History

History of the Office

Recording real estate documents traces its roots to English law brought to the New World by early colonists. Registrars were appointed to maintain accurate public records, ensuring property rights and ownership claims could be properly established and protected.

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 to preserve and maintain land records. When Ohio became a state in 1803, the first General Assembly required each county to appoint a Recorder through the Court of Common Pleas. In 1829, the office became an elected position, and in 1936 the term of office was officially established at four years.

Today, the County Recorder is responsible for maintaining accurate, legible, and accessible public land records. An important part of this work is indexing documents so they may be readily located, allowing individuals to establish chains of title and identify any debts or encumbrances affecting a property.

Wood County Recorders