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 at that time, the Ohio General Assembly mandated that a Recorder be appointed in each county by the Judges of the Courts 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.

Linda Oda is the 24th person elected as Warren County Recorder. She took office on Wednesday, January 2, 2013. The Warren County Recorders’ office was created in 1803 when Michael H. Johnson was appointed to the position by the Common Pleas Associate Judges. It became an elected position in 1829. Currently, the Recorder serves for a four-year term beginning the first Monday in January after the year of election.