WORKMAN, MAYHEW. - Members of the Workman family are found throughout Sangamon County, and are always numbered among the representative residents of their several communities. The family was founded there by sturdy pioneers who came to the county resolved to find a home where their children could 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 doubt. 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 south 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 seventy-two acres in the southern part of Loami Township, and for two years farmed in conjunction. 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 conducted until 1905, but in that year Mr. Workman 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 built a beautiful cottage on a natural building site, surrounding it with all 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. Workman began breeding Poland China hogs, now having stock that is eligible to registration. He annually produces about 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 $990.20 for the shipment. In addition to his hogs, Mr. Workman keeps about fifty head of Shropshire sheep, a herd of short horn and Jersey cattle, and an excellent grade of horses. His experiments have taught him the best methods of working, and his success is remarkable and gratifying.

Mr. and Mrs. Workman 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 Republican, the Workman family nearly all being within the ranks of this party, but he does not desire office. Fraternally he is a Mason, belonging 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 agriculturist is rapidly forging ahead, developing his property 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 maintaining a high standard, and his work requires keen business ability and foresightedness in order that he may meet existing conditions.