Press Release from Uvalde County Clerk Donna Williams

11-11-25

UVALDE, TX — The Uvalde County Clerk’s Office, under the leadership of County Clerk Donna M. Williams, has completed a major document preservation and imaging project to protect military discharge (DD214) records, historical probate books, and other vital historical archives that tell the story of Uvalde County’s past.

This initiative reflects the Clerk’s strong commitment to honoring veterans, preserving county history, and improving access to public records. The project was completed by Kofile Technologies, a nationally recognized records preservation and management company.

“All preservation and imaging services were performed at Kofile’s corporate headquarters in Dallas, Texas,” said County Clerk Donna M. Williams. “Their expert staff handled each book and document with the highest level of care, ensuring these irreplaceable records are preserved for generations to come.”

The comprehensive project included the preservation and digitization of 39 volumes of Probate Records dating back to 1857, totaling 25,098 pages. Additionally, two volumes of Army Discharge Records and one volume of Navy Discharge Records, totaling 1,800 pages, were preserved and digitally imaged. Other historical records, including Marks and Brands and Surveyors Field Notes, were also preserved as part of this effort.

In total, 82,944 pages of historical county records were professionally processed by Kofile Technologies.

The preservation process followed strict archival standards. Each record was carefully cleaned and repaired, with torn or fragile pages mended to prevent further deterioration. Pages were treated with Bookkeeper® deacidification solution to neutralize acidity and slow the natural aging of the paper.

After stabilization, each page was encapsulated in patented Lay-Flat archival Mylar sleeves, providing full visibility while protecting against environmental damage. The encapsulated pages were then bound in Disaster-Safe Binders, a patented Kofile system designed to safeguard documents from fire, water, and other potential hazards.

Following physical preservation, the records were digitally imaged and indexed, allowing secure and efficient access without the need to handle the fragile originals.

“These records are more than paperwork—they represent the service, legacy, and history of the people of Uvalde County,” Williams said. “Through this project, we’re protecting that legacy and ensuring it remains accessible to future generations.”

The Uvalde County Clerk’s Office plans to continue expanding its preservation and imaging initiatives, ensuring that more of Uvalde County’s historical archives receive the same level of professional care and long-term protection.

For more information, contact the Uvalde County Clerk’s Office at (830) 278-6614 or visit www.uvaldecounty.gov/uvalde-county-clerk

by Michael Robinson |Uvalde Hesperian

Pictures provided by Heather Smith

Hope Smith, a 15 year old homeschool student, has taken on an ambitious project as this year’s coordinator for TX1360 – Uvalde County 4-H Council’s Wreaths Across America.

The following information is from the TX1360 – Uvalde County 4-H Council’s webpage and from Heather Smith’s mom, Heather Smith.

“On December 16, 2023 at 10:00 am (Wreath Placement Immediately Following Ceremony), TX1360 – Uvalde County 4-H Council will be helping Hillcrest Cemetery to Remember and Honor our veterans by laying Remembrance wreaths on the graves of our country’s fallen heroes.

Please help us honor and remember as many fallen heroes as possible by sponsoring remembrance wreaths, volunteering on Wreaths Day, or inviting your family and friends to attend with you.