Some of Saline County’s earliest records were digitally preserved last week, ensuring that future generations would have access to the first chapters of the county’s history.

The father-and-son team of Kelly and Kade Bowen, who work for Sutterfield Technologies of Oklahoma, spent two days in the Saline County Courthouse last week, scanning ten of the county’s oldest deed transaction books page-by-page. KMMO News visited with Kade as he and his father began scanning the first book, and he told us what he enjoys the most about the process.

The Bowens have also processed records in Texas, Oklahoma, and New Jersey, and during their recent trip through Missouri also digitized items for Randolph County. Kade says that their project for Saline County not only includes making digital copies of the books, but also preserving the physical originals, some of which predate Missouri’s statehood.

Saline County Recorder of Deeds Jessica Baker observed the Bowens’ work as the duo began. She told us that the project will help make it easier for families to trace their roots through the county.

Photos from the project to scan ten of Saline County’s deed books: