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THOMAS W. WICKHAM, an intelligent young farmer residing on section 29, Gardner Township, is well and favorably known throughout the county. He was born on a farm near his present home on the 6th of January, 1867, and his father is still an esteemed citizen of this community. In his youth he acquired a good literary education and received a practical business training while serving in the capacity of salesman in a mercantile house. To add to his store of business knowledge, in 1882, he entered Bogardus Business College of Springfield, where he pursued a six months' course and during six months of the following year he attended Brown's Business College. Going them to Kansas he was employed as a clerk in a store in White Cloud for a year when he returned home.

After remaining under the parental roof for another twelve months he was united in marriage with Miss Millie Steelman, the wedding being celebrated in Curran Township, on the 20th of February, 1887. The lady was born in that township and is a daughter of Lorenzo Steelman, a native of New Jersey. He married Martha Archer, daughter of Carroll Archer who was born in Kentucky but at an early day came to Sangamon County and settled upon a farm. Mr. Steelman also engaged in farming operations in Curran Township until his death, which occurred in 1886. He was a Republican in politics. His wife still survives him and makes her home in this county. She holds membership in the Methodist Church and is a most estimable lady.

Mr. and Mrs. Wickham began their domestic life upon the farm which is still their home and their union has been blessed with one child, a little daughter, Maggie R. Their dwelling is a neat and tasty residence situated in the midst of a richly cultivated farm of one hundred and thirty acres. The entire amount is under fence, he has built a new barn among other improvements, has a good orchard, the latest machinery, two excellent teams and a number of hogs and cattle. A glance at the home indicates the thrift and enterprise of the owner who is accounted one of the progressive as well as substantial farmers of the community.

Mr. Wickham has served as School Director in his township and also as Clerk of the School Board and upon the petit jury. He belongs to the Farmers Mutual Benefit Association, holding membership in Spring Creek Lodge and in politics is a stanch Republican, warmly adhering to the principles of that party. The confidence and respect of the community is given Mr. Wickham who is a young man of sterling worth, well-informed on all subjects of general interest and deserving the esteem which is accorded him.