Proof by others.

Where the grantors and witnesses of any instrument which may be recorded are dead, or cannot be had, the judge of the circuit court, or the county court judge for the county wherein the real property is situated, may take the examination of any competent witness or witnesses, on oath, to prove the handwriting of the witness or witnesses, or where such proof cannot be had, then to prove the handwriting of the grantor or grantors, which shall be certified by the judge, and the instrument being thus proved may be recorded.