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JOSEPH WORMAN,
traveling salesman, has been a resident of Effingham County for the long period of half a century, or since 1843.
He is a native of Germany, his birth having occurred in the Grand
Duchy of Oldenburg, on the 13th of May, 1827. His parents were Harmon H. and Mary Anna (Budde) Worman, both of
whom were also born in Germany. Our subject was reared and educated in
the land of his nativity, where he remained until 1843, when, at the age of sixteen years, he came to America. Coming at once to the West, he made his
first settlement in Douglas Township, Effingham County, Ill. Soon after his arrival in this county he
engaged as merchant's clerk in Evansville, Ind., and subsequently was employed in Cincinnati,
Ohio. Still later he occupied a similar position
in Effingham, and afterward in Vincennes, Ind.
On the 9th of May, 1854, in Evansville, Ind., Mr. Worman was united in marriage with
Miss Mary VerWayne, who was born in Holland, and was a daughter of John VerWayne. She
died November 21, 1868, leaving the following children: John A., who died at the age of four years; A. J., who
is married and engaged in the real-estate and abstract business in Effingham, Ill., and whose sketch appears elsewhere
in this work; Joseph B., who married Annie Palm and resides in Effingham; Mary Anna, now the wife of Joseph Seitz,
who also lives in that place; Frank H., who married Rose Uptmore, and died March 23, 1892; and Mary Clara, who
died at the age of three years.
Mr.
Worman began business for himself in Vincennes, Ind., in 1853 as a dealer in general merchandise,
but after conducting the business for four years he was burned out, in 1857, and lost heavily, as he carried no
insurance. Though he lost all he had in the fire, he started again on credit, but the hard times of 1859 came on
and he sold out in that year and came to Effingham. Here he secured a position as merchant's clerk with Mr. Waschefort,
and later he was for several years in the implement business. In 1868 he was elected Clerk of the Circuit Court
and Recorder of Effingham County, acting in that official capacity for a term of four years. Subsequently he resumed
the implement business, which he conducted until the spring of 1890, when he sold out and began traveling on commission
as a salesman for the Effingham Manufacturing Company, which manufactures furniture.
On the 25th of January, 1870, Mr. Worman married Miss Theresa, daughter of Daniel Nye. She was born in this county,
where her parents, who were of German birth, were among the early settlers. Seven children graced their union,
five sons and two daughters: William B., Charles A., Rosa Theresa, Mary Magdelena, Henry F. (who died in infancy),
Leo B. and Edward B.
In his political affiliations, Mr. Worman is a supporter of the Democratic principles. Besides the office of Clerk
of the Court and Recorder, he has served as Master in Chancery for two years. He and his family are members of
the Catholic Church.
Portrait and Biographical Record of Effingham, Jasper and
Richland Counties Illinois, Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens, Governors
of the State, and the Presidents of the United States. (Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1887), p. 203. Transcribed by
Judy Rosella Edwards.
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