Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 169

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 774

USA > Illinois > Sangamon County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2 > Part 169

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Children as follows were born to Mr. Wood- ward and his wife: Essie May, January 22, 18SS, wife of Frank Edmonds, of New Berlin, whom she married April 27, 1910; Annie died in infancy ; Iowa, born August 3, 1891, a teacher in Sangamon County Schools ; Arthur Verner, born September 19, 1892, at home. Fraternally M. Woodward is a member of Maple Leaf Camp No. 143. M. W. A., of Virden, Ill .; Thayer Lodge No. 143. K. of P .; Virden Lodge No. 161. A. F. & A. M. and Virden Council No. 33, P. L. He and his wife are affiliated with Pride of America Temple No. 113, Pythian Sisters, and she is an active member of the Methodist

Episcopal Church. Both have made many friends in the community and have the uni- versal good will and respect of their acquaint- ances.

WOOLARY, Emmer, now iiving retired from active life at Chatham, Ill., was born in Wil- mington, Ohio, November 28, 1846, and is a son of Michael and Rosanna (Small) Woolary, the former born in Auglaize Connty, Ohio, in 1812, and the latter born in Waynesville, Ohio, in 1815. The father was a carpenter by trade and for many years lived in Wilmington, where both he and his wife died. He was a soldier in the Biack Hawk War. His parents and those of his wife were early settlers of Ohio.

Emmer Woolary spent his childhood in his native State and there received his education. He followed farming until the breaking out of the Civil War, and enlisted, in March, 1864, at Coinmbus, Ohio, and served to the end of the war, being mustered out at Camp Chase, in December, 1865. He had participated in the Batties of Chattanooga, Buzzard's Roost, Big Shanty, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Jonesboro, and the Siege of Atlanta. He took part in the March to the Sea, and in many skirmishes, serving under Captains Wilkins and Joe Taylor. For three months Mr. Woolary carried messages for his General. During the campaign in Georgia he was for three months without change of clothing, and endured great hardships. He is an active member of the G. A. R.

At the close of the war Mr. Woolary returned to Ohio and soon afterward moved to Spring- field, Ill., where he worked for twenty years. He has been a resident of Chatham since about 1903 and is one of the best-known and most respected citizens of his community. He was married, at Sharonviile, Ohio, in July, 1866, to Miss Annie Gorman, born in Hamilton County, Ohio, danghter of Henry and Rachel Gorman, both of whom spent their entire lives in Ohio, and were fariners. Eight children were born to Mr. Woolary and his wife, of whom six snr- vive: George W., born in Hamilton County, Ohio, July 24, 1867; Rosa, July 14, 1SGS ; Jennie. Jannary 1, 1875; Mary, born in October, 1871, died in 1873; Harry, born in July, 1872, died the same year; Joseph. born in October, 1880; Emmer Jr., March 17, 1883; and Nora, July 20, 1876.

Mr. Woolary is a member of the Red Ment and in politics is a Democrat, but in local af- fairs votes for the man rather than for the party. He is not a member of any church, but endeavors to follow the Golden Rule in his actions, and his relations with his fellow-men are very pleasant. He has lived retired for severai years past, but had previously worked hard all his life and managed his affairs in an abie manner, so that he acquired a competency.

WORKMAN, Alfred C .- The Workman family has been weli-known and highly respected in

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

Loami Township, Sangamon County, since 1830, when the grandfather of Alfred C. Workman brought his family to that location from Ten- nessee, making the trip overland. Four genera- tions have lived In the neighborhood of this early settlement and the present homestead, occupied by the subject of this sketch, has been the family home since 1850, when a small frame house was the dwelling of the parents of Mr. Workman. Alfred C. Workman was born on his present farm May 12, 1874, son of John and Caroline (Campbell) Workman, the father a native of Tennessee and the mother of Chat- ham Township, Sangamon County, to which place her father had emigrated from Tennes- see. The Campbell family is of Scotch descent.

In his boyhood Alfred C. Workman attended the village schools In his neighborhood, remaining at home until he was twenty-six years of age, when his father gave him 320 acres of land in Curran Township, to which he moved, living there until 1897. He then purchased a farm, which he conducted two years and then returned to the home farm, as his father was growing old and needed someone to take charge. Mr. Workman now owns the oid home farm of 280 acres, and besides this land owns 400 acres elsewhere in the county. He was married, November 5, 1905, to Miss Ora Dodd, who was born in New Berlin Township, Sangamon County, daughter of Theodore Dodd.

