William H. Worthington
Encyclopedia
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
.
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.
After three days at Cairo, he and his men crossed the Mississippi and marched to Benton, Missouri
and from there accompanied General Pope to New Madrid
. He was conspicuous during the 10-day siege
, eventually assuming command of a brigade
to capture the Upper Fort. During the battle, he led Companies A and B of the 5th Iowa Regiment and three companies of the 39th Indiana Regiment which fought gallantly. Following the surrender of Island No. 10 on April 7, Worthington was again absent while his regiment were conducting operations in the area. He sailed to Hamburg Landing on the Tennessee River
joining Pope's forces prior to the siege of Corinth
. It was in the early morning hours of May 22 that, while in performing his duties as general officer of the day, that he was shot and killed by a sentry.
It was around 2 a.m. in near pitch black darkness that the sentry, leaving his post, walked to the rear as Worthington approached. He had apparently forgotten he was still within Union lines and mistook Worthington for an enemy soldier and fired without calling out to the approaching figure. Worthington was hit near the left eye and thought to have been killed instantly.
His death was mourned by his regiment, as well as his old unit the "City Rifles" and the district court of his home county. Judge Francis Springer commented that all "mourned the loss, and cherished the memory of the noble-hearted, brave and heroic Worthington". He also had a promising career in the military being recommended for promotion and, had he survived the battle at Corinth, he would have been promoted to the rank of brigadier general
. General Pope also made an official statement commenting "In Colonel Worthington, this army has sustained a serious loss. Prompt, gallant and patriotic, a brilliant military career was before him".
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
, he was the first commanding officer of the 5th Iowa Volunteer Infantry Regiment
5th Iowa Volunteer Infantry Regiment
The 5th Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry was an infantry regiment that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War.-Service:The 5th Iowa Infantry was organized at Burlington, Iowa and mustered into Federal forces on July 15, 1861....
. Both his grandfathers were well-known Kentucky frontiersman Edward Worthington
Edward Worthington
Edward Worthington was an 18th-century American pioneer and soldier who explored and later helped settle the Kentucky frontier. A veteran of the American Revolution and the Indian Wars, he also served as a paymaster under George Rogers Clark during the Illinois campaign. His grandson, William H...
and Gabriel Slaughter
Gabriel Slaughter
Gabriel Slaughter was the seventh Governor of Kentucky and was the first person to ascend to that office upon the death of the sitting governor. His family moved to Kentucky from Virginia when he was very young. He became a member of the Kentucky militia, serving throughout his political career...
and his ancestry can be traced to President James Monroe
James Monroe
James Monroe was the fifth President of the United States . Monroe was the last president who was a Founding Father of the United States, and the last president from the Virginia dynasty and the Republican Generation...
.
Biography
Worthington was born in Harrodsburg, KentuckyHarrodsburg, Kentucky
Harrodsburg is a city in and the county seat of Mercer County, Kentucky, United States. The population was 8,014 at the 2000 census. It is the oldest city in Kentucky.-History:...
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
Iowa
Iowa is a state located in the Midwestern United States, an area often referred to as the "American Heartland". It derives its name from the Ioway people, one of the many American Indian tribes that occupied the state at the time of European exploration. Iowa was a part of the French colony of New...
where he continued as a practicing lawyer until the start of the American Civil War
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
four years later. At the time, he had been serving as a captain with a military company in Keokuk
Keokuk
Keokuk may refer to:*Keokuk Places or warships named after Chief Keokuk:*Keokuk, Iowa, USA*Keokuk County, Iowa, USA*Keokuk Airport, USA*Keokuk-Hamilton Bridge, USA*Keokuk Rail Bridge, USA*USS Keokuk, several US Navy ships, including:...
referred to as the "City Rifles". His military skill was brought to the attention of Governor Samuel J. Kirkwood
Samuel J. Kirkwood
Samuel Jordan Kirkwood , was an American politician best known as Iowa's American Civil War Governor. He also served in the U.S. Senate and as U.S. Secretary of the Interior.-Early life and career:...
who offered him a colonelcy in the state militia. Worthington had intended to enlist in the regular U.S. Army
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
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
5th Iowa Volunteer Infantry Regiment
The 5th Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry was an infantry regiment that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War.-Service:The 5th Iowa Infantry was organized at Burlington, Iowa and mustered into Federal forces on July 15, 1861....
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
Missouri
Missouri is a US state located in the Midwestern United States, bordered by Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska. With a 2010 population of 5,988,927, Missouri is the 18th most populous state in the nation and the fifth most populous in the Midwest. It...
with his regiment before leaving Jefferson Barracks on August 14. Arriving at Jefferson City, they stayed until September 1 and marched to Columbia
Columbia, Missouri
Columbia is the fifth-largest city in Missouri, and the largest city in Mid-Missouri. With a population of 108,500 as of the 2010 Census, it is the principal municipality of the Columbia Metropolitan Area, a region of 164,283 residents. The city serves as the county seat of Boone County and as the...
