News Summary

URBANA — The recording of real estate documents was a practice that originated in England and traveled to the New World with the colonists. Public land registrars were appointed in colonial America to keep accurate records and 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 and a Recorder's office was established in each county.

When Ohio became a state in 1803, the state constitution did not provide for a Recorder's Office, but the first state legislature mandated that a Recorder be appointed in each county by Common Pleas Court judges. The position became an elective position in 1829.

The County Recorder is responsible for keeping and maintaining the vital records that pertain to ownership of land and all liens or encumbrances upon it. It is imperative that accurate land records are kept that are current, legible and easily accessible so that land buyers are assured of a clear title.

One of the most important duties of the recorder is to index each document so it may be readily located. Accurate indexing makes it possible for those searching land records to find the documents necessary to establish a "chain of title" or history of ownership and that any debts or encumbrances against the property are apparent. These records are used by the general public, attorneys, historians, genealogists and land title examiners.

Among the documents filed or recorded in the Recorder's Office are deeds, mortgages, certificates of transfer, affidavits, easements, leases and certificates of title to registered land.

The county Recorder also serves on the county's Record Commission and Automatic Data Processing Board.

On Wednesday, Dec. 31, Carolyn Downing will be retiring after 21 years as Champaign County Recorder. Recorder-elect Robin Edwards will assume those duties.