Mr. Workman carries on his work according to modern ideas and methods and has made a specialty of high-grade stock, having fine Perch- eron horses, well bred mules and a flock of about ninety head of Shropshire sheep. In poli- tics he is a stanch Republican and takes a commendable Interest in public affairs, although he cares nothing for office himself. He has become well known as a successful breeder of stock and has been fortunate in his investments and operations. He Is proud of the part his family has taken in the settlement and develop- ment of Loami Township, and fully appreciates the care with which his father carried on his enterprises so as to provide for his children. The work begun on the home farm by John Workman has been continued by his son, who has added many improvements and developed the estate in many ways.

Mr. Workman and his wife have children, Howard and Halbert.

WORKMAN, Esau, an enterprising and success- ful farmer of Section 18, Chatham Township, Sangamon County, was born in the township, June 1, 1876, son of John Workman, one of the extensive land-owners of the region and a shrewd business man, who was able to recognize and take advantage of opportunities offered him, thus attaining remarkable success. Esau Workman spent his school days in Oak Ridge School, near his father's home, and under the direction and instruction of his father became a practical farmer. He was marrled. July 29, 1896, to Miss Henrietta Hudson, who was born

in Kentucky and came to Illinois with her par- ents, Wesley Hudson and wife, now reslding In Springfield. In 1897 Mr. Workman and his wife took possession of a forty-acre farm in Curran Township, and the following year came to the farm where they now live. In 1900 they moved to Springfield and three years later pur- chased ten acres of land on West Grand Place, where they erected a fine home and put In many Improvements, selling the property at a hand- some profit in 1903, after which they returned to the farm where Mr. Workman was born and remained that winter. In the spring of 1904 they returned to the farm they had previously occupied, in Section 1S, and have since made lt their home. This farm contained 307 acres and they have added the home place of 110 acres, making 417 acres altogether. Mr. Workman also owns a farm of 2631/2 acres in Christian County, Ill., thus making 68012 acres in the cotn belt of Illinois, where profits are sure to be large.

Mr. Workman has spent his life In farming ever since old enough to begin active operations, and Is one of the most progressive men of hls community, being a believer in modern ideas and methods. He has made many improvements in his farm putting in tile and building fences, and in the former has used some 1,500 rods of tiling. He makes a specialty of stock breeding

and has a good grade, including Poland-China hogs and a large flock of pure-blood Shropshire sheep. He is active in promoting any public enterprise and takes great Interest in the men' and measures of the Republican party, whose principles he always supports, being ready at any time to use his time and Influence to push any movement which enlists his sympathy. He is well known for business honesty and Integ- rity and has the entire confidence of all with whom he has had dealings. He ships about three carloads of cattle annually and finds a good market for them. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church at Loami. They have one son, Frank H., born November 21, 1899.

WORKMAN, Isaac, one of the older farmers of Sangamon County, resides on Section 23, Loami Township. He was born August 7, 1834, In this township, a son of William and Sally (Biyen) Workman. The father was a native of Maryland, who came to Tennessee and later to Illinois, after his marriage. Arriving in 1820, he and his wife settled In Loami Town- ship, where the father entered and bought prairie land, becoming in time one of the most extensive property owners of the country. He and his wife lived in a primitive log cabin in which nearly all of their children were born. When his children grew up, William Workman gave each one a farm, so they would settle near him. He had elght sons and three daughters : Peter, Jacob, Stephen, David, Elizabeth, Isaac, William B., Sally, Polly and Samuel. William Workman died in 1877, aged seventy-seven years, his widow surviving him, and she passed away

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

at the age of elghty-two years. Both were members of the Christlan Church and in poli- tles he was a stanch Republican with reference to State and National matters, although In local affairs he voted for the man he deemed best fitted for office. Although ofteu sollcited, he would never permit the use of his name on the party ticket. His success was all the more remarkable because of the discouragement he first felt upon coming to the county. However, he did not allow that fact to interfere with his progress, and died one of the very wealthy mell of his county.

