.

Mr. Lincoln is a believer in the Adventist doctrine and holds a membership with that society. In politics he is a Republican but has no political aspirations or ambitions for himself. Fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America. He was married April 11, 1899, to Miss Stella M. Gibson, of this place, and they have a wide and favorable acquaintance, enjoying the warm regard of many friends, while Mr. Ludlum has the entire confidence of the business community.