Scioto County Recorder’s Office

06/04/2026

I want to thank the title searchers, real estate professionals, and attorneys from across the greater Scioto County area who attended our training today at the Scioto County Recorder’s Office. We appreciated the opportunity to share information about the latest updates and advancements in our digital searching systems.

Gary Jenkins
Scioto County Recorder

06/01/2026

05/24/2026

In honor of Memorial Day, the Scioto County Courthouse is illuminated in red, white, and blue. This weekend, let us remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our freedom over the past 250 years.

We wish everyone a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend from all of us at the Scioto County Recorder’s Office.

Gary Jenkins
Scioto County Recorder

05/19/2026

Scioto County Recorder Gary Jenkins is proud to announce the completion of the Veterans Grave Index Digitization Project.

The Veterans Grave Index contains records of veterans who have been interred, buried, or cremated in Scioto County. These records are provided through the Ohio Department of Vital Statistics, updated quarterly, and have historically been maintained by local Recorder’s Offices across the state.

For many years, access to these records required an in-person visit to the Scioto County Recorder’s Office, where individuals had to search through thousands of physical index cards stored in boxes. Whether researching family history or locating a deceased veteran’s information, the process could be time-consuming and cumbersome.

Today, that process has been transformed.

The entire Scioto County Veterans Grave Index is now available online and can be accessed at sciotorecorder.com/veteran-grave-index.

Recorder Jenkins emphasized that completing the project before Memorial Day carried special meaning.

“As we approach Memorial Day, we are reminded that honoring our veterans means more than ceremonies and speeches—it means preserving their stories, safeguarding their records, and ensuring future generations remember their service and sacrifice,” Jenkins said. “This project is one small way we can continue honoring the men and women who served our nation.”

Jenkins also noted that the project holds added significance as America marks its 250th year, a historic milestone that serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made throughout the nation’s history.

“As our nation celebrates 250 years of American history, it is fitting that we pause to reflect on those who defended the freedoms and ideals that have sustained our country for generations,” Jenkins said. “The strength of America has always rested on the courage and sacrifice of veterans who answered the call to serve. Preserving these records helps ensure their service is never forgotten.”

Recorder Jenkins reserved special praise for the Recorder’s Office staff, crediting their hard work, dedication, and determination for making the project possible and completing it under an ambitious timeline.

“This accomplishment belongs to the staff who worked tirelessly to make it happen,” Jenkins said. “They accepted the challenge and worked with tremendous dedication and determination to ensure this project was completed before Memorial Day. They understood the importance of this work and remained focused on meeting that deadline. I could not be more appreciative of their effort, professionalism, and commitment to serving the citizens of Scioto County.”

The digitization effort not only modernizes access to records but also preserves an important historical resource for families, researchers, genealogists, and community members for generations to come.

“This project reflects our commitment to both preserving history and improving public access,” Jenkins added. “Most importantly, it serves as another way to honor the veterans of Scioto County and recognize the legacy they have left behind.”

05/04/2026

While digitizing our Veterans Grave Cards Index, our staff discovered the Veterans Card for Major John Belli, who played a significant role in the history of Scioto County and Adams County.

John Belli was born in Liverpool, England, in 1760. He moved to Alexandria, Virginia, in 1783 with letters of recommendation from John Jay, a future Founding Father and the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. While living in Virginia, Belli became a close friend of George Washington, who later sent him a commission as Deputy Quartermaster on the staff of General “Mad” Anthony Wayne during the Northwest Indian War. Belli played a role in supplying American forces for the Battle of Fallen Timbers, which ended in a victory for the United States and soon led to the signing of the Treaty of Greenville, bringing an end to the war.

In 1795, Belli purchased land near Turkey Creek in what is now Scioto County. He moved there in 1798 and built a homestead that he named “Belvidere.” Belli is considered the first permanent settler in what is now Scioto County. In 1800, he married Cynthia Harrison, a cousin of future President William Henry Harrison.

Belli was the first Recorder for Adams County, which at that time contained what is now Scioto County. He laid out the town of Alexandria, west of modern-day Portsmouth, and later fought unsuccessfully for the town to be named the county seat for the newly formed Scioto County in 1803. Ohio Governor Edward Tiffin commissioned Belli as a Major in the Ohio Militia in 1804.

Major John Belli died in 1809 at the age of 49 and was first buried on the banks of the Ohio River near his home. His remains have since been moved twice: first, in March of 1865, to the Friendship Methodist Church cemetery; then, in 1909, they were moved to Greenlawn Cemetery in Portsmouth, Ohio, where they remain today.

Article written by: Chief Deputy Recorder, Chase Bond

04/24/2026

Today, Scioto County Recorder Gary Jenkins is in Columbus to participate in the Ohio Recorder’s Association Spring Continuing Education. Pictured below, Scioto County Recorder Gary Jenkins is on the left, and on the right is Mariah Votel, Brown County Recorder.

“Recorded Votel is currently serving as the Continuing Education Chair of the Ohio Recorder’s Association. It’s wonderful to see a fellow southern Ohioan in a leadership role within the association. I want to thank her for all her hard work in making this event educational, engaging, and meaningful!”

Gary Jenkins, Scioto County Recorder