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For the Record: 47 years of service to county residents comes to an end
NEW MADRID, Mo. — For nearly a half century, Kim Hall’s work has touched New Madrid County residents during important milestones in their lives – completing their military service, buying a home or deciding to marry. On Feb. 28, she will reach a milestone of her own as she retires as New Madrid County’s recorder of deeds.
It was a career that almost didn’t happen.
According to Hall, when she first learned of an opening in the New Madrid County Recorder’s office, she immediately put in an application. However, the job went to someone else.
Later, while still looking for work, Hall got a call from then Recorder of Deeds Robert B. Hedgepeth. He explained the job was again available and asked if she would like it. She accepted and in February 1977, Hall went to work in the Recorder’s office.
“When I came to the office, I didn’t know a paper sack from document,” Hall admitted with her ever-present smile.
There were plenty of documents to learn about.
Hall explained when someone buys a home in New Madrid County, the office records the deed. If they borrow money for that purchase, the deed of trust is recorded and when the home is paid for, they record the deed of release.
It is in the Recorder’s office where certified copies of surveys, plats and powers of attorney are recorded. Working with state and federal authorities they record tax liens filed against property and when those liens are discharged.
The office records military discharge papers and issues marriage licenses. There are also monthly reports to complete for county and state officials.
Not everything recorded is an official document.
Hall proudly displays a copy of a toast given July 4,1806, and recorded the following day celebrating the Louisiana Purchase.
She even added a prayer from a longtime resident to their books.
“I guess it was a favorite prayer that meant a lot to him and he wanted to share it, so we recorded it,” Hall recalled.
After working in the office for Hedgepeth, Hall remained when Ben Ashley was elected recorder then Ann Evans Copeland would later serve the citizens of New Madrid County in the post. In 2011, when Copeland retired, Hall ran for office.
According to Hall her favorite thing about her job is helping all who walk in her office on the first floor of the New Madrid County Courthouse. Sometimes it is an employee of an abstract office checking on property or a person searching for genealogy information.
“It is almost like we have information center on our door. We even get people looking for things we don’t have. But we are always very helpful and guide them in the right direction,” said Hall. “The important thing is helping people.”
Hall’s chief clerk Kayla Phillips said her boss often goes above and beyond when people need help. She recalled an elderly man who was trying to find a copy of his military discharge.
“It wasn’t recorded and he didn’t have anybody to help him take care of any of this.
Kim spent probably three months, getting in touch with people with the VA and different places until she finally got that man a copy of his military discharge,”said Phillips. “That is typical of Kim.”
While microfilm and computers have made searching records much easier, Hall takes pride in the large books still stored in the vault in her office. The books hold deeds dating back to 1805 and marriage records beginning in 1847.
“Somebody took really, really good care of these documents for us to have them. I’m proud they are still here,” she said.
Those books were her biggest concern when the Corps of Engineers decided to breach the Mississippi River levee to ease flooding in 2011.
“I was up on the levee every day when that water was flowing through and going back out. I thought if this levee breaks I am going to have to get those records,” Hall said. “Thank goodness the levee didn’t break but it sure swirled down there.”
With her retirement, Hall said she is looking forward to spending more time with her children, Greg Stephen Hall and Amanda Hall Aters, along with her three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Also she has purchased a cocker spaniel, whom she said will require lots of her time. There will be the opportunity for volunteer work as well.
Hall praised her co-workers in the Recorder’s office, Kayla Phillips and Cheryl Burch.
“They are wonderful,” she said. “That is why I can leave and not worry about the records because I know they are in good hands and I know they are good with customers.”
Hall admitted it will be the people she will miss, whether it is those who come into the office or those who stop her in the grocery store or at church to ask questions about her work.
“I couldn’t begin to name everyone,” she said. “I just want to thank them for their support. They will never know how much it has meant to me.”