County clerk reads Declaration of Independence at Illinois Fourth of July observance

A county clerk in Illinois read the Declaration of Independence during a Fourth of July observance, saying county clerks and recorders of deeds have a long-standing duty to preserve public records and make government actions accessible to citizens.

The clerk opened by noting that "in Illinois today, it is the responsibility of independently elected local county clerks and recorder of deeds to provide the public access to the vital records and documents of the actions of local county governments," and traced that responsibility to the Continental Congress. The speaker cited Timothy Matlick of Philadelphia as the early clerk who recorded congressional actions and helped distribute the Declaration of Independence.

"We county clerks and recorder of deeds throughout Illinois are proud to continue the vital public service established by Timothy Matlick," the speaker said, marking what the speaker described as the nation's 250th anniversary. The clerk said the reading was part of an "America 250" celebration intended to share the founding document "once more with you, the public we proudly serve."

The clerk then read substantial portions of the Declaration, including its preamble: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal..." and later passages listing grievances against King George III that the Continental Congress used to justify independence. The reading concluded with the Declaration's closing pledge of mutual support.

The event was ceremonial; there were no votes or formal board actions recorded. The clerk framed the reading as both a commemoration of July 4 and a reminder of the clerks' role in maintaining and providing access to government records for Illinois residents.