WORKMAN, SAMUEL J., claim agent and inspector for the Franklin Life Insurance Company, located in the Franklin Life Building, at Springfield, is a native of Sangamon County, born at Loami, February 25, 1864, a son of Samuel and Susan (Cook) Workman, natives of Maryland and Missouri respectively. At an early date Samuel Workman, the father, left his home in Maryland and went to Virginia, later removing to Ohio, where he remained a short time, and eventually locating in Loami, Ill. Having been a farmer all of his life, he continued to follow that occupation in Illinois, and was active in agricultural pursuits right up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1871, while he was on a visit in Iowa. His widow survived him until January 3, 1909. Samuel J. Workman was the only child. Mrs. Workman was married (second) to William Balon, and to this union there were born the following children: Lydia, who became wife of E. W. B. Workman, a well known citizen of Loami, Ill., in which city he died February 3, 1910; Millie, the widow of William A. Stott, of Los Angeles, Calif, who died in January, 1907; and Jesse, who lives near Hilham, Tenn. Samuel Workman was a Republican in politics and his religious faith was that of the Christian Church.

Samuel J. Workman was a small child when his father died, and as a result did not receive much educational training. He went to work for a brother-in-law, E. W. B. Workman, when eighteen years of age, remaining from 1882 to 1892, in which latter year he went to Waverly and worked at the barber trade. He then engaged with the New York City office of the Equitable Life Insurance Company, and remained in their employ until 1895, when he entered th services of the Mutual Benefit Company. He continued with this company until 1899, at which time he became connected with the Franklin Life Insurance Company as a solicitor, later became field superintendent, assistant superintendent of agencies, and finally claim agent and inspector.

Mr. Workman was married April 9, 1899, to Mary N. Clark, born at Palmyra, Macoupin County, Ill., October 9, 1869, a daughter of William R. and Angeline (Jolly) Clark, the former born in Old Berlin, Ill., and now residing in Springfield, and the latter, born at Franklin, Morgan County, Ill., who died December 11, 1894. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Workman, namely: Don, born January 11, 1890; Russell, December 10, 1891; Virgil S., November 30, 1893; and Helen, born December 23, 1895, who died March 4, 1908. The oldest son, Don, has had a business college course and is now connected with the Vredenburgh Lumber Company, of Springfield, having entered their service in 1908. Russell and Virgil are students.

Mr. Workman is a member of the Supreme Court of Honor, Mutual Protective League, the Eagles and the Masonic fraternity. He is a Baptist in his religious views, while his politics are non-partisan. He has done considerable to bring about the Commission form of Government and has studied extensively on that subject on various trips through the West.