Jacob Worth facts for kids

Jacob Worth (born May 1, 1838 – died February 21, 1905) was an American politician from New York. He had an interesting life, starting work at a young age and traveling the world before becoming involved in politics. He served in the New York State Assembly and the New York State Senate, helping to make laws for his state.

Early Life and Adventures

Jacob Worth was born in New York City on May 1, 1838. When he was four years old, his family moved to Williamsburgh. Soon after, his father passed away, leaving his mother to care for five children during a difficult time.

Jacob started working at a very young age to help his family.

• At eight years old, he worked in a ropewalk, which is a place where ropes are made.
• By age 14, he became a teamster, driving wagons on the Erie Canal.
• Later, he worked as a boatman on the Hudson River.
• When he was 16, he joined the U.S. Navy as an apprentice. He went on a three-year voyage that took him all around the world.

After returning to Brooklyn, he worked as a rigger, someone who sets up ropes and cables on ships.

Joining Politics and Military Service

At 19, Jacob Worth became involved in politics as a member of the Democratic Party. However, in 1861, he switched to the Republican Party.

During the American Civil War, he joined the Union Army.

• In September 1862, he became a first lieutenant in the 139th New York Volunteers.
• Early in 1863, he was promoted to captain in the 84th New York Volunteers.
• He fought in the Peninsular Campaign, a series of battles in Virginia, until late 1863.

Political Career

Jacob Worth served in the New York State Assembly several times, representing Kings County. The Assembly is part of the state's law-making body.

• He was a member from 1864 to 1866.
• He was elected again in 1868, but his election was challenged, and another politician, John Raber, took his seat.
• He returned to the Assembly from 1873 to 1876.
• He served one more term in 1878.

Besides the Assembly, he held other important roles:

• In 1878, he ran for Sheriff of Kings County but was not elected.
• From 1879 to 1880, he was a Commissioner of City Works for Brooklyn, helping manage city projects.
• In 1880, he was appointed Brooklyn Fire Commissioner, overseeing the city's fire department.
• In 1884, he ran for Congress but was unsuccessful.

From 1886 to 1889, Jacob Worth was a member of the New York State Senate, representing the 4th District. The Senate is the other part of the state's law-making body.

In 1897, he was appointed Clerk of Kings County. That same year, he supported Seth Low in the first mayoral election for the newly combined New York City. This decision went against his own Republican party, which caused some disagreement with the party leaders.

Later Years and Passing

After 1898, Jacob Worth's health began to decline. He often spent his winters in Hot Springs, Arkansas, a place known for its natural hot springs.

He passed away suddenly on February 21, 1905, in Hot Springs. He had just returned from the Oaklawn Park Race Track when he died in his hotel room, likely from heart failure.