Joseph McWhorton

Joseph McWhorton, one of the largest farmers of Oglethorpe County, was born in this county in 1832 and is the son of James H. and Eliza (Penn) McWhorton. The father was born in the same county in 1816 and was one of the most eminent men of the county in his day. He was justice of the peace for many years, served as a judge of the inferior court, and was then elected to represent the county in the legislature, serving about fifteen years in that capacity.

He was an extensive farmer and a prominent Mason, and a member of the Baptist Church. He was a son of Hugh and Helen (Ligeon) McWhorton. Hugh McWhorton was a native of Ireland, and he came to America, settling in Virginia. In 1796 he moved to Georgia, dying shortly after his arrival. The mother of Joseph McWhorton was the daughter of John Penn. Joseph McWhorton had few chances for obtaining an education in his boyhood days, but he was an untiring reader and by the time he had reached manhood his mind was stored with useful information, which helped him in the successful life that followed.

In 1854 he married Emily Key, daughter of an old planter of the county. By this union six children were born, five of whom are living: Lauren, Hamilton, Dr. Thomas, Mary E. and Joseph. Mrs. McWhorton, an excellent Christian woman, died in 1887, and in 1890 Mr. McWhorton married Mary Young, daughter of M. H. Young. She is an active member of the M. E. Church.

In 1863 Mr. McWhorton raised a company and went out into the Confederate service as its captain. He started first in the cavalry under Gen. Toombs and after one year the company was reorganized into an infantry company. Then Mr. McWhorton was promoted to lieutenant-colonel, previously serving as major, and was in front of Sherman on his march to the sea.

After the war he returned to Georgia and began farming and merchandising. He has served for twelve years on the board of the county commissioners, and was president of the board much of that time. He has several times represented the county in the legislature, and is one of its leading citizens. Mr. McWhorton lives on a fine estate near Stephens.

Containing Historical Accounts of the State's Civil, Military,
Industrial and Professional Interests,
and Personal Sketches of Many of its People
Vol. II
Atlanta, GA.
The Southern Historical Association
1895
Oglethorpe County Sketches
Page 657

Contributed by Jeanne Arguelles