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county clerktexas courthousedeed recordslienshistorical recordsFor the past 15+ years, TexasFile has worked with almost every county clerk office in Texas. With our extensive interactions, we have a unique appreciation for work that goes on in Texas county clerk offices.
We value our relationships with the county clerk offices and wanted to share a little of what we’ve learned about Texas county clerk offices.
So, what does a Texas County Clerk really do?
A lot.
Texas county clerks serve as clerk of the county court and the county commissioners court. They are the clerk and custodian of birth and death certificates, assumed names and livestock brands, ensuring that records are securely maintained and available for research. The clerk is responsible for conducting countywide special and general elections and handling absentee voting.
As if that wasn’t enough, the county clerk act as recorder of:
- Deeds
- Hospital liens
- Tax liens
- Mechanics liens
- Oil, gas and mineral leases
- Right of way
- And on, and on, and on…
Don’t believe us? Check out the formal county clerk job duties in this “2018 Guide to Texas Laws for County Officials" provided by the Texas Association of Counties. (see pages 86 to 97)
Any interesting historical documents filed with county clerks?
There sure are.
Check out a few of these interesting documents which we found on this Report on the Preservation of Historical Texas State Court Records.
- Henderson County Clerk has the probate records of Sam Houston.
- Harris County has separate probate books for “Alamo defenders” and “Goliad defenders”
- A grant to the James Bowie Estate is recorded in Washington County Clerk in 1838
- Several counties have records from outlaws “Bonnie and Clyde” (Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow)
- Pro tip: Try running a statewide search on TexasFile for famous Texans including:
- Ben Hogan
- Beyonce Knowles
- George W Bush
- Ross Perot
- Stephen Ray Vaughan (Stevie Ray Vaughan)
Enjoy your searching! And thanks again to Texas county clerks!