Isaac Workman was educated lu the subscrip- tion schools of the neighborhood, held in the primitive log cabin, with slab seats and puncheon floor, the only light being furnished by a small window. Like Abraham Lincoln, Mr. Workman studied by the flickering light of the log fire at home, and learned well and rapidly. There being plenty to do on the land his father was so rapidly acquiring, Isaac began working wheu still a small lad, having to do everything in what today seems to have been a very primitive method, and which theu sulted the farmers. He plowed with the oid wooden plow with an iron point, and during harvest the grain was cut with the sickle and cradle. When assisting the neighbors he received fifty cents per day for using the cradle. The grain was flailed out by hand, then hauled many miles to the nearest mill. In looking back and remembering all the difficulties, Mr. Workman naturally wonders how it was that the farmers of those days . accom- plished so much. They always had time to help a neighbor, and attended to their religious and politIcai duties without shirking.

The first wife of Mr. Workman was Elizabeth Workman, born in Tennessee, daughter of John Workman, a cousiu of William Workman. Their children were: Sally, wife of Peter Harber, a farmer of Curran Township, issue George, Jay and Allce; John D., at home; Martha, wife of Steven E. Workman, issue-Jacob and Harry. The mother died, a consistent member of the Methodist Church. On June 30, 1861, Mr. Workman married Martha Ann Wedden, a na- tive of Illinols, and they had the following children : Willlam H. married Minerva Carson and Is a farmer of Loami Township, issue, Eva ; Isaac L., a farmer of the same township, mar- ried Lena Mclaughlin, daughter of Christopher Mclaughlin, of Springfield; Mayhew, a farmer of this township, married Amanda Carson, daughter of Willlam Carson, issue, Kenneth ; Joseph and Elizabeth, at home; Ada, wife of W. A. Burton.

Mr. Workman has spent his life in this locality, now residing within half a mile of the place of his birth. Long a Republican, he has represented his party on the School Board. Having struggled hard to secure a good educa- tlon himseif, he has given his children every advantage, and is proud of thelr progress. Always a hard worker himself, he has striven

to iustlil in his children a love for work and a kuowledge of saving, and he has the satis- faction of knowing that his lessons have uot goue astray. At the same time, his example has proven a worthy lucentive to others trying to make advancement and do it honestly. He has always stood for progress and good schools, and the part he and his famlly has played in the development of the county cannot be lightly estimated.

WORKMAN, John (deceased) .- Among the prominent and successful pioneers of Sangamon County few became more extensive iand-owners that John Dorkman, of Loami Township, who died oll the farm he had developed March 4, 1910, at the close of a busy and useful Ilfe. He aud his wife reared a large family of children and all who reached maturity were useful citi- zens, ready to do their share In the progress and upbuilding of the community. All have set- tied near the old home and most of them live on farms. John Workman was born In Overton Couuty, Tenn., Juiy 6, 1824, and was brought to Saugamon County when about six years of age, remaining in Loami Townshlp the remainder of his life. He was married, September 26, 1850, to Miss Caroline Campbell, daughter of John Campbeli, of Tennessee, and of Scotch descent. Mrs. Workman was born in Chatham Township, Sangamon County (where her parents were early settlers), October 23, 1834.

After their marrlage John Workman aud his wife located In a small frame house on Section 5, Loami Township, where their son Alfred now Ilves. At that time there were many wild tur- keys and other game, such as geese and cranes, and these birds frequently destroyed consider- · able grain. Mrs. Workman's father gave her 160 acres of land and they became very success- ful as time went on, produciug excelient crops and adding to their possessions from time to time. The young wife carded wool, spun yarn, did all the family. sewing by hand, and as years went on often worked until midnight at her wheei or knitting stockings, or performing va- rlous other household tasks. At first they used the old-fashioned tailow "dips" but later pur- chased a candle mold, which saved much time and labor. Mrs. Workman looks back upon the busy years when her children were growing up around her and her days were crowded with work, as being very happy. Eleven children were born to Mr. Workmau and his wife, of whom two dled in infancy and seven now sur- vive. As each chlid marrled and left the oid home the father made him (or her) a gift of 320 acres of land. All settled so near that the mother can visit them in a single day. They are: Sarah E., widow of Stephen Workman, liv- Ing in Loaml Township; John W., in Curran Township; Josiah, a farmer of Mfaxweil Town- ship; Callie, wife of William Butler, of Chat- ham Township; Poliy, wife of Edwin Bilyeu, a farmer of Currau Township; Alfred C., on the

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

home farm; Esau, a farmer of Chatham Town- . ship.

