Worley, Willis (1818 - 1881)

HOUSE, 38th General Assembly, 1873-75; representing Giles County; Democrat. Born in Williamson County in 1818; son of Gabriel Worley; moved with parents to Giles county when quite young. Attended primary and secondary schools at Pisgah, Giles County. Married twice, date and
place of neither marriage found; first married to Lucinda Woods by whom there were seven children--R. Winfield, John, W. M., George W., Willis Pinson, Chattie, and Martha; second marriage to Margaret Hamlin; ten children by this marriage -- P. Vic, Henry Clay, Daniel A., Robert L., a son whose name is not indicated; Sallie, Fannie, Maggie, Sullie, and Tull.

"For some years after arriving at the age of maturity devoted his time to teaching school and improving his own education"; engaged in farming in Bradshaw community, Giles County, devoting much attention to improvement of livestock. One acocunt states that "he bought $10.00 worth of lottery tickets in the Kenticky Lottery Association and in 1874 he drew a prize of $50,000.00"; moved that year to Pisgah. Justice of the peace for many years, both before and after Civil War; railroad tax collector for Giles County in 1859; named a delegate to Democratic state convention, 1880. Organized and made capt. Co. F., 32nd Tenn. infantry, C.S.A., Oct. 8, 1861; made prisoner of war at surrender of Fort Donelson
Feb. 16, 1862; sent to Federal prison at Camp Chase, Ohio; transferred to Johnson's Island, Ohio, May 16, 1862; sent to Vicksburg, Miss. for exchange Sept. 1, 1862; at reorganization of regiment was discharged and paid in full; having been declared "over age" with health impaired, Sept. 19, 1862. Died at Bradshaw, 1881; buried at Pulaski, Giles County.

Sources: Nashville "Union and American", Nov. 27, 1872; Pulaski "Citizen", May 6 1880; "Giles County Record", Oct. 27, 1904; Goodspeed, "History of Giles County", 759; information supplied by granddaughter, Mrs. Donney Worley Jackson, Nashville, and by great-grandson, George W.
Boswell, University of Mississippi.

Submitted by: Jan Johnson