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WILLIAM B. WORKMAN.
A stroll through the streets of Loami will give the passing traveler ideas regarding the business enterprise of the dwellers therein, and the demand upon its commercial establishments by the community, such as will afford him abundant food for thought. The number of thriving business houses will seem to some visitors out of proportion to the size of the town, but when we consider that this county is the home of an army of agriculturists whose needs are legion, we will be in no wise astonished at the business life of the towns which are dotted about its territory. William Workman has been for some time engaged in the sale of general merchandise in Loami, and is doing a large business.
William Workman, the father of our subject, was born in Maryland in 1799. He came to this county in 1836, from Kentucky, traveling with a two-wheeled cart drawn by a yoke of oxen. He was accompanied by his wife, who was born in Tennessee in 1801, and bore the maiden name of Sarah Bilyeau. The party was further increased by the presence of five children, who at that time comprised the family of Mr. and Mrs. Workman. The number of their sons and daughters was subsequently increased to eleven, our subject being the eighth on the family roll. This county was the home of the parents of our subject during the remainder of their lives. Here the father died in 1876, and the mother, November 13, 1888.
Like many of the early pioneers, Mr. Workman had to contend with poverty, but his energy and perseverance enabled him to overcome obstacles, and lay the foundation of an ample fortune, which was literally hewed out by hard work, economy, and industry. Before his death he had accumulated a fine property, consisting of five hundred and twenty acres of fertile land whereon he had made all the improvements that are included in a comfortable home. He was a member of the Dunkard Church, a consistent Christian, honest and earnest. As long as her life was spared, his good wife aided in upbuilding his fortunes, and advancing the true welfare of the children.
Coming of such stock it is not to be wondered at that our subject has developed sterling traits of character, and pursued with zeal the business to which he has turned his attention. He was born on August 14, 1837, on a farm one and a half miles south of Loami, and obtained his education in the common schools. He describes the temple of learning which he attended in boyhood, as a log structure cemented together by mud, through the cracks of which the snow would penetrate, and which proved but a scanty protection against the driving storms. A huge fireplace was used for heating purposes, and even with the roaring logs which were being consumed therein, it was found difficult to keep warm when the wintry winds blew around the building.
At the age of twenty years, Mr. Workman gained a companion, being married on the 22d of May, 1857, to Lydia Bilyen. The bride was born in Tennessee, May 5, 1844. She has been a faithful efficient helpmate and a devoted mother. Three of ten children born to Mr. and Mrs. Workman, are now living. These are William F., Callie and Millie. Our subject is a member in good standing of the Christian Church.