Few residents of Greene county have so long resided within the borders as has Mr. Tolman, whose birth occurred in White Hall township, on the 6th of June, 1829. His father, Cyrus Tolman, was a native of Massachusetts and married Polly Eldred, whose birth occurred in Greene county, Illinois. The year 1818 witnessed the arrival of Cyrus Tolman in this state. He settled at Edwardsville, where he remained for two years, and in 1820 he came to Greene county, locating a mile and a half south of White Hall upon a tract of land now owned by the Orton family. Subsequently he entered from the government what is known as the Hicks place, adjoining the above tract on the south. At the present time this is the property of Ed Kendall. Later Mr. Tolman removed to the Simeon Ross farm, a mile from his former residence, and upon the old homestead there W. O. Tolman was born. The parents continued to reside upon that place until 1839, when they removed to Carrollton, but a year later became residents of Jersey county, just across the boundary line from Greene county. Upon the farm there Mr. Tolman spent the remainder of his active business career and when he put aside business pursuits he returned to Greene county, joining his son in whose home his last days were spent, his death here occurring in 1876. He served for a number of years as county judge and also as county commissioner and took an active interest in political affairs as a supporter of the Whig party and was a representative and influential citizen who commanded the respect and confidence of all who knew him.

W. O. Tolman was the second in order of birth in a family of three sons and one daughter. He continued upon the old homestead place until 1851, when he purchased eighty acres of land adjoining his father's farm in Jersey county. There he resided for two years, after which he sold to his brother who owned the old homestead. Mr. Tolman of this review then removed to the old town of Kane and rented what was known as the Pope farm, upon which he resided for two years. He next purchased the Elias Grizzle farm a half miles south of Kane and comprising one hundred and sixty acres of land all practically under cultivation. He has further continued the work of improvement and now has a splendid farm property on which he raises the various cereals best adapted to the soil and climate, having excellent wheat and corn crops. He also raises hogs and cattle and in his agricultural pursuits is meeting with very gratifying success.

n March, 1851, Mr. Tolman was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Pope, a native of New Jersey, born near Plainfield, Somerset county, February 13, 1830, and the daughter of Samuel Pope, one of the early settlers of Greene county. Their children are Fannie, now the wife of William Parker, a resident of East St. Louis; Cyrus, who is living in Kansas; Mrs. Annie Massey, a resident of Granite City, Illinois; Emily, the wife of Charles Warren, of Louisiana; Pollie, at home; William, who is engaged in mining in Mexico; Curtis who is residing in California; Elan, deceased; and Cloie.

The family home is a modern residence, situated in the midst of a fine farm. There are good outbuildings upon the place and all modern accessories found upon a model farm of the twentieth century so that the farm in its attractive appearance is ample evidence of a progressive spirit and enterprising owner. Mr. Tolman has never been known to take advantage of the necessities of his fellowmen in any trade transaction and his business career is attended with a measure of success that comes from persistent, honorable effort guided by sound judgment. In politics he is a Democrat but has always refused public office, giving his time and attention to his business affairs.