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THE PRACTICE OF RECORDING real estate documents is based on law in England which traveled to the
New World with the colonists. Public land registrars
were appointed in colonial America to keep accurate
records. A system of registration was necessary to prove
the rights of persons who first made claims to property.
IN 1787 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY was
formed, encompassing all lands north and west of the
Ohio River. A Recorder's office was established in each
county. Ohio became a state in 1803 and although the
state constitution did not provide for a Recorder's office, the first state legislature mandated that a Recorder
be appointed in each county by the Judges of the Court
of Common Pleas. In 1829 the Recorder's office became an elective position and in 1936 the term was
established at four years.
TODAY THE COUNTY RECORDER KEEPS AND
MAINTAINS accurate land records that are current, legible
and easily accessible. An important aspect of the
Recorder's work is to index each document so it may be
readily located. Accurate indexing makes it possible for
persons searching land records to find the documents
necessary to establish a "chain of title" (history of ownership)
and ensures that any debts or encumbrances
against the property are evident. These invaluable
records are utilized by the general public, attorneys, historians,
genealogists and land title examiners.
In some counties certain property is registered under
the Torrens Act. This "registered land" has boundaries
certified to be correct; title is guaranteed by a state insurance
fund. Torrenized land records are the responsibility
of the County Recorder.
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