Gus and Lyndall Wortham, at social event, ca. 1965, photographer unknown. Rice University, Wortham papers, MS 514 box 15 folder 6 item 1.

Behind the generous public actions of the Worthams, there was a very warm family life. Original letters, notes and photographs donated by the Wortham Foundation to Rice University demonstrate Gus and Lyndall Wortham's sincere delight in each other's company.

Gus Sessions Wortham, businessman and civic leader, son of John Lee and Fannie (Sessions) Wortham, was born in Mexia, Texas, February 18, 1891. He attended Tarleton State University and the University of Texas at Austin, and served in World War I as an aerial gunnery instructor and commander of the 800th Aerial Squadron of the United States army. Wortham's career in the insurance industry started in 1912, when he was hired by the Texas Fire Rating Board in Austin. In 1915 he and his father moved to Houston and cofounded an insurance agency, John L. Wortham and Son. Eleven years later, Wortham, along with Houston businessmen Jesse H. Jones, James A. Elkins, and John W. Link, organized American General Insurance Company (later American General Corporation).

Lyndall Finley, portrait as a nine year old girl

Handwritten letter from Gus S. Wortham

Lyndall Finley Wortham, portrait in wedding dress

Honeymoon memorabilia of Gus S. and Lyndall F. Wortham

Gus S. Wortham, photographed receiving a boot shine on a sidewalk

Lyndall Finley was born and raised in Sherman, Texas. After receiving a bachelor of arts degree and teaching certificate from the University of Texas in 1912, Finley taught in Galveston and New York City. In 1924 she financed in part a 4½-month cruise trip around the world by working as a hostess on the ship. Her letters to her mother, which were posted from Panama, Hawaii, Japan, China, the Philippines, India, Egypt, Greece, Palestine, and various points in Europe, were published serially in the Dallas Morning News from March 1924 to July 1925. They were published again in 1968 as a travelogue titled Around the World on a Frayed Shoestring. These letters and the book manuscripts are part of the Worthams' papers at Rice University and are available for research.

Finley lived in New York City for a short period after her trip and then returned to Texas in 1926. She married Gus S. Wortham, whom she had known during their days at the University of Texas, on October 4, 1926, about six months after he organized American General Insurance Company.

Note depicting fifth wedding anniversary gift from Gus S. Wortham

Gus S. Wortham, portrait, 1934

Poem handwritten on personal stationery by Lyndall Wortham

Wortham family portrait

Gus S. and Lyndall Wortham

The Worthams honeymooned in Hawaii, fanning Mrs. Wortham's lifelong interest in travel, then settled together in Houston.

As Gus Wortham steered the growing American General Insurance Company (later American General Corporation) to greater and greater success, and as both Mr. And Mrs. Wortham engaged in philanthropic pursuits, the couple remained very close. They exchanged thoughtful correspondences and gifts.

Lyndall Wortham wrote many poems for friends and family, and penned this affectionate "jingle' for her husband in 1943.

The Worthams enjoyed family life with their two daughters, Lyndall and Diana. The Wortham papers at Rice include letters from the daughters to their parents.

Gus Wortham passed away in 1976; Lyndall Wortham died in 1980. Both are very much missed in the Houston community.

Biographical portions excerpted from the Handbook of Texas online for Gus S.Wortham and Lyndall Finley Wortham.