William H. Worthington facts for kids

William Hord Worthington (born November 2, 1828 – died May 22, 1862) was an American lawyer, farmer, and military officer. During the American Civil War, he led the 5th Iowa Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He was known for his strict discipline and bravery.

Early Life and Education

William Hord Worthington was born in Harrodsburg, Kentucky, on November 2, 1828. His father, Reverend John Tolly Worthington, was known as a very religious and patriotic person. William's mother passed away soon after he was born. He was then adopted and raised by his great-uncle, Major William Hord.

Both of William's grandfathers were famous Kentucky pioneers. They were Edward Worthington and Gabriel Slaughter. Gabriel Slaughter even served as the Lieutenant Governor and later the Governor of Kentucky. William Worthington's family tree also connects to President James Monroe.

William went to school in Louisville. He became interested in a military career after meeting a Polish officer. He later graduated from Bacon College.

Career as a Lawyer

After finishing college, William Worthington got married and tried farming. However, farming was not very successful for him. So, he decided to become a lawyer instead. He passed his law exams and opened a small law office in Harrodsburg.

In 1857, he moved his law practice to Iowa. He continued to work as a lawyer there until the American Civil War began four years later.

Military Service in the Civil War

When the Civil War started, William Worthington was already a captain. He led a military group in Keokuk, Iowa, called the "City Rifles." The Governor of Iowa, Samuel J. Kirkwood, noticed his military skills. The Governor offered him a high rank as a colonel in the state army.

Worthington had first wanted to join the regular United States Army. But there were no open spots for him in Washington City. So, he accepted the Governor's offer. He returned to Iowa in July 1861. On July 15, 1861, he officially took command of the 5th Iowa Volunteer Infantry Regiment.

The 5th Iowa Volunteers became a very respected group under Worthington's leadership. They served in Missouri before moving to other areas. They marched through many towns, including Jefferson City, Columbia, and Boonville. They finally arrived at Cairo, Illinois, on February 20, 1862.

Even though they hadn't fought in a battle yet, Worthington's regiment was known for being very well-trained. They were also very disciplined. At first, his strict rules made him unpopular with his soldiers. But General John Pope praised Worthington's regiment in October 1861. He called them "the most soldierly-appearing one I have seen in Missouri." Worthington also earned his men's respect by saving a private from drowning in the Mississippi River.

After three days in Cairo, Worthington and his men crossed the Mississippi River. They marched to Benton, Missouri, and joined General Pope's forces. They then went to New Madrid. Worthington played an important role during the 10-day siege there. He even took command of a larger group of soldiers to capture a fort. His soldiers fought very bravely during this battle.

After the surrender of Island No. 10 on April 7, Worthington joined Pope's forces again. This was before the siege of Corinth.

His Death in Battle

In the early morning of May 22, 1862, William Worthington was performing his duties. It was around 2 a.m. and very dark. A sentry (a guard) left his post and walked to the back. He forgot he was still inside his own army's lines. He mistook Worthington for an enemy soldier and fired his gun without warning. Worthington was hit near his left eye and likely died instantly.

His death was a great loss for his regiment and his old "City Rifles" unit. Judge Francis Springer said that everyone "mourned the loss, and cherished the memory of the noble-hearted, brave and heroic Worthington." He was expected to be promoted to a higher rank, brigadier general. General Pope also stated that "In Colonel Worthington, this army has sustained a serious loss. Prompt, gallant and patriotic, a brilliant military career was before him."

Family Life

In 1847, William Worthington married Anna Eliza Tomlinson (1831–1909). They had three children together. One of their children was Lucy Madison Worthington (1851–1945). Lucy later married Henry Clews, a financier and writer from Britain. William Worthington was buried at Oakland Cemetery in Keokuk, Iowa.

His Grandchildren

Through his daughter Lucy, William Worthington became a grandfather after his death. His grandchildren included:

• Elsie Worthington Clews (1875–1941): She became an anthropologist. She married Herbert Parsons, who was a U.S. Representative.
• Henry Clews Jr. (1876–1937): He was an artist. He lived in France at the Château de la Napoule.