Mr. Workman and his wife were among the most extensive landowners in Sangamon County and for fifty-nine years lived together in happy wedlock, the tie being broken by the death of the father and husband. The widow stiil re- sides on the old farm, and at the age of seventy- six years enjoys good health and retains her en- ergy and intelligent interest in ali abont her. She has been a capable, loving mother and bas the fullest esteem and reverence of all her chil- dren, and the high regard of all who know her. Her life of toil and high endeavor has been an inspiration to her children. She has lived in her present home since 1850 and during this time has witnessed great changes and improve- ments, in ali of which she has been greatiy in- terested. Mr. Workman was a member of the Christian Church and in politics was a stanch Republican, having filled varions township offices creditabiy. Two years before his death he made a final division of his estate, having 1,525 acres of land in his possession at that time, having given away among his children 2,240 acres, all tbe result of bis own hard work and excellent management.

WORKMAN, Mayhew .- Members of the Work- man family are found throughout Sangamon County, and are always numbered among the representative residents of their several com- munities. The family was founded there by stur- dy pioneers who came to the county resolved to find a home where their children conld be reared in health and in turn secure land at prices within the reach of poor men. That they have succeeded much better than they planned, the prosperity of their descendants proves beyond donbt. One of these representatives is Mayhew Workman, of Section 14, Loami Township, a breeder of fine Poland-China hogs, and a farmer of exceptional ability. He was born in the township, one mile sonth of his present home, October 7, 1866, a son of Isaac and Martha (Widden) Workman.

After a boyhood spent on the farm, where he alternated attending district school with a man's work. in 1887, soon after attaining his majority, Mr. Workman engaged to labor by the month for $17.50, thus continuing for three years. Having saved his money, in 1890 he and his brother Isaac bought farming implements, rented sev- enty-two acres in the southern part of Loami Township, and for two years farmed in con- junction. At the end of this period Mayhew Workman bought his brother's interest, and for four years conducted the farm, living on it alone.

On November 28, 1896, he married Amanda Carson, born in Sangamon County, in what now is Maxwell Township. She is a daughter of William Carson, also a pioneer of this locality. After marriage the young couple rented 30 acres in Chatham Township, which they con- ducted nntil 1905, but in that year Mr. Work-

man bought fifty-four acres on Section 14, Loami Township. This property was in very poor condition, but being an experienced farmer he began at once to improve it, now having a fine farm. He buiit a beautiful cottage on a natural building site, surrounding it with ail kinds of fruit, shade and ornamental trees, so that it is one of the most delightful rural homes in the county. Upon coming to this farm Mr. Workinan began breeding l'oland-China hogs, now having stock that is eligible to registration. He annually produces abont 120 head, which bring the highest market prices. In July, 1910, he sold fifty-six head, averaging 214 pounds each, which netted him $8.50 per hundred, or $990.30 for the shipment. In addition to his hogs, Mr. Workman keeps abont fifty head of Shropshire sheep, a herd of short horn and Jersey cattle, and an excellent grade of horses. His experiements have taught him the best methods of working, and his success is remark- able and gratifying.

Mr. and Mrs. Workinan are the parents of one son Kenneth Mae, born June 24, 1906, a dear little boy. They are both active in the good work of the Christian Church, to which both belong. In politics he is a stanch Repub- lican, the Workman family nearly ali being with- in the ranks of this party, but he does not de- sire office. Fraternally he is a Mason, belong- ing to Lodge No. 456 Loami; and is a member of Camp No. 848, Modern Woodmen of America, of Loami, while Mrs. Workman belongs to the Home Circle of. Loami. The modern agricultur- ist is rapidly forging ahead, developing his prop- erty and introducing new methods of breeding and tilling the soil. While the farmer and stockman of today reaps substantial returns, he is also put to an immense expense in maintain- ing a high standard, and his work requires keen business ability and foresightedness in order that he may meet existing conditions.

WORKMAN, Melvin .- No family in Sangamon County is better represented by solid, practical and honorable business men and agriculturists than that bearing the name of Workman. Its representatives have been identified with the his- tory of the county from early days, and have always been foremost in the work of developing natural resources and securing good govern- ment. One of the reliable men belonging to this honored family is Melvin Workman, residing on his farm, adjacent to the village of Loami, where he is doing general farming, making a spe- ialty of breeding Percheron and road horses. He was born in Loami Township, February 1, 1878, a son of Stephen and Sarah E. (Work- man) Workman, the former of whom died about 1895, but his widow survives, carrying on the large farm he left her, he having been one of the prosperons and thrifty farmers of the town- ship. She has added to her possessions, and now owns 560 acres. 320 acres in Loami Town- ship and 240 in Christian County.

