1. (a) Every register of deeds shall keep a general index, direct and inverted, in the office of the register of deeds. The general index, direct, shall be divided into seven columns, with heads to the respective columns as follows:

   Volume and Time Names Names Nature Page of of of of Where Description Reception. Grantors. Grantees. Instrument. Recorded. Remarks. of Tract.

   The register of deeds shall make correct entries, in such general index, of every instrument recorded, under the appropriate headings, by entering the names of the grantors in an alphabetical form.

2. (b) The general index, inverted, shall be divided into seven columns, as follows:

   Volume and Time Names Names Nature Page of of of of Where Description Reception. Grantees. Grantors. Instrument. Recorded. Remarks. of Tract.

   The register of deeds shall make, in such general index, correct entries of every instrument required by law to be entered in the general index, inverted, by entering the names of the grantees in alphabetical order.

3. (c) Whenever any mortgage, bond or other instrument has been released or discharged from record by recording a deed or release, the register of deeds shall immediately note, in both general indexes, under the column headed "Remarks," and opposite to the appropriate entry or in another manner which provides appropriate cross-referencing of such information, that such instrument has been satisfied.
4. (d) The indexes required by this statute may be kept in bound paper books or in another manner authorized by statute.

G.S. 1868, ch. 25, § 91; R.S. 1923, 19-1205; L. 1985, ch. 96, § 3; July 1.