Archibald Garfield Worthing

Archibald Garfield "Archie" Worthing .

Commemorative Biographical Record of the Counties of Rock, Green, Grant, Iowa and Lafayette Wisconsin, 1901 - page 113-114

ERASMUS WITHERBEE was born in Hazel Green, Grant county, where his home is found at present, May 15, 1843, and is a son of Hiram and Experience A. (DAY) WITHERBEE. The father was born April 17, 1810, at the main entrance to Bunker Hill Monument, and the mother Oct. 30, 1823, at Edwardsville, Madison Co., Ill. Hiram WITHERBEE was the son of Calvin and Harriet A. (ESTABROOK) WITHERBEE, the former a native of Scotland, the latter of Massachusetts. Calvin WITHERBEE was a ship carpenter and a sea-faring man. He died in New Orleans, from yellow fever, about 1815.

Hiram WITHERBEE came from Madison county, Ill., to Wisconsin as early as 1832, and followed lead mining for a number of years near Hazel Green, finally becoming the owner of valuable mineral lands, which he controlled throughout life. He was quite successful, and about 1850 bought the "Empire Hotel" property at Hazel Green. For some nine years he was the popular landlord of that hostelry, which he then traded for a farm in Smelser, near what is now called Elmo Station, where he died in 1867. Mrs. Experience A. WITHERBEE died in 1850. She and her husband belonged to the Presbyterian Church. In connection with Mr. CRAWFORD and one or two others, Mr. WITHERBEE was instrumental in the erection of the first Presbyterian church in Hazel Green, which was destroyed by the tornado of 1876. Hiram and Experience A. WITHERBEE were the parents of five children, of whom three died in infancy; the survivors of are Erasmus and Hiram J. Mr. WITHERBEE married for his second wife Miss Margaret A. EASTMAN, of Grant county, and to this union were also born five children, all of whom are living: (1) Experience A., born in Hazel Green in 1852, is the wife of Charles NEPEIER, of Chicago. (2) Levi, born in September, 1853, is married and is the owner of a cattle ranch in Yuma county, Colo. (3) L. C. is a partner with his brother Levi in the cattle business. (4) Julian V., born in Grant county, is now a traveling representative of the St. Louis Stock Yards; he found a wife in Colorado. (5) Orvil O., born in Smelser, Grant county, has become a noted physician and surgeon, and lives in Los Angeles, Cal.; he is married, and has two children.

Hiram J. WITHERBEE, the only brother of our subject, was educated at the Platteville Normal school. In his early life he was a miner and farmer, and was a school teacher in Grant and Lafayette counties for several years before his entrance into pastoral work, in 1885. He is a Methodist clergyman. Miss Julia A. HANEY, of Grant county, became his wife, and they have had the following children: (1) Harriet A., who died Aug. 1, 1898, was a young lady of great promise, and a worker in the church of her town, where she had many friends. (2) Hiram S. is a clergyman of the Methodist Church at Brush, Colo., and (3) Oliver Day, a minister of the same church in Wisconsin. (4) Miss Elizabeth H. is at home.

Erasmus WITHERBEE grew to manhood under the parental roof, and obtained his education in a private school in Hazel Green, and the academy at Platteville. In 1862, leaving school, he enlisted in Company I, 25th Wis. V.I. under command of Col. Montgomery. The regiment was mustered into the government service at La Crosse, Wis., and sent to the Western frontier, New Ulm, Minn., to protect the settlers from the raids of the hostile Indians. In the early part of 1863 it was sent to Kentucky, and in May of that year was made a part of the forces which were to hold the Rebel Johnson in check until Vicksburg should be compelled to surrender. After the fall of that stronghold, the 25th Wisconsin was sent to Helena, Ark., and in the following spring it was sent to Kentucky, and was marched overland to Mooresville, Ala., where Mr. WITHERBEE was taken sick, and compelled to seek the hospital at Decatur, in that State. After a furlough at home he joined his regiment at Rome, Ga., in time to follow Gen. Sherman to the sea. The 25th was part of the army that marched clear through to Washington, and took part in the "Grand Review." At the close of the war Mr. WITHERBEE could say that he had served as a soldier in every Southern State except Florida and Texas, and in the greater number of the Northern States. An honorable discharge from the service was given him at Washington in June, 1865. At Helena, Ark., Mr. WITHERBEE was made quartermaster sergeant Nov. 1, 1863, and throughout the war maintained a high standing as a soldier and a clear-headed and intelligent man.

