My name is Bob Jenkins and I am the Worth County Coordinator.
We
have many genealogical resources available here.
We would be appreciative of any
contributions you would like to make to this
site
Worth County, Missouri
Worth County, the smallest county by area in Missouri, was officially organized on February 8, 1861, just weeks before the outbreak of the Civil War. Named in honor of General William J. Worth, a hero of the Mexican-American War, the county emerged from the northern portion of Gentry County to better serve the growing population in the region.
The county seat, Grant City, was established in 1864 and named for Ulysses S. Grant, reflecting the county’s strong Union allegiance during the war. Early settlers were primarily farmers and tradespeople drawn to the fertile glacial prairie, and the arrival of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad in 1880 helped connect Worth County to broader markets and migration routes.
Throughout its history, Worth County has remained deeply rooted in agriculture, community, and tradition. Its cemeteries, churches, and schools reflect generations of families who shaped the county’s identity.
