Finding aid of the Clerk-Recorder Records
Trista Raezer and Michael Griffith
Santa Clara County Archives
1875 Senter Road
San Jose, CA 95112-2527
Phone: (408) 755-7895
Fax: (408) 792-1809
URL: http://archives.sccgov.org
Email: trista.raezer@rec.sccgov.org
© 2009
Santa Clara County. All rights reserved.
Finding aid of the Clerk-Recorder Records
Collection number:
Santa Clara County Archives
San Jose, California
- Processed by:
- Trista Raezer and Michael Griffith
- Date Completed:
- 2009
- Encoded by:
- Trista Raezer
© 2009 Santa Clara County. All rights reserved.
Descriptive Summary
Title: Clerk-Recorder records
Dates: 1840-1982
Collection number: 2009-009 through 2009-164
Creator:
Santa Clara County Clerk-Recorder
Collection Size:
6735 bound volumes
168 archival boxes
Repository:
Santa Clara County Archives.
Abstract: This collection consists of groups of officially recorded documents maintained by the County Clerk and the County Recorder.
These include real property records, licenses, certifications, registrations, notary public records, business records, court
records, maps, bonds, cemetery records, wills, articles of incorporation, fictitious business names, assessments, military
records, and other miscellaneous records.
Physical location: For current information on the location of these materials, please consult Archives staff.
Languages:
Languages represented in the collection:
English
Spanish
Access
Collection is open for research.
Publication Rights
The Archives can claim physical ownership only for some collections. Users are responsible for securing permission of the
copyright holder for publication or quotation.
Preferred Citation
Clerk-Recorder records, Santa Clara County Archives.
Acquisition Information
These records were placed in the County Archives by the County Clerk-Recorder from 2006 to 2009.
Processing Information
This collection was processed by Michael Griffith and Trista Raezer working under NHPRC grant RA-10047-07, the Santa Clara
County Archives Project. A fuller account of the grant project is available at the Archives website.
Administrative History
The office of County Recorder and County Clerk were established in 1850. The County Recorder maintained records relating to
ownership of real property, vital statistics, and other matters. From 1850 until 1893, the recorder also served as county
auditor. The recorder was elected until 1951 when the new county charter made the position appointive.
The County Clerk created or maintained diverse and important records. The clerk's duties has changed over time. In Santa Clara
County, the clerk acted as clerk of the board of supervisors from 1852 until 1951, when the county charter created a separate
clerk of the board. In addition, the clerk acted as clerk of county courts until 1999. Records for which the clerk is responsible
have included court records, files of the board of supervisors, marriage certificates, registers of licensed professionals,
and business records.
The Recorder's office and Clerk's office merged in 1973 as the office of County Clerk-Recorder.
Scope and Content of Collection
For the scope and content of this collection, see the entries for the major subdivisions.
Arrangement
For the arrangement of this collection, see the entries for the major subdivisions.
Indexing Terms
The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in
the library's online public access catalog.
Architects
Articles of incorporation
Bonds
Business names
Chattel mortgages
Chiropractors
Deeds
Deeds of trust--California
Dentists
Fictitious names
Maps
Midwives
Mortgages
Notaries public
Oak Hill Cemetery (San Jose, Calif.)
Optometrists
Pharmacies
Physicians
Santa Clara County (Calif.) Genealogy
Santa Clara County (Calif.) Recorder
Santa Clara County (Calif.) Maps
Land titles
Surveyors
Undertakers
Wills
Series: I
Property Records
1842-1967
Physical Description: 6,424 bound volumes
Series Scope and Content
This series records various property records for the county of Santa Clara, such as deeds, mortgages, etc.
Note
The Archives cannot provide official copies of recorded documents, which must be obtained through the County Clerk-Recorder's
Office.
Sub-series: 1
Abstract of Title
1864-1911
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
This volume is an abstract of title to parcels of land in Santa Clara County deed from James Richardson et ux to Daniel Hatler,
on March 13, 1878. The abstract starts with the deed from the City of San Jose to L.F. Chipman in 1864.
Sub-series: 2
Assignment of Leases
1875-1922
Physical Description: 2 bound volumes.
Sub-series Scope and Content
These volumes describe assignment of land leases. The income of these leases was assigned to another party. Each entry includes
the date, assignor and assignee, and a description of the land leased.
Sub-series: 3
Assignment of Mortgages
1872-1898
Physical Description: 8 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
These volumes record assignment of mortgages to third parties. Entries include name of person assigning, person to whom assigning,
and identity of mortgages being assigned.
Sub-series: 4
Index to Assignments of Leases and Mortgages
1874-1922
Physical Description: 5 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
Each entry includes assignee, assignor, instrument assigned (e.g., mortgage, lease, trust deed), date of assignment, and when
and where recorded.
Arrangement is alphabetical then chronological with separate alphabetical listings by assignee and by assignor.
Volumes A and B cover 1874-1894; volume D, 1903-1910; Volume E, 1908-1919; and volume F, 1919-1922.
Sub-series: 5
Attachments
1874-1922
Physical Description: 11 volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
Each entry includes name of plaintiff and defendant, name of court, judgment, and property being attached to satisfy judgment.
