CUSTOMER SUCCESS
Preserving Brown County’s Past, One Record at a Time
“I’m focused on restoring books that are so fragile you can barely lift them off the shelf without them falling apart. Preserving those is a top priority.”
Brown County, Texas, is home to a rich historical legacy, preserved through generations in its record collections. Unfortunately, a courthouse fire in 1880 resulted in the loss of all records from 1854 to 1880, creating a significant gap in the county’s documented history.
Today, the surviving records from 1880 onward are being safeguarded and preserved under the leadership of the Honorable Sharon Ferguson, Brown County Clerk.
In March 2025, Clerk Ferguson successfully completed an ambitious preservation project, restoring and digitizing a valuable collection of historic records spanning 1880 to 1911.
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“We use the funds we’re given strictly for that purpose. You have to be a good steward of those resources—don’t let them sit there. You’ve got to spend it wisely and get those books repaired before they rot away.”
The former County Clerk had started digitizing some of the records, but as the population grew, especially with people moving in and more genealogists visiting the office, it became clear we needed to do more.
“When I became County Clerk, I had already served 22 years as Chief Deputy. I’ve now been County Clerk for 17 years—making it a total of 39 years in public service.
”The office was constantly full. That’s when I began scanning and indexing records—just a little at a time. Once we got some of those records online, I noticed fewer people coming in because they could access what they needed from home.”
Each book was thoroughly examined before preservation, with special attention given to fragile bindings and faded ink. The project not only safeguarded these records but also ensured that they are now easily accessible in digital format for future generations.
Under her guidance, a plan was implemented to restore, scan, and bind these valuable historical records in custom leather volumes designed to protect Brown County’s heritage for generations to come.
Her vision and dedication have not only ensured the safeguarding of the county’s history but also established a model for preservation that will inspire other counties for years to come.
Honorable Sharon Ferguson’s leadership serves as a powerful reminder that preserving the past is about more than just protecting documents — it is about honoring the stories and legacies of every citizen in Brown County.
“It made a huge difference. My staff could focus on other important tasks instead of just helping customers search through physical records. Many people have told me how much they appreciate having the records online—especially our appraisal district. They used to have to drive across town to the courthouse every time they needed something. Now, they can look up what they need from their desks.
“My goal before I retire is to have all the land records scanned and indexed. That’s been my mission—and I’m proud of the progress we’ve made.”
“Everyone at Revolution Data Systems is knowledgeable, respectful, and truly helpful.
“The books I had done with them are the most beautiful I’ve ever received—I have photos to prove it. They do incredible work.
“And Lizzy—she’s amazing. She’s so outgoing, knows exactly what she’s doing, and communicates every step of the process. She doesn’t leave a single detail out, and that kind of transparency is rare. She’s very special to us.”
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