Women's History: Carroll County Register of Deeds

HUNTINGDON — The Carroll County Register of Deeds Office has served as the official keeper of property records, legal documents, and historical archives for generations. Now, it also holds the distinction of being the county’s first all-female department, marking a significant milestone in local government.

The office is led by Register of Deeds Natalie Porter, alongside 1st Deputy Denalda Hawks of Huntingdon and 2nd Deputy Natasha Cawthon of Clarksburg. Together, they are responsible for maintaining records that date back to 1822, ensuring the accuracy, accessibility, and preservation of property transfers, mortgages, powers of attorney, and legal filings that form the backbone of real estate transactions and historical records in Carroll County.

“We are the custodians of legal documents that pertain to real estate,” Porter said. “That includes deeds, mortgages, powers of attorney, and property transfers. Our role is to ensure these records are accurate, accessible, and well-preserved for future generations.”

For much of its history, the Register of Deeds Office was led by men, including W.A. Barber and Joe Gately in the 1950s. In 1964, Gloria Giles was elected as the first woman to hold the position, marking a shift toward female leadership in the office.

Giles remained in office until she became ill, at which point Judy Baker, who had been working in the office, was appointed by the Carroll County Commission. Baker later ran for election and won, serving until her retirement in 2006.

Porter, who worked under Baker, credits her with shaping the office and mentoring her during her early years in the department.

“She encouraged me to run for the position when she was getting ready to retire,” Porter said. “She was a blessing and taught me the importance of accuracy, service, and maintaining the integrity of public records.”

The Register of Deeds Office houses centuries of legal and historical records, including military land grants, property transfers, and bills of sale dating back to the early 1800s. These records provide valuable resources for residents researching family history and tracing property ownership through generations.

“People come in all the time researching their family history,” Porter said. “We can trace land ownership back generations. It’s incredible to see how land has changed hands over time and to help people connect with their past.”

While handwritten records and bound books were once the primary method of documentation, the office has gradually transitioned to digital record-keeping. Records from 1957 forward have been digitized, with ongoing efforts to scan older documents.

“Many of these books are fragile, so we handle them carefully,” Porter said. “We try to balance preservation with accessibility. Our goal is to ensure that even the oldest records remain available to the public without risking damage to the originals.”

Beyond maintaining records, the Register of Deeds Office serves as a critical resource for the community. The team assists residents with understanding property records, accessing legal documents, and ensuring public records remain organized and accurate.

“Our mission is to provide accurate recording of public records for all who use the office,” she said. “It is our goal to provide first-rate customer service and convenient access to the records utilizing the latest technology in an effective, cost-efficient, and customer-friendly manner.”

As part of its mission to safeguard public records, the Register of Deeds Office has implemented My Land Alert, a service that notifies residents when a document is recorded in their name.

“It won’t stop a document from being filed, but it will alert you,” Porter said. “That way, if something is recorded fraudulently, you can address it quickly.”

Although fraudulent filings are rare in Carroll County, similar cases have been reported in other parts of Tennessee, making early detection crucial.

“There have been cases where people have had their property falsely transferred or liens placed against them without their knowledge,” Porter said. “This service gives people an early warning so they can take legal action if necessary.”

Despite the challenges that come with the job, Porter and her team remain dedicated to their work, seeing it as both a responsibility and a privilege to serve the residents of Carroll County.

“I truly enjoy coming to work each day,” Porter said. “This office isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about protecting records, helping people, and preserving the history of Carroll County.”

The Register of Deeds Office also plays a key role in responding to legal and real estate disputes, often assisting residents facing complex situations. Porter recalled one instance in which a woman, overwhelmed by a family estate dispute, came in deeply distressed.

“She was really upset,” Porter said. “She came back the next day and apologized. Sometimes, people just need someone to listen. We try to provide the guidance and resources they need to understand their options.”

Porter also reflects on the values that guide her leadership and approach to public service, drawing inspiration from her parents.

“They always said, ‘God first, family second, community third,’” she said. “They taught us that the life you lead may be the only Bible someone reads, so your actions should match your words.”

Porter and her team continue their mission to uphold the integrity of Carroll County’s records, ensuring history remains preserved and accessible for generations to come. Whether through digitization efforts, fraud prevention initiatives, or daily interactions with the public, the Register of Deeds Office remains a cornerstone of the county’s legal and historical foundation.

“It is great to serve in this role,” Porter said. “I appreciate the ability to do so, and I am grateful for the trust the people of Carroll County have placed in us.”