, Boonville
Boonville, Missouri
This page is about the city in Missouri. For other communities of the same name, see Boonville Boonville is a city in Cooper County, Missouri, USA. The population was 8,202 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Cooper County. The city was the site of a skirmish early in the American Civil...
, Glasgow
Glasgow, Illinois
Glasgow is a village in Scott County, Illinois, United States. The population was 170 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Jacksonville Micropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:Glasgow is located at ....
, Springfield
Springfield, Illinois
Springfield is the third and current capital of the US state of Illinois and the county seat of Sangamon County with a population of 117,400 , making it the sixth most populated city in the state and the second most populated Illinois city outside of the Chicago Metropolitan Area...
and Syracuse
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
. Turning back towards Boonville, they eventually arrived at Cairo, Illinois
Cairo, Illinois
Cairo is the southernmost city in the U.S. state of Illinois. It is the county seat of Alexander County. Cairo is located at the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers. The rivers converge at Fort Defiance State Park, an American Civil War fort that was commanded by General Ulysses S. Grant...
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
John Pope (military officer)
John Pope was a career United States Army officer and Union general in the American Civil War. He had a brief but successful career in the Western Theater, but he is best known for his defeat at the Second Battle of Bull Run in the East.Pope was a graduate of the United States Military Academy in...
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
Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is the largest river system in North America. Flowing entirely in the United States, this river rises in western Minnesota and meanders slowly southwards for to the Mississippi River Delta at the Gulf of Mexico. With its many tributaries, the Mississippi's watershed drains...
, an action which the respect and esteem of his regiment.
After three days at Cairo, he and his men crossed the Mississippi and marched to Benton, Missouri
Benton, Missouri
Benton is a city in Scott County, Missouri, United States. The population was 732 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Scott County.-Geography:Benton is located at ....
and from there accompanied General Pope to New Madrid
New Madrid
New Madrid may refer to:*New Madrid County, Missouri, a county in the U.S. state of Missouri*New Madrid, Missouri, a city in New Madrid County*New Madrid Seismic Zone, a major seismic zone in Missouri, Tennessee, and Arkansas...
. He was conspicuous during the 10-day siege
Battle of Island Number Ten
The Battle of Island Number Ten was an engagement at the New Madrid or Kentucky Bend on the Mississippi River during the American Civil War, lasting from February 28 to April 8, 1862. The position, an island at the base of a tight double turn in the course of the river, was held by the Confederates...
, eventually assuming command of a brigade
Brigade
A brigade is a major tactical military formation that is typically composed of two to five battalions, plus supporting elements depending on the era and nationality of a given army and could be perceived as an enlarged/reinforced regiment...
to capture the Upper Fort. During the battle, he led Companies A and B of the 5th Iowa Regiment and three companies of the 39th Indiana Regiment which fought gallantly. Following the surrender of Island No. 10 on April 7, Worthington was again absent while his regiment were conducting operations in the area. He sailed to Hamburg Landing on the Tennessee River
Tennessee River
The Tennessee River is the largest tributary of the Ohio River. It is approximately 652 miles long and is located in the southeastern United States in the Tennessee Valley. The river was once popularly known as the Cherokee River, among other names...
joining Pope's forces prior to the siege of Corinth
Siege of Corinth
The Siege of Corinth was an American Civil War battle fought from April 29 to May 30, 1862, in Corinth, Mississippi.-Background:...
. It was in the early morning hours of May 22 that, while in performing his duties as general officer of the day, that he was shot and killed by a sentry.
It was around 2 a.m. in near pitch black darkness that the sentry, leaving his post, walked to the rear as Worthington approached. He had apparently forgotten he was still within Union lines and mistook Worthington for an enemy soldier and fired without calling out to the approaching figure. Worthington was hit near the left eye and thought to have been killed instantly.
His death was mourned by his regiment, as well as his old unit the "City Rifles" and the district court of his home county. Judge Francis Springer commented that all "mourned the loss, and cherished the memory of the noble-hearted, brave and heroic Worthington". He also had a promising career in the military being recommended for promotion and, had he survived the battle at Corinth, he would have been promoted to the rank of brigadier general
Brigadier general (United States)
A brigadier general in the United States Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, is a one-star general officer, with the pay grade of O-7. Brigadier general ranks above a colonel and below major general. Brigadier general is equivalent to the rank of rear admiral in the other uniformed...
. General Pope also made an official statement commenting "In Colonel Worthington, this army has sustained a serious loss. Prompt, gallant and patriotic, a brilliant military career was before him".
Further reading
- Banasik, Michael C. Missouri in 1861: The Civil War Letters of Franc B. Wilkie, Newspaper Correspondent. Iowa City, Iowa: Press of the Camp Pope Bookshop, 2001. ISBN 1-929919-02-6
- Welcher, Frank Johnson. The Union Army, 1861-1865: Organization and Operations. Bloomington and Indianapolis: Indiana University Press, 1989. ISBN 0-253-36453-1