Isaac G. Whitworth, Sr.
Isaac G. Whitworth, Sr. ex-county treasurer and merchant, was born in Madison County, Ga., November 19, 1816, and is the son of Winston and Sarah (Albright) Whitworth, the former a native of North Carolina, and the latter a native of Georgia. In 1819 they immigrated to Cape Girardeau County, Mo., in wagons, and were several weeks making the trip. They located near Perry County, where they remained only a few years, being one of the early settlers of that county. In 1827 they removed to Madison County, where they purchased a farm, and there remained until Mr. Whitworth’s death, which occurred at the age of eight-three years in 1870. The mother died in 1884, aged eighty-seven years. Of their twelve children, eight grew to maturity, and six are now living: Isaac G., Elizabeth, John A., William D., Polly W. and George W. Isaac G. Whitworth remained on his father’s farm until twenty years of age. When he engaged in saddling and blacksmithing and keeping groceries at the same time, for about eight years, and then went back to the farm, where he married, and where he followed agricultural pursuits for about ten years. He also engaged in lumbering and milling. His marriage, which occurred in 1846, was to Miss Nancy B. White, a native of Madison County. To them were born nine children, six now living, John W., Mary J., James M., William H., Sarah P., (Mrs. W. R. Edgar) and Isaac G., Jr. Mr. Whitworth was in the lumber business from 1858 to 1862, exclusively running a saw mill, and employing a number of men. In 1862 he removed to Arcadia, Iron County, in order to educate his children. In 1864 he engaged in merchandising, and removed shortly afterward to Ironton, where he has since been engaged in the same business, the firm being known as Whitworth & Sons. They carry a general line of merchandise, with a good stock. Mr. Whitworth was elected county treasurer in 1878, and served for six consecutive years. He has held a number of school offices, city treasurer, city councilman and was justice of the peace for a number of years while in Madison County. Mr. and Mrs. Whitworth are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is also a member of the Masonic fraternity, of which he was treasurer for many years.