Sub-series: 6
Index to Attachments
1875-1922
Physical Description: 3 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
Volume entries include parties against whom attachments issued, parties issuing attachments, when recorded, and where recorded.
Entries are alphabetical, then chronological, by name of parties against whom attachments issued.
Sub-series: 7
Book of Solares and Register of Lands
1870 copy of 1842-1850 records
Physical Description: 3 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
These volumes record lands registered to owners by the Alcalde. An Alcalde was an official who acted as both a mayor and judge.
Alcaldes were present in the Santa Clara county region when California belonged to Mexico, and while California transitioned
to an American style of governance. Each entry includes name of the property owner, a description of the land, and any conditions
to ownership, such as the requirement to build a house or a fence on the property. Some entries are in Spanish. The last half
of volume 1 contains the cattle brand records.
Sub-series: 8
Certificate of Sale of Real Estate in the City of San Jose for Street Assessment.
1892-1916
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
This volume records property sold due to delinquency in payment of street assessment. Each entry includes the name of the
street, description of the property assessed for "laying out, opening, extending, widening, straightening or, closing up"
a street, who purchased the property, the amount the property was purchased for, and if the property was redeemed.
Sub-series: 9
Certificate of Sale of Real Estate
1873-1911
Physical Description: 18 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
These volumes record Certificates of Sale of Real Estate in various towns in Santa Clara County. The real estate was sold
by the tax collector due to delinquency in payment of state and/or county taxes.
Sub-series: 10
Certificates of Sale
1866-1911
Physical Description: 5 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
This sub-series consists of Certificates of Sales. These sales were ordered by the Superior and District Courts to satisfy
judgments.
Sub-series: 11
Conveyance of Real Estate Tax Deeds
1903-1911
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
This sub-series records property sold to the State of California due to the owners' delinquency in paying property taxes.
Sub-series: 12
Crop and Chattel Mortgages
1865-1922
Physical Description: 53 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
This sub-series consists of crop and chattel mortgages recorded in the county from 1878 to 1922. Crop and chattel mortgages
were used when personal assets, such as crops, farm animals and other personal property were used as security for loans. This
is now known as a security agreement.
Sub-series: 13
Deeds
1846-1922
Physical Description: 602 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
This sub-series contains all deeds recorded with the County through 1922, after which deeds were maintained as part of the
Official Records sub-series. This sub-series contains some deeds written prior to the County's creation in 1850 but recorded
with the County after that date. The sub-series does not include trust deeds, which secure a debt through real property and
which are maintained as a separate sub-series. The deeds are arranged chronologically by the date recorded, and the volumes
of deeds are in two sub-series, the earlier labeled "A" through "Z" and the later numbered.
Sub-series: 14
Index to Deeds
1846-1922
Physical Description: 70 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
Each entry includes year, month, day, grantee, grantor, book and page. Each index volume covers a year or a sub-series of
years. Within each volume, last names are arranged alphabetically, but under each letter, the entries are listed chronologically.
Sub-series: 15
Deeds to the State of California
1880-1897
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
This volume contains Deeds to the State of California. It contains records of land deeded to the state due to the owner's
failure to pay property taxes.
Sub-series: 16
Executions
1875-1915
Physical Description: 2 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
These volumes record executions of judgments. Each entry lists the plaintiff and defendant, the amount of money owed to the
winning party, and a description of the real property awarded to the winner of the case in lieu of money.
Sub-series: 17
Index to Executions
1874-1922
Physical Description: 2 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
Each entry lists the date of execution, defendant, plaintiff, and volume and page of the book it is recorded in. The entries
are arranged alphabetically by defendant.
Sub-series: 18
General Index
1897-1960
Physical Description: 400 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
This sub-series consists of the general and grantor/grantee indices. These volumes index all property records prior to 1923.
Therefore these volumes index the following sub-series: Deeds, Trust Deeds, Mortgages, Homesteads, Assignments, Attachments,
Conveyances, Crop and Chattel Mortgages, etc. Volumes after 1922 are divided into volumes that index grantors and grantees.
Sub-series: 19
Homesteads
1860-1955
Physical Description: 14 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
This sub-series consists of homestead claims. These records document the claimant, date of claim and description of the property.
These homesteads were declared under the "Act to exempt the homestead and other property from forced sale in certain cases,"
of 1851. This means that if the head of household obtains debt after the claiming of the homestead, creditors could not force
the sale of the homestead to settle the debt.
Sub-series: 20
Index to Homesteads
1860-1955
Physical Description: 4 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
Each entry includes the claimant, date of claim, volume and page number.
Sub-series: 21
Abandonment of Homesteads
1898-1922
Physical Description: 2 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
These volumes record people who have abandoned their homestead claims. Each entry lists the owners, a description of the property
they are abandoning, and the date. These claims were most likely abandoned due to moving to a new home. A homestead claim
could only be declared on one home.
Sub-series: 22
Index to Abandonment of Homesteads
Undated
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
Each entry includes name, book and page.
Sub-series: 23
Index to Abstracts of Judgments
1875-1963
Physical Description: 7 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
Each entry lists debtor, creditor, amount of judgment, where recovered (Superior Court, Municipal Court, Small Claims, etc.),
when recovered, when transcript was filed and volume and page of where filed.
