THOMAS WORTHINGTON, JR. (1807-1884)

"Full of notions and never weary of arguments."

Although Thomas Worthington, Jr. showed promise as a cadet at West Point, his adult life was filled with failure. Business and agricultural pursuits were unsuccessful but his military career brought about the greatest disappointment. At the start of the Civil War, Worthington raised a regiment and received the rank of Colonel of the 46th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Soon, he showed an unfortunate habit of criticizing his superiors.

The situation escalated after the Battle of Shiloh in April 1862. Worthington charged that General William T. Sherman had ignored the certainty of Confederate attack and left the Union army open to certain defeat. Many criticized the Union leaders at Shiloh, but Worthington vigorously pursued his charges outside of proper military channels. Worthington also accused Ulysses S. Grant of incompetent leadership. In July 1862, Sherman ordered Worthington arrested. In August, a court-martial tried Worthington on charges of conduct unbecoming an officer and several counts of drunkenness on duty. The military court found Worthington guilty of some counts and relieved him of command. Thomas Worthington, Jr. spent the rest of his life attempting to tell the "true history" of Shiloh.

THOMAS WORTHINGTON, JR.:
18 March, 1807:	Thomas Worthington Jr. born.
1823:	Tom entered West Point, he graduated in 1827.
1834:	Tom moved to Logan, Ohio to manage the flour mill that he had inherited from his father.
1846:	Served briefly in the Mexican War, but was forced to resign due to poor health.
1861:	Volunteered for service in the Civil War.
1862 6-7 April:	Battle of Shiloh, April-July: Worthington publicly accused his commanding officers of incompetence, 12-25 August: Worthington tried and convicted by a court-martial in Memphis - dismissed from the army.
1869:	Worthington published Blunders of the Rebellion, the first of a series of books and pamphlets criticizing the union command and justifying his actions.
1884 23 February:	Worthington died in Washington, D.C..