What's New!
Many thanks to Russell Smith and Coleah who have given us permission to use their cemetery and tombstone photographs! Thanks for the help!
Mae Bruce has submitted additional information for Smithton Cemetery. Sections 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13 and 14 have been uploaded, and Section 11 has been updated. Thanks, Mae! The sections transcribed by George C. Willick are currently on a separate page.
I've uploaded a spreadsheet that you can use to submit cemetery transcriptions if you would like to use it.
Justin Watkins sent in updated information Bethel Union Church Cemetery.
Nancy McIntyre submitted additional information and photos for the Bethel Union Church Cemetery.
Vick Piper has sent in a photograph of the Estes boys. She would like to pass the photo along to their direct descendants.
Welcome to Pettis County, Missouri
Organized January 26, 1833, from Cooper and Saline Counties, and named for Spencer Pettis, a Missouri congressman. Sedalia is the county seat and also home of the annual Missouri State Fair. Pettis is a strong rural county, but Sedalia was closely tied to the railroad lines passing through it. Those times are almost forgotten, except for the annual Ragtime Festival held to commemorate the partnership in Sedalia of music publisher John Stark and ragtime composer Scott Joplin.
Pettis County Courts first met at St. Helena (Pin Hook), circa 1833-37, at the home of James Ramey, and then moved to Georgetown in 1837. A small courthouse was built there and served until the county seat moved to Sedalia in 1865. (The Georgetown courthouse structure was destroyed by fire June 22, 1920.) Temporary structures were used in Sedalia until 1884 when a contract was allowed for bid. The winning dimensions were 100 by 145 feet, with a 22-foot tower. Carthage stone was used for the base; the upper portion had stone veneering. Crossing halls and public offices were tiled; two courtrooms occupied the second floor. Walls of the courtrooms were frescoed, and the ceilings were painted with allegorical scenes by Italian artists. The oak furniture was hand carved. The courthouse was heavily damaged by fire on June 16, 1920. Restoration and renovation took 4 years and were completed in 1925. But all of the above indicates an obvious records chase in Pettis County for researchers.
Dedication
Dedicated to Mrs. Genevieve L. Carter and Mr. Mark Austin McGruder [1] [2] with thanks and appreciaton.
Please Remember . . .
While I maintain the Pettis County web site, and have ancestors who lived there, I do not, personally, live in Pettis County. I'm sorry, but I cannot do research for you.
This site contains information that has been submitted by other researchers -- like you! If you are looking for something, and can't find it here, please remember that no one else will be able to find it easily, either, if you don't share it.