Sub-series: 24
Index to Attachments, Certificate of Sale, Lis Pendens
1850-1876
Physical Description: 2 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
These volumes index attachments, certificates of sale, Lis Pendens, judgments, and executions. Each entry includes when filed,
defendant, plaintiff, instrument, book and page.
Sub-series: 25
Index to Certificates of Tax Sales
1872-1952
Physical Description: 8 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
This sub-series consists of entries that include tax year, to whom assessed, to whom sold, and where recorded. When a property
owner was delinquent on their taxes, the property was sold through a tax sale.
Sub-series: 26
Index to Decree of Distribution
1873-1922
Physical Description: 5 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
These volumes index estates being distributed by court order. Each entry includes name of deceased, administrator, distributees,
date of decree, court issuing decree, and where decree recorded. These decrees are found in the deed books.
Sub-series: 27
Index to Federal Tax Liens
1939-1967
Physical Description: 6 volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
These volumes provide an index to federal tax liens by property owner name. Each entry includes Recorder's number, name of
property owner, address, collector's number, date and time of filing, amounts of tax and penalty, date of discharge, and Recorder's
number of discharge.
Sub-series: 28
Index to Mining Locations
1898-1922
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
Volume provides index to holder of mining locations. Each entry includes name of person, date of location, date location recorded,
description of location, and book and page where recorded.
Sub-series: 29
Index to Preemption Claims
1850-1876
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
Each entry records the claimant, and when and where recorded.
Sub-series: 30
Index to Personal Property Mortgages
1875-1955
Physical Description: 24 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
Each entry includes name of mortgagee, mortgagor, date of mortgage, where recorded, and when discharged.
Sub-series: 31
Index to Property Records
1847-1868
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
This volume appears to be similar to the General Index, but it is not a part of that sub-series. Each entry includes the date,
mortgagee, mortgagor, book and page. This volume indexes deeds, mortgages, releases, chattel mortgages, etc.
Sub-series: 32
Index to Reconveyance
1951-1963
Physical Description: 15 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
This sub-series consists of Reconveyance records, which document the reconveyance of property titles from trustees to trustors.
Sub-series: 33
Leases
1852-1922
Physical Description: 17 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
These volumes record leased property. Each entry names the lessee and lessor, a description of the property, the length of
the lease, the amount of rent to be paid, and any obligations of the renter to the property.
Sub-series: 34
Index to Leases
1867-1922
Physical Description: 6 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
Each entry includes lessee, lessor, date of leases, and when and where recorded.
Sub-series: 35
Lis Pendens
1866-1922
Physical Description: 11 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
Each volume contains listings of lawsuits affecting title to real property. Each entry includes names of parties, court in
which action was heard, nature of the lawsuit, and property affected. Arrangement is chronological by date Lis Pendens notice
was recorded. Note that early entries provide means of partially reconstructing docket of District Court.
Sub-series: 36
Mechanics Liens
1874-1922
Physical Description: 14 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
This sub-series consists of Mechanics Liens. These liens were placed against property when property owners failed to pay their
contractors. Entries include name of claimant, against whom, and a description of the claim.
Sub-series: 37
Mortgages
1850-1922
Physical Description: 262 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
This sub-series consists of mortgages recorded in the County from 1850 to 1922. The mortgages are arranged chronologically
by the date recorded, and the volumes of mortgages are in two sub-series, the earlier labeled "A" through "Z" and the later
numbered.
Sub-series: 38
Index to Mortgages
1847-1922
Physical Description: 37 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
Each entry lists the date, mortgagee, mortgagor, book and page.
Sub-series: 39
Notice of Actions
1898-1907
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
Volume contains alphabetical index to lawsuits involving title to property. Each entry includes name of plaintiff, name of
defendant, when notice was recorded, and volume and page. Volume and page references are to Lis Pendens volumes.
Sub-series: 40
Index to Notices of Action
1852-1922
Physical Description: 6 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
Volume entries include name of plaintiff, name of defendant, when notice was recorded, and where recorded.
Sub-series: 41
Official Records
1923-1960
Physical Description: 4500 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
This sub-series contains Recorder Official Records, all documents recorded with the County affecting title to real property,
from 1923 to 1960. Documents include deeds of trust, deeds of reconveyance, liens, and agreements to reimburse, among other
types. The documents are arranged chronologically by the date recorded.
Sub-series: 42
Official Records Misc. and Miscellaneous Records
1855-1922
Physical Description: 92 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
This sub-series consists mostly of miscellaneous property records. Examples include: options to purchase, mining claims, release
of heirs, final destruction of estate, etc. Along with the records are other official records such as: honorable discharge
records, various military records for men who entered the military during World War I, and labor laws for women and children
who worked in fruit processing factories.
Sub-series: 43
Miscellaneous Index
1842-1910
Physical Description: 9 volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
Each entry includes date, grantor, grantee, instrument (e.g., lease, power of attorney), and book and page where recorded.
