Historical Information

1. How can I determine the owner of a property?
2. How can I trace ownership of my property?
3. How can I tell the age of my house?
4. What information do I need to check a deed or mortgage?
5. How do I use the index books?
6. How do I determine of relatives lived here years ago?

1. How can I determine the owner of a property?
   Our records are by name, not location or tax parcel number.  This information is found in the Assessment Office.  The Recorder's indexes list all property transactions involving a particular person's name.
   
   
2. How can I trace ownership of my property?
   Following the legal description in your deed, there is a section known as The Recital.  It usually begins with the word "Being...".  This clause states the prior owner and how they took title, i.e., deed book volume and page, date of deed and the recording date.  You simply continue to go back and find the same information on each preceding transaction involving your property, hopefully back to 1803.
   
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3. How can I tell the age of my house?
   We don't record deeds for the building - only the land.  Some deeds will mention when the structure was built and what type.  Recent recordings tend to give you less detailed information than the older deeds.  The price of the conveyance may enable you to make a determination or a good guess as to when the structure was built.
   
   
4. What information do I need to check a deed or mortgage?
   Information is indexed by the names of the Grantor (Seller) and Mortgagor (Borrower) and the Grantee (Buyer) and the Mortgagee (Lender).  These books are grouped by years.  To locate a deed or mortgage you must know the name of one of the persons involved and also the approximate year of the transaction.
   
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5. How do I use the index books?
   From 1803 to 1972, the books are indexed using the Russell Index System.  Our staff can assist you with your search within this system.  From 1973 thru May 1998, all paper indices are in alphabetical order.  Beginning June 1998 to the present, all indexing and imaging of documents are accessed by public PC's in the Recorders Office.  Please consult a staff member for assistance.  
   
   
6. How do I determine if relatives lived here years ago?
   By checking the index books to see if their name appears in either the deed or the mortgage books thru the years.
   

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