Clyde Melvin Woodworth

Feb. 28, 1888 – May 23, 1960

Clyde M. Woodworth, 72, University professor emeritus of plant genetics in the Agronomy Department of the College of Agriculture died at about 11:30 a.m. Monday in Burnham Hospital. Mr. Woodworth retired from the University faculty in Sept, 1956, after a long career in plant genetics which saw development of a new strain of broomcorn, and soybean development.

Born Feb. 28, 1888, in Illinois, was the son of M. C. and Mary (Ellis) Woodworth. He grew up on a farm seven miles from Perry, from where he rode or drove horses to attend a rural school, and graduated from Perry high in 1906. He received his bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma A & M University and his master’s of science and doctorate degrees from from the University of Wisconsin in 1914 and 1920, respectively.

During 1912 and 1913 Mr. Woodworth was an agronomy instructor at South Dakota State College. From 1913 to 1919 he as an assistant instructor in genetics at the University of Wisconsin. He also served as an assistant pathologist in genetics for the U. S. Department of Agriculture.

At the University he moved from the position of assistant professor of plant breeding to chief of plant genetics. His scientific achievements were in the development of Chief, Mini, and Viking soybean varieties. His work in soybean development is credited with making this crop a main one in Illinois.

His work has also included research with hybrid corn. For many years Mr. Woodworth was on the Illinois Crop Improvement Assn. Board. He was given an honorary life membership in the American Soybean Assn. in 1948.

Mr. Woodworth was author and co-author of a number of publications and agricultural bulletins. On the University campus he had served as president of Gamma Sigma Delta and Sigma Xi, professional societies.

On July 23, 1918, he and Anna Bill were married in Madison, Wisconsin. To this union two daughter were born, Mary Florence and Elizabeth Ann.

Preceding him in death were his parents.

Burial will be at the Woodlawn Cemetery, Urbana, Illinois.