William H. Worthington
| William H. Worthington | |
|---|---|
| Born |
November 2, 1828 Harrodsburg, Kentucky, United States |
| Died | May 22, 1862 (aged 33) Corinth, Mississippi |
| Allegiance |
 United States of AmericaUnion |
| Service/branch |
 United States ArmyUnion Army |
| Years of service | 1861-1862 |
| Rank |
 Colonel
|
| Battles/wars |
Battle of New Madrid Battle of Corinth |
| Relations |
Edward Worthington, grandfather Gabriel Slaughter, grandfather |
William Hord Worthington (November 2, 1828–May 22, 1862) was an American lawyer, farmer and military officer. During the American Civil War, he was the first commanding officer of the 5th Iowa Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Both his grandfathers were well-known Kentucky frontiersman Edward Worthington and Gabriel Slaughter and his ancestry can be traced to President James Monroe.
Worthington was born in Harrodsburg, Kentucky to Reverend John Tolly Worthington described as "a devoted Christian and a zealous patriot". His mother died shortly after he was born and was adopted and raised by his granduncle Major William Hord, a distinguished Kentucky gentleman. Educated in Louisville, he became interested in a military career after meeting a visiting Polish officer. Upon graduation from Bacon College, he became married to Anna Eliza in 1847. He settled down as a farmer however, being unsuccessful at it, he instead pursued a career in law. He was eventually admitted to the bar and opened a small practice in Harrodsburg.
In 1857, he moved his practice to Iowa where he continued as a practicing lawyer until the start of the American Civil War four years later. At the time, he had been serving as a captain with a military company in Keokuk referred to as the "City Rifles". His military skill was brought to the attention of Governor Samuel J. Kirkwood who offered him a colonelcy in the state militia. Worthington had intended to enlist in the regular U.S. Army in Washington City, however he was rejected due to all vacancies being filled and accepted the Governor's offer. After returning to Iowa in early July, he officially took command of the 5th Iowa Volunteer Infantry Regiment on July 15, 1861.
The 5th Iowa Volunteers had a proud and distinguished history under Worthington during the first months of the war. Worthington served in Missouri with his regiment before leaving Jefferson Barracks on August 14. Arriving at Jefferson City, they stayed until September 1 and marched to Columbia, Boonville, Glasgow, Springfield and Syracuse. Turning back towards Boonville, they eventually arrived at Cairo, Illinois on February 20, 1862. Worthington and his unit had not yet encountered enemy forces, however they were considered to be one of the best drilled and disciplined regiments in volunteer service. As a result, Worthington was initially not popular with his men and were often restless and discontented under his strict discipline. According to a semi-official order from General John Pope in October 1861, he wrote to Worthington that "your regiment is the most soldierly-appearing one I have seen in Missouri." and credited him and his men for their service. He also rescued a private from drowning in the Mississippi River, an action which the respect and esteem of his regiment.
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Wikipedia