Like his older brother, he was a Unionist or Anti-Secessionist until the Civil War broke out, when he became loyal to the Southern cause, serving as an officer in the Confederate military reserves.

When incumbent Republican David A. Jenkins resigned before the end of his term, Governor Curtis H. Brogden named Worth to fill the post a few months early.

As Treasurer, he faced the difficult task of settling the state's debt on a fair and equitable basis to both the bond holders and the citizens.

After leaving public service, Worth became president of the Bank of Randolph and of the Southern Stock Mutual Fire Insurance Company.

His Worth Manufacturing Company operated successful cotton mills in Worthville and Central Falls in Randolph County, not far from where the North Carolina Zoological Park is located today.