William Jackson Worthington facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Jackson Worthington
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| 26th Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky | |
| In office December 10, 1895 – December 12, 1899 |
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| Governor | William O. Bradley |
| Preceded by | Mitchell Cary Alford |
| Succeeded by | John Marshall |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 9, 1833 Cambria County, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | May 22, 1914 (aged 80) Boyd County, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Catherine Steele (d. 1889) Lucy York |
| Children | 7 |
| Residences | Greenup County, Kentucky, U.S. |
William Jackson Worthington (born November 9, 1833 – died May 22, 1914) was an important figure in Kentucky history. He served as the 26th Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky from 1895 to 1899. A Lieutenant Governor is like a vice-president for a state; they help the Governor and take over if the Governor cannot do their job. Worthington also served in the Union Army during the American Civil War and was a state senator. He was born in Pennsylvania and later lived and died in Kentucky.
Contents
Growing Up and Serving His Country
William Worthington was born in Pennsylvania but spent his younger years in Ohio. As a teenager, he moved to Kentucky with his family.
Joining the Union Army
When the American Civil War began, Worthington joined the Union Army. He was part of the 22nd Kentucky Infantry Regiment. He started as a captain and was later promoted to major and then lieutenant colonel.
Key Battles and Campaigns
Worthington took part in several important events during the war. He was present at the Siege of Vicksburg, a long battle where Union forces surrounded a city. He also fought in the Battle of Cumberland Gap. He served under General Ambrose Burnside during the Red River Campaign and was involved in the Capture of New Orleans.
Life After the War
After the war ended, Colonel Worthington returned home to Greenup County, Kentucky. He bought a furnace in the Hanging Rock Iron Field and worked in the iron business for about 15 years.
A Career in Public Service
William Worthington was very active in his local community and in state politics.
Local and State Roles
He served one term as a county judge in Greenup, Kentucky. In 1869, he was elected to be a state senator, representing his area in the state government.
Becoming Lieutenant Governor
In 1895, Worthington was elected as the Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky. He served alongside Governor William O. Bradley. After his term as Lieutenant Governor, he was again elected to the State Legislature in 1900.
Worthington's Lasting Impact
William Worthington left a mark on the state of Kentucky.
A City Named After Him
The city of Worthington, Kentucky was named in his honor. His daughters built the city on land they inherited from him.