Sub-series: 44
Index to Officials Miscellaneous Volume C
Undated
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
This volume indexes Official Records Miscellaneous Volume C. Each entry includes two names under a "to" column (indexing by
grantor), and two names under the "from" column (indexing grantee). After each column is a page number.
Sub-series: 45
Patents
1857-1922
Physical Description: 13 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
This sub-series consists of patents that record transfer of public lands from either the United States or the State of California
to private parties. Volumes A and B include patents for many ranchos and include colorful and intricate maps. Each entry includes
the name of the property owner, what act of congress was used to claim the land, a description of the land, the name of the
president or governor who approved the transfer of land, and where the patent was recorded.
Sub-series: 46
Index to Patents
1845-1922
Physical Description: 3 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
Each entry includes the date, grantee, grantor, lot, block, base line, book and page.
Sub-series: 47
Redemptions
1912
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
This volume records the estimated amount of money needed to redeem land sold to the state due to delinquent taxes.
Sub-series: 48
Release of Mortgages
1854-1922
Physical Description: 34 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
Volumes contain statements of release of mortgages due to payment. Entries include name of party releasing, name of party
being released, date of mortgage and where recorded.
Sub-series: 49
Index to Release of Mortgage
1867-1922
Physical Description: 15 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
These volumes index releases of mortgage. Each entry includes name of the party releasing, name of party being released, date
of mortgage and where recorded.
Sub-series: 50
San Jose & Mountain View Conveyance Tax
1927-1982
Physical Description: 2 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
Each entry includes the date, the conveyance tax for San Jose, and the conveyance tax for Mountain View. More San Jose and
Mountain View Conveyance Tax records can be found in the back of the first volume of Cash Register Totals. These records range
from 1976 to 1982.
Sub-series: 51
Separate Property of Married Women
1875-1910
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
Volume contains statements of separate property (not community property) held by married women. Each statement includes name
of married woman and description of property.
Sub-series: 52
Index of Separate Property of Married Women
1875-1896
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
Each entry includes name of married women, names of their husbands, nature of instruments recorded, when recorded, and where
recorded.
Sub-series: 53
Tax Deeds
1901-1905
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
This volume records property that was sold to the State due to delinquent taxes, then later auctioned to the general public.
Each entry records the value of the property, the amount of taxes that were due, the fact that the property was not redeemed
within the five year limit that the property was sold to the state, and the name of the person who bought the property at
auction.
Sub-series: 54
Tax Sales
1894-1929
Physical Description: 26 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
These volumes record Certificates of Sale of Real Estate in Palo Alto, Los Gatos, Mountain View, and Morgan Hill. The real
estate was sold by the tax collector due to delinquency in payment of taxes.
Sub-series: 55
Trust Deeds
1872-1922
Physical Description: 95 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
This sub-series consists of trust deeds recorded in the County from 1872 to 1922. Trust deeds differ from mortgages. In a
trust deed the trustee holds the title to the property for trustor until the loan is paid to the beneficiary (the lender).
The deeds are arranged chronologically by the date recorded, and the volumes of deeds are in two sub-series, the earlier labeled
"A" through "Z" and the later numbered.
Sub-series: 56
Trust Deeds Index
1891-1922
Physical Description: 18 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
Each entry includes the date, grantee, grantor, book and page.
Sub-series: 57
Unsatisfied Mortgages
1871-1887
Physical Description: 3 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
These volumes records mortgages that have not yet been paid off. Volume 1 lists the mortgagee, mortgagor, amount, when due,
residence of mortgagee, where recorded and remarks. Often the remarks notes if the mortgage has been satisfied. Volumes G
and F lists book and page, mortgagor or debtor, mortgagee or creditor, if transferred, date, time to run, original value,
partial payments, present value, description of property, city or town lots and remarks. Remarks often list if the mortgage
has been satisfied. Volumes 2 and E are blank.
Sub-series: 58
Unsatisfied Mortgages of Record
1910
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
This volume records mortgages not yet satisfied as of March 7, 1910. Entries include mortgagor, mortgagee, book of record,
date of mortgage, time to run, original value, current value, description of property, lot block, range, and number of acres.
Sub-series: 59
Water and Mineral Claims
1898-1922
Physical Description: 3 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
This sub-series consists of Water and Mineral Claims. The claims and purpose and nature of the claims are described. Water
claims were made in order to divert water from a creek or river for agricultural or other purposes. This was usually done
by building a flume or dam. Mineral claims were made in order to legally mine various mineral lodes.
Series: II
Records of License, Certification and Registration
1850-1975
Physical Description: 21 bound volumes
Series Scope and Content
This series documents professionals who were required to register their license or certifcate to practice their profession
with the county of Santa Clara. These include: doctors, dentists, architects, optometrists, pharmacist, chiropractors, undertakers
and midwives.
Note
The Archives cannot provide official copies of recorded documents, which must be obtained through the County Clerk-Recorder's
Office.
Sub-series: 1
Architect's Certificates
1901-1921
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
This volume is an index to Architect Certificates issued by the State Board of Architecture. Entries include the date, name,
and where recorded. All certificates appear to be recorded in the Miscellaneous records.
Sub-series: 2
Licensed Surveyors
1850-1933
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
Volume lists surveyors alphabetically and then chronologically under each letter. Entries consist of name of surveyor and
county licensing.