After the close of the war Mr. WITHERBEE returned home, and the same year went to Lincoln, Neb., to take up a homestead claim, securing a good farm. He was married, July 4, 1876, in Philadelphia, to Miss Mary RICHARDS, of an old and prominent family of Smelser, Grant county, and formerly from Tennessee. Mrs. WITHERBEE was born in Platteville, Wis., where she received her education in the academy and the State Normal. The house which they occupied at the beginning of their married life was situated on part of the land purchased by her father from the government, and here a fine home was erected in 1880. The greater part of Mr. WITHERBEE's business life has been devoted to mining, and he owns a large acreage of valuable mineral lands, to the development of which he is still giving much attention. To him and his wife have been born a family of three children: (1) Blanche, born in Hazel Green in 1877, acquired a good education in the village school, and was a graduate in voice culture, under Prof. CHURCHILL, of the Platteville State Normal. She is now at home, and has been one of the successful music teachers in this part of the State. (2) Exie L., born in August, 1881, is a graduate of the Hazel Green high school, and has studied at the State Normal, Platteville. She is now a grammar school teacher in Hazel Green. (3) Pearle, born in 1888, is now a student at the home school

Mr. WITHERBEE was identified with the Republican party for many years, became a Greenbacker during the administration of President Hayes, for twelve years was a Prohibitionist, and in 1896 and 1900 was a strong advocate of the election of W. J. Bryan, believing in legislation for the benefit of the masses. For twelve long years he helped to wage the war against the liquor traffic, but in 1896, becoming convinced that the mass of the American people, of whatever persuasion, want and will have their whisky, he transferred his allegiance as noted. A public-spirited and upright citizen of the town, he has been called on to fill several local offices, was a member of the school board twelve years, and town clerk two years. Mr. WITHERBEE is adjutant of W. O. Topping Post., No. 266, G.A.R., at Hazel Green. Mrs. WITHERBEE is a member of the Congregational Church, and that church has always received a liberal support from her husband.

The WWI Draft Registration Report dated September 12, 1918, shows Archie Garfield Worthing (age 37) born February 6, 1881, is a Physicist and is working for Nela Research Laboratory in East Cleveland, Cuyahoga Co., OH. He is living at 15006 Terrace Road, East Cleveland, Cuyahoga Co., OH. He is married.

The WWII Draft Registration Report dated April 27, 1942, shows Archie Garfield Worthing (age 61) born February 6, 1881, in Dodge Co., WI, is working for the University of Pittsburgh on Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., PA. He is living at 1372 N. Sheridan Avenue, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., PA. He is married.

The Sheboygan Journal, Sheboygan, WI, Friday, September 5, 1947

Irvin A. Worthing

Irvin A. Worthing, Fond du Lac county insurance and real estate dealer, died following a heart attack at 11:30 a. m. on Wednesday while visiting one of his farms near Oakfield. He was the brother of Dr. Hugh Worthing of Sheboygan. Other survivors are two daughters, Mrs. Alice Kleinert of Chicago and Mrs. Nellie Bird of Oakfield; two grandchildren; Dr. Worthing and another brother, Archie Worthing of Pittsburgh, Pa. The deceased was a member of the Oakfield Masonic lodge No. 158 for 50 years and last Tuesday the organization paid tribute to him, presenting a 50-year certificate of membership. He had been engaged in farming for several years prior to his retirement in 1911. He then moved to Oakfield and developed an insurance and real estate business. He was born September 21, 1875, in Dodge county. Funeral services will be held at 2 p. m. Friday at the residence. Burial will be made at Mount Pleasant cemetery.

Archibald Garfield "Archie" Worthing Death Certificate.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., PA , Monday, August 1, 1949

Death Notices

WORTHING - Saturday, July 30, 1949, at 11:45 p. m., following an abdominal operation, Dr. Archie Garfield Worthing, Professor of Physics at the University of Pittsburgh, husband of Exie Witherbee Worthing, father of Marion W., Helen W., and Robert W. Worthing. Friends received at H. Samsons, 537 Neville st., where services will be held Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. Instead of flowers, the family would appreciate contributation to the Worthing Memorial Fund, care of Physics Dept.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., PA , Monday, August 1, 1949

Dr. Worthing, Pitt Physicist, Dies, Aged 68

Noted Professor With School 24 Years; Wrote Textbooks

Science Leader's Rites Set

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p. m. tomorrow for Dr. Archie Garfield Worthing, 68-year-old physicist. He died unexpectedly Saturday. A professor of physics at the University of Pittsburgh since 1925, Dr. Worthing had obtained nationwide prominence for his work in high temperature measurement. He lived at 1372 North Sheridan avenue, East Liberty.

Wrote Electrical "Bible"

Dr. Worthing was co-author of "Properties of Tungsten," a bible in the electrical industry. He was a fellow in the American Physical Society; past president and member of the Optical Society of America; past president and member of American Association of Physics Teachers; member of the executive board, American Institute of Physics. A Phi Beta Kappa; Sigma Xi and Sigma Pi Sigma, he was a member of First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh. Dr. Worthing wrote two physics text-books which served as standard texts in colleges throughout the nation.

