JAMES WORTON is a native of west Tennessee and dates his birth from the tenth day of July, 1834. He is the only child of John and Lavinia (Dale) Worton, both of whom died the same year subject was born. Young James was taken by his grandmother, Mary Dale, with whom he remained until the age of fourteen years, when he started out in the world to make his own fortune. He commenced as a farm laborer, working at different places in his native State until he came to Livingston County, Ky., settling near where he now lives on a tract of land which he purchased in 1858. He early manifested an aptness for trading, a tact which he soon turned to good account by dealing in real estate, in which he has made a fine fortune. Mr. Worton is in every respect a self-made man, and one whose citizenship is a benefit to any community. He owns a beautiful tract of 347 acres, and at the present time is largely engaged in stock raising, which he makes a specialty. Mr. Worton, on the 21st of July, 1857, was united in marriage with Margaret F., daughter of Joseph Handlin, of Livingston County. Eleven children are the fruits of this union, six of whom are living, namely: James M., Lacy T., Divonos, Henry, Sydney and Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Worton are active members of the Missionary Baptist Church, belonging to Good Hope congregation.
Source: J. H. Battle, W. H. Perrin, & G. C. Kniffin. Kentucky. A History of the State. Louisville, KY, Chicago, IL: Battey, 1885. Page 838.