Sub-series: 3
Optometry Records
1903-1947
Physical Description: 2 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
One volume lists registrations of Optometrists, and the second volume is an index. Each record includes the name of the optometrist
and the date of certification.
Sub-series: 4
Pharmacy Register
1905-1936
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
Listing of registered pharmacists. Each entry includes number (probably state registration number), name of pharmacist, date
registered by state, and date registration recorded with Santa Clara County.
Sub-series: 5
Record of Chiropractic Certificates
1932-1955
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
This volume records licenses to practice for chiropractors. Each record lists the name of the chiropractor, the date of license
and the date the license was recorded.
Sub-series: 6
Register of Dentists and Index
1885-1943
Physical Description: 3 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
These volumes list registered dentists in Santa Clara County. The first volume lists the name of the dentist, the date they
were certified by the State Board of Examiners, the date they registered their certificate, their residence and the college
they received their diploma from. The second volume lists the name of the dentist, their age, their address, date of license,
number of license, date of registration, their birthplace and date of birth.
Sub-series: 7
Register of Doctors
1916-1943
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
Volume contains certificates issued by Board of Medical Examiners that individuals qualified to practice medicine. Volume
includes two additional sub-series: "Drugless Practitioners Certificates," and "Reciprocity Certificates."
Sub-series: 8
Register of Medical Certificates
1876-1975
Physical Description: 8 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
These volumes list medical certificates issued under "Sec. 2341. Business and Professions Code." Each entry lists name of
person, form of certificate, scope of practice permitted, number of certificate, date of certificate, and date of registration.
The earliest volumes also list the school that the medical personal received their degree from and the names of the Board
of Examiners.
Sub-series: 9
Index to Medical Certificates
Undated
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
Each entry includes name and page number.
Sub-series: 10
Register of Physicians and Undertakers and Midwives
Circa 1860-1900
Physical Description: 2 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
Each entry includes name, address and occupation.
Series: III
Maps
1847-1957
Physical Description: 109 bound volumes
Series Scope and Content
This series consists of official recorded maps and an index to surveyor maps.
Note
The Archives cannot provide official copies of recorded documents, which must be obtained through the County Clerk-Recorder's
Office.
Sub-series: 1
Recorder Map Books
1874-1957
Physical Description: 108 map books
Sub-series Scope and Content
This sub-series consists of 108 volumes of maps or surveys recorded with the County from 1874 to 1957. The volumes are in
two sub-series, the earlier labeled "A" through "Z" and the second labeled numerically. In addition, there are two volumes
of maps of state highways in the county. The two earliest volumes contain copies of the original maps. Recorded documents
include subdivisions, surveys of property, cemetery plans, and other maps. Information on each map includes date recorded,
person recorded for, and title of survey. Additional information may include notarized statement by property owner, statement
by licensed surveyor, notice of approval by board of supervisors, and additional approvals by county or city officials. The
maps are in chronological order by the date recorded.
Sub-series: 2
Index to Map Books
1850-1960s
Physical Description: 4 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
These volumes index the Recorder Map books. They are organized alphabetically by the name of the survey or subdivision. Under
each letter, entries are chronological. There is also a listing of tracts in numerical order with map book references.
Sub-series: 3
Index to Licensed Surveyor's Maps
1910-1955
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
This volume indexes maps by owner, surveyor, grant, and U.S. subdivision.
Series: IV
Bonds
1875-1947
Physical Description: 17 bound volumes
Series Scope and Content
This series documents bonds registered and sold in the county of Santa Clara.
Note
The Archives cannot provide official copies of recorded documents, which must be obtained through the County Clerk-Recorder's
Office.
Sub-series: 1
Auditors Register of Bonds
1906-1947
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
This volume records bonds sold on December 3, 1906 and issued on January 1, 1907. Each entry includes number of the bond,
the par value of the bond (all are $1,000), date of sale (all are sold on December 4, 1906), to whom sold, amount sold for,
when payable, number and value, and date of redemption.
Sub-series: 2
Bonds Surrendered
1900-1905
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
This volume contains redeemed school district bonds. Each page includes the original bond certificate and the coupons redeemed.
Sub-series: 3
Certificates of Street Bonds
1911-1917
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
Volume contains certificates documenting sale of real property for non-payment of street bonds. Certificates are for Palo
Alto and San Jose.
Sub-series: 4
Index to Official Bonds
Undated
Physical Description: 3 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
These three volumes index volumes A, H and I of Official Bonds. Index volume A is blank. Each entry includes name and page
number. The archives does not have the Official Bonds volumes A, H and I.
Sub-series: 5
Official Bonds
1875-1884
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
Records bonds posted by public officials required to do so, including notary publics.
Sub-series: 6
Register of Bonds of Santa Clara County Issued May 1st 1883
1883
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
Entries include number of bond, par value, sale date, to whom sold, sale price and when payable.
Sub-series: 7
School District Bonds; Doyle, Moreland, Morgan Hill, Gardner, and Hamilton School Districts
1892-1903
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
This volume contains redeemed school district bonds. Each page includes the original bond certificate and the redeemed coupons.
