Mo. Rev. Stat. § 490.500

In all cases where the original of any bond, contract or other instrument, for the recording of which provision has been made by law, shall appear to be lost, or not within control of the party wishing to use the same, the record thereof, or a transcript of such record, certified by the custodian thereof, under the seal of his office, may be read in evidence without further proof, in like manner and with like effect as in the case of the loss of duly recorded instruments affecting real estate.