Served Many Committees

Because of his work with tungsten and temperature measurement, Dr. Worthing was invited to serve on more than a dozed advisory and research committees. He was a regular contributor to technical journals and publications. Dr. Worthing is survived by his wife, Mrs. Exie W. Worthing, two daughters, Marion W., and Helen W., and a son, Robert W. Worthing. Friends are being received at H. Samson's, 537 Neville street, where services will be held. The Worthing family has asked that flowers be omitted and the money be contributed to the Worthing Memorial Fund of the university's physics department.

The Nebraska State Journal, Lincoln, NE, August 1, 1949

PITTSBURGH. Dr. Archie Garfield Worthing, 68, nationally known physicist, died unexpectedly. A professor of physics at the University of Pittsburgh since 1925, Dr. Worthing had obtained prominence for his work in high-temperature measurement. He was co-author of "Properties in Tungsten," a book used in the electrical industry.

On July 6, 1954, Exie and her two daughters returned from Southampton, England, aboard the S. S. Queen Mary.

The Sheboygan Press, Sheboygan, WI, Monday, July 13, 1959

The Worthings Return From Trip Abroad

Thirteen countries were on the itinerary for a European trip from which Dr. and Mrs. Hugh O. Worthing, 2330 N. 6th St., have returned. During the period of approximately three months, they traveled in Italy, Austria, Switzerland, France, Monaco, Luxembourg, Western Germany, The Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Scotland and England. The first part of the trip was not pleasant - for five days winds on the Atlantic blew a 100-mile gale while they were aboard the Christopher Columbus. The ship docked at Naples, Italy. In that country, they were among the throng that viewed the remains of Pope Pius X, whose body had been brought back as promised. When the Sheboyganites reached Paris, France, they were the guests of their niece, Miss Marion Worthing of Chevy Chase, Md., who is a first secretary in the American Embassy. She has been abroad two years and has been re-appointed for two additional ones. However, she will be having a two-month leave, beginning in November, and will be coming to the United States. She also expects to be visiting the Worthings in Sheboygan. By motor Miss Worthing took her uncle and aunt to Luxembourg, Western Germany - Cologne, Bonn, Coblenz and Heidelberg. En route they spied a sign that read "Gunstbach," which Miss Worthing knew was the home of Albert Schweitzer. They stopped at his little home town, where he had rebuilt the organ and recorded much of his music.................

The Washington Star-News, Washington, DC, Thursday, July 11, 1974

WORTHING, EXIE L. On Tuesday July 9, 1974, EXIE L. WORTHING, of Chevy Chase, Md., wife of the late Archie Garfield Worthing; mother of Marion, Helen and Robert Worthing; grandmother of Mrs. Carol Boren, Mrs. Barbara Joern, Robert and Patricia Worthing; great-grandmother of Christine, Ladra, and Lannette. Friends may call at JOSEPH GAWLER'S SONS, 5130 Wisconsin ave., at Harrison st., n.w. (parking on premises), Thursday, 7 to 9 p.m. Memorial services will be held at the Cedar Lane Unitarian Church, 9601 Cedar Lane, Bethesda, Md., on Friday, July 12, at 11:00 a.m. Interment private. Contributions may be made to Cedar Lane Unitarian Church Memorial Fund of the charity of your choice .

Helen Witherbee Worthing, 1915 Chemist

WORTHING, Helen (WITHERBEE); Chevy Chase MD; Wash DC Post (DC); 2000-9-25.

Carol and Jim Boren of Corpus Christi, TX, Barbara and Dannie Lamb of OKC, Bob and Paula Worthing of Severna Park, Maryland, and Patty and John Esperance of Denver, Colorado; Barbara Joern, OKC, 1987

The Witherbee Buzz Newsletter, Fall 2006

Witherbee History, By Ed Zimmer

What�s In a Name

Erasmus Witherbee was born in Hazel Green, Wisconsin in 1843. His father was a lead miner and his grandfather was Scottish �a sea-faring man� who died in New Orleans from yellow fever. At age 19 Witherbee enlisted in the 25th Regiment of the Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry and served to the end of the Civil War, attaining the rank of quartermaster sergeant. He participated in the Vicksburg campaign and in Sherman’s March to the Sea, and by the end of the war had served in every Southern state except Texas and Florida. After the war Witherbee returned home to Wisconsin, but made a trip to Lancaster County, Nebraska to claim a veteran’s grant of a 160 acre farm. In 1872 he received the deed to the quarter section which stood between 40th and 48th Streets, O and Randolph. Wisconsin remained Witherbee’s home throughout his life. His principal business was the ownership and operation of lead mines. He married Mary Richards in 1876 and they had three daughters—Blanche, Exie, and Pearle. The older sisters both became teachers. Pearle apparently married, because it was Pearle Bates (and other heirs) who platted a portion of Erasmus’ Lincoln land as Witherbee Gardens in 1925 and put their family name on Witherbee Boulevard. Erasmus Witherbee died in 1903 and Mary Witherbee died in 1904. There is no indication that either ever resided on their property in the neighborhood that now bears their name.