RODERICK, JOSEPH (deceased). - Although Portugal has not contributed as many of its sons to the United States as a number of other European countries, those who have come are excellent examples of sturdy, hard-working men, who become good citizens. One of the best representatives of this class was the late Joseph Roderick, of Springfield, probably born on the Island of Madeira about 1826. When only twenty years of age he came to the United States, landing in New York City, whence he came direct to Springfield, being one of the early natives of his country in this locality.
His first employment after coming was in the line of day laboring. Never neglecting a chance to improve his condition, Mr. Roderick worked hard and saved his money, and after marrying built a house at No. 930 North Ninth Street. Later he built two more north of his residence, which yielded him a good income. When he purchased land in the locality there was but one other house there, but he had confidence in future prospects, and lived to see his foresightedness justified. His death occurred at his home in 1906, he dying a faithful member of the Fourth Presbyterian Church. In politics he was a Republican.
Mr. Roderick married Clara Mendonsa, also a native of the Island of Madeira, who died in 1894. She bore him the following children: Julia Anna, now Mrs. John DeFrates, of North Eighth Street; John, of Springfield, and Lucy now Mrs. Sidney Vasconcellos. Mr. Vasconcellos is a carpenter of Springfield, and he and his family live in a pleasant home at No. 926 North Ninth Street. He was born in Jacksonville, where he was educated in the common schools but came to Springfield in 1898, finding ready employment at his trade there ever since. In 1902 occurred the marriage of Mr. Vasconcellos and Miss Lucy Roderick, and they have one child, Roland Roderick, a bright little fellow who can already speak in both English and Portugese, and is a wonder at counting. The affection existing between members of this family is something that unites them very closely and makes them proud of the father who left behind him a name which stands for hard work and sterling integrity.