L. H. Woodworth was born in Norwich, Vermont, October 20, 1806. He resided in
that State until he reached his majority, and attended the military, scientific
and literary school at Middletown, Connecticut. After completing his studies
he was a teacher in the military school at Perth Amboy, New Jersey. He was
afterwards Assistant Professor of Mathematics in Jefferson College, Mississippi
. In the meantime he studied law. Failing eyesight precluded the pursuit of
his profession as he desired. He spent two years in the employ of the State
of New York as resident engineer upon the Black River Canal.
In the spring of 1839 he removed to the west, and settled at the Upper Rapids on the south side
of Rock River, and bought the claim of Isaac Merrell, upon which he now lives,
at Rock Falls. He had charge as engineer of the contract to build the canal,
which was let in 1839. The work was commenced in 1840 by Nichols, Sanger &
Galbreath. Mr Woodworth has divided a portion of his real estate into lots,
now embraced in the flourishing town of Rock Falls. He and Daniel Brooks were
the first two Justices of the Peace in Rapids Precinct. He was also Swamp
Land Commissioner, County Surveyor and Supervisor.
He married Parmelia Parks, May 14, 1834 in Saratoga County New York. Mrs. Woodworth died December 1 1844.
Children: Leonard H born June 12 1836; George L born December 1, 1841; Leonard
H married Miss Hattie Jenkins and resides in Sterling; George L Woodworth
enlisted in Company A 34th IL Regiment and was killed at Stone River December
31 1852. Mr Woodworth married Alice H Goodell October 24 1845. Two children:
Clarence C born October 22 1853; Alice S born June 12 1859. Bent & Wilson History of Whiteside County Pg 130-131
L. H. Woodworth, farmer, section 27, Coloma Township, was born in Norwich, Vt., Oct. 20,1806. His parents were Abel and Olive (Patridge) Woodworth, natives also of the Green Mountain State. His father was a carpenter by trade. He remained with his parents until of age, receiving a common-school education. He also attended the Military Academy at Middletown, Conn., for seven months, and the Military Academy of New Jersey 18 months, in 1828-'9. After completing his studies, at the age of 17, he taught district school four winters. He then taught for a time in the Military School at Perth. Amboy, N. J., and afterward as Assistant Professor of Mathematics, in Jefferson (Miss.) College. About this time he commenced the study of law; but his sight failing somewhat, he had to abandon the pursuit of his chosen calling, and for two years he was in the employment of the State of New York as Resident Engineer upon the B1ack River Canal.
In 1839 he emigrated to Illinois, settling on the Upper Rapids on the south side of Rock River, where he purchased of the Government a fractional quarter (91 acres) of section 9, Sterling Township. He afterward sold this, and in 1842 preempted 124 acres on section 27, where he still lives.
Mr. W. has been Justice of the Peace, Town Supervisor, County Surveyor of Whiteside, etc. In religion he is a Universalist, and in politics a Republican, taking a deep interest in the welfare of the community and of the nation.
May 14, 1834, in Saratoga Co., N. Y., Mr. Woodworth was married to Permelia Parks, who died Dec. 1, 1844, leaving two children, Leonard and George L. Mr. W. was married again, Oct. 24, 1845, to Mrs. Alice H. Gooden; and by this marriage there have also been two children, Clarence C. and Alice S.
Portraits and Biographical 1895 Pg 533
