1889, Edward L. Wilson, "From Sinai to Shechem," The Century Magazine, vol. 37, p. 208 (Google preview):
Many of its streets are cavern-like, for they run under the houses. . . . There is no regularity of style about them, and it is all one's life is worth to try to find the way among them without a guide and a torch.
1907, B. M. Bower, chapter 7, in The Happy Family:
"I'm going to take a much-needed nap—and it'll be all your life's worth to let me miss that train!"
"It's all one's life is worth to board one of these confounded cable-cars."
1912, Acton Davies and Charles Frederic Nirdlinger, chapter 15, in The First Lady in the Land:
"Fancy planting a capitol in this Godforsaken spot. Fairly reeks of ague and alligators and things. 'Tis all one's life's worth to put foot out of doors."
It is particularly bad out in front of the House Office Building between 5 and 7 o'clock in the evening. It is all your life is worth to get a cab then.