Sub-series: 8
Surrendered Bonds and Coupons of: Orchard, Burnett, Mayfield, Saratoga, Agnew, East San Jose, Alviso, San Martin, Rucker,
Campbell, Pioneer, Sunnyside, Milikin, Paradise, Guadalupe, Willow Glen, Encina, Prunedale, San Tomas, Machado, Palo Alto,
and Valley View School Districts.
1895-1906
Physical Description: 8 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
These volumes contain redeemed school district bonds. Each page includes the original bond certificate and the redeemed coupons.
Series: V
Oak Hill Cemetery Records
1860-1937
Physical Description: 3 bound volumes
Series Scope and Content
This series records burials and purchases of plots in the Oak Hill Cemetery in San Jose.
Note
The Archives cannot provide official copies of recorded documents, which must be obtained through the County Clerk-Recorder's
Office.
Sub-series: 1
Index to Map of Oak Hill Cemetery
1860-1937
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
Each entry includes the date, name of grantee, description of the grave plot, and which book the plot is recorded in.
Sub-series: 2
Receipt book of Deeds-Oak Hill Cemetery
1865-1937
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
This volume records those who paid for their cemetery plots. Each entry includes date, name of grantee, fractional, lot, block
section, and where recorded.
Sub-series: 3
Record of Burials
1905-1914
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
This volume records burials in the Oak Hill Cemetery. Each entry includes date of burial, name of the deceased, location of
burial, age at death, place of birth, sex, race, city or county of residence, date of death, cause of death and any remarks.
Series: VI
Wills
1848-1903
Physical Description: 3 bound volumes
Series Scope and Content
This series documents will and testator records.
Note
The Archives cannot provide official copies of recorded documents, which must be obtained through the County Clerk-Recorder's
Office.
Sub-series: 1
Testator Records
1850-1872
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
Each entry includes the name of the testator, date of will, date of probate, when recorded and where recorded. It is uncertain
what records this volume indexes. It may be either an index to wills or probate cases.
Sub-series: 2
Wills
1873-1903
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
This volume contains wills recorded with the County.
Sub-series: 3
Index to Wills
1848-1901
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
Each entry includes name, date of will, date recorded, book and page. This volume has very few entries.
Series: VII
Businesses
1857-1955
Physical Description: 13 bound volumes
Series Scope and Content
This series documents businesses established in the county of Santa Clara. The series includes records of incorporations,
partnerships, licensing, and the registration of fictitious names.
Note
The Archives cannot provide official copies of recorded documents, which must be obtained through the County Clerk-Recorder's
Office.
Sub-series: 1
Articles of Incorporation
1867-1979
Physical Description: 1 bound volume, 105 archival boxes
Sub-series Scope and Content
The volume records articles of incorporation from 1877 to 1888. Each entry includes the name of the company, the articles,
and date filed. The boxes contain 38,000 articles of incorporation from 1867 to 1979.
Sub-series: 2
Certificate of Revivor
1919-1936
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
Volume contains certificates stating that corporations whose powers were suspended have paid all taxes and penalties due to
the state and now have powers reinstated.
Sub-series: 3
Index to Certificates of Revivor
1918-1929
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
Volume provides index to certificates reviving corporations.
Sub-series: 4
Incorporations
Undated
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
This volume is an index to a record of incorporations. No dates are indicated, but the condition of the volume, handwriting,
and entries suggest nineteenth century, possibly 1860s.
Sub-series: 5
Index to Corporations
1857-1972
Physical Description: 2 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
Entries include name of corporation, date of filing of incorporation, and number.
Sub-series: 6
Index to Record of Incorporations
Undated
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
Each entry includes name of incorporation, book, and page number.
Sub-series: 7
License Register
1908
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
Volume lists business licenses for San Jose. Entries include date when fee due, name of business, address, kind of business,
months fee pays for, amount of fee, and date of payment.
Sub-series: 8
Register of Fictitious Names
1912-1955
Physical Description: 4 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
Volumes list fictitious business names and identify persons conducting the businesses.
Sub-series: 9
Register of Partnerships
1874-1912
Physical Description: 2 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
This sub-series consists of registered partnerships. The entries include names of firm, names of partners, kind of business,
place of business and the date of certification. The volumes are exact copies up until 1903. Volume two continues until 1912.
Series: VIII
Notary Public
1876-1949
Physical Description: 17 bound volumes
Series Scope and Content
This series documents the appointments, commissions, bonding and registration of notary publics in the county of Santa Clara.
Note
The Archives cannot provide official copies of recorded documents, which must be obtained through the County Clerk-Recorder's
Office.
Sub-series: 1
Bonds
1897-1922
Physical Description: 10 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
These volumes list notarial bonds. Notary publics are required by California state law to obtain a bond. These bonds protect
the public against mistakes that notary publics might make. These records list the name of the notary public, the company
financing the bond, the date of the bond, and the amount of the bond.
Sub-series: 2
Notarial Record
1895-1900
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
Volume is record of documents notarized by Gilbert B. Wigle, Notary Public in Santa Clara County.
