He was educated in Maryland, studied law, was admitted to the bar, and moved to Tuolumne County, California, to start a practice.

He later traveled in Central America and Mexico as part of the William Walker expedition, and upon returning to the United States he settled in San Francisco.

Worthington's vote was crucial in securing the two-thirds majority needed to pass the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery, and he also authored the bill to establish Nevada's federal courts.

His grave remained unmarked until 2000 when a Nevada newspaper editor worked with members of the state's Congressional delegation to obtain and place a headstone.

The ceremony in April, 2000 was attended by current and former members of Nevada's Congressional delegation and Uruguay's chargé d'affaires.