MRS. SARAH E. WORKMAN. - Mrs. Sarah E. Workman resides on section 22 and 23, Loami township, where she has a valuable farm. She is the widow of Stephen Workman, who departed this life at his home in Loami township, December 15, 1895. For a number of years he was one of the most industrious, progressive and prosperous farmers and stock raisers of the community and he owned a very desirable tract of land, comprising two hundred and eighty-two acres near the village of Loami. He was born in Sangamon county, March 6, 1853, and was a son of Jacob Workman, a native of Tennessee. His grandfather, William Workman, removed from Tennessee to Illinois about 1830, settling in Sangamon county amid the pioneer environments of this portion of the state, and to the band of pioneers is sue a debt of gratitude for what they accomplished in opening up this district to the advances of civilization. Jacob Workman was reared in this county and after attaining his majority was married here to Nancy Taylor, a native daughter of Sangamon county. Turning his attention to agricultural pursuits, he operated a farm in Loami township and there reared his family and spent his last days. In the family were seven sons and a daughters.

Stephen Workman was a student in the public schools in his boyhood days and when not engaged with the duties of the schoolroom assisted his father in the work of field and meadow upon the home farm. He continued there until he had attained his majority, when he stared out in life on his own account. Desiring a companion and helpmate for the journey, he was married in Chatham township, April 8, 1875, to Miss Sarah E. Workman, a daughter of John Workman, of that township. He was brought to Illinois when a small boy and was reared and married in Chatham township, his wife being Caroline Campbell, a daughter of John Campbell, one of the oldest settlers of the county. John Workman is a substantial farmer and reared his family in Chatham Township, where he is still residing, being a hale and hearty old man of about seventy-nine years. His daughter Sarah E. was reared and educated in this county and is a lady of broad intelligence and culture. She engaged in teaching school for one term in Sangamon county prior to her marriage.

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Workman began their domestic life upon a part of his father's place and later purchased the land upon which his widow now resides. It was in February, 1879, that he became the possessor of eighty acres of this farm. He did not, however, have sufficient money to meet the entire purchase price and thus incurred some indebtedness. The farm was partially improved and he continued its further cultivation and development. As time passed he had invested his savings in more land and when he was called to his final rest he owned a valuable property of two hundred and eighty-two acres. He made various good improvements upon this and was one of the progressive and enterprising agriculturists of this community. When he and his wife started out upon their married life, they had very limited capital, but they practiced industry and frugality, working and planning together until through their united efforts they accumulated a very desirable competence. Mr. Workman was always free to acknowledge that he owed his success in a large measure to the assistance of his wife, whose judgment in business matters was excellent and whose advice was usually sound and reliable. Both held membership in the Christian church of Loami, Mr. Workman taking a very active and helpful part in its work and serving as deacon and elder for many years. Fraternally, he was connected with the Modern Woodmen of America and enjoyed the respect of his brethren of that organization. A man of unblemished character, he lived a life of uprightness and honor. He was never engaged in a law suit or had any trouble with his neighbors, but lived at peace with all men, was just in his dealings, honorable in conduct and reliable in every relation. He was thus esteemed, respected and beloved by all and his example was one well worthy of emulation.

Mrs. Workman is the mother of eight children, of whom seven are living, having lost her first born, Flora, who died in early womanhood. Melvin is married and follows farming in Loami township. Ollie is the wife of John Jacobs. Grace is the wife of Jessie Dodd, of Loami township. Bertha, DeWitt, Dora and Russell are all at home. After the death of her husband, Mrs. Workman took charge of the home farm and has since planted a good orchard, has erected a substantial residence, three good barns and has continued the work of improvement and progress until her farm is one of the best to be found in the county. She has also purchased more land, becoming the owner of three hundred and ten acres, but she has given or sold to her children all but twenty acres of this. She possesses excellent business capacity, is a financier, and in her management of her property interests has met with very creditable success. Her life has been one of diligence and enterprise and she has willingly undertaken any task that her hand has found to do. In her home she is most hospitable and generous and her kindly spirit and cordial greeting make her friends very welcome when they visit with her.