Historical Information

THE PRACTICE OF RECORDING real estate documents is based on law in England which traveled to the New World with the colonists. Public land registers were appointed in colonial America to keep accurate records. A system of registration was necessary to prove rights to 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 title" (history of ownership) and ensures that any debt or encumbrances against the property are evident. These invaluable records are utilized by the general public, attorneys, historians, genealogists and land title examiners.

Logan County is located in west central Ohio and is named after Benjamin Logan (ca. 1742-1802) who fought Native Americans in the area.  The county was formed in 1818 with territory taken from the northern portion of Champaign County.  Hardin County was formed in 1820 with territory taken from the northern portion of Logan County.  However, Hardin County did not become administratively separate from Logan County until 1833.  Patricia Myers is the 30th person elected as Logan County Recorder.  She has served as the Recorder since January 1, 2013.