Withington, son of Joseph W. and Elizabeth (White) Withington, was born in Dorchester, Mass., August 9, 1789, and died in Newbury, Mass., April 22, 1885, in his 96th year, being the last survivor of the Yale College Class of 1814, and older than any other surviving graduate at the time of his death, as well as the oldest Congregational clergyman in the country.

After serving an apprenticeship as a printer, Withington entered Phillips Academy, Andover in 1809, graduating in 1811.

While in college he decided to enter the ministry, and accordingly upon graduation in 1814 pursued such studies with President Timothy Dwight and with his own pastor, the Rev.

After forty-two years of active service, while his powers were still in full vigor, he retired on the anniversary of his ordination, with the title of senior pastor, and his declining years were passed in calm happiness in the midst of his grateful people.

He married, January 17, 1817, Sophia, daughter of William Sherburne, Esq., of Boston, who died April 1, 1826.