He grew up on his father's farm and received his early education from a rural school taught by novelist James Lane Allen.

In September 1889, he settled in Middlesboro, Kentucky, where, for about ten years, he maintained a successful law practice.

He served as director of the Yellow Creek Coal Company, which operated in Bell County, Kentucky.

[1] Bosworth's political career started in 1890 when he was elected to serve on the Middlesboro city council for two years.

[1][2] In 1905, Bosworth was elected Kentucky state representative for the 93rd district, which comprised Bell, Harlan, Leslie, and Perry counties.

In 1907, was elected state senator for the 17th district, which comprised Bell, Jackson, Knox, Laurel, Pulaski, and Rockcastle counties.

The reforms permitted the state to loan its funds and credit to supplement the undertaking of road districts and the building of highways.

[1][2][5] Other bills pioneered by Bosworth include the Kentucky Pure Food and Drug Law, which required corporations to properly label food, drug, and liquor products,[8][9] and the appropriation law, which completed the current Kentucky State Capitol Building.