The Poarch Band of Creek Indians are once again monetarily contributing to their neighbors in Escambia County. Last week PCI donated a $25,000 grant to the Escambia County Probate Office. The money will be used for the restoration of books housed in the probate vault.

Escambia County Probate Judge, Emilie Mims announced the donation Monday and said the generous gift is the result of a request made by her office to Chairman Buford Rolin and the members of the Tribal Council.

The Probate Judge is personally responsible for the housing and preservation of an enormous variety of documents that comprise the county’s entire recorded history. This includes everything from Civil War widows’ pensions to the recording of Marks and Brands.

Mortgages, deeds, marriages, liens of all descriptions, survey plats and tract books, which include federal land grants. These records date back as far as the 1860s when Escambia County was formed. They are used daily by land and mineral researchers, as well as genealogists. The importance of this collection is undeniable Mims said.

“The preservation of our county’s rich history deserves the attention and is a responsibility that I gladly accept,” Mims said. “However, funding is necessary to maintain these records, so I turned to the leadership of the Poach Creek Indians who understand the importance of preserving these historic documents. Their generosity and willingness to help is greatly appreciated. We are fortunate to have them as neighbors.”