Sub-series: 3
Official Notary Bond and Record of Notarial Appointment and Commission
1889-1916
Physical Description: 2 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
These volumes record notary publics who were appointed and commissioned in Santa Clara County by the Governor of California.
Each entry includes the name of the governor, name of the notary public, when term expires, and when the notary public was
appointed and commissioned.
Sub-series: 4
Record of Notarial Commission
1945-1949
Physical Description: 2 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
Record of notary publics commissioned for County of Santa Clara.
Sub-series: 5
Register of Notaries Public
1876-1923
Physical Description: 2 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
Lists notaries public "commissioned in and for the County of Santa Clara." Each entry includes name, address, date of commission,
when commission expires, successor to whom, and notary's signature.
Series: IX
Assessments
1875-1904
Physical Description: 7 bound volumes
Series Scope and Content
This series documents property assessment in the county of Santa Clara.
Note
The Archives cannot provide official copies of recorded documents, which must be obtained through the County Clerk-Recorder's
Office.
Sub-series: 1
Assessment Book of Property of the City of San Jose
1875
1888
Physical Description: 3 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
Includes assessment of real property and personal property. For real property, entries include tax payer name, description
of property, lot, block, range numbers, value of land and of improvements. This volume has significant research value for
genealogists and for those studying the history of properties in San Jose.
Sub-series: 2
Index to Assessment Book
1895-1897
Physical Description: 2 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
Not clear what assessment books these volumes index, whether San Jose, County, or other.
Sub-series: 3
Index to Personal Property Assessment Roll of Santa Clara County
1886
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
Entries in this index include name, page, district, and residence (city or township only.)
Sub-series: 4
Transcript of Assessment Roll
1903-1904
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
Entries include date, name, number and several figures. No headings for columns. Entries are in numerical order but no indication
of what numbers correspond to.
Series: X
Military Records
1873-1903
Physical Description: 4 bound volumes
Series Scope and Content
This series documents men who enlisted or were eligible to enlist in the militia.
Note
The Archives cannot provide official copies of recorded documents, which must be obtained through the County Clerk-Recorder's
Office.
Sub-series: 1
Enrollment of Militia
1873-1874
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
Volume appears to be a list of men eligible for service in the militia. Entries include name and residence (city or township
only.)
Sub-series: 2
Military List
1901-1903
Physical Description: 3 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
Each volume contains names of "all persons subject to military duty."
Series: XI
Oaths of Office
1850-1866
Physical Description: 1 bound volume and three CDs
Series Scope and Content
These volumes contain copies of oaths of office taken by county elected and appointed officials, copies of notices of appointment
and revocations of appointments, and copies of bonds posted for the period April 8, 1850 through August 16, 1866. It also
includes copies of official announcements of election results for county offices. There is an index in front of volume A,
and a photocopied index of volume B. The archives has volume A and a CD of PDF's of photocopies of volume B.
Note
The Archives cannot provide official copies of recorded documents, which must be obtained through the County Clerk-Recorder's
Office.
Series: XII
Miscellaneous
1840-1984
Physical Description: 98 bound volumes
Series Scope and Content
This series contains miscellaneous records.
Note
The Archives cannot provide official copies of recorded documents, which must be obtained through the County Clerk-Recorder's
Office.
Sub-series: 1
Allowance Book
1947-1948
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
Volume records support payments made to individuals from the Social Welfare Fund and from the Charities Fund. Payments from
Social Welfare Fund are for Old Age Security. Payments from Charities Fund are for General Relief and for Maintenance and
Operations among other categories.
Sub-series: 2
Booth and Ballot Deliveries
1920
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
This volume is labeled Roll of Attorneys and Counselors Admitted to Practice; however, it instead records booth and ballot
deliveries for city elections. Each entry includes the date, the date of delivery, what city delivered too, and how many ballot
boxes and voting booths were delivered. Only two pages are used, the rest of the book is blank.
Sub-series: 3
Cash Register Totals
1965-1982
Physical Description: 2 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
Volume one records the date and cash register total for NCR control, recording, vital statistics, copying section, searches,
documentary stamps trust, San Jose conveyance tax trust, Mountain View conveyance tax trust, accounts receivable, cash count
and deposit. The second volume records the date, cash register totals for control, recordings, maps, tax liens, building plans,
finance statements, recordings, fee sheets, vital statistics, copies, certifications, cash count overage, shortage and deposited.
Sub-series: 4
Cattle Brands and Ear Marks
1840-1852
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
This volume records cattle brands. Each entry includes the name of the owner of the cattle, the date, a drawing of his cattle
brand, and a drawing of a cows head and ears showing what the owner's marks will look like on the cattle's ears. (The ears
were cut into different patterns to differentiate the cattle from other owners' cattle.) These records are in the back half
of the first volume of Book of Solares (Lots).
Sub-series: 5
Classified Allowances Infirmary Fund
1896-1904
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
This volume details expenses approved by the Board of Supervisors for outside relief, for the infirmary, and for the almshouse.
