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 history of the county from early days and have always been foremost in the work of developing natural resources and securing good government. 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 specialty of breeding Percheron and road horses. He was born in Loami Township, February 1, 1878, a son of Stephen and Sarah E. (Workman) 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 prosperous and thrifty farmers of the township. She has added to her possessions, and now owns 560 acres, 320 acres in Loami Township and 240 in Christian County.

Melvin Workman was brought up on the homestead and attended the district school. He remained at home until his marriage, which event occurred March 2, 1899, when he was untied with Ida M. Dodd, born in Sangamon County, daughter of Jesse Dodd, also one of the pioneers of the county, now deceased. He died when Mrs. Workman was still a child, his widow surviving until 1907. Mr. and Mrs. Workman have one child, Roy, born January 24, 1900, a bright little fellow, who is doing well at school and filling his parents' hearts with pride.

After his marriage, Mr. Workman began farming on 113 acres owned by his mother. This property had been allowed to run down and was in bad condition, but under his expert supervision it increased materially and sold for a good price. He then purchased 120 acres of land where he now resides, and has there developed one of the best farms of the township. Having given much attention to stock, he has made a decided success of the business. His stallion, 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 produces Duroc Jersey hogs, Shropshire sheep, carrying about 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 county.

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, although often solicited by his neighbors to accept 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 been thrust aside and new ones are being constantly tested, for the modern farmer realizes that, just as science has opened up new avenues in other branches of activity, so it has in farming, and he wants to keep up with the procession.