Melvin Workman was bronght np on the

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

homestead and attended the district school. He remained at home uutii his marriage, which event occurred March 2, 1899, when he was united with Ida M. Dodd, boru iu Sangamou County, daughter of Jesse Dodd, also one of the pioneers of the county, now deceased. He died wheu Mrs. Workman was still a child, his widow surviving untii 1907. Mr. aud Mrs. Workmau have one child, Roy, born Jauuary 24, 1900, a bright little fellow, who is doing weil at school and filling his parents' hearts with pride.

After his muarriage, Mr. Workmau begau farming on 113 acres owned by his mother. This property bad been allowed to run down aud was in bad condition, but uuder nis expert su- pervision it increased materiaiiy and sold for a good price. He then purchased 120 acres of 'land where he now resides, and has there de- veloped oue of the best farms of the township. Having given much attention to stock, he has made a decided success of the business. His stailion, Duke, was imported for him by Taylor & Jones, of Williamsville, and he also has three pure-bred Percheron mares, two of whom won prizes in the yearling show at the State Fairs of 1904 and 1905, being second and third in their class. He also has draft horses of the best breeds. He has a Kentucky-bred Jack, and pro- duces Duroc-Jersey hogs, Shropshire sheep, car- rying ahout fifty head of the latter, while his cattle are the short horn breed. Experience has convinced him that these breeds are the best, and his product is of so superior a quality that he commands the highest prices. His pride in his stock and well-kept farm is commendable, and his property is regarded as one of the show places of the couuty.

Mr. Workman is a Republican, but aside from lending his hearty support to all measures he believes will further the best interests of his community, he does not engage in politics, al- though otten solicited by his neighbors to ac- cept nomination. Fraternally he belongs to the I. O. O. F. No. 901, of Loami, and Camp No. 848. Modern Woodmen of America, of Loami, and is active in both orders. The Christian Church holds his membership, and he is one of its most energetic supporters. Progressive, up- to-date, and quick to grasp any opportunity, this young farmer is typical of the better class of agriculturists of today. Old methods have heen thrust aside and new ones are being constantly tested, for the modern farmer realizes that, just as science has opened up new avennes in other branches of activity, so it has in farming, and he wants to keep up with the procession.

WORKMAN, Samuel J., claim agent and in- spector for the Franklin Life Insurance Com- pany, located in the Franklin Life Building, at Springfield, is a native of Sangamon County. born at Loami, February 25. 1864. a son of Sam- uel and Susan (Cook) Workman, natives of Maryland and Missouri respectively. At an early date Samuel Workman, the father. left his home in Maryland and went to Virginia, la-

ter removing to Oilio, where he remained a short time, and eventually locating in Loami, Ill. Having heen a farmer ail of his life, he cou- tinued to foilow that occupatiou iu Iiiinois, aud was active in agriculturai pursuits right up to the time of his death, which occurred iu 1871, while be was on a visit in Iowa. His widow survived him uutii January 3, 1909. Samuei J. Workman was the only child. Mrs. Workman ·was married (second) to William Balon, and to this union there were boru the following chil- dren : Lydia, who became the wife of E. W. B. Workman, a well-known citizeu of Loami, Ili., in which city he died February 3, 1910; Miliie, the widow of William A. Stott, of Los Angeles, Calif., who died in January, 1907; and Jesse, who lives near Hiiham, Tenn. Samuei Work- man was a Republicau iu politics and his re- ligious faith was that of the Christian Church.

Samuei J. Workmau was a smail child wben his father died, and as a result did not receive much educational training. He went to work for a brother-in-law, E. W. B. Workman, when eighteen years of age, remaining from 1882 to 1892, in which iatter year he weut to Waverly and worked at the harber trade. He then en- gaged with the New York City office of the Equitable Life Insurance Company, and re- mained in their empioy uutii 1895, when he en- tered the services of the Mutual Benefit Com- pany. He continued with this coupany untii 1899, at which time he became connected with the Franklin Life Insurance Company as a so- licitor, later became field superintendent, as- sistant superintendent of agencies, and fiually claim agent and inspector.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 169

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913 Publication date: 1912 Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 774

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 774