Sub-series: 6
Current Expense Fund Allowances by the Board of Supervisors
1889-1900
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
This volume records County expenses that were allowed by the board of supervisors. Expenses included are: Justice's fees,
Constable's fees, interpreting, reporting, witness fees, post mortems, election expenses, law books, meals to juries, official
expenses, inquests, water works, blank books, stationary, postage stamps, clerical work, printing, publishing, board of education,
telephone, surveying, material, road signs and posting, abating nuisances, creek work, repair tools, examining the insane,
expenses of court house (furniture, labor, repairs, materials, telephone, fuel, gas), expense of quarry (labor, materials,
repairs, clothing, fuel, cartage, guarding, conveying, boarding), expenses of jails (labor, photographing, repairs, materials,
furniture, telegraphing, fuel, cartage, gas, clothing, board conveying, tobacco), and expenses outside jail (construction,
repairs, materials, labor, boarding).
Sub-series: 7
District Attorney and Clerk's Calendar
1909-1915
Physical Description: 4 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
This sub-series consists of four volumes of calendars. The first calendar is for the district attorney and notes names of
cases, their nature, and judge hearings. The rest are for matters being heard by the Superior Court. Entries include case
number, name of case, and sometimes the action involved. One calendar is labeled, "L.R. Hicks Deputy."
Sub-series: 8
Fee Books and Delivery Records
1875-1930
Physical Description: 54 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
This sub-series consists of Fee and Delivery books recorded. These books document the deliveries made of copies of recorded
documents and the fees paid.
Sub-series: 9
Index to Assignment of Accounts
1943-1965
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
Not clear what accounts being assigned. Assignors appear to be mostly businesses and assignees are often banks.
Sub-series: 10
Index to Builders Contracts
1941-1967
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
Volume contains listing of builders contracts.
Sub-series: 11
Ledger, Civil Service Commission
Circa 1905-1920
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
This volume lists those commissioned to civil service, such as police officers, firemen, investigators, patrolmen, etc. Each
entry lists the name, appointment date, title, record in police and fire commission book, and remarks.
Sub-series: 12
Minute Book, College Park Sanitary District
1909-1925
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
This volume contains the minutes to meetings of the College Park Sanitary District. It also contains posted notices, receipts
for funds, notice of elections, and letters.
Sub-series: 13
Official Records Book 518
1917-1918
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
Volume transferred under title "Official Records Book 518" but dates from before start of Official Records sub-series. Does
not appear to fit in either trust deeds or mortgages sub-series. Further research required to identify.
Sub-series: 14
Power of Attorney
1854-1922
Physical Description: 10 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
This sub-series consists of Power of Attorney records. Each record indicates who granted power, to whom, and for what purpose.
Sub-series: 15
Index to Power of Attorney
1854-1961
Physical Description: 5 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
Each entry includes names of parties executing the powers, to whom powers are executed, date of powers, date of recording,
and were powers are recorded.
Sub-series: 16
Record of Oyster Beds
1909
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
Volume contains one entry claiming certain tide and bay lands in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties for the purpose of planting
and cultivating oysters, in accord with an oyster law passed in 1874.
Sub-series: 17
Revenue from Documentary Stamps
1975-1984
Physical Description: 2 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
These volumes document the revenue from the sale of documentary stamps. These stamps are a state tax required for the passing
of real estate title from one person to another. Each entry includes the date and the revenue for Alviso, Campbell, Cupertino,
Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa
Clara Saratoga, Sunnyvale, Other and Santa Clara County. The second volume does not list Alviso, since it was incorporated
into San Jose.
Sub-series: 18
Road Fund Record
1883-1901
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
This volume records road expenses authorized by the Board of Supervisors. Expense categories include work, lumber, surveying,
gravel, and bridge work, among others.
Sub-series: 19
Squirrel Nuisance
1877
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
Volume contains notices filed by Squirrel Inspector of intent to abate squirrels on private property.
Sub-series: 20
Statement of Banking Assets and Statement of Banking Capital
1877-1895
Physical Description: 2 bound volumes
Sub-series Scope and Content
Volume includes statements of assets and liability for county banks, two statements per year per bank. Statements entered
chronologically.
Statement of Banking Capital. Volume includes statements of capital of county banks, two per year per bank. Statements entered
chronologically. Volume also includes some statements of assets and liabilities.
Sub-series: 21
Street Car Line Franchises
1868-1914
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
This volume documents applications for and in relation to street car line franchises. The entries record the various steps
take to establish and maintain a street car line franchise. These include: petitions for franchise, contracts, complaints,
articles of incorporation, ordinances, bonds, protests, resolutions, requests, franchises granted, reports, notices, bids,
bonds, etc. These actions were most likely presented to and granted by a committee or a board. Each entry includes: company
name or street name, the date, action taken, and folio number of where recorded. It is uncertain where these folios are presently
held.
Sub-series: 22
Street Contingent Fund
1900-1916
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
This volume records claims made against the Street Contingent Fund. These include things such as sweeping, repairs, supplies,
etc. Each entry includes the date, a list of claims, and how much each claim cost.
Sub-series: 23
Typing Practice
1899
Physical Description: 1 bound volume
Sub-series Scope and Content
This volume was used by employees to practice typing with a new typewriter. The first thirty-four pages are copies of records
recorded elsewhere. The next nine pages include made up records, random phrases, nonsense, and a typed copy